What is a Havila voyage really like? Our honest guide

Perhaps you've never considered a cruise before. You might have an image in your mind of huge ships packed with passengers, organised entertainment and formal dinners, and you're wondering whether a Havila voyage is going to be anything like that.

But then you might be wondering about the opposite problem. Will there actually be enough to do? Are you going to spend a week or more looking out of the window and wishing you'd brought another book?

And what about all those ports? Havila visits 34 ports on its northbound route and 33 southbound. Does that mean you're expected to get off at every one? How does it all work?

These are exactly the sorts of questions people ask us all the time.

I'm Mike, and I run Suitcase Travel with my daughter Penny. We've both sailed the Norwegian coastal route ourselves, and between us we've arranged these holidays for over 1,000 Suitcase Travel passengers. So we've heard most of the questions, worries and misconceptions that come up before people book.

In this guide, I'll talk you through what the experience is really like, who I think it suits (and who it doesn't), which voyages and cabins I'd recommend, and what you need to know before making a decision.

I'll also explain one important reason why booking your Havila holiday through a travel company like ours can be a better idea than arranging it all yourself.

Hopefully, by the end, you'll have a much clearer idea of whether this is the right holiday for you.

What’s in this guide?

There's quite a lot to consider when choosing a Havila voyage, so I've broken the guide into sections to make things easier.

You can read it from start to finish or jump straight to whatever you'd like to know.

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How does a Havila voyage actually work?

Havila operates four modern ships along Norway's historic coastal route, which has connected communities since 1893. Havila itself began sailing the route in 2021.

It's a working coastal service, not simply a sightseeing cruise. The ships carry local passengers and goods between Bergen in the south and Kirkenes, near the Russian border.

And that explains something that often puzzles people when they first look at the itineraries.

34 ports in seven days. Do I have to get off at all of them?

No. And I wouldn't try!

The northbound voyage calls at 34 ports and the southbound at 33. But that doesn't mean you're expected to get off at every one.

Some stops are as short as 10 or 15 minutes. You won't have time to go ashore, but they're fascinating moments in their own right. You can watch local passengers coming and going, see goods being loaded and enjoy the scenery as the ship draws close to tiny harbours and remote coastal communities.

Other stops last around an hour. As the ship often docks right in the heart of a village or town, you may have time to stretch your legs, explore the waterfront or enjoy a coffee at a local café.

Then, on most days, there's a longer stop of several hours, giving you time to explore further, perhaps on an organised excursion or simply under your own steam.

It's this changing rhythm that makes the voyage so interesting. And between ports, you're passing beautiful stretches of coastline, with mountains, islands, waterfalls and little fishing communities that you'd probably never otherwise see.

You're not booking 34 little city breaks. You're booking a journey along the Norwegian coast, with opportunities to explore along the way.

Three ways to travel the coastal route

There are three main options:

• Northbound: Bergen to Kirkenes – 7 days
• Southbound: Kirkenes to Bergen – 6 days
• Round trip: Bergen to Kirkenes and back – 12 days

You can also travel shorter sections of the route.

We'll look at the differences between these voyages and which I'd recommend a little later.

But first, there's another question we're often asked: what do you actually do all day on board?

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What are Havila's ships like, and what do you do all day?

One of the questions we're asked most often is whether there's enough to keep you occupied.

Before I travelled the Norwegian coastal route, I packed a book, thinking I'd have plenty of time to read. I hardly opened it.

Penny had much the same experience. She took two books and managed about three chapters, mostly on the plane!

The reason? We were too busy watching what was going on outside. There's so much to see along the Norwegian coast that you can find yourself sitting by a window for hours, watching the scenery and the little communities you pass along the way.

Modern, comfortable ships, but not conventional cruise ships

Havila has four modern ships, each carrying a maximum of 640 passengers, although there are often considerably fewer on board.

To put that into perspective, large cruise ships can carry 3,000–5,000 passengers or more. So Havila's ships are relatively small, with a much quieter, more relaxed atmosphere.

You won't find big production shows, casinos or organised entertainment programmes. And there's no need to dress up for formal evenings.

What you will find are comfortable lounges with panoramic windows, outdoor observation decks, restaurants, a gym, saunas and outdoor Jacuzzis.

