cruise ship maud norway

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About MS Maud

Built in 2003, MS Maud accommodates 570 passengers and boasts a gross tonnage of 16,151 tons. With a rich history, exceptional amenities, and a commitment to exploration, MS Maud invites you to unlock your inner scientist, savor deeply delicious dining, and embark on a cruise that transcends the ordinary. She is equipped with advanced technology, making her the perfect floating basecamp for expedition cruises in Norway and the British Isles. A blend of tradition and cutting-edge capabilities sets the stage for an exceptional polar journey.

MS Maud is more than just a vessel; it's your ocean oasis, a floating retreat designed for tranquility and comfort. With Scandinavian style and homely comforts, it provides the perfect haven to rejuvenate after each exploration. Inspired by Norway’s stunning nature, the ship's bright interiors in a classic Art Deco style echo the colors of the Midnight Sun, creating warm vibes year-round.

As you sail on MS Maud, embark on a culinary journey with delightful meals inspired by the destinations you explore. Three onboard restaurants, including the fine dining Lindstrøm, offer a rich variety of dishes. Experience the casual yet vibrant atmosphere of Fredheim, named after a 1900s hunting station on Svalbard, offering fast food and plant-based alternatives. The main dining room, Aune, pays homage to the Norwegian polar expedition supplier Tinus Aune, providing a diverse array of meals for you to enjoy.

Discover the wonders of the Science Center on deck 5, a hub of active research and learning. Engage in Citizen Science projects and build a deeper understanding of the destinations you explore. Stay active with modern exercise facilities, and then relax in the panoramic sauna or a hot tub on deck, indulging in the fresh sea air and rugged landscapes for a truly Nordic experience.

Embark on a journey with MS Maud and let the spirit of exploration guide you to new horizons, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Owners Suite

These exclusive suites are situated on the upper decks. The suites have two rooms, a seating area and dining table, TV, kettle, tea/coffee, stereo, internet access, bathroom, minibar and private balcony. The first minibar setup is included for each item, each replenishment is chargeable. Travel the best way possible!

Grand suite

These exclusive suites have a seating area, TV, kettle, tea/coffee, stereo, internet access, bathroom and minibar. The first minibar setup is included for each item, each replenishment is chargeable. Some of the suites also have bathtubs, and a private balcony or bay window.

Expedition Suite

These elegant suites are on the upper deck with a seating area, bathroom, TV and minibar. The first minibar setup is included for each item, each replenishment is chargeable. Some have a private balcony.

Expedition Mini suite

These comfortable suites on the middle or upper decks have double beds and most have sofa groups as well. The suites also have a TV, internet access, a bathroom and minibar. The first minibar setup is included for each item, each replenishment is chargeable. Some cabins have portholes and limited view, while the cabins on deck 7 have a full view.

Arctic Superior Outside cabin

Most of these large, comfortable cabins with single beds on the middle or upper decks have sofa groups. They all have a private bathroom and TV. The cabins have limited or no view.

Cabins on decks 6 that sleeps up to two people, with a double bed or a flexible sleeping arrangement, kettle and TV. These cabins are adapted for guests with disabilities.

These comfortable, outside cabins for up to two people on the middle deck have a private bathroom and separate beds, one of which doubles as a sofa.

These comfortable outside cabins for up to two people on the top/upper decks have a private bathroom and double or separate beds, one of which doubles as a sofa.

Polar Outside cabin

These standard outside cabins on the middle and upper decks have separate beds and private bathrooms.

These standard outside cabins for two people on the middle decks have separate beds and private bathrooms.

These comfortable outside cabins for up to two people on the upper deck have private bathrooms and separate beds, one of which converts into a sofa. The cabins have limited or no view.

Cabins on decks 6 and 7 that sleeps up to two people, with limited/no view, and double bed or flexible sleeping, kettle and TV.

Polar Outside Cabin

These comfortable outside cabins for up to two people on the lower deck have private bathrooms and separate beds, one of which converts into a sofa. The cabins have portholes, some with limited or no view.

Polar Insidecabin

These comfortable, standard inside cabins for up to two people on the middle or upper decks have separate beds, one of which converts into a sofa. All cabins have private bathrooms.

Polar Inside cabin

Cabins on decks 4, 6, and 7 that sleeps up to two people, with a double bed or flexible sleeping arrangements, kettle and TV.

View Deck Plan

Outdoor BBQ

Expedition Launch

Observation Deck

outdoor Gym

Explorer Lounge & Bar

Lecture Hall

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Norwegian cruise ship hit by storm and left without power in North Sea

The MS Maud's 266 passengers and 131 crew were safe and two towage vessels from a civil rescue firm were helping to keep it stable, Danish authorities said.

Friday 22 December 2023 10:29, UK

A Norwegian cruise ship has been left without power in the North Sea after a rogue wave and hurricane-force winds shattered windows on its bridge, Danish authorities have said.

