MS Kong Harald

MS Kong Harald current position

MS Kong Harald current location is at North East Atlantic Ocean (coordinates 70.98789 N / 25.16473 E) cruising at speed of 14.4 kn (27 km/h | 17 mph) en route to Kirkenes. The AIS position was reported 4 minutes ago.

All Itineraries Current Position

Current itinerary of MS Kong Harald

MS Kong Harald current cruise is 10 days, one-way from Bergen to Trondheim. The itinerary starts on 10 Feb, 2025 and ends on 20 Feb, 2025.

Date / TimePort
10 Feb    Departing from Bergen, Norway hotels
11 Feb    Floro, Norway
11 Feb    Maloy, Vagsoy Island Norway
11 Feb    Torvik, Leinoya Island Norway
11 Feb    Alesund, Norway
11 Feb    Molde, Norway
12 Feb    Kristiansund, Norway
12 Feb    Trondheim, Norway
12 Feb    Rorvik, Norway
13 Feb    Bronnoysund, Norway
13 Feb    Sandnessjoen, Norway
13 Feb    Nesna, Norway
13 Feb    Ornes, Norway
13 Feb    Bodo, Norway
13 Feb    Stamsund, Vestvagoy Island Lofoten Norway
13 Feb    Svolvaer, Austvagoya Island Lofoten Norway
14 Feb    Stokmarknes, Hadseloya Island Norway
14 Feb    Risoyhamn, Andoya Island Norway
14 Feb    Harstad, Hinnoya Island Lofoten Norway
14 Feb    Finnsnes, Norway
14 Feb    Tromso, Norway
14 Feb    Skjervoy, Norway
15 Feb    Oksfjord, Norway
15 Feb    Hammerfest, Norway
15 Feb    Havoysund, Havoya Island Norway
15 Feb    Honningsvag, Mageroya Island Norway
15 Feb    Kjollefjord, Norway
15 Feb    Mehamn, Norway
15 Feb    Berlevag, Norway
16 Feb    Batsfjord, Norway
16 Feb    Vardo, Vardoya Island Norway
16 Feb    Vadso, Norway
16 Feb    Kirkenes, Norway
16 Feb    Vardo, Vardoya Island Norway
16 Feb    Batsfjord, Norway
16 Feb    Berlevag, Norway
17 Feb    Mehamn, Norway
17 Feb    Kjollefjord, Norway
17 Feb    Honningsvag, Mageroya Island Norway
17 Feb    Havoysund, Havoya Island Norway
17 Feb    Hammerfest, Norway
17 Feb    Oksfjord, Norway
17 Feb    Skjervoy, Norway
17 Feb - 18 Feb    Tromso, Norway
18 Feb    Finnsnes, Norway
18 Feb    Harstad, Hinnoya Island Lofoten Norway
18 Feb    Risoyhamn, Andoya Island Norway
18 Feb    Sortland, Langoya Island Norway
18 Feb    Stokmarknes, Hadseloya Island Norway
18 Feb    Trollfjord, Norway
18 Feb    Svolvaer, Austvagoya Island Lofoten Norway
18 Feb    Stamsund, Vestvagoy Island Lofoten Norway
19 Feb    Bodo, Norway
19 Feb    Ornes, Norway
19 Feb    Nesna, Norway
19 Feb    Sandnessjoen, Norway
19 Feb    Bronnoysund, Norway
19 Feb    Rorvik, Norway
20 Feb    Arriving in Trondheim, Norway hotels

Specifications of MS Kong Harald

Year of build1993  /  Age: 32
Flag state Norway
BuilderVolkswerft Stralsund GmbH (Stralsund, Germany)
Classcruiseferry (Ro-Pax ship)
Ferry route / homeportsBergen-Kirkenes
Speed17 kn / 31 km/h / 20 mph
Length (LOA)122 m / 400 ft
Beam (width)19 m / 62 ft
Gross Tonnage11204 gt
Passengers590
Crew70
Passengers-to-space ratio23
Beds498
Decks7
Cabins227
Decks with cabins4
Last Refurbishment2016
OwnerHurtigruten AS
OperatorHurtigruten Cruises

