Norwegian-owned Havila Voyages entered the cruise scene in 2021 when it launched the first of four modern ships to take passengers along the scenic Norwegian Coastal Express route, between Bergen and Kirkenes.
All four ships follow the same path, stopping at 34 ports along the coast, and run on LNG (liquid natural gas) and a battery pack that enables them to sail emission-free for up to four hours. In late 2025, Havila Polaris became the first ship to sail the coastal express route powered by batteries and liquefied biogas.
Polaris launched in 2023 and is licensed to carry local foot passengers as well as tourists, bringing the maximum passenger count to 640. Passengers can join a full cruise or spend two or three days on board to get a flavour of coastal Norway.
Overall score 8/10
Style and Character 7/10
The nine-deck ship feels calm, cosy and perfectly set up for gazing out at the Norwegian fjords. Lounge areas, with gentle lighting, floor-to-ceiling windows and recliner chairs by flame-effect fires, are very conducive to relaxation.
Lounges, bars and restaurants look out to sea, and the layout and flow of public areas makes the ship easy to navigate. Storyboards offer an interesting insight into Norwegian coastal culture. Furniture and soft furnishings in the public areas and bedrooms are Norwegian made. A subdued palate mirrors Norway’s sea, sky and mountains but a pop of colour on winter days would enhance the scheme.
Cabins 8/10
There are 15 room types ranging from interior and junior suites to a pair of premium Lighthouse Suites with balcony jacuzzis. The majority of the 70 cabins are Seaview Superior doubles and twins. A grey palette is enhanced by light wood panelling and soft feature lighting and the Norwegian-made mattress and thick topper were exceptionally comfortable.
Bathrooms have powerful showers, shiny, chrome fixtures and juniper-scented toiletries made in Norway’s Fitjar islands. Premium, junior and mini-suites come with perks including welcome champagne, bathrobes and breakfast and lunch options in Hildring Fine Dining.
All cabins have individual reading lights for nighttime, USB ports and a sofa and desk (coffee table in the smallest interior room) and a kettle or Nespresso machine. As part of the Eco-Voyager programme, cabins are cleaned every second day.
Food and Drink 9/10
On my sailing, the Havbris bar drew a crowd for a couple of fun food and drink sampling events. All-day restaurant Havrand curves around the aft and has floor- to-ceiling windows so that diners don’t miss out on a sunset or a pod of dolphins. Expect a relaxed atmosphere and healthy food incorporating regional ingredients.
Except for cold items at breakfast there are no buffets. To reduce food waste the à la carte menu – which changes every three days to reflect regional flavours – offers a choice of dishes served as generously portioned small plates. My favourites included a creamy fish stew, Norwegian beef and gin-smoked salmon and an apple sorbet with pistachio and rosemary. At breakfast I tried sausages from Idsoe and eggs from Sunnmore.
Suite guests can eat in fine-dining restaurant Hildring which serves a multi-course meat or fish tasting menu in the evening. Non-suite passengers can reserve dinner for NOK395 (approx £30). Elsewhere the Havly café serves drinks, pastries, pizzas, soups, salads and sandwiches while the Havblikk Observation Bar and Lounge has sweeping forward-facing views. Alongside wine and cocktails, the bar menu includes Norwegian meads and aquavit, along with craft beers and ciders.
Entertainment and Excursions 8/10
There’s a compelling line-up of excursions ranging from a midnight concert at Tromso Cathedral (£40) to a winter cruise to Gerainger (£270). Both my kayak and sauna excursion and coastal walk in Bodo were interesting and well organised.
There’s no organised entertainment on board, but excursions also take place in the evening and there are occasional food and drink events (for an extra fee), as well as a fun Arctic crossing ceremony.
Service and Facilities 6/10
Deck eight has separate weights and cardio gyms, two large hot tubs and a free-to-use sauna. Bring a robe if you’re planning to use the sauna, however, as the sliding doors from the changing area open straight to the deck.
Plentiful viewing areas include the deck-nine promenade, the indoor/outdoor Observation Lounge and a large deck space at the bow accessed via the Deck 6 lounge. There’s a dedicated excursion desk (these can also be booked in advance), a small conference room for daily briefings and a shop selling Norwegian-brand outdoor wear, gifts and essentials.
You’ll also find a self-service laundry, a screened off “kids corner” in the main lounge, a medical centre and a port-to-port area for day passengers with sleeping chairs that can be booked in advance. Service was professional though some staff were more approachable than others. For instance, I got no help at the expedition desk when I asked for recommendations in Tromso.
Value for Money 8/10
Wi-Fi, tips and coffee and tea are included in the fare. A local bottled beer cost £9.50 and a signature cocktail £11.80.
Access for guests with disabilities?
Eighteen cabins are wheelchair accessible and some cater to guide-dog owners. There is Braille on the railings at the stairs, on cabin-number signs, and in common areas. Tele loops are installed in several areas and vibrating alarms are provided on request.
Family-friendly?
There are no dedicated menus or family cabins, but several room categories sleep up to four passengers.