The MS Maud's 266 passengers and 131 crew were safe, a spokesperson for the Danish Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (DJRC) told Reuters.

They added that two towage vessels from a civil rescue firm were helping to keep it stable.

"They just need to calmly get through the storm, and they do this by sailing upwind," the spokesperson said.

The vessel left Floroe in Norway on Thursday and was due to arrive in Tilbury in the UK on Friday.

It was sailing around 120 miles (200km) off Denmark's west coast and 205 miles (330km) off the east coast of the UK when water entered the vessel's bridge, resulting in a power outage.

Its main engine was still functioning, allowing the ship to be steered manually from the engine room.

Data from the shipping traffic website Vesselfinder.com showed on Friday that MS Maud had barely moved since Thursday night.

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The ship belongs to cruise company HX, which said on Thursday that it had suffered "a temporary loss of power" and the crew and passengers were safe.

It was not clear where the vessel would go next.

Read more: Delays at Dover as Britons prepare to travel for Christmas Eurostar trains to resume after strike despite storm disruption

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Last month around 100 passengers were injured on a cruise ship when it got caught in a storm in the Bay of Biscay.

The Spirit of Discovery was nearing the end of a 14-night round trip to the Canary Islands when it was hit by severe weather, including waves said to have been at least 9m high.

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Southern Scandinavia

• Get inspired by the possibilities.
• Build your ideal trip.
• Visit the marine biosphere of the spectacular Koster Islands
• Explore four countries in one extraordinary voyage
• Discover the northernmost point of Denmark
• Enjoy the 61-mile transit of the Kiel Canal
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Full Itinerary

Day 1: dover, england | embark, day 2: at sea.

• 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Day 3: List, Sylt, Germany

Day 4: kiel canal and kiel, germany, day 5: skagen, denmark, day 6: lysekil, sweden, day 7: fjällbacka, sweden, day 8: koster islands, sweden, day 9: oslo, norway, day 10: kragerø, norway, day 11: lysefjord, norway, day 12: rosendal, norway, day 13: farsund, norway, day 14: at sea, day 15: dover, england | disembark.

• 1 Breakfast

Dates & Prices

My preferred start date.

Initial deposit is 25%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.

Final payment is due 70 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge

See our general terms and conditions:

• Adventure Life Terms & Conditions

We are an agent for one or more providers on this trip with specific cancellation policies and terms:

• Huirtigruten Expedition - General Terms and Conditions - Hurtigruten (Norway)

For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.

• 14 Breakfasts, 13 Lunches, 14 Dinners
• 14 Nights Accommodations
• Accommodations as listed
• Ground transportation as listed
• Activities as listed
• Meals as listed
• Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
• Complimentary Reusable Water Bottle 
• Complimentary Wi-Fi on board. Be aware that we sail in remote areas with very limited connection. Streaming is not supported.
• Loan of Boots, Trekking Poles, & All Equipment for Activities
• Use of the Ship’s Science Center which has an extensive library and advanced biological and geological microscopes
• À la carte restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests
• In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team
• Citizen Science Program where you can assist with ongoing scientific research
• Professional onboard photographer gives tips and tricks for the best landscape and wildlife photos
• Escorted landings with small expedition boats
• English-speaking expedition team
• Complimentary tea and coffee
• Complimentary wind- and water-resistant expedition jacket
• Use of ship's hot tubs, panoramic sauna and indoor gym
• Travel Insurance
• Personal Expenses
• Flight costs (please request a quote)
• Additional excursions during free time
• Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
• Luggage Handling 
• Mandatory medical evacuation insurance
• Optional shore excursions with local partners
• Optional small-group activities with the Expedition Team

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Refurbished: 2021

Fuel: Biodiesel

Single use plastic: Banned

Maximum passengers: 500

OWNERS SUITE - Two-room suite on deck 8 that sleeps up to two people, with a TV, seating area, dining table, coffee making facilities, minibar and private balcony. Please note: This cabin is automatically made with a double bed. To order twin beds, please notify us at time of booking. Cabin grade: MX

EXPEDITION SUITE - Our Expedition suites are the most luxurious cabins on the ship. Situated on the upper decks of the ship, the cabins feature seating areas with TV, bathrooms with shower/WC, and double beds. Some suites have more facilities than others. 

POLAR INSIDE - Our Polar inside cabins are on decks 4, 6, 7 and include bathrooms with shower/WC. The cabins have double or separate beds and TV. All the cabins have individual specifications.

POLAR OUTSIDE - Our Polar outside cabins are situated mostly on the middle or lower decks and all have bathrooms with shower/WC. The cabins also have double or separate beds and individual specifications.

