Wide-eyed and full of anticipation, they stood outside the elevator on the eighth deck. As the doors to the bridge opened, they were greeted with awe-inspiring views. The usual hum of ship activity faded into the background.
London, November 11, 2024 – Havila Voyages has been awarded the “Best Cuisine” title at this year’s Wave Awards, which often is called the "Oscars" of cruising.
Tuesday, October 15, 2024, was a historic day for the coastal route, as Ola Johannessen, a history enthusiast and employee at Hammerfest Port, pointed out that it was the first time a ship on the Bergen–Kirkenes route was christened in Finnmark.
We’re thrilled to announce that Havila Voyages has officially earned the prestigious "Made in Norway" trademark from Innovation Norway.
We are proud and humbled to share that Havila Voyages has won the Kreuzfahrt Guide Award 2024 in the sustainability category.
We're excited to share that Havila Voyages has earned a spot on TIME Magazine's list of the "World's Greatest Places 2024."
It’s official: We’ve been voted the best on the Norwegian coast by the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler in their annual Reader’s Choice Awards.
For the first time, our peaceful, silent sailings through Geirangerfjord are available in April and May, as well as the summer months! Experience the tranquil beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage fjord as it awakens from winter.
"This Fjord is Important too"
On the 9th of September 2022, Havila Castor sailed into the Hjørundfjord for the first time, entirely emission free.
Havila Voyages has received yet another prestigious award, this time for its unique food concept.
On November 14, 2022, Havila Voyages' second star-ship was christened in Ålesund. Here's a recap...
On November 8th, 2022, Havila Capellawas christened by Godmother Hege SævikRabben. We commemorated theevent in pictures.
Havila Voyages has launched its first ever sustainability and human rights report.
“On this day, as we finally possess our own beautiful and state-of-the-art coastal cruise ships, with spacious cabins and providing a high level of comfort for everyone on board, it marks a significant milestone for the shipping company”, said CEO Bent Martini.
Guest blogger Leigh M. Bailey in a personal travel letter: "It had been five long years since we last visited our extended family in Norway, so when we had an opportunity to sign up for Havila Voyage’s Bergen-Kirkenes round-trip cruise in May, we did—with seven members of the family accompanying us along the way!"'
A fervent hope of seeing the northern lights led Vicky and Paul all the way from Miami to Norway. What they experienced during their voyage along the Norwegian coast exceeded all expectations.
Chrissie Biddlecombe felt the need to travel, but didn't want to go on her own. Then, she caught sight of a Facebook post that was going to change everything.
Sometimes, sailing the fjords is necessary to get from A to B. At other times, it is simply the preferred option for the many port-to-port passengers traveling along the Norwegian coast.
Isolation and Covid-restrictions triggered a desire for adventure among the Australian friends, so as soon as an opportunity arose, they booked a trip to Norway – and not just any trip.
The Swedish Anette and Håkan Ljungqvist had travelled the world, but the Norwegian Coastal Route had only been a subject of conversation – for 20 years. Then, on her 60th birthday, Anette was surprised by her husband.
“It was a test of patience and a continuous battle against the weather, but the moment I stepped onto the Havila Capella, it felt like everything was turned upside down“
Veronica and Lise, colleagues on Havila Pollux, share a unique connection. They walk, talk, and laugh in the same way, and even finish each other's sentences. Yet, they are not related - they are “twin souls”.
Maitê, 34, boasts a passport stamped from over 40 countries. Yet Norway has captured the top spot on her list of favourites – a sentiment that blossomed during a round trip with Havila Voyages.
It was a Birthday Present. Roger turned 60 last year, and by then, he had already been talking about the "post ship tour" (the route of the mail boat) on the Norwegian fjords for a while.
Sabrina and Daniele from Italy found love in Tuscany, but their honeymoon adventure unfolded along Norway's spectacular coastline. With Havila Voyages, their week-long getaway exceeded their expectations, surpassing what they could have achieved on their own.
“Secretly, when I booked the trip for solo travelers, I hoped to meet some interesting single men also traveling alone, perhaps looking for someone special, maybe the love of their life,” shared Betsy M. Blan, an American, during our meeting with her aboard. One thing is certain: the American, now living in the Netherlands, has had one of the best travel experiences of her life!
Kristoffer Nærø Ytterland was in search of a combined photography and health trip when he discovered Havila Voyages’ Solo Travel Offer:
“I got exactly was I was looking for”.
Traveling solo can be a blessing because it means that I’m able to establish contact with all kinds of people with interesting stories to tell. It mostly happens during an excursion or – as today – while waiting for the ship to dock.
"I have not missed the Queen a single time. Sometimes, when my husband suggests that we visit the camping site, I say, 'But Capella is coming!' And he replies, 'You cannot be that crazy.'" But Anita is indeed that "crazy," and she admits it willingly.
In this travel letter, guest blogger Emil Skartveit is sharing his experiences after a round trip with Havila Voyages in January 2023.
Organizing a voyage for eleven members of a three-generational family living in two different countries, while ensuring that everyone is entertained for a whole week, is easier said than done. This family found the perfect solution.
Sten Magne Engen, a former captain of the MS Finnmarken, has a wealth of cherished memories from his time on this historic vessel, now on display at the Coastal Express Museum. However, amidst the fond recollections, there remains a haunting encounter with a war criminal – the man responsible for sinking the DS Irma during World War II.