MS Kong Harald Itineraries

DateItineraryDeparture PortPrice from
2025 Jan 30 2 days, one-way from Bergen to Trondheim Bergen
2025 Jan 30 3 days, one-way from Bergen to Svolvaer Bergen
2025 Jan 30 4 days, one-way from Bergen to Tromso Bergen
2025 Jan 30 6 days, one-way from Bergen to Kirkenes Bergen
2025 Jan 30 10 days, one-way from Bergen to Trondheim Bergen
2025 Jan 30 11 days, round-trip 11 Night The Coastal Express Cruise Bergen
2025 Feb 01 2 days, one-way from Trondheim to Tromso Trondheim
2025 Feb 02 3 days, one-way from Svolvaer to Kirkenes Svolvaer
2025 Feb 03 2 days, one-way from Tromso to Kirkenes Tromso
2025 Feb 07 2 days, one-way from Tromso to Trondheim Tromso
2025 Feb 07 3 days, one-way from Tromso to Bergen Tromso
2025 Feb 09 1 day, one-way from Trondheim to Bergen Trondheim
2025 Feb 10 10 days, one-way from Bergen to Trondheim Bergen
2025 Feb 10 11 days, round-trip 11 Night The Coastal Express Cruise Bergen
2025 Mar 10 1 day, one-way from Kirkenes to Tromso Kirkenes
2025 Mar 10 2 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Svolvaer Kirkenes
2025 Mar 10 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2025 Mar 12 2 days, one-way from Tromso to Trondheim Tromso
2025 Mar 12 3 days, one-way from Tromso to Bergen Tromso
2025 Mar 15 2 days, one-way from Bergen to Trondheim Bergen
2025 Mar 17 2 days, one-way from Trondheim to Tromso Trondheim
2025 Mar 21 2 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Svolvaer Kirkenes
2025 Mar 23 2 days, one-way from Tromso to Trondheim Tromso
2025 Mar 23 3 days, one-way from Tromso to Bergen Tromso
2025 Mar 25 1 day, one-way from Trondheim to Bergen Trondheim
2025 Mar 26 2 days, one-way from Bergen to Trondheim Bergen
2025 Jul 14 6 days, one-way from Bergen to Kirkenes Bergen
2025 Jul 14 10 days, one-way from Bergen to Trondheim Bergen
2025 Jul 14 11 days, round-trip 11 Night The Coastal Express Cruise Bergen
2025 Jul 31 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2025 Aug 05 10 days, one-way from Bergen to Trondheim Bergen
2025 Aug 05 11 days, round-trip 11 Night The Coastal Express Cruise Bergen
2025 Aug 16 6 days, one-way from Bergen to Kirkenes Bergen
2025 Aug 16 10 days, one-way from Bergen to Trondheim Bergen
2025 Aug 16 11 days, round-trip 11 Night The Coastal Express Cruise Bergen
2025 Aug 22 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2025 Nov 18 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2025 Nov 21 13 days, one-way from Oslo to Helsinki Oslo
2025 Nov 23 10 days, one-way from Bergen to Trondheim Bergen
2025 Nov 23 11 days, round-trip 11 Night The Coastal Express Cruise Bergen
2025 Dec 10 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2025 Dec 13 13 days, one-way from Oslo to Helsinki Oslo $7430
2025 Dec 15 6 days, one-way from Bergen to Kirkenes Bergen
2025 Dec 15 10 days, one-way from Bergen to Trondheim Bergen
2025 Dec 15 11 days, round-trip 11 Night The Coastal Express Cruise Bergen
2026 Jan 01 5 days, one-way from Kirkenes to Bergen Kirkenes
2026 Jan 06 6 days, one-way from Bergen to Kirkenes Bergen
2026 Jan 06 10 days, one-way from Bergen to Trondheim Bergen
2026 Jan 06 11 days, round-trip 11 Night The Coastal Express Cruise Bergen

MS Kong Harald Review

Review of MS Kong Harald

The 1993-built MS Kong Harald cruise ship is the first in a series of six “contemporary” Hurtigruten boats, together with Nordlys, Nordnorge, Nordkapp, Polarlys, Richard With. Together with these fleetmates, Kong Harald serves Hurtigruten’s Norwegian Coastal Voyages (NCV) program for cruiseferry travel by cargo-passenger ships.

The vessel (IMO number 9039119) is currently Norway-flagged (MMSI 257200000) and registered in Tromso.