ARCTIC SUPERIOR - OUTSIDE CABIN - Cabins on decks 6 that sleeps up to two people, with a double bed or a flexible sleeping arrangement, kettle and TV. These cabins are adapted for guests with disabilities. We have a limited number of wheelchair accessible cabins, so we ask that they are booked by guests who require these cabins. Please inform us in advance of your disability - you will find Hurtigruten contact information on the Booking Confirmation document. Cabin grade: YA

MINI SUITE - One-room suite on deck 6 and 7 that sleeps up to two people, with TV, seating area, coffee making facilities and minibar. Please note: This cabin is automatically made with a double bed. To order twin beds, please notify us at time of booking. Cabin grade: Q2

GRAND SUITE - One or two-room suites on decks 7 and 8 that sleeps up to two people with a TV, seating area, dining table, coffee making facilities, minibar and some with bathtub. Some also come with scenic bay window or a private balcony. Please note: This cabin is automatically made with a double bed. To order twin beds, please notify us at time of booking. Cabin grade: MG

ACCESSIBLE CABIN - Accessible cabin on MV Maud

Upcoming Trips

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Equipped with battery packs and other green technology, Maud will operate year-round expedition cruises along the Norwegian coast from 2021. You will be able to explore Norway like never before, with all the comforts, facilities and expertise you need for creating a perfect adventure. Maud will also be equipped for shore power, to cut emissions to zero when docked in ports with shore power facilities, and she will be fitted with low-emission engines, complying with all known and upcoming regulations. 

Cabins and public areas Norway´s stunning scenery is reflected in the ship´s interior design. Comfortable cabins and suites feature natural Scandinavian materials, such as granite, oak, birch and wool. Our stylish and welcoming public areas create great places to watch the world´s most beautiful coastline pass by.

A specially designed Expedition Launch zone – the tender pit area where guests embark on their on their excursions and off-ship adventures – will be added, complete with tender boats and other expedition equipment. 

A new Science Center will be added. Packed with state-of-the-art technology and high-tech gadgets such as touch screens, science equipment and other interactive features, the edutainment area will also be the on-board HQ for the ship’s Expedition Team.

A wellness-area, complete with gym, lounge and treatment rooms, will be built. 

There will be a range of restaurants :

• Restaurant Aune, an expedition cruise main restaurant concept. Aune will be social and informal with the use of natural elements in design and interiors, and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner based on a Scandinavian identity.
• Restaurant Lindstrøm, a specialty restaurant named after the favorite chef of the Norwegian polar heroes, will be added. Lindstrøm will be an upper premium fine dining restaurant with strong roots in traditional Norwegian cooking that are contrasted with modern cuisine.
• The informal eatery Fredheim, named after a legendary 1920s hunting station in Svalbard that sheltered adventurers from around the world. In addition, a new outdoor grill venue will be added outdoor on the top decks.

Honouring explorer heritage

MS Maud is named after one of the most famous polar vessels of all time, Roald Amundsens “Maud” from 1917. The original “Maud” got her name from the first Queen of modern-day Norway. 

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MS Maud deck plans

Deck layouts, review of facilities, activities, amenities.

MS Maud deck plan review at CruiseMapper provides newest cruise deck plans (2024-2025-2026 valid floor layouts of the vessel) extracted from the officially issued by Hurtigruten deckplan pdf (printable version).

Each of the MS Maud cruise ship deck plans are conveniently combined with a legend (showing cabin codes) and detailed review of all the deck's venues and passenger-accessible indoor and outdoor areas. A separate link provides an extensive information on MS Maud staterooms (cabins and suites), including photos, cabin plans and amenities by room type and category.

MS Maud (2003-built as "MS Midnatsol", last refurbished in 2021 January) is one of the three advertised as “Millennium-class” newest Hurtigruten ships - together with Finnmarken (Otto Sverdrup)  and  Trollfjord (Eirik Raude) . These ships serve Hurtigruten’s Norwegian Coastal Voyages (NCV) program for ferry and cruise travel by passenger-cargo vessels sailing regularly (year-round) along the coast of Norway and visiting a total of 34 different ports of call. MS Maud (Midnatsol) itinerary calendar has sailings between Bergen and Kirkenes , also some departures from Tromso .

The boat has 9 decks, of which 7 are passenger-accessible (all accessible via 3 elevators) and 3 with cabins.

MS Maud cruise ship deck plan shows a total of 262 staterooms with 532 berths.

MS Midnatsol cruise ship deck plan shows a total of 301 staterooms for 638 passengers (max capacity is 970 guests on Norwegian coastal voyages, 500 on Antarctic cruises) served by 75 crew-staff (all Norwegian). The ship has 7 passenger decks (all accessible via 3 elevators), 1 car lift (connecting decks 3-4 only), 2 bars, 4 lounges, Spa/Sauna, Fitness. The ship’s interior design is Norwegian summer-themed – bright, colorful, Sun-inspired, with many public spaces displaying artworks made by Norwegian artists. The ship has four cabin decks with mostly twin-bed configuration outside staterooms – all with large-size picture window views.

