Recently, four ROL Cruise team members, Kirsten, Abbie, Tim and Charlotte, embarked on a three-night sailing from Bergen to Oslo as part of Hurtigruten’s 2026 Global VIP Summit. While the stunning Norwegian coastline was undoubtedly a highlight, this trip was about so much more. Here, Kirsten, Direct Marketing Manager, and Charlotte, Concierge Transfer Team Leader, share their experiences.
Experiencing the real Norway with Hurtigruten
By Kirsten, Direct Marketing Manager
Over a few unforgettable days, we immersed ourselves in the Hurtigruten experience, speaking with crew, sampling the food, learning about the company’s deep connection to Norway and discovering why so many travellers return time and time again.
Before stepping aboard MS Trollfjord, I expected to see Norway. What I didn’t expect was to leave feeling connected to it. Looking back, that’s what surprised me the most. Long after the scenery, excursions and exceptional food, it was the feeling of being welcomed into Norwegian life that stayed with me.
The best way I can describe the onboard atmosphere is authentically Norwegian. You could see it in the ship’s design, the food and the little details throughout the voyage, but what really stood out was the feeling on board. The ship felt warm, welcoming and surprisingly homely from the moment we arrived. There was a genuine sense of pride, openness and belonging that made it easy to feel at home. A large part of that comes from the people.
One of the biggest differences between Hurtigruten and many other travel experiences is that so many of the crew are Norwegian themselves. There is a world of difference between learning about a destination and growing up there. When crew members share stories about the places you’re sailing past, recommend hidden gems along the coast, or explain local traditions, you’re hearing from people who live and breathe Norway every day. That depth of knowledge is impossible to replicate. More importantly, the pride they have in their country is clear in every conversation.
What impressed me even more was learning about Hurtigruten’s relationship with the communities they visit. Rather than simply operating in Norway, they are deeply woven into Norwegian life. Local communities rely on them not only as a tourism business, but as an employer, a partner and an important part of the coastal network.
The company invests in local people through apprenticeship programmes, creating opportunities for future generations while helping preserve skills and knowledge along the Norwegian coast. There is also a genuine commitment to protecting the coastline they call home.
The onboard dining experience reflected this connection too. Menus celebrated Nordic cuisine using ingredients sourced from the regions we were sailing through. From locally raised produce to seafood harvested from the surrounding waters, each meal felt connected to the landscape outside the window.
Perhaps the most memorable insight came during two presentations onboard. One senior leader, the Chief Product and Hotel Officer, joked that he had the best job in the company. The following day, the Chief Northern Lights Chaser confidently made exactly the same claim about his own role. It was a light-hearted moment, but it revealed something important. The people working for Hurtigruten genuinely love what they do. Whether they are responsible for guests, crew, expeditions, or sharing Norway’s natural wonders, their passion and enthusiasm are infectious. You cannot train people to feel that way. It comes from believing in what you’re doing. And ultimately, that’s what makes Hurtigruten different.
Life aboard MS Trollfjord
By Charlotte, Concierge Transfer Team Leader
Before our trip, I had a few ideas about what a Hurtigruten ship might be like. I’m pleased to say the experience exceeded my expectations!
One of the first things that struck me was the level of service, something that continued to impress me throughout our three nights on board. Every member of the crew was incredibly welcoming, always taking the time to say hello or stop for a conversation. All of these little interactions made the experience feel so personal.
The attention to detail was particularly noticeable at dinner. As each course was served, the team took the time to explain the dishes, where the ingredients had come from, and their significance to Norwegian culture. It was a lovely way to learn more about the country while enjoying some fantastic food.
The ship itself was another pleasant surprise. Having sailed on several smaller cruise ships before, I found MS Trollfjord equally impressive, with welcoming communal spaces and plenty of comfortable places to spend time. Our Arctic Superior cabins were compact, cosy, and had everything we needed. Although with so much to see and do, we actually spent very little time in our cabins!
Our first full day was spent at sea, giving us the perfect opportunity to explore the ship, enjoy some wine tasting and relax while taking in the beautiful surroundings.
The following day was all about exploring ashore. We joined an excursion that included visits to an enormous historic cannon and a Second World War prison. It was a thought-provoking experience, offering a fascinating, if sometimes difficult, insight into the area’s wartime history.
Back on board, another memorable moment was taking part in Hurtigruten’s traditional cod liver oil ceremony. It was great fun, but I have to admit that the taste wasn’t quite as enjoyable as the experience itself! We also enjoyed an onboard quiz, which was great fun and a lovely way to round off the day.
Looking back, what made the trip so enjoyable wasn’t just the ship or the experiences we had along the way, but the people. The crew’s enthusiasm for Hurtigruten and everything it represents was clear throughout our time on board, and it made an already memorable voyage even more special.
A voyage to remember
By the end of the sailing, we’d come away with far more than photographs of Norway’s coastline. From the warm welcome and memorable experiences on board to the stories, food and connections with local communities, our time with Hurtigruten gave us a deeper appreciation of Norway and its people.