History - construction and ownership

The shipowner Hurtigruten is a Norwegian passenger shipping company specializing in cruise and ferry services. The "Norwegian Coastal Express Route" (Bergen-Kirkenes) is a cargo-passenger ferry service along Norway's western and northern coast. Hurtigruten's cruise ferries sail nearly the entire length of Norway and complete this roundtrip itinerary in 11 days. The route also includes Lofoten Islands and Vesteralen Islands.

MS Kong Harald cruise ship

The 600-passenger ship Kong Harald was named after Harald, the King of Norway, but other famous Norwegians can also be found onboard. The bar is named after the Norwegian polar pioneer and Nobel Peace Laureate Fridtjof Nansen, the cafe – after the explorer Roald Amundsen. MS Kong Harald was introduced in 1993 and marked Hurtigruten’s centenary. Decorative details of King’s Crown emblem are to be seen in the ship’s interior.

Decks and Cabins

MS Kong Harald staterooms (227 total, in 8 grades) include 2x Suites, 204x Outside, 21x Inside. Cabin sizes vary from 55 to 325 ft2 (5-30 m2). Wheelchair-accessible cabins are 3. Most staterooms are outside and sized 85-140-ft2 (8-14 m2). There are no balcony cabins.

Standard cabin amenities include lower and upper bunk beds, bedside reading lamps, foldable table with chair, LCDTV, radio, phone, mini-fridge, electronic safe box, wardrobe with dressers and cabinets, en-suite bathroom (WC-shower, bath products, hairdryer), individual air-conditioning, blankets (for sitting outside).

The boat has 7 decks, of which 6 are passenger-accessible and 4 with cabins.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

MS Kong Harald features some qualities which separate her from the traditional cruise ships. The everyday conveniences are offered in a large ship setting. Enjoy plentiful food portions in the main restaurant or try a quick bite in the ship’s bistro. Hurtigruten dining boasts authentic Norwegian specialties and international cuisine.

Follows the complete list of ms Kong Harald restaurants and food bars.

  • Brygga Bistro offers cafe-style food and is perfect for a light lunch. It serves beverages, sandwiches, and burgers throughout the day.
  • Kysten Arctic Fine Dining offers a more private, intimate setting. This exquisite restaurant serves some of the world's best seafood, exotic meat and other produce directly sourced from the Arctic.
  • Torget Restaurant is the ship’s dining room (capacity 240 seats, nonsmoking) with floor-ceiling windows, buffet station and Galley / Kitchen. The dining room offers buffet-style Breakfast (incl bacon, eggs, sausages, cold meats, selection of cheeses, seafood, bread, also cereals, fruits, porridge, a self-service station for coffee-tea-juice) and Lunch (incl salads and soups, hot/cold meats, pate, seafood, vegetables, desserts). The 4-seating Dinner is waiter-served (with 3-course menu /Scandinavian-Norwegian specialties). Wine by the bottle costs extra (a wine package is available for purchase at the restaurant).

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

The total passenger capacity of MS Kong Harald is only 622. Guests onboard the cruise ship are able to enjoy a voyage revealing the full beauty of the fjords of Norway. Many small elements part of the cruise like the Explorer Lounge, onboard saunas, the Sun Deck with panoramic views, fitness centre, a bar for after-dinner drinks, make the stay more pleasant. Cruising onboard MS Kong Harald is exciting, but more exciting are the shore excursions available in each port of call.

MS Kong Harald cruise ship

Follows the complete list of ms Kong Harald lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens and adults.