The ship’s original name (Midnatsol) from Norwegian translates as “Midnight Sun”.

Deck layouts

Deck 03 - expedition, deck 04 - lobby, deck 05 - restaurants-science center, deck 06 - promenade, deck 07 - bridge, deck 08 - lounge, deck 09 - observation-sundeck-pools, deck 10 - midnatsol deck3, deck 11 - midnatsol deck4, deck 12 - midnatsol deck5, deck 13 - midnatsol deck6, deck 14 - midnatsol deck7, deck 15 - midnatsol deck8, deck 16 - midnatsol deck9.

MS Maud deck plans are property of Hurtigruten . All deck layouts are for informational purposes only and CruiseMapper is not responsible for their accuracy.

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Norwegian cruise ship MS Maud loses power in North Sea during storm

Hundreds of passengers and crew safe but navigation systems and radars are no longer working after a rogue wave shattered windows on the bridge

The Norwegian cruise ship MS Maud suffered a power outage after a rogue wave shattered windows on the bridge while it sailed in the North Sea, causing the vessel to lose its ability to navigate, Danish authorities and the ship’s owner said on Thursday.

The 266 passengers and 131 crew members were safe, according to the Danish Joint Rescue Coordination Centre.

“There is no power on the ship. The main engine is functioning but the navigation systems and radars are not,” a spokesperson for the centre, which is responsible for coordinating search and rescue operations, said.

While sailing roughly 200km (120 miles) off Denmark’s west coast and roughly 330km off Britain’s east coast, strong winds blasted windows on the bridge of the vessel, allowing water to enter and resulting in a power failure on the bridge, the centre said.

The ship, which belongs to cruise company HX, a unit of Norway’s Hurtigruten Group, left Floroe in Norway on Thursday and was due to arrive in Tilbury in the UK on Friday.

“Earlier this afternoon, December 21, MS Maud reported a temporary loss of power after encountering a rogue wave,” Hurtigruten said in an emailed statement.

“At this time, the ship has confirmed that no serious passenger or crew injuries have been sustained as a result of the incident and the condition of the ship remains stable,” it said.

A towage vessel from the civil rescue company Esvagt was scheduled to arrive at the ship around 2230 GMT.

The ship was currently being steered manually from the engine room but cannot navigate. Esvagt support vessels had arrived to help the ship navigate until the ship could be towed to port.

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“I don’t think there is any danger to the ship now. If the captain thought so, he would have asked to be evacuated which he hasn’t,” the rescue centre spokesperson said.

The area was hit by a storm late on Thursday with hurricane-force gusts blowing from the north-west that were forecast to continue on Friday, the Danish Meteorological Institute said.

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Marvel at Norway's Coastline with MS Maud Cruise

For those seeking an outdoor adventure and excellent food, MS Maud is an ideal choice. The 528-passenger vessel, named after Roald Amundsen's 1917 ship "Maud" from Norway, takes guests on a 15-day round-trip from Stavanger to the North Cape from November to March. In spring, the ship sails round-trip from Dover to Scotland's west coast, calling at the Isle of Man, Isles of Scilly, Ireland and the Western Isles. MS Maud has an Expedition Team made up of an expedition leader, whale and dolphin watcher, geologist, micro-biologist, historian, and photographer. The ship is equipped with comfortable, public areas and two outdoor hot tubs to take in the breathtaking views of Norway and Scotland's coastline. Onboard food is exceptional and includes a buffet breakfast, while lunch and dinner are waiter-served set menus with wine and beer included. As this ship is an expedition ship, don't expect frequent port stops, as well as no Cruise Director or evening entertainment. In short, MS Maud is perfect for adventurous couples or friend groups looking for outdoor experiences and great food. However, it's not suitable for those seeking family activities, onboard entertainment or nightlife.

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12 NIGHT BRITISH ISLES Cruise

Departing From: Dover

Duration: 12 nights

Ship: MS Maud (Ship Info)

Port of Call: Dover, Day At Sea, Fishguard, Belfast, Castlebay, Kirkwall, Orkneys, Stornoway, Islay, Isle Of Man, Waterford, St Marys Isles Of Scilly, Dartmouth, Dover (View Itinerary)

12 Night British Isles Cruise

Best For: Gourmet, Honeymoon, Luxury, Romantic, Senior, Yacht and Expedition

$4,603

as little as $384.00/night

What's Included? -->

What 's Included in my Cruise?

Your Hurtigruten Package Includes:

• Comfortable accommodations
• Ocean transportation
• Most entertainment and daily activities
• On-board meals and some beverages

It does not include travel protection, shore excursions, personal expenses, specialty dining, wifi, gratuities, or alcoholic beverages.

Hurtigruten Expeditions Health & Safety Protocols allow you and your loved ones to cruise with the ultimate safety.

Visit Hurtigruten Expeditions to learn more about their Health & Safety Protocols.