The Norwegian coastline is the main attraction. Towering mountains, deep fjords, waterfalls, tiny fishing villages and islands stretching as far as you can see. The scenery is constantly changing, and there are stretches where it's difficult to tear yourself away from the window.

So what does a typical day look like?

You might start with a leisurely breakfast, then spend some time watching the scenery from one of the lounges or out on deck.

Depending on the itinerary, you might go ashore for a wander, join an excursion or attend one of the talks given on board. These are informal presentations about Norway's history, wildlife, coastal communities and the places you're travelling through.

Then there's lunch, more sailing, perhaps another port call and dinner. In winter, you might be outside looking for the Northern Lights. In summer, the Midnight Sun means you can still be enjoying the views late into the evening.

And there's always time to chat to the crew or fellow passengers, have a coffee or simply sit and watch the world go by.

A quieter, cleaner way to travel

One feature of Havila's ships that's worth mentioning is their battery-hybrid technology.

The ships combine large battery packs with engines powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), allowing them to sail silently for periods using battery power alone.

One benefit is that Havila can sail into Geirangerfjord from April to August, rather than just June to August as some other operators do. This gives you the chance to experience this spectacular UNESCO-listed fjord in spring as well as summer, with no direct emissions while the ships are running on battery power.

Overall, the technology helps reduce emissions compared with conventional fossil-fuel-powered ships, although these aren't zero-emission voyages.

But will I get bored?

I can't promise you won't. If you enjoy a packed programme of activities, evening entertainment and plenty of nightlife, this probably isn't the cruise for you.

But if you love beautiful scenery, discovering new places and having the freedom to do as much or as little as you please, I think you'll find the days pass surprisingly quickly.

The pleasure of this holiday is enjoying the journey itself.

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Which Havila voyage should you choose?

There are three main ways to travel the Norwegian coastal route: the 12-day round trip, the 7-day northbound voyage and the 6-day southbound voyage. Havila also offers shorter sections of the route.

So which would I recommend?

The 12-day round trip – my first choice if you have the time

This is the option most of our customers choose, and it's the one I'd usually recommend if you're unlikely to do the journey again.

You travel from Bergen all the way up to Kirkenes, near the Russian border, before heading south again.

Now, you might be wondering whether you'll spend the second half thinking, I've seen all this before.

But here's the thing. You're travelling in the opposite direction, and the timetable is different. Places you passed in darkness on the way north may be in daylight on the way back, and vice versa. Even familiar stretches of coastline can look quite different from the other direction.

You also get to enjoy some particularly beautiful stretches of coastline in daylight on the southbound journey, including the Lofoten Islands and Helgeland coast.

It's not simply doing the same journey twice. You get a much more complete picture of Norway's coastline.

My advice: If you've got 12 days and the budget allows, I'd choose the round trip. Particularly if this might be your one opportunity to experience the Norwegian coastal route.

See the full 12-day roundtrip itinerary

The 7-day northbound voyage – the best shorter option for a first visit

This is our second most popular choice, and the one I'd generally recommend if you don't have time for the full round trip, or if you like the idea of a coastal voyage but aren't quite sure about spending 12 days on board.

You start in Bergen, with its colourful waterfront, then travel north through Ålesund and Trondheim, past smaller coastal communities and across the Arctic Circle. Eventually you reach the mountains and fishing villages of Lofoten, Tromsø and the far north.

One of the things I particularly like is how the scenery and communities change as you travel north. You get a real sense of moving from western Norway into the Arctic.

It's also a lovely voyage to combine with Norway's railways.

We often arrange for customers to start in Oslo, take the spectacular train journey towards Bergen and include the famous Flåm Railway. I'd recommend spending a night in Flåm if you can, rather than rushing through in a day.

You can then join Havila in Bergen and continue your journey north by sea.

My advice: If you've got a week for the voyage, or you'd like to combine the coast with a few days exploring Norway by rail, northbound would normally be my recommendation.

See the full 7-day northbound itinerary

The 6-day southbound voyage – particularly good for coastal scenery

The southbound journey starts in Kirkenes and finishes in Bergen.

It's a beautiful route, particularly the daytime sailing through the Lofoten Islands and along the Helgeland coast, with its islands, mountains and small fishing communities.

