This article originally appeared in the June issue of AGENTatHOME magazine. Subscribe here to receive your free copy each month.
Havila Voyages, a newer entrant in the Norwegian coastal route, operates a fleet of four environmentally friendly and supremely comfortable passenger ships.
The company’s ships sail on 12-day roundtrips from Bergen to Kirkenes, with options for shorter cruises of two to seven days. The vessels stop at 34 ports on the 2,500-nautical-mile roundtrip voyage, crossing the Arctic Circle twice and sailing through the Lofoten Islands. The Northern Lights often make appearances in winter, while the Midnight Sun barely sets in the summer.
Here is an overview of my six-day Norwegian coastal voyage from Kirkenes south to Bergen aboard Havila Castor.
The Fleet
Havila operates four new coastal ships – Havila Capella (2021), Havila Castor (2022), Havila Polaris (2023) and Havila Pollux (2023).
The 15,776-gross-ton Castor and Capella are virtually identical, carrying up to 640 passengers. However, there are just 179 cabins to accommodate up to 468 passengers; the rest are likely locals sailing from one port to another who might rent a recliner in the Port-to-Port Lounge. The ships also transport cargo, packages and mail, which means many calls are short, some just 10 minutes long.
The longer calls allow time for excursions, which include dog sledding, a snowmobile safari, walking tours of small towns, hikes, King crab fishing and riding Icelandic horses.
The vessels feel like small but modern cruise ships in most ways – with public areas featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, a glass roof on the top of the ship, two gyms, a panorama deck with a hot tub and three dining options.
A Seaview Superior Double room on Havila Castor. (Photo Credit: Theresa Norton)
Accommodations
My home on Havila Castor was a 160-square-foot Seaview Superior Double room, which included two beds, a sofa, desk, fridge and hairdryer. A Balcony Deluxe room measures 322 square feet and also has a double bed, sofa or sofa bed, desk and a balcony instead of a smaller window.
What's Included
Meals are included at fixed times in Havrand, the main restaurant, which offers numerous tables near the windows and a menu featuring regional flavors. The voyage also includes free onboard Wi-Fi and a TV in cabins.
Wine is served with meals but at an additional charge. Havila does offer beverage packages for alcohol or soft drinks.
The Havly Café generally charges a la carte prices, although some items are included in the full cruise fare – cheeseburgers, Caesar salad and pizza – if marked by a teacup icon.
The upscale restaurant, Hildring, charges NOK295 (about US$28) for cruise passengers. On one evening, we dined on tartar of Norwegian beef tenderloin, cod from Lofoten, Norwegian farm duck and reindeer.
Selling Havila Voyages
Matthew Valentine, head of sales for Havila Voyages, answered a few questions from AGENTatHOME via email.
How do U.S. travel agents book Havila?
“Havila Voyages welcomes all U.S. agencies to contact the brand, and we will set them up to book in the easy-to-use B2B booking portal and make sure they have the information and training they need.
“Advisors can email [email protected] or fill out an agent request form at havilavoyages.com/about-havila/contact-us.”
What is your commission structure for travel advisors?
“Our commission structure varies due to length of voyage and fare structure, but it is a base of 10 percent for the most common products booked by U.S. travelers. Havila Voyages also pays commission on excursions, hotels and transfers and there are no reductions for port fees, etc.
“There are always opportunities to increase commission if we develop positive sales growth and achieve tangible results.”
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