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10 NIGHT WESTERN EUROPE Cruise

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Duration: 10 nights

Port of Call: Reykjavik, Stykkisholmur, Patreksfjordur, Day At Sea, Djupavik, Akureyri, Grimsey Island, Husavik, Husavik, Bakkagerdi, Heimaey, Reykjavik (View Itinerary)

10 Night Western Europe Cruise

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9 NIGHT BRITISH ISLES Cruise

Departing From: Edinburgh

Duration: 9 nights

Port of Call: Edinburgh, Fair Isle, Kirkwall, Orkneys, Lerwick, , Thorshavn, , Heimaey, Reykjavik (View Itinerary)

9 Night British Isles Cruise

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11 NIGHT BRITISH ISLES Cruise

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14 NIGHT EUROPE Cruise

Duration: 14 nights

Port of Call: Dover, Day At Sea, List/sylt, Transit Kiel Canal, Kiel, Skagen, Fjallbacka, Smogen, Koster, Oslo, Kragero, Arendal, Forsand, Lysefjord, Forsand, Rosendal, Farsund, Day At Sea, Dover (View Itinerary)

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What happened to the MS Maud? Norwegian Cruise ship gets hit by Rogue wave in frightening video

M S Maud, a Norwegian Cruise, ship lost its ability to navigate after it was hit by a rogue wave during a sea storm in the North Sea on Thursday, December 21, 2023, as the ship was traveling to Tilbury, England, from Florø, Norway. When the rogue wave hit the cruise ship, the vessel temporarily lost power, and water also reportedly entered into the cruise.

As per Fox Business, the MS Maud was 120 miles away from Denmark's west coast, and 185 miles away from Britain's east coast, at the time when the rogue wave hit the cruise. There were roughly 266 passengers and 131 crew members on board. However, none of them were seriously injured or hurt in the incident.

A short clip of the rogue wave hitting MS Maud also made its way on social media, which shows the cruise tumbling and water entering, as the ship barges into the mighty wave.

Another passenger uploaded the view from inside her room, which showed the ship bobbing, and water blasting on the windows .

The Danish Joint Rescue Coordination Centre said in a statement:

"The situation is stable, the ship has propulsion and they are able to navigate the ship manually via emergency systems. Following ongoing safety checks and technical assessments, given the weather conditions, we decided to amend the planned sailing route. Across the fleet, there are thorough operational protocols in place and we always prioritize the safety of those onboard."

Social media users left concerned as a video of a rogue wave hitting the cruise ship goes viral

The videos from MS Maud, where things became a little worrisome have gone viral on social media , as several videos show the disturbance in the sea causing the rogue wave. As many social media users stumbled upon the videos, they were left concerned for the safety of those who were travelling on the cruise.

As a Twitter user, @MikeSington posted about the same on the platform, here is how the masses reacted:

On the other hand, there are many passengers who are also posting updates from inside the ship, as many claimed how things were "frightening" at the time.

The cruise which was hit by the rogue wave , MS Maud is roughly 20 years old and has the capacity to carry more than 570 people. It weighs more than 16,100 gross tons and is 445 feet long.

Watch CBS News

Rogue wave kills navigation system on cruise ship with nearly 400 on board as deadly storm hammers northern Europe

December 22, 2023 / 9:05 AM EST / CBS/AP

A cruise ship in the North Sea was hit by a massive rogue wave, causing a power outage and disabling the vessel's navigation system late on Thursday, Danish authorities said, as a deadly storm brought heavy rain and strong winds across northern Europe overnight and into Friday.

The Norwegian cruise ship MS Maud temporarily lost power on Thursday after encountering the rogue wave. Its operator, Hurtigruten Expedition, said in a statement that the 266 guests and 131 crew were uninjured and that the vessel, initially headed for the English port of Tilbury, would be diverted to Bremerhaven, Germany, for disembarkation.

Danish Search and Rescue said the vessel could "maneuver via emergency systems, and it has two civilian support vessels close by."

Reuters reported that the ship was being towed to Bremerhafen in Germany after the power outage. A spokesperson for the Danish Joint Rescue Coordination Centre told the news agency that a ship from civil rescue firm Esvagt had managed to connect a tow line to the MS Maud.

"An Esvagt ship is towing it slowly towards Bremerhafen in Germany at around 8-9 knots," the spokesperson told Reuters.

On Thursday, high winds also grounded flights in parts of the U.K., suspended train services and stopped Scottish ferries.

Women killed by falling trees

The storm also brought down trees and prompting warnings of flooding on the North Sea coast. A woman in Belgium was fatally injured by a falling Christmas tree, while another tree killed a person in the Netherlands.

The 65-foot Christmas tree collapsed onto three people at a busy market in Oudenaarde in western Belgium late Thursday, killing a 63-year-old woman and injuring two other people. The Christmas market was immediately canceled.

A woman who was struck by a falling tree on Thursday in the eastern Dutch town of Wilp later died of her injuries, her employer said.