But there is a trade-off.

You don't get quite the same gradual introduction to Norway that you do heading north, and some of the larger towns have less convenient arrival times for sightseeing. Tromsø, for example, is a late-night call.

That's why relatively few of our customers choose southbound as their first coastal voyage.

My advice: I'd consider southbound if the scenery is your main priority, or if it fits particularly well with other plans in northern Norway. Otherwise, for a first visit, I'd generally steer you towards northbound or the round trip.

See the full 6-day southbound itinerary

What about Havila's shorter voyages?

Havila offers shorter sections of the coastal route, but I'd think carefully before choosing one.

Embarkation and disembarkation times can be awkward, leaving less time on board than you might expect, while a short stay gives you limited opportunity to explore ashore.

More importantly, the Norwegian coastal experience is about the journey as a whole - settling into life on board, watching the changing scenery, experiencing the daily rhythm of the coastal ports and understanding how the ship connects these communities.

My advice: If you're travelling to Norway specifically for Havila, I'd recommend allowing several days, ideally longer. A two- or three-day section can feel more like a ferry journey, whereas spending longer on board gives you a much better appreciation of what makes the Norwegian coastal voyage so special.

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When is the best time to travel with Havila?

There's no single best time to travel along the Norwegian coast. It really depends on what you want to see.

And don't forget that Norway is a long country. The weather in Bergen can be quite different from what you'll find above the Arctic Circle.

Spring (March–May): Waterfalls and snow-capped mountains

Spring is a lovely time to go, particularly in May when the melting snow feeds the waterfalls. The mountains can still be covered in snow while everything lower down is turning green.

The days are getting longer, too, giving you more time to enjoy the scenery.

I'd recommend spring if you want a good balance of daylight, beautiful scenery and comfortable conditions for exploring ashore.

Summer (June–August): Long days and the Midnight Sun

Summer gives you the longest daylight hours, which means you'll see far more of the coastline, including stretches you'd pass in darkness at other times of year.

Above the Arctic Circle, you can experience the Midnight Sun, when the sun doesn't set at all. It's quite something to be watching the mountains and fjords in broad daylight at midnight.

You'll also generally have milder weather, although I'd still pack a waterproof!

If seeing as much of the coastline as possible is your priority, summer is hard to beat.

Autumn (September–November): Beautiful colours and fewer visitors

Autumn is actually Penny's favourite time to travel.

The changing colours are lovely, particularly farther south, and there are generally fewer visitors around. Prices can be more attractive, too.

As the nights get darker, there's also the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights without travelling in the depths of winter.

I'd say autumn is a very good compromise if you want beautiful scenery, fewer crowds and a chance of seeing the lights.

Winter (December–February): Snowy landscapes and the Northern Lights

Winter is a completely different experience. Snow-covered mountains, frozen waterfalls and opportunities for activities such as husky sledding and snowmobiling.

And, of course, there's the Northern Lights.

I'd say a Norwegian coastal voyage is one of the best ways to give yourself a good chance of seeing them. You're spending several nights travelling through the Arctic, rather than relying on one or two evenings in a particular location.

Better still, Havila has a Northern Lights alert system. You can activate it using the telephone in your cabin, so if the lights appear while you're asleep, you'll be notified and can head up on deck.

Now, one thing I always explain to customers is that the lights don't necessarily look like the photographs. I've seen weaker displays that looked like wispy grey clouds to the naked eye, only turning green when I pointed my camera at them. Stronger displays can be absolutely spectacular.

Of course, nature doesn't offer guarantees. But Havila does offer a Northern Lights Promise on eligible 12-day round voyages departing between October and March. If the lights don't appear during your voyage, you can qualify for a complimentary 6- or 7-day voyage the following season, subject to the offer's terms.

The main trade-off is the limited daylight, particularly in the far north. You'll see less of the coastline than you would in summer.

My advice? If the Northern Lights are high on your wish list, I'd seriously consider a winter coastal voyage, particularly the 12-day round trip. Just remember that you'll also be choosing a very different way of seeing Norway, with snowy scenery and long Arctic nights.

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Which Havila cabin should you book?

For most people, I'd start by looking at a Seaview Superior cabin.

