MS Nordkapp - Photo Tour

Next in our series of photo tours of the Hurtigruten fleet is MS Nordkapp.

Along with her fleetmates she sails the 11-day round trip from Bergen, calling at 34 ports along the coast of Norway. The route is popular with cruise tourists keen to experience 'the most beautiful voyage in the world', and also serves as a lifeline for many smaller communities in Norway's more isolated north.

Scroll down to see our full photo tour of her passenger decks.

EXTERIOR

Hurtigruten MS Nordkapp in Bergen, Norway
MS Nordkapp alongside at Hurtigruteterminalen, Bergen
Launched in 1996, Nordkapp is one of Hurtigruten's six '90s' ships. With a tonnage of 11,386 she can carry up to 622 passengers, with berths for 458.

Hurtigruten MS Nordkapp in Bergen, Norway
Nordkapp's smart exterior
Nordkapp's Godmother is Norway's Queen Sonja. Like her near-sisters in the Hurtigruten fleet, Nordkapp has a handsome, balanced profile, and her well maintained exterior makes her seem younger than her 18 years.

Hurtigruten MS Nordkapp in Bergen, Norway
Her white, red and black paint scheme makes her instantly recognisable as a member of the Hurtigruten fleet
Hurtigruten MS Nordkapp in Bergen, Norway
Nordkapp alongside in Bergen, with Hurtigruteterminalen to the left of the photo
Alongside at Hurtigruteterminalen in Bergen, Nordkapp's passengers get a great view of their ship loading cargo and supplies for the voyage in a glass walkway that leads to the gangway.

Hurtigruten MS Nordkapp in Bergen, Norway
Ready to board: the gangway leads to the ship
Hurtigruten MS Nordkapp in Bergen, Norway
Nordkapp loading cargo and supplies for the voyage
Nordkapp's large loading doors lead to her cargo holds and vehicle deck, which can carry up to 45 cars on each trip.

Hurtigruten MS Nordkapp in Bergen, Norway
Nordkapp alongside in Bergen, Norway
INTERIORS

Stepping onboard Nordkapp was a familiar experience, having visited her near-sister MS Nordlys the previous day. After boarding via the promenade, a quick trip down brings you to several of her main passenger facilities on Deck 4.

Hurtigruten MS Nordkapp - Ut Røst Cafe
The Ut Røst Cafe onboard Nordkapp
The Ut Røst Cafe is directly adjacent to Nordkapp's main forward stairwell. Here, a range of hot and cold drinks and snacks are available throughout the day.

Hurtigruten MS Nordkapp - Ut Røst Cafe
A seating area in the Ut Røst Cafe
Continuing through the cafe to the aft end of Deck 4 brings you to the Nessekongen Restaurant, A pleasant room in which all of the main meals are served. The large picture windows along three sides of the room ensure no table is far from the fantastic views along the route.

Hurtigruten MS Nordkapp - Nessekongen Restaurant
The Nessekongen Restaurant
Joining these two dining venues is the arcade, which is flooded with light and adds a real feeling of space to the deck. Comfortable chairs and tables line the edge.


Hurtigruten MS Nordkapp - Arcade
The Arcade connects the public rooms on Deck 4
At the end of the arcade, when heading forwards, is the well stocked shop, with a variety of clothing and gifts on offer.

Hurtigruten MS Nordkapp - Shop
The shop onboard Nordkapp
Forward on Deck 4 passengers will find Nordkapp's extensive conference facilities. The two main spaces are used for lectures, presentations and group meetings.

Hurtigruten MS Nordkapp - Nansen Conference Room
Nordkapp has a large conference room forward on Deck 4, starboard...
Hurtigruten MS Nordkapp - Amundsen Conference Room
...and another similar facility on her port side
Slightly smaller than the equivalent space on a number of her fleetmates, the Flembøringen lounge feels a little awkwardly placed, but does provide guests with an additional area to relax and enjoy the trip.

Hurtigruten MS Nordkapp - Flembøringen Lounge
The Flembøringen Lounge
Just off the lounge is Nordkapp's library, which was unfortunately closed during our visit.

Hurtigruten MS Nordkapp - Flembøringen Lounge
The Flembøringen Lounge
Heading up to Deck 7 brings you to the main observation lounges and outside decks. The extensive use of warm woods and brass throughout her stairwells gives Nordkapp an appealing classic feel (even if this is slightly at odds with her carpets and ceilings in some areas).