Pre-Christmas rail travelers in parts of Germany faced disruption. National railway operator Deutsche Bahn said Friday there were cancellations on routes from Hamburg and Hannover to Frankfurt and Munich, while long-distance services from Hamburg northward to Kiel and Flensburg weren't running, among other disruptions.

The company said that falling trees damaged overhead electric wires or blocked tracks largely in northern Germany, but also in the central state of Hesse.

In Hamburg, the Elbe River flooded streets around the city's fish market, with water waist-high in places. German authorities warned of a storm surge of up to three meters (nearly 10 feet) or more above mean high tide on parts of the North Sea coast on Friday.

Streets around harbors flooded overnight in some Dutch North Sea towns including Scheveningen, the seaside suburb of The Hague.

The huge Maeslantkering storm barrier that protects Rotterdam from high sea levels automatically closed for the first time because of high water levels - meaning that all six major storm barriers that protect the low-lying Netherlands were closed at the same time. The nation's water and infrastructure authority said that was also a first. By Friday morning, all six barriers were open again as winds eased.

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Norwegian cruise ship loses power after it was hit by rogue wave in North Sea

A Norwegian cruise ship with more than 250 passengers on board lost power on Thursday, Dec. 21, after the vessel encountered a rogue wave during a storm, the cruise company HX said.

The MS Maud sustained a temporary loss of power while sailing to Tilbury, England, from Florø, Norway, HX said in a statement to NBC News. No serious injuries were reported among the 266 passengers and 131 crew members, according to HX.

"The condition of the ship remains stable and the crew are able to sail under their own power," a spokesperson for HX said.

The Danish Joint Rescue Coordination Centre said in a statement to NBC News the ship's crew is navigating the vessel manually via emergency systems, and that two civilian support ships are helping to navigate the waters in the North Sea .

HX said after following ongoing safety checks and technical assessments, the company amended the ship's planned route to sail to Bremerhaven, Germany, for disembarkation.

"Our team are working to arrange onward travel back home for guests onboard," a spokesperson for the company said.

The storm's hurricane-force winds smashed windows on the MS Maud, and passengers aboard described the frightening situation.

Dorothy Hallam, a passenger on board, wrote on social media, "We've been sat on the floor in our muster stations for hours wearing our safety suits and life jackets and there's no sign of us being allowed up any time soon. We were thrown about a lot."

Ian Roberts, another passenger, wrote on Facebook about the unexpected change in holiday plans.

"Sorry for those whose Christmas treat has been spoiled. However, crew on board Maud have been exemplary in looking after us in what was initially quite a tricky situation," Roberts said.

The MS Maud isn't the first ship to encounter rough seas in the North Sea — dramatic videos of huge waves crashing in the area have become a source of fascination on TikTok.

While the waters of the North Sea can be turbulent, marine experts said it's generally safe for the hundreds of thousands of ships that pass through every year.

Anna Kaplan is a news and trending reporter for TODAY.com.

MS Maud: Practical information and life on board

• General Information

How accurate is the information below?

The information and descriptions have been checked by our staff and/or local agents to ensure they are correct. However, changes may occur after the date of publication, and there may be occasions when Hurtigruten or local suppliers may withdraw some facilities.

Should we become aware of any significant change, that may be considered to have an effect on the enjoyment of your holiday, we will do our best to advise you. Many areas we visit are very remote and affected by prolonged cold or with various degrees of difficulty on their terrain. The facilities on offer will be subject to local conditions.

What happen's if there are changes to my itinerary?

Every expedition cruise is unique. All routes and excursions are provisional and subject to change due to weather, sea, and/or ice conditions, amongst other factors that can cause our itineraries to change without prior notice. These decisions are taken with guest safety in mind.

In the event this happens whilst we are at sea, we will inform guests as soon as possible with the updates regarding the alternative route and change of plan. If we need to cancel a port of call, we will aim to substitute this with an equal or better alternative.

Please Note: Hurtigruten Expeditions reserves the right to change the itinerary and the content of excursions without prior notice ( see terms and conditions ).

For safety reasons, children under 12 years of age will be considered for participation in excursions at each landing. It is entirely at the captain’s discretion whether or not to allow children on shore landings. 

Disabled cabins / Mobility

The ships are suitable for wheelchair users. Persons in need of special assistance must travel with a companion. Please note that the gangway must be used for wheelchair users to embark and disembark. In ports where tidal conditions or other circumstances require the use of a portable gangway, or during landings with expedition boats, it is not possible to use/take wheelchairs. Guests who use a wheelchair must bring their own standard size, foldable chair. Wheel chairs must be stored in the guest cabin.

Flight information

Scheduled Flights 

The airfares offered are special package tour fares, which cannot be altered or cancelled without charge. All flight package prices are based on specific booking classes. If the relevant booking class is not available a supplement may apply. In economy class, you will be served snacks or sandwiches as per the airline’s in-flight service. If these are not included in the airline's service, you can purchase drinks and snacks. 