These are comfortable, modern cabins of around 15–16m², with a good-sized window, private bathroom and a choice of bed arrangements.

They're not enormous, but remember, you'll probably spend much of your day in the lounges, out on deck or exploring ashore.

Is an inside cabin worth considering?

Absolutely, if keeping the cost down is important. You'll still have access to exactly the same scenery, public areas and onboard facilities.

The trade-off is having no natural light, and some inside cabins have bunk-style beds. Personally, on a voyage that's all about the views, I'd prefer a window. But I'd rather you travelled in an inside cabin than missed out on the trip altogether.

Is it worth paying extra for a balcony or suite?

For most people, I'd say no.

Havila's standard cabins are modern, comfortable and perfectly suited to a coastal voyage where you'll spend much of your time enjoying the scenery from the ship's lounges, observation areas and open decks. Unlike a traditional cruise where you might spend hours relaxing by the pool or on a balcony, the focus here is very much on the journey along the Norwegian coast.

A private balcony sounds appealing, but particularly in winter, you may find you use it far less than you expected.

The bigger consideration is cost. While upgrading to a balcony cabin can be reasonably priced on some departures, the jump to Havila's larger suites is often significant, sometimes doubling or even trebling the cost of the voyage. In our experience, most travellers simply don't gain enough additional value to justify that increase.

That's not to say the suites aren't excellent. If you enjoy having more space, premium surroundings and additional comforts, they can be a wonderful indulgence.

But I'd never consider a suite essential on a Havila voyage. For many people, the money saved would be better spent on extending their stay in Norway, enjoying some memorable excursions or making more of the holiday as a whole.

Does it matter where my cabin is located?

People often ask whether they should book port or starboard to get the best views.

I wouldn't get too hung up on that. You're travelling along a coastline with scenery on both sides, and for the really spectacular stretches, you'll probably want to be out on deck or in one of the observation lounges anyway.

But there is another reason why I'd think about which side of the ship you're on: getting a good night's sleep.

With so many ports along the route, the ship makes several stops during the night. If you're a light sleeper, I would generally recommend a starboard cabin, away from much of the activity on the quayside.

On the other hand, if you're someone who enjoys watching the ship arrive in harbour, with passengers getting on and off and goods being loaded, you might actually prefer a port-side cabin.

The other consideration is where your cabin is positioned along the ship. Much of the Norwegian coastal route travels through sheltered waters, but there are some more exposed stretches where the sea can be rougher, particularly in winter. Cabins towards the middle of the ship generally experience less movement than those towards the front or back, so that's another thing I'd bear in mind when choosing your cabin.

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What's the food really like on Havila?

Food is something I think Havila does particularly well. Rather than the enormous buffets you might associate with cruising, there's a much more relaxed approach to dining, with an emphasis on Norwegian ingredients and regional specialities.

And as you travel along the coast, the menus change to reflect the areas you're passing through. So the food becomes part of your Norwegian experience.

Three places to eat onboard

Havrand Restaurant – included in your fare

This is the main restaurant, where you'll have breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Breakfast combines a buffet of breads, fruit, cheeses and cold meats with hot dishes you can order from your waiter.

Lunch is a little different. Rather than loading up a plate at a buffet, you choose from a menu of smaller dishes, usually two courses and perhaps a dessert.

Dinner is a three-course, sit-down affair, with a choice of dishes featuring Norwegian seafood, meat and seasonal produce.

Meals are served at a fairly leisurely pace, particularly dinner, so don't expect to be in and out in half an hour. You'll be allocated a table and dining arrangements on board.

Hildring Fine Dining – a special occasion

If you fancy something a little more elaborate, Hildring offers fine dining with premium Norwegian ingredients and more sophisticated menus.

There's an additional charge, although some suite guests have dining benefits included in their fare. Reservations are made on board.

Havly Café – for something more casual

Open around the clock, Havly serves coffee, cakes, sandwiches and snacks, along with dishes such as Norwegian fish soup, pizzas and burgers.

It's handy if you're peckish between meals, but food and drinks here generally cost extra.

What if I have special dietary requirements?

Vegetarian and vegan options are available, and Havila can accommodate various dietary requirements.

My advice is to let us know about any allergies or special diets when you book, rather than leaving it until you're on board. Havila asks for at least three weeks' notice so the kitchen can prepare.

