Next up in our series of photo tours of the ships in the Hurtigruten fleet is MS Lofoten. She is one of 11 ships that together offer daily departures from Bergen on the express route (hurtigruten) along the coast of Norway. These ships serve a dual role as both cruise ships and cargo ships, and play a vital part in connecting many smaller communities in the more isolated northern part of the country.
MS Lofoten is a unique and charming ship. With much of the current fleet having been built in the 1990's and onwards, she retains her place as a more traditional vessel. Scroll down to take a look round her interiors and public decks.
EXTERIOR
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| MS Lofoten alongside at Hurtigruteterminalen, Bergen |
Built in Norway in 1964, she can carry up to 340 passengers, with berths for 153. A refit in 2004 ensured her traditional features are preserved and celebrated, and she has a distinctly nostalgic feel throughout (though not in a tacky, nautical themed way - this ship is the real deal).
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| MS Lofoten |
Lofoten has an attractive, traditional profile, and she looked handsome and well-maintained whilst alongside at Hurtigruteterminalen in Bergen. She is the only ship in the current Hurtigruten fleet not to feature a thick red strip on her hull, and instead retains her original plain black and white paint scheme.
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| Lofoten's curved forward superstructure shows her classical design |
Lofoten's design was based on that of Hurtigruten's Harald Jarl from 1960. Harald Jarl left Hurtigruten in 2001, and is currently operating as
Serenissima for an independent cruise line.
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| Lofoten alongside in Bergen, with the island of Askøy visible in the distance |
Whilst all other Hurtigruten ships in Bergen are boarded via a large glass gangway, Lofoten is different - passengers are directed from the safety briefing area in the terminal to a small stairwell, which emerges through a very discreet doorway to the quayside. This puts you at the heart of the action, with trucks loading the ship with cargo and stores for the upcoming voyage.
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| On the quayside, ready to board Lofoten |
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| A narrow gangway leads to the ship |
INTERIORS
From the quayside a narrow gangway provides access to the ship. Passengers enter a small partially-enclosed deck area, where a doorway leads into the reception area. The low ceilings and practical decor are an immediate reminder that Lofoten serves (as she has for many years) as an active cargo ship, as well as offering transport for passengers.
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| The reception area on Lofoten |
Heading up one deck from the Reception hall brings you to the Saloon Deck, where the majority of Lofoten's public spaces are located. Here the narrow stairway opens out, and an attractive seating area (complete with a hanging polar bear for company) acts as a lobby, leading to the main bar forwards, or aft through the restaurant.
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| A seating area in the Saloon Deck lobby |
The main restaurant is a very pleasant room, where passengers can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner. Original wooden panelling lines all four walls, with good quality furnishings keeping the space looking smart.
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| Lofoten's main restaurant |
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| Tables are set ready for dinner |
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| This attractive model of Lofoten is displayed on board |
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| Another view of the main restaurant |
Continuing aft through the restaurant brings you to the cafe/shop. This multi-purpose space is open throughout the day for hot and cold drinks and snacks, as well as offering travel essentials, clothing and souvenirs.
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| The service counter in Lofoten's Cafe and Shop |
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| Clothing rails stand opposite the service counter |
The seating area adjacent to the cafe is perhaps not the most inspiring space, but still retains the cosy and relaxing atmosphere that prevails on board.
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| The seating area in Lofoten's cafe |
All the way aft on the Saloon deck is Lofoten's main bar. Seating here is arranged into several large circular areas, encouraging conversation between guests. The wooden panelling continues throughout, and windows along three sides offer spectacular views along the way.
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| Sociable seating in the Bar on Saloon Deck |
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| Windows look out from the bar to Lofoten's aft decks |
At the forward end of the Saloon deck is the main lounge, with comfortable seating arranged around games tables, and windows looking out along both sides, as well as forward over the ship' bow.
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| The Lounge at the forward end of Saloon Deck |
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| Warm lighting complements the rich wood panelling |
The only other public space on board is the smaller Panorama lounge, located forward on the Boat Deck (immediately above the lounge on Saloon Deck, and below the navigation bridge). Unfortunately this area was closed for cleaning during my visit.
ACCOMMODATION
As you might expect from a traditional ship such as Lofoten, the accommodation on board is a little on the small side, when compared with most modern ships (including the rest of the Hurtigruten fleet). Lofoten's standard cabins come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Though many are dimensionally challenged, good use is made of the space available, and all the rooms I was shown were clean, pleasant and well maintained.
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| An example of a standard cabin on Lofoten |
It is worth noting that not all cabins have en suite bathrooms, so it's worth double-checking your cabin grade at the time of booking if this is one of your priorities.
OPEN DECKS
The charm of Lofoten continues onto her beautiful open decks, with plenty of quiet areas to tuck yourself away and take in the views.
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| The Sun Deck |
Immediately aft of the bar on Saloon Deck is Lofoten's Sun Deck. This area has been left uncovered, with deck chairs provided, and wonderful views over the ship's stern. A sheltered area one deck up makes sure passengers can enjoy the fresh air whatever the weather.
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| The view forwards over Lofoten's aft decks |
Lofoten's small size means that her navigational equipment and squat funnel are almost within reach during a stroll around the Boat Deck.
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| Up on the boat deck, with views out over the ship's sides |
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| Navigation and Communications equipment sits atop the bridge |
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| One of Lofoten's traditional lifeboats |
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| The Boat Deck |
At the forward end of the Boat Deck is the Panorama Lounge, which offers an inviting retreat from the cold winter air.
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| A glimpse into the Panorama Lounge |
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| Close enough to touch; Lofoten's funnel |
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| The Hurtigruten logo on the funnel is the only red in Lofoten's paint scheme |
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| Not quite tall enough; Even the top decks don't reach the modern gangway in the terminal |
Back down on Deck C, two open decks run along either side. Being down so close to the waterline gives these decks a real feeling of connection with the sea.
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| Looking aft along the side of Deck C |
After disembarking Lofoten I couldn't resist taking a few more photos of her exteriors as the sun set and her lights were switched on.
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| The terminal building on the quayside |
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| Lofoten alongside in Bergen |
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| Lofoten lights up against the darkening skies |
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| The elegant mast adds to Lofoten's classical looks |
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| Lofoten ready for departure from Hurtigruteterminalen, Bergen |
FINAL IMPRESSIONS
There is no doubting that Lofoten is a truly special ship. It is fantastic to see that Hurtigruten have retained a classic vessel on the express route. Her public spaces are maintained to a high standard, giving hope that she will sail with the line for many years to come.
Lofoten's inviting interiors put you in a relaxed mood the second you step on board. Anyone wanting a modern cruise ship experience should look elsewhere in the fleet, but this is a ship whose warmth and charm certainly outweighs any lack of facilities. Lofoten is one-of-a-kind, and a voyage on this beautiful, understated vessel is something I would recommend to any shipping enthusiast.
Great pictures! I have just been on the 6 day southbound voyage from Kirkenes. It was a fabulous trip and I saw the Aurora as a bonus. Thank you Hurtigruten.
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