Luggage allowance varies between airlines, and charges may apply if you exceed this, or carriage may be refused. As a rule, each guest can carry a piece of hand luggage weighing approx. 6-8 kg (dimensions and weight depend on the respective airline) on board. Your baggage allowance is set to 1PC (23 kg) but may vary depending on the flight connection; please check with your airline. Further transport guidelines can be found in the respective terms and conditions of our flight partners. If you are planning to take a wheelchair or need assistance at the airport, please advise us at the time of booking.

Flights may be scheduled early in the morning or in the evening, but they are always adapted to our travel arrangements. Please note that some flights may be transfers or stopovers. Time and/or route changes as well as a change of aircraft type are reserved. Our common flight partners are Lufthansa, KLM/Air France, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Scandinavian Airlines, and Widerøe. Please note that rebooking or reimbursement of an already issued ticket will be charged before departure. A transfer or refund of a ticket after travel is not possible. Any flight times advised at the time of booking are provisional and subject to change; please check before you travel. 

The standard of the hotels we use is equivalent to 4-5 stars, centrally located or if more convenient for your booked arrangement, close to the airport. There is no official hotel rating in Norway and local hotel categories apply. All rooms have private facilities. Single rooms may be smaller and less conveniently situated, and may be double rooms for sole occupancy or purpose-built single rooms. Hotels may charge for some facilities, e.g. saunas. The price for the overnight stay includes breakfast, unless otherwise stated on your confirmation. 

Medical facilities

There is an English-speaking physician and nurse on board always. The ship has a small medical facility with the necessary equipment and medication to handle small emergencies. In the event of a serious emergency, the nearest hospital will be contacted. Medical consultations as well as medicines will be charged to the passenger affected.

All guests must have personal travel/health insurance. If you depend on medication, remember to bring sufficient supplies to last through any unforeseen delays. We also recommend that you keep your medication in your hand luggage, properly labelled, and with clear instructions for its use. If you depend on vital medication, please inform the ship’s doctor upon arrival. Illness on board can lead to quarantine, and orders from the ship’s physician and captain must be followed.

Medical questionnaire (mandatory)

A Health Declaration Form is required for some of our expedition cruises and expedition destinations.  Please see our Entry Requirements page for full details.

Passport and visa requirements

Please take a few minutes to familiarise yourself with the required travel documents you will be asked to provide prior to boarding the ship. It is the sole responsibility of the guest to identify and obtain all required travel documents, and have them available when necessary. A passport is the only valid identification. For some destinations, your passport must be valid for more than six months after you return to your home country. At check-in on board, passports will be collected in order to clear immigrations and customs. It is the responsibility of each guest to ensure they comply with any visa travel document requirements at the time of travel. Please pay special attention to the ESTA/ETA regulations for our North America and Canada cruises.  See details here.

Pre- and post-programmes

Hurtigruten offers a choice of optional Pre- and Post-Programmes that can be added to your Hurtigruten journey. This can be a half or full-day excursion, or an overnight tour. Please note programmes are subject to change, and a minimum number of participants applies. For guests who are not fully mobile, Pre- and Post-Programmes are on request. 

Explore Pre- and Post-Programmes here

Transfers are included as shown in your booked arrangement (please see your booking confirmation). Hurtigruten offers bus transfers from the airport to the pier and some hotels.  The transfer times are set according to the ship’s arrival and departure times, and your arrival and departure times. Delays at the airport are possible. The duration of the airport transfer can vary depending on the destination, but it takes usually between 20-45 minutes (depending on traffic). With your travel documents you will receive further information on your transfer. 

For guests who are not fully mobile, wheelchair accessible transfers are available on request.  

Vaccinations

On some expedition cruises, vaccinations can be recommended or may be required (e.g. vaccine against yellow fever). All passengers are responsible for ensuring they comply with any requirements at the time of travel.  See details here.

What to wear

On board dress is informal. For all expedition cruises, we advise you to bring breathable rain and windproof clothing. A warm hat, gloves, scarf, and thermal clothing including thermal underwear can be useful, when sailing to cold destinations.. Sturdy shoes are important for shore excursions and landings, and a walking stick/trekking pole may be useful.  For additional information about footwear, see separate point “Equipment loans”. 

Expedition Jackets

Our dedication to reducing our environmental footprint and supporting local communities is at the heart of everything we do, and we are determined to set a new standard for eco-conscious adventure travel experiences. 

Part of this commitment involves reviewing every aspect of our operations. Due to our sustainability goals and current rebranding process, we have reduced our expedition jacket order so to avoid any unnecessary waste when we switch to our new jackets in 2024.  

