MS Polarlys

MS Polarlys is a mid-sized coastal cruise ship operated by Hurtigruten that entered commercial service in nineteen ninety-six following its construction by the Ulstein Verft shipyard in Ulstein Municipality, Norway. Taking its name from the brilliant northern light display of the aurora polaris as the third vessel in fleet history to bear the designation, the cruise ship carries two hundred fourteen staterooms designed to accommodate four hundred seventy-three passengers in regular service and up to six hundred nineteen guests on Norwegian coastal voyages while supported by sixty-four crew members.

The interior design showcases extensive natural woodwork throughout the public spaces, incorporating polished brass accents and rich mahogany paneling alongside floor-to-ceiling windows that offer expansive views of passing coastal landscapes. Onboard public spaces feature an extensive contemporary art collection composed of original Norwegian paintings, marble sculptures, intricate wood carvings, and handcrafted glass artworks created specifically for the vessel.

Passengers can utilize four distinct bars, five panoramic lounges, a specialized onboard bakery, two dedicated lecture rooms, a fitness center with an adjoining sauna, and two outdoor jacuzzis located on the top deck. Unlike many traditional ships in the fleet, the vessel operates without a twenty-four-hour cafeteria, utilizing a central reception desk to deliver guest services, hot beverages, and prepared snacks at any hour of the day or night.

Guest accommodations are predominantly configured as twin-bed oceanview cabins featuring large picture windows, though choices extend to comfortable interior staterooms, versatile mini-suites, and spacious full suites with separate sitting areas. Onboard entertainment maintains an intentionally low-key atmosphere focused on relaxation, casual conversation, and educational presentations, with occasional live musical performances hosted in the main bar lounge during evening sailings.

Following a major fleet refurbishment in twenty sixteen, the vessel continues to serve as one of six contemporary Hurtigruten ships operating the established Norwegian Coastal Express route alongside sister vessels Kong Harald, Nordlys, Nordkapp, Nordnorge, and Richard With. The ship caters particularly well to travelers prioritizing understated comfort and meaningful social connections while offering the unique flexibility to book individual port-to-port segments rather than a complete roundtrip voyage.

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