Captain Richard With was well aware of the historical significance that reducing the sailing time from Bergen to Tromsø would hold for his company. Perhaps that's why he humorously remarked during the construction of the new D/S 'Vesteraalen,' 'This vessel must be handled with extra care, as it is destined to serve as a coastal express.
This is the remarkable story of how the D/S Finmarken, built in 1912, mysteriously appeared in a forest in the Netherlands and how she eventually was brought back to Norway almost more than 40 years later.
Imagine living with the constant fear of not knowing whether your loved ones would return from work or if your children would survive illnesses or accidents at sea. This was the harsh reality faced by Norwegian coastal women, and "Anna at Vinje" was no exception. This story sheds light on her life and the challenges she encountered.
Ernst Sneve, 84, spent his early years in one of Norway's most war-ravaged regions. Now he is a guide, sharing his experiences with Havila Voyages' guests. And oh, the tales he has to tell!
Captain Richard With's pioneering Coastal Express voyage is a familiar tale in Norway. However, few realize that the 130-year-old narrative about the Norwegian coastal route traces its roots back to a salt-carrying vessel in the Eidsfjord in 1880.
In 1893, the first express shipping route along the long western coast of Norway was established, linking the peoples and communities together.
Armed with garbage bags and litter pickers, the unwavering crew of Havila Voyages took on the momentous task of cleaning up the litter along the docks of Ålesund!
Trolls. In Norway, we have many legends about these large, stupid, and extremely dangerous mythical creatures. One of them is about the origin of a unique mountain with a hole in the middle: Torghatten.
The Atlantic Road is known as one of the world’s most beautiful roadways. We experienced it at its very best. Then, we went to the Bergtatt marble mine – in the center of a mountain.
Surrounded by the breathtaking Sunnmøre Alps, lies Norangsdalen, one of Norway's narrowest and most awe-inspiring valleys. Our journey took us along paths once taken by historical celebrities and royalty, as we uncovered the hidden natural wonders of the Hjørundfjord.
Imagine cruising through breathtaking fjords, discovering hidden gems in charming coastal towns, and soaking in the pure beauty of nature — all while enjoying modern comforts that make you feel like a true explorer. If you're craving an experience that blends luxury with the rugged charm of Norway’s coastline, it's time to hop aboard and let the adventure begin. Ready to set sail? Norway’s waiting.
According to NASA, Solar Activity is increasing and will continue to do so until it reaches peak levels in 2025. That bodes well for the northern lights.
Veronica Danielsen, a physicist, science artist, and budding author, uncovers some mysteries of the Northern Lights and offers insights on what to watch for when trying to spot them.
At Havila Voyages, our menus are thoughtfully crafted to showcase the rich flavors and culinary heritage of the coastal communities that our ships voyage through along the Norwegian coast. However, our food concept extends beyond this. Here's what you should know about Havila Food Stories.
"Here I am at the North Cape, at the edge of Finnmark, and I dare say the very edge of the world”, wrote North Cape’s first tourist. I have now been there myself – and the story of that adventure is worth telling.
In the heart of Norway's untamed fjord landscape lie two of the country's most iconic natural wonders – the Geirangerfjord and Trollstigen.
Stella Polaris' RIB safari is ranked among the best excursions along the Norwegian coast. I now understand why - and it has nothing to do with the thrill of speed.
This may just be a small piece of Norway, but the impressions I now have of this stunning area, enriched by its culture and history, will stay with me forever.
How many cities can claim a mountain right in their city center? Bergen is one of the few.
Whether you're seeking an exhilarating adventure or a peaceful escape along the stunning Norwegian coastline, we can make your dreams a reality.
Cruising down the Nidelva River in a traditional clinker-built wooden boat provided a unique perspective on Trondheim's rich culture and history. Each landmark we passed, from the majestic Nidaros Cathedral to the quaint Old Town Bridge, offered a glimpse into the city's storied past.
At Havila Voyages, our commitment goes beyond offering exceptional travel experiences. We are also dedicated to environmental responsibility. Here are eight eco-friendly spring adventures you can enjoy with Havila Voyages!
«Nature is our culture», say the Sámi people. Perhaps we all have something to learn from the indigenous of the north?
The Atlanterhavsparken (Atlantic Ocean Park) in Ålesund features an aquarium, a seal bay, penguins, an otter island, a science center, and art exhibitions. Learn about the life beneath the sea surface.
The dogs train during the summer, but as soon as the first snow falls, they sit in front of their houses, eager to start working.
You can experience the highlights of Trondheim in just a few hours in the morning. A five-kilometre walk takes you through 1,000 years of history.
You know those singular authentic experiences that linger in your body and stick in your memory for the rest of your life? Here are seven good suggestions for activities you can do with Havila Voyages during the winter.
"The journey took us past many small villages, nestled among increasingly imposing mountains. As we approached Stranda, a significant village, Nicole suggested we go to the outer deck for a better view."
How did the Norwegian landscape form? Where did the first Norwegians come from, and were the Vikings truly raiders or traders? These questions – and many more – were explored during a guided hike along the coast and into a forest grove in Lofoten.