MS Nordkapp

MS Nordkapp is a Hurtigruten ship built in 1996 by Kleven Verft in Norway for ferry service along the Norwegian coast. She's one of six contemporary Hurtigruten vessels, alongside Kong Harald, Nordlys, Nordnorge, Polarlys, and Richard With. Weighing around 11,386 gross tons and carrying about 590 passengers, she's a sister ship of MS Polarlys and MS Nordnorge. The ship takes her name from the North Cape on the island of Mageroya in Northern Norway, and was christened on 23 March 1996 by Queen Sonja of Norway in a double ceremony alongside MS Polarlys.

MS Nordkapp combines modern comforts with the genuine atmosphere of a working coastal ship. The main restaurant offers a relaxed, informal setting, with menus built around locally sourced fresh ingredients and cuisine that highlights authentic Norwegian specialties alongside international dishes. Torget Restaurant on Deck 4 serves as the main dining room, with floor to ceiling windows and a three course dinner menu served by waiters. There's also a patisserie and ice cream bar offering freshly baked cakes and pastries, plus a selection of local ice creams in flavours ranging from stockfish and brown cheese to cloudberry.

Onboard entertainment stays low key, with most guests happy to spend time enjoying the scenery or socialising with fellow passengers, though the bar lounge occasionally hosts evening live music. The ship also has a small fitness room, two outdoor hot tubs, and an infirmary. Nordkapp functions primarily as a working ferry for passengers and cars alike, though plenty of guests sail her full 12 day round trip itineraries between Bergen and Kirkenes. By late 2023, all seven Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express vessels, Nordkapp included, had completed drydock upgrades converting their powerplants from diesel-only to diesel-electric battery hybrid systems, including new low-emission diesel engines and large battery packs.

Nordkapp suits travellers who want to experience Norway's northern coastline with the practicality of scheduled ferry service and the comfort of proper onboard accommodation, whether that's families, solo passengers, or anyone drawn to a working ship atmosphere rather than a resort-style cruise.

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