  • The Car Deck (capacity of 45 cars)
  • Lecture Halls / Meeting rooms generally host multimedia presentations and expert lectures by scientists and wildlife experts. They are also used for business-, a large group- and private meetings, conferences at sea, special events, etc.
  • Information Desk is for booking Hurtigruten tours/shore excursions, featuring dog sledding, bus tours to small towns (embarkation in the next port along the Kong Harald itinerary), “Northern Lights” and “North Cape” themed excursions. The Info Center also provides printed daily onboard program schedule.
  • The Shop is selling mostly traditional Norwegian souvenirs and gifts, also toys and Hurtigruten logo merchandise.
  • Kompass Adventure / Reception Desk (24h guest services, assistance, offers a reduced variety of drinks, snacks, sandwiches)
  • The fore-located Explorer Lounge & Panorama Bar has a comfortable seating indoor area and offers 270-degree panoramic views from floor-ceiling windows, as well as bookcrossing and board games.
  • Multe Bakery & Ice Cream (patisserie with knitting corner and puzzles) offers freshly-baked cakes and pastries along with a range of local ice creams and coffee beverages. Guests can try the stockfish, brown cheese, and cloudberry ice cream.
  • The Fitness room is a small gym, equipped with treadmills, exercise bikes, free weights.
  • Infirmary (Hospital and Pharmacy) is a small medical facility not served by a resident doctor or nurse. 
  • Outdoor Explorer Deck (Sun Deck) is an open-air space with the best vantage points. There is an outdoor seating area by the ship’s funnel with plenty of tables and chairs. This is also the place for the Hurtigruten Polarlys' special ceremony called "Arctic Circle baptism", which includes a Neptune-costumed crewmember, ice-cold seawater, and a free shot – for warming up.
  • The fore-located Navigation Bridge and the adjacent Captain’s Suite and officers quarters are inaccessible for passengers. The Kong Harald ship has two outdoor whirlpools (aft-located hot tubs).
  • The full-circle Promenade Deck is an open-air deck space perfect for daily observation and strolling.
  • 6 service boats, of which 4 are used for passenger tendering and 2 lifeboats.

Itineraries

MS Kong Harald itinerary program is based on Norwegian Coastal Voyages. Ship's routes include the beautiful Norwegian fjords.

Havila-Hurtigruten ferry route (Norwegian Coastal Express cruise ship itinerary map)

Kong Harald is mostly used as a ferry for both passengers and cars. However, some guests stay on board for roundtrip 12-day itineraries out of Bergen and Kirkenes.

Photos of MS Kong Harald

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MS Kong Harald ship related cruise news

MS Kong Harald Wiki

Named after the King of Norway, the majestic Kong Harald cruise ship pays tribute to famous Norwegians - the Amundsen Cafe and Nansen Club Bar. Distinctive works of many local artists are displayed throughout. The crew varies in size on each sailing to maintain a ratio of 1 crew member for every 3 passengers. Most of the cruise passengers are 50+ Europeans, with some Americans who travel as individuals or in organized groups.

Fun fact is, that the ship doesn't have stabilizers to prevent movement in case the weather gets rough.

The Kong Harald ship offers voyages along the coast of Norway. Many passengers use the vessel as transportation (ferry for both cars and passengers). Departing from port Bergen, Finnmarken sails to port Kirkenes roundtrip. This is an Arctic outpost near Russia’s border with Norway. Norwegian coastal cruise passengers can opt for 5-11 nights stays, with the full 12-day sailing from Bergen to Kirkenes, then going back southbound. In most ports of call are offered Hurtigruten-sponsored excursions and tours. A ceremony "Crossing the Arctic Circle” welcomes newcomers.

On Hurtigruten Norwegian coastal voyages, the line offers flight-cruise package deals. Bookings are protected with ATOL Certificate. ATOL stands for "Air Travel Organisers' Licensing" (Civil Aviation Authority, UK).

Drydock refurbishments review

By 2023-Q4, Hurtigtuten's all 7x "Norwegian Coastal Express" ferryboats (Kong Harald, Richard With, Nordlys, Nordnorge, Polarlys, Trollfjord, Nordkapp) were scheduled to complete drydocks for powerplant conversions (from diesel-only to diesel-electric / battery-hybrid), during which new low-emission diesel engines and large battery packs were installed.

  • For this project (budgeted ~EUR 100 million), on May 11, 2021, Hurtigruten Group signed a contract with Kongsberg Maritime to deliver the hybrid equipment packages for the boats.
  • Each ship was fitted with 2x SAVe Energy storage systems (1120 kWh lithium-ion batteries) controlled via SAVe CUBE (drive switchboards that control the thrusters) and 2x Bergen B33:45V diesel engines (diesel generator sets with SCR-Selective Catalytic Reduction to optimize CO emissions control).
  • Kongsberg's equipment also included re-blading of the propellers, installing new thruster motors (retractable stern 360-degree azimuthing thruster), AC (switchboards/current switches), new safety and communication systems, new gears, bulbous bow (the hull was optimized to reduce drag), new boilers (improving heat recovery from the engines), new wastewater treatment plant.
  • The drydocks were conducted by Myklebust Verft AS (shipyard in Gursken, Norway's Gurskoya Island).

All Hurtigruten ships now have shoreside-power capabilities (plugs for electricity supply at port berths).