Havila Voyages, a family-run company founded by Per Sævik in the late 1950s, launched its first cruise ship, Havila Capella, in 2021.
The inauguration of this ship, which sails the Norwegian Coastal Express route (a 2,500-nautical-mile round-trip between Bergen and Kirkenes), marked a major milestone for a company that started life with a single fishing boat. The new-build fleet now comprises four ships, each with 179 cabins.
As well as cruise passengers, Havila carries foot passengers on shorter legs of the journey, so don’t be surprised to meet a commuter or an elderly local off to visit their grandchildren, as well as fellow tourists.
Sustainability is at the heart of Havila Voyages’ operation. In 2022, Havila Castor was the first silent and zero-emission ship to cruise in the Geirangerfjord Unesco World Heritage area. When not using battery power, the ships are powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). In late 2025, Havila completed a round-trip coastal voyage on liquefied biogas and is on track to sail carbon neutral by 2028 and emission-free by 2030.
1. Where does Havila Voyages sail?
Cruise durations range from two days to 12, however all Coastal Express Voyages visit the 34 ports between Bergen and Kirkenes on Norway’s northeastern tip (or 33 on the Voyage South). The direction of travel (north or south) will determine what you see. Many choose the 12-day Round Voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes and back, so that the destinations the ship visits at night while heading north can be seen in daylight on the return journey.
For example, the southbound journey visits the Lofoten Islands in daylight, which means a longer visit. There are three or four dedicated astronomy voyages each year at an extra fee (from £265pp).
During the 12-day voyage, the ships pass through Unesco World Heritage sites and cross the Arctic Circle twice.
Highlights include silent cruising in Trollfjord in the Lofoten archipelago, as well as Geirangerfjord. There’s a visit to the North Cape (Nordkapp), mainland Europe’s most northerly point, and the chance to see the Northern Lights or midnight sun.
At some coastal settlements, ships arrive and depart in minutes, while at others, there might be just enough time to stretch the legs, visit a small museum and buy a postcard. Winter or summer, it’s worth heading up to the panorama deck for arrivals and departures.
Longer stops are made at Alesund, Trondheim, Svolvaer, Hammerfest and Tromso. Activities might include a sea eagle safari, a husky sledge, a visit to a Sami settlement, and hiking and kayaking in the Norwegian fjords. It’s worth staying an extra two or three nights in Tromso and/or Bergen, and while in Kirkenes, Havila can arrange additional nights at the Snow Hotel.
2. Who does Havila Voyages appeal to?
Havila Voyages focuses more on the extraordinary scenery and making the most of time ashore. There’s no entertainment, pool, big library, dressing for dinner or any films on the in-room TV. There is a shop selling quality Norwegian-made gifts and clothing. Older children who appreciate the outdoors should enjoy this experience.
Solo cruisers can take advantage of discounted fares of up to 40 per cent on certain departure dates, and passengers on a budget can book inside cabins with drop-down bunks.
The coastal route also attracts independent travellers and locals taking advantage of port-to-port sector fares. Foot passengers can book a reclining seat in a specific area of the ship, rather than a cabin.
Ship life is relaxed and comfortable, but don’t expect much hand-holding or small talk with the crew. Passengers should be prepared to find out information and timings for port arrivals and departures either on the in-room TV or on the screen by the small excursion desk.
Announcements are kept to a minimum. Daily briefings outlining the following day’s ports and activities, and occasional talks are held in a small conference room near the restaurant and café.
3. Havila Voyages’ fleet
Havila Capella, Havila Castor, Havila Polaris and Havila Pollux (640 passengers, including foot passengers)
Named after navigational stars, the four ships are virtually identical and easy to navigate. Capella launched in 2021, Castor in 2022, and Polaris and Pollux in 2023. Each has an indoor and an outdoor bar and three dining venues – Havrand, Hildring and Havly café.
On deck nine is a panoramic bar with 270-degree views and doors to a viewing deck. Cosy lounges with flame-effect fires and recliner chairs invite relaxation, and public areas are furnished with seating designed by Norwegian furniture makers.
Each ship has an indoor and an outdoor bar, a sauna, two large hot tubs on deck, and two small gyms (one for weights and another for cardio). Generous deck space includes a viewing area at the bow that’s ideal for whale watching, and I found plenty of places to sit and plug in a laptop, play backgammon or read by big windows.
A muted colour palette and use of natural materials is easy on the eye, though in some public areas, the scheme (grey chairs; grey carpet) can feel overwhelmingly bland.
The all-day Havrand restaurant sweeps around the aft of the ship and has floor-to-ceiling windows so diners never miss a sunset, a whale or a show of the lights. The smaller Hildring Fine Dining restaurant serves a multi-course meat or fish tasting menu in the evening (non-suite guests can dine for a fee at night). Havly café serves alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, pastries, pizzas, soups, salads and sandwiches.
There are no dedicated family cabins, though some room categories sleep up to four passengers. All four vessels in the fleet are powered by engines that can operate on LNG, batteries, renewable biogas and hydrogen blends. The battery packs can be charged while the ships are docked, using clean Norwegian power.
Sails to: The Norwegian coast and fjords
4. Access for guests with disabilities
Each ship is adapted, and 18 cabins are wheelchair accessible. Some cabins 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 can be obtained at reception.
5. Loyalty scheme
Unlike some other cruise lines, Havila Voyages doesn’t offer a formal, tiered loyalty programme, but past guests might receive special offers.
About our expert
Teresa Machan
Teresa was Telegraph Travel’s cruise editor for six years. During that time, she sailed on river, ocean, sailing, and expedition ships to destinations including The Kimberley in Australia, Laos, Indonesia, the Chilean fjords, Baja, and Antarctica. She takes every opportunity possible to get waterborne, whether by kayak, on a ship or in the sea in Brighton.