Unique Way to Cruise Coastal Norway: Havila Voyages Small Ship Southbound from Kirkenes to Bergen
Thinking about a cruise along Norway’s coast with Havila Voyages? We spent six days sailing southbound from Kirkenes to Bergen aboard Havila Pollux, and we're sharing everything we wish we'd known before we sailed. It's a practical guide to help you plan with confidence. We cover how to get to remote Kirkenes (there's no Uber, no taxis waiting there to take you to town, and the airport bus may not line up with your flight). We also get into what's in the staterooms and what's missing, how dining works with assigned seatings and repeating menus, and whether the Hildring fine dining and the beverage packages are worth the money. Plus, why you'll want to download movies before you go, how rough the Norwegian Sea got, and the seasickness gear that kept Dan from needing those Havila-branded seasick bags. Then we head into the ports. You'll hear why "over 30 stops" isn't what it sounds like, how to make the most of Tromsø at midnight, and the two excursions we'd recommend. One of them is the Trollfjord Sea Eagle Safari, where we spotted 17 eagles and watched our ship glide silently into the breathtaking fjord on battery power. We also cover the new Coastal Stopover program in Lofoten and the behind-the-scenes Insider Tour you can't miss. Finally, we share our thoughts on who this trip is really for, and we answer the much-debated question about whether Havila is a cruise, a ferry, or a cargo ship. Find the Tromso Midnight Concert link to book on your own, our favorite binoculars, the travel adapter we swear by, seasickness remedies, and more below: • Book the THON hotel in Kirkenes — we stayed there, and it was great. The shuttle to the ship terminal leaves directly from there: https://sometimessailing.com/iouz • Book the Midnight Concert in Tromsø: https://sometimessailing.com/96gv • Here are some additional 5-star tours to do on your own in Kirkenes and Bergen before or after the cruise: https://sometimessailing.com/norway-viator • We stayed connected in ports and pre- and post-cruise thanks to our favorite travel Wi-Fi hotspot. Buy here: https://sometimessailing.com/solis-pod & read more about it here: https://sometimeshome.com/pocket-wifi-skyroam-hotspot/ • We know the best seasickness remedies (stock these items before you sail): https://sometimessailing.com/anti-nausea-medication-cruise-sea-sickness-solutions/ • Our favorite travel binoculars help you get up-close to the distant scenery cruise: https://sometimessailing.com/w7w7 • Shop our packing list for the Sorels Mikkel wore along with other waterproof gear in our Shop My store: https://sometimessailing.com/shopmy • Buy the best travel adapter for the European plugs on the ship. We love the TESSAN Universal option: https://sometimessailing.com/univ-adapter • Watch this episode to learn more about our recommended travel adapters: https://youtu.be/jI6xyQK-cac • To learn more about the sustainability of Havila ships, watch our episode about how Havila’s eco-friendly ships will affect your vacation: https://youtu.be/lP0CeM5TaSw Disclosure: Some links above are affiliate links. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. We were hosted by Havila Voyages for the cruise portion of this trip. CHAPTERS 00:34 Introducing Havila Voyages 01:39 Understanding Havila: Ferry, Cruise, or Cargo Ship? 05:10 How This Unique Hybrid-Powered Ship Affects Your Vacation 06:36 Getting to Kirkenes: Travel Logistics 10:14 Exploring Kirkenes: Our Hotel & Things to Do 13:28 Boarding Havila Pollux: First Impressions 16:17 Cabin Experience: Comfort & In-Room Amenities 16:25 Where to View Our Havila Voyages Videos 17:18 Insights into Cabin Categories & Classes 19:49 Onboard Cruise Essentials 20:56 Seasickness Concerns on the Norwegian Sea 22:42 Wi-Fi Connectivity Challenges at Sea 24:10 How the Dining & Meals Work on Havila 30:40 Are the Beverage Packages Worth It (& How Much Do They Cost?) 35:28 Packing Tips for Your Time in Coastal Norway 37:48 Who is a Havila Voyages Cruise For? 41:05 Exploring Ports: Southbound Itinerary Insights 47:03 Two Exciting Havila Excursions That We Went On 56:23 What Havila Voyages' Coastal Stopover Program in Lofoten Means for You 58:23 Not-to-Miss Insider Tour to See Behind-the-Scenes On the Ship 01:03:03 Fellow Passengers: Who to Expect Onboard 01:04:35 Entertainment Options & Onboard Activities 01:06:53 Let Us Know If You're Going on a Havila Voyages Cruise