by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 8:15 PM ET, Thu May 22, 2025
In response to strong demand, Hurtigruten is doubling its capacity for its Signature voyages starting next summer.
MS Midnatsol will receive extensive onboard upgrades before joining her sister ship, MS Trollfjord, in the Signature fleet. Crews will update the ship’s cabins, restaurants, Coastal Expedition Team center and other main areas.
In the summer, MS Midnatsol will offer regular sailings between Bergen and Longyearbyen on the Svalbard Line. In winter, it will alternate with the recently renamed MS Finnmarken (formerly MS Otto Sverdrup) on the North Cape Line, with weekly departures from Hamburg.
As part of the fleet reshuffling, MS Vesterålen will rejoin the Original Coastal Express fleet starting in the spring of 2026.
“Demand for voyages along the Norwegian coast continues to rise sharply—particularly for journeys that offer authentic experiences, comfort, and a deep connection with nature and culture,” says Hedda Felin, chief executive officer of Hurtigruten. “By introducing MS Midnatsol as a Signature ship, we are meeting this demand with an upgraded vessel that perfectly complements our existing fleet.”
Hurtigruten’s premium Signature cruises include longer port calls, all-inclusive dining, unique excursions and locally sourced ingredients from over 70 suppliers along the coast.
As of early May, bookings were up more than 40 percent year-over-year for these itineraries. Year-to-date, bookings by travel advisors are also up 31 percent.
“Building on really strong bookings for Signature after the launch in 2023, we continue to see significant growth among North American travelers, especially from trade,” says Carly Biggard, head of Hurtigruten in the Americas. “This emphasizes how well our Signature concept fits the North American cruiser.”
She adds: “These voyages combine the best of Norwegian nature, culture, and hospitality. The fact that demand is increasing so significantly confirms that we are offering a unique immersive Norwegian cruise experience that no other cruise line can.”
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