And remember, your main meals are already included on the full coastal voyages. You don't need to spend anything extra on food unless you want to.

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Excursions: which would I recommend, and where can you explore independently?

My first piece of advice is don't feel you need to book an excursion at every port they’re available.

On a 12-day voyage, I'd generally suggest choosing two or three experiences you're particularly excited about, then exploring independently when you can. You don't want to spend the whole holiday rushing from one organised activity to another.

Excursions I'd seriously consider

I'd spend your money on experiences that would be difficult to arrange yourself, particularly when the ship is only in port for a few hours.

Husky sledding and snowmobiling are good examples, particularly on a winter voyage. They're wonderful ways to experience the Arctic landscape, and the transport and timings are organised around the ship.

These activities are also extremely popular, so if they're a big part of why you're visiting Norway, I'd recommend booking them well in advance.

I'd also consider the North Cape excursion from Honningsvåg. Penny was pleasantly surprised by how much she enjoyed visiting the plateau. She particularly liked the journey there, which gave her a completely different perspective on the mountains and fjords.

If you enjoy getting out on the water, a RIB safari can be well worth doing.

I took one to Saltstraumen, near Bodø, where you travel through the surrounding waterways to see the famous tidal currents and look for wildlife.

We saw porpoises and passed fish farms, and it was fascinating seeing the coastline from a small boat. We didn't see any sea eagles that day, but that's wildlife for you!

Depending on your interests, you might also enjoy a guided hike, kayaking or a trip inland.

Some excursions even leave the ship at one port and rejoin it farther along the coast. They're a good way to see parts of Norway you wouldn't otherwise reach from the ship.

Where I'd simply get off and explore

In towns such as Ålesund, Tromsø and Svolvær, you can often walk off the ship and explore without paying for a guided tour.

You might visit a cathedral, wander around the harbour, stop for a coffee or simply see where the streets take you.

In general, I wouldn't pay for a walking tour of somewhere I could comfortably explore myself. But there are exceptions.

Trondheim is one place where I'd recommend a guided walking tour. There's a lot of history to discover, and because it's one of the larger ports, a tour is a good way to get your bearings before making the most of your free time afterwards.

My advice: Choose the excursions you'd be disappointed to miss and book the popular ones well before you travel. Then leave yourself some flexibility to explore independently.

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Is Havila suitable for solo travellers?

Yes, I think it's a very good option, particularly if you're comfortable travelling independently and enjoy meeting people along the way.

One of the things I've always enjoyed about the Norwegian coastal route is how easy it is to strike up a conversation. I've chatted to crew members, local Norwegians travelling between ports and fellow passengers. There's a lovely, informal atmosphere, and you soon start recognising familiar faces around the ship.

Equally, if you prefer your own company, you can find a quiet corner, enjoy the scenery or explore ashore at your own pace.

It's not an organised singles holiday, though. There aren't hosted activities specifically designed to bring solo travellers together.

You'll have your own cabin, with no requirement to share with a stranger. There may be a single supplement, although Havila does offer special solo fares on selected departures.

My advice? If you enjoy a little company but also value your independence, I think this could suit you very well.

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Why book your Havila voyage with Suitcase Travel?

Of course, you can book a Havila voyage directly and arrange your own flights and hotels if you'd like to.

But there are some very good reasons why you might prefer to let us organise it for you.

We're specialists in the Norwegian coastal route

There's a difference between booking through a travel agent and booking through a travel agent who really knows the holiday you're considering.

Norwegian coastal voyages are one of our specialities. Between us, we've travelled the route ourselves and arranged these holidays for over 1,000 Suitcase Travel passengers.

That means we've answered most of the questions you might have - and helped people avoid spending money on things they don't really need.

For example, we'll often recommend a Seaview Superior cabin rather than an expensive suite, because we know you'll probably spend most of your time enjoying the scenery from the decks and lounges.

We can also advise on the best cabin position and configuration for you, and help arrange a specific cabin rather than simply leaving the allocation to chance.

And we'll help you decide whether the 12-day round trip is worth the extra time and money, which excursions we'd actually recommend and when to travel for the experience you're looking for.

