Hurtigruten to expand premium fleet...

MS Midnatsol to join lineup as bookings for Signature voyages rise 40%

Hurtigruten will expand its premium Signature fleet with the addition of MS Midnatsol, set to join sister expedition ships MS Trollfjord and MS Finnmarken in summer 2026.

This move comes as demand for voyages along the Norwegian coast continue to “rise sharply”, with global bookings for upcoming Hurtigruten Signature cruises up more than 40% year-on-year as of early May 2025.

Hurtigruten’s Signature sailings stand out for their longer port visits, all-inclusive dining with locally sourced ingredients and authentic experiences, providing a deeper connection with Norwegian nature and culture.

Norwegian fjords

Prior to its first sailing in 2026, the nine-deck MS Midnatsol will undergo an upgrade of its onboard facilities, to give guests an even more comfortable and immersive experience.

Accommodations such as Arctic Superior cabins, Expedition Suites and Grand Suites will be fully renovated, with updated bathrooms and flexible configurations, while public spaces, including the Aune Restaurant and the Science Center, will be redesigned to enhance the expedition.

From summer 2026, MS Midnatsol will operate regular sailings between Bergen and Longyearbyen on the Svalbard Line, where passengers can explore one of the world’s most remote Arctic regions. During the winter season, the ship will alternate with the recently renamed MS Finnmarken (formerly MS Otto Sverdrup) on the North Cape Line, departing weekly from Hamburg.

Commenting on the fleet expansion, Hedda Felin, CEO at Hurtigruten, said strong demand for its Signature voyages “gives us a solid foundation to accelerate further growth”.

“By introducing MS Midnatsol as a Signature ship, we are meeting this demand with an upgraded vessel that perfectly complements our existing fleet.”

In tandem with the Signature fleet expansion, Hurtigruten will return MS Vesterålen to full-time service with the Original Coastal Express fleet on the Bergen–Kirkenes roundtrip route from spring 2026.

The vessel, which underwent major upgrades in 2019, including new engines and energy-efficiency measures, reinforces Hurtigruten’s commitment to traditional coastal travel.

For more information, visit www.cruisexplore.com and Hurtigruten’s B2B Agent Portal at www.agentportal.hurtigruten.com and www.hurtigruten.com/en. For travel trade enquires, visit www.connectingtravel.com/cruise-hub/hurtigruten or contact Carla Hines, Head of Sales Emerging Markets on +44 (0) 7826 912 426 or carla.hines@hurtigruten.com