Hurtigruten MS Nordkapp - Stairwell
The use of wood and brass makes a pleasant addition to Nordkapp's stairwells
Midships on Deck 7 is the Svalbard Lounge. This attractive room has full-height windows along both sides and a fully stocked bar.

Hurtigruten MS Nordkapp - Svalbard Lounge
The Svalbard Lounge on Nordkapp
Hurtigruten MS Nordkapp - Svalbard Lounge
Seating in the Svalbard Lounge
Hurtigruten MS Nordkapp - Svalbard Lounge
The Svalbard Lounge
At the forward end of Deck 7 you will find the Polarsirkelen Observation Lounge. The largest of Nordkapp's public rooms, this relaxing area really is all about the views, with the majority of seating positioned to take full advantage of these.

Hurtigruten MS Nordkapp - Polarsirkelen Observation Lounge
Prime position: Seating lines three windowed sides of the Polarsirkelen Observation Lounge
Hurtigruten MS Nordkapp - Polarsirkelen Observation Lounge
The Polarsirkelen Observation Lounge
Hurtigruten MS Nordkapp - Polarsirkelen Observation Lounge Dance Floor
A dancefloor is located in the centre of the lounge
This interesting picture displayed onboard shows the original artists impressions of Nordkapp's public areas.

Hurtigruten MS Nordkapp - Original Designs
Original images from Nordkapp's interior designers
Hurtigruten MS Nordkapp - Artist's impression of the Restaurant
An impression of the main restaurant on Nordkapp
This illustration of a stairwell shows how close the finished interiors were to the original designs.

Hurtigruten MS Nordkapp - Artist's impression of a stairwell
An artist's impression, compared to the real thing...
Hurtigruten MS Nordkapp - Stairwell
...which is almost identical, down to the smallest detail
OPEN DECKS

Outside at the aft end of Deck 7 is the main Sun Deck, which is partially covered with a glass roof, ensuring passengers can enjoy the fresh air whatever the weather.

Hurtigruten MS Nordkapp - Sun Deck
The covered section of Nordkapp's Sun Deck
Hurtigruten MS Nordkapp - Sun Deck
The Sun Deck
Hurtigruten MS Nordkapp - Sun Deck and Funnel
Nordkapp's tall funnel proudly displays the Hurtigruten logo
Back down on Deck 5 is a wrap-around promenade deck, providing a great place to take a stroll and take in the views in all directions.
Hurtigruten MS Nordkapp - Lifeboats
The lifeboats along Nordkapp's side
Hurtigruten MS Nordkapp - Promenade Deck
A look up at one of Nordkapp's observation lounges from the promenade deck
Hurtigruten MS Nordkapp - Promenade Deck
The bridge wing is suspended above the forward end of the promenade
Hurtigruten MS Nordkapp - Promenade Deck
Under the bridge wing: the views forward are nicely framed
Hurtigruten MS Nordkapp - Promenade Deck and Bow
Nordkapp's mooring equipment can be seen on her bow
ACCOMMODATION

MS Nordkapp offers a range of passenger accommodation. The majority of this comprises of her standard inside and outside cabins.

Hurtigruten MS Nordkapp - Hallway
A passenger corridor on deck 2 is simple and practical
These standard rooms are clean and comfortable, with simple decor. Each has a small desk and an en suite shower room.

Hurtigruten MS Nordkapp - Standard Cabin
A standard outside cabin on Nordkapp
For those looking for more space, Nordkapp's suites have a separate living room and bedroom (with a double bed), both of which have large forward-facing windows.

Hurtigruten MS Nordkapp - Suite
Nordkapp's suites feature wooden cabinetry and large windows
Hurtigruten MS Nordkapp - Suite Living Room
The living room in one of the two suites
Passengers staying in suites receive the extra luxuries of a bottle of bubbly on arrival in their cabin and large bath robes.

Hurtigruten MS Nordkapp - Suite Bedroom
A suite bedroom, with a couple of extra touches
The bathrooms in the suites are only slightly larger than those in the standard cabins, but are clean and functional spaces.

Hurtigruten MS Nordkapp - Suite Bathroom
The bathroom in one of the suites
FINAL IMPRESSIONS

MS Nordkapp is a comfortable and generally attractive ship. Whilst showing her age by way of interior design in some areas, this does not detract from the overall feeling of her light, pleasant public spaces. Along with her fleetmates she offers a fantastic way to travel the coast of Norway and enjoy this wonderful route.

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