We're not here simply to book the holiday you've already chosen. We're here to help you make the right choices in the first place.

We'll organise the whole holiday, not just the voyage

Want a reasonably priced, well-located hotel in Bergen? We know one.

Need flights and airport transfers? We'll arrange those too.

Or perhaps you'd like to spend a couple of nights in Oslo, travel across Norway by train and experience the famous Flåm Railway before joining Havila in Bergen?

We can put all of that together as one holiday, with the arrangements and connections thought through from start to finish.

And we'll tell you if we think you're trying to squeeze too much in, or spending money on something that isn't really worthwhile.

Your whole holiday can be protected as a package

If you book your Havila voyage directly and arrange your flights and hotels separately, you're dealing with different companies, each responsible for its own part of the trip.

But what happens if a problem with one booking affects everything else?

Perhaps your flight is cancelled and you can't reach Bergen in time to join the ship. Or bad weather forces a change to the sailing schedule, affecting your onward travel and hotel bookings.

When we arrange your holiday as an ATOL-protected flight-inclusive package, you benefit from two important safeguards.

ATOL provides financial protection if the company responsible for your ATOL-protected booking ceases trading. But there's another benefit that's often overlooked: package travel regulations make the holiday organiser responsible for the services included in your package, rather than leaving you to deal with each supplier separately.

Depending on what happens, that can mean arranging alternative transport or accommodation, changing your plans or providing a refund where the regulations require it.

It's a significant advantage over booking each part independently, particularly on a holiday where flights, transfers, hotels and a coastal voyage all need to fit together.

And if something goes wrong, you've got us to help

Of course, having legal protection is one thing. Having someone who knows your holiday and can help put things right is another.

Norway's weather can be unpredictable. Occasionally a ship may have to change its sailing schedule - ending a voyage early or finishing later than expected. Flights can be delayed or cancelled too.

When you've booked your package with us, that's where we step in.

We can speak directly to the people involved, help organise alternative arrangements and work through the consequences for the rest of your holiday.

Rather than spending your time trying to contact the cruise company, airline and hotels individually, you'll have us helping to coordinate everything.

I can't promise that nothing will go wrong. Nobody can.

But I can promise that if it does, you won't be left to work out what to do next on your own.

We'll help you get the best possible deal on your voyage

Havila runs special offers and promotions throughout the year, and knowing when to book can make quite a difference to the price you pay.

We've been arranging Norwegian coastal voyages for years, so we've got a pretty good feel for when offers might be coming, what sort of savings to expect and whether it's worth holding off before booking.

But waiting for a better price isn't always the right decision. Popular departures and the best-positioned cabins can sell out, particularly if you're travelling at a busy time of year.

We'll give you our view on whether to book now or wait for a possible offer, taking into account your preferred dates, cabin and how flexible you can be.

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Your Havila questions answered

Will I get seasick on a Havila voyage?

Much of the Norwegian coastal route travels through sheltered waters, but there are exposed stretches where the sea can get rough, particularly in winter.

If you're prone to seasickness, I'd recommend a cabin towards the middle of the ship, where you'll generally feel less movement.

When booking online, you’ll be allocated a cabin automatically. We can help you choose a specific cabin when you book, so we can take things like seasickness and cabin position into account. On the 12-day round trip, there's normally no extra charge for selecting your cabin.

It's also worth bringing your usual seasickness remedies or asking your pharmacist for advice before travelling.

I wouldn't promise you a completely smooth voyage, but equally, you shouldn't assume you're going to spend the whole trip feeling seasick.

What happens if bad weather affects the voyage?

Norway's weather can be unpredictable, particularly during winter. Occasionally, the captain may need to change the sailing schedule, miss a port or cancel an excursion for safety reasons.

That's part of travelling along a working coastal route, and it's worth being prepared for a little flexibility.

If something does change, the crew will explain what's happening. And if you've booked your complete holiday through us, we'll be here to help sort things out. Whether that means rearranging flights, changing hotel bookings or dealing with other knock-on effects, we'll help get your holiday back on track.

How many passengers are on a Havila ship?

Havila has four modern ships, each with a maximum capacity of 640 passengers.

In practice, there are often considerably fewer on board, and the numbers change as local passengers get on and off along the route.

