Stavangerfjord

A regular sight in and around Bergen are Fjord Line's cruise ferries Stavangerfjord and Bergensfjord. Operating between Norway and Denmark year-round on the Bergen-Stavanger-Langesund-Hirtshals route, these ships now constitute the only regular international ferry service from the city.

The following photos were taken as Stavangerfjord approached Bergen on Saturday afternoon.

Fjordline Cruise Ferry MS Stavangerfjord in Bergen, Norway
MS Stavangerfjord heads towards Bergen on her regular service route
Built in Gdansk, Poland, in 2012, Stavangerfjord entered service the following year. With a length of 170m and a gross tonnage of around 25,000 she can accommodate up to 600 vehicles and 1,500 passengers, with a minimum crew of 70.

Fjordline Cruise Ferry MS Stavangerfjord in Bergen, Norway
MS Stavangerfjord underway
Stavangerfjord is notable as being the world's first cruise-ferry powered entirely by LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas). This technology has been used on large ships before, but it did initially throw up a few challenges, and Stavangerjord's timetables during 2013 had to be modified to account for unexpected difficulties with refuelling.

Fjordline Cruise Ferry MS Stavangerfjord in Bergen, Norway

Fortunately, after a necessary change of regulations by the Norwegian authorities, these issues were resolved, and both Stavangerfjord and Bergensfjord (which entered service in February 2014) now operate the route as originally planned.

Fjordline Cruise Ferry MS Stavangerfjord in Bergen, Norway
The large doors in Stavangerfjord's stern are used to load the vehicle decks
In her role as a cruise-ferry, Stavangerfjord is popular with passengers booking short 1- or 2-night round trips to Denmark, with the sailing acting as a short cruise, taking advantage of the on board bars and restaurants as well as stocking up on duty free items and purchases made in Denmark, which can offer considerable savings on Norwegian prices.

Fjordline Cruise Ferry MS Stavangerfjord in Bergen, Norway
Stavagerfjord approaches the Sotra bridge on her way into Bergen
Stavangerfjord has a very attractive design, with her sleek lines and low profile making her considerably more handsome than many other cruise ferries, which often have boxy, unattractive profiles.

Fjordline Cruise Ferry MS Stavangerfjord in Bergen, Norway
The skies clear as Stavangerfjord approaches the Sotra bridge
Take a look round Stavangerfjord's cabins and public spaces with our full interior photo tour.
Location: Bergen, Norway

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

MS Polarlys - Photo Tour

Image
Take a look around the interiors and open decks of MS Polarlys with our full photo tour, These pictures were taken whilst she was alongside in Bergen, preparing for  the 11-day round trip she operates from the city 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.   MS Polarlys alongside at the Hurtigruteterminalen, Bergen EXTERIOR Polarlys was built in Fosen, Norway, and entered service in 1996. She is one of Hurtigruten's class of six near-sisters, affectionately known as the '90s ships'. With a length of 123m and a gross tonnage of 11,340 she can accommodate 619 passengers, with berths for 473. Polarlys alongside in Bergen Despite her 18 years of service Polarlys is a nicely presented ship, with an attractive, well-balanced profile. Her smart red and black hull makes her
Read more

MS Stavangerfjord - Ship Visit and Photo Tour

Image
Last week I went on board Fjordline's cruise-ferry Stavangerfjord, for a whistle stop tour of her passenger facilities during her impressively fast turnaround in the city. MS Stavangerfjord approaches Bergen, Norway To find out a bit more about her design, construction and service, take a look at my previous post here , with photos of Stavangerfjord approaching Bergen taken last December. Otherwise, keep reading to have a look around her public rooms, cabins and suites... A plan of Deck 7, showing the layout of Stavangerfjord's public spaces (credit: fjordline.com) With a few exceptions, Deck 7 contains all of Stavangerfjords public spaces. The gangway leads directly to the middle of this deck, adjacent to the reception desk. First impressions are good, with an attractive entrance area and smiling staff to welcome you on board. The Reception Desk Directly opposite the reception desk is Bungalow Wine & Tapas Bar, with the fresh food on display making t
Read more

MS Midnatsol - Photo Tour

Image
MS Midnatsol is a combined cruise and freight vessel operated by Hurtigruten. 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. Ships in Bergen went on board to tour the interiors of MS Midnatsol. Scroll down to see our full photo tour of this ship. Midnatsol alongside at Hurtigruteterminalen, Bergen MS Midnatsol entered service in 2003 following her construction in Rissa, Norway. With a tonnage of 16,140 she is one of the larger ships in the Hurtigruten fleet. She can carry up to 1000 passengers (644 in berths) over her 10 decks. EXTERIOR A few photos of Midnatsol's exteriors taken before boarding show her smart profile and clean, modern appearance. Large expanses of glass give Midnatsol&
Read more