They're much smaller and quieter than the enormous cruise ships you may be imagining, and there's plenty of space to spread out in the lounges and on deck.

Is there a dress code on Havila?

No formal dress code, and certainly no need to pack a dinner jacket or evening gown!

It's a relaxed, informal atmosphere. Smart-casual clothes are perfectly fine for dinner, and comfortable, practical clothing is what you'll wear most of the time.

I'd concentrate on bringing layers, a waterproof jacket and sensible footwear, particularly if you're travelling in winter.

Are flights included in Havila cruises?

Not normally. When you book a standard voyage directly with Havila, flights, airport transfers and any additional hotel stays generally need to be arranged separately.

We can organise all of these as part of your holiday, including extra time in Oslo, Bergen or elsewhere in Norway, with all the arrangements and connections carefully planned.

There are some important benefits to booking everything together, too. We can arrange your holiday as an ATOL-protected package, giving you financial protection and additional rights under package travel regulations.

And if a flight is cancelled, bad weather disrupts your voyage or you miss a connection, we'll be here to help rearrange your plans and get your holiday back on track, rather than leaving you to deal with several different travel companies yourself.

Does Havila offer a drinks package?

Yes, although you can only purchase it once you're on board.

Unlike drinks packages on many conventional cruise ships, Havila's isn't necessarily a way to save money. Because of the way alcoholic drinks are priced in Norway, you effectively pay for the number of drinks included in the package.

Personally, I'd suggest waiting until you're on board and deciding whether it's worthwhile based on what you expect to drink.

Tea, coffee and water are included with meals on the main packaged voyages, along with selected breakfast drinks. Other drinks generally cost extra.

Is Wi-Fi included, and how reliable is it?

Yes, Wi-Fi is included.

It's generally fine for checking emails, sending messages and keeping in touch with home, but the connection can be less reliable in remote coastal areas.

I wouldn't rely on it for important work calls, video meetings or continuous streaming. And perhaps that's not such a bad thing on a holiday like this!

Can Havila cater for food allergies and special diets?

Yes. Vegetarian and vegan dishes are available, and Havila can accommodate a range of dietary requirements.

The important thing is to tell us about any allergies or special dietary requirements when you book. We'll pass the details on to Havila so the kitchen can make the necessary arrangements.

And if you're booking at short notice, don't worry. We can still discuss your requirements with the ship and advise you what's possible.

What time are meals served?

In Havrand, the main restaurant, breakfast is generally served from 7am to 10am, lunch from 11.30am to 2.30pm, and dinner from 6pm to 9pm.

You'll be given your dining arrangements on board. The meals themselves are fairly leisurely, especially dinner.

Havly Café is also available if you'd like something outside the main restaurant's serving times, although purchases there cost extra.

Will I be alerted if the Northern Lights appear during the night?

Yes. Havila has a Northern Lights alert system that you can activate using the telephone in your cabin.

If the lights are spotted, you'll receive an alert so you can head outside rather than sleeping through the display.

Of course, there's no guarantee they'll appear, but it's a particularly useful feature when you're spending several nights travelling through the Arctic.

Are Havila's ships suitable for passengers with limited mobility?

Havila's ships have lifts and accessible facilities, including specially adapted cabins.

However, it's important to consider more than just the ship. Some ports have uneven surfaces, and certain excursions may involve steps, walking or boarding smaller boats.

I'd strongly recommend talking to us about your particular requirements before booking. We can check the cabin, embarkation arrangements and excursions to help you understand what's practical.

Is there a laundry service on board?

Yes, Havila provides complimentary self-service laundry facilities, including detergent.

That's particularly useful on a 12-day voyage, and it means you may not need to pack quite as much as you'd expect.

Do I need to tip the crew?

No. Service charges are already included in the fare, so there's no compulsory tipping.

Tipping isn't generally part of Norwegian culture in the way it is in some other countries, so there's certainly no expectation that you'll leave a gratuity.

Of course, if you receive particularly good service and want to leave something extra, that's entirely your choice.

Is English spoken on Havila?

Yes. English is widely spoken by the crew, and information for international passengers is available in English.

You'll also hear Norwegian and other languages on board, particularly because local passengers use the ships to travel between coastal communities.

That's part of what makes the experience different from a conventional cruise.