Regrettably, this means that during February and March, MS Maud / MS Spitsbergen are currently unable to provide any expedition jackets in sizes large and extra large and have a very limited supply of medium-size jackets. All other sizes are still available. If you require a size medium, large or extra large, please ensure you bring a waterproof jacket. For excursions in our small expedition boats, we will loan you a jacket that meets the technical requirements. However, this may not be in your preferred size. Any guest who doesn’t receive an expedition jacket will be given a complimentary dry-bag backpack. 

• Life onboard MS Maud

What is the alcohol policy onboard?

Guests are reminded that only beverages sold and/or provided in restaurants, bars, cabins, and suites can be consumed on board. Any alcoholic beverages purchased in ports-of-call will be confiscated at the gangway and need to be stored separately on board the ship by our crew. Your purchases will be returned to you and delivered to your cabin on the last day of your sailing.

Guests who wish to bring bottles of wine and/or spirits aboard Santa Cruz II only will be charged a corkage fee of US $ 27+ taxes.

What cabins are available?

There are a wide range of comfortable cabins on board for you. All expedition ships have cabins with private facilities. Accessible cabins are available. Please click here for our complete policy on Accessibility for Disabled Persons and Persons with Reduced Mobility.

You may experience some noise and vibration in some of the cabins. This varies depending on the location of your cabin. Also, noise affects people differently and what may be a problem for one guest may not be a problem for others.

Please be aware that some cabins on decks with passenger access or lifesaving appliances may have an obstructed view.

On all our Expedition Ships (except MS Santa Cruz II) the tap water within your cabin is drinkable.

On Santa Cruz II, all cabins have the same size window (Suites have 2 windows) and private facilities. All cabins have hair dryers in the bathrooms.

Unlike the rest of the fleet, the tap water in the cabins onboard MS Santa Cruz II only is desalinized, but not drinkable. For your convenience, drinking water dispensers are available in the Expedition, and Sky deck.

What is a cruise card and when will I get it?

You will be issued a cruise card upon arrival on board as part of the check-in procedure in accordance with ISPS regulations. The card serves as a control system on the gangway. This card, in addition to being the key card for your cabin, is also your payment card on board. To activate the cruise card account, you must have a Visa, American Express, Diners, or MasterCard.

Debit cards can be used to pay for the final invoice, but not for activating the cruise card account. Please note that there are no money exchange services or facilities for cash withdrawals on board.

MS Santa Cruz II will not provide keys to your cabins, nor a cruise card. Cabins may be locked from the interior. Each cabin has a safety box, and corridors are monitored by closed-circuit cameras.

Upon check-in, a shipboard account (SA) will be opened for you. We do not register credit cards at the beginning of the cruise. We request the final payment during the last night for check-out. Credit Cards accepted in Ecuador include Diners Club, Visa, American Express, and Master Card. Our staff will request you to sign a receipt to acknowledge your consumptions and purchases before charging it to your shipboard account.

The local currency in Ecuador is the US DOLLAR, and ATMs are available at the mainland airports, as well as in Baltra airport and in the towns of Puerto Ayora and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.

No gratuities are expected onboard. Suggested gratuities for services on land will be shared in your travel documents.

When will the daily programme be released?

The daily programme is shown on the information screens around the ship and on the TV in your cabin, with each day’s port calls, landings, lectures, meals, and activities on board. All our published plans are subject to change. You will receive the daily program with information about your next day the evening before. The timings of publication may vary due to ongoing operations on board - true expedition style.

For easy access to daily updates on board, we recommend using the Hurtigruten onboard app. For more information about the Hurtigruten app, please see here .

For guests onboard Santa Cruz II, each evening the expedition leader and his/her team hold a briefing regarding the next day's activities. The briefing is usually preceded by an “Eco Moment” – a short talk on a topic relevant to the Galapagos Islands and the activities and observations that day. The programme is also displayed on screens in various visible areas of the vessel and in the “Explorer” app.

In addition, one or more lectures will be given by expedition staff to enhance guest understanding of the Galapagos Islands and their history.

Expedition staff will also run sessions on various Citizen Science projects we are involved in onboard.

Can I use a drone whilst onboard?

The use of passenger-operated drones is not permitted during your voyage. This is for general safety as well as the protection of vulnerable wildlife and other guests’ personal security.

Drones are not allowed in Galapagos. Flash photography is not allowed on wildlife in the national parks. Professional video photography requires a special permit of the National Park Directorate.

What electricity is used onboard?

The plugs in your cabins are all 220V/50hz. Suites have 110V for shavers. The plugs are continental two-pin plugs, which may require an adapter. 

For Santa Cruz II, electricity on board is 110V, 60hz. Plugs are Type B (conventional US) and two-pin plugs.

Hurtigruten App

The Hurtigruten APP is your digital guide onboard, it is recommended to download it before you come onboard, To be able to follow the activities on board, make restaurant reservation, book tours and find A-Z info here from the minute you step onboard. The App will only work while you are on board as it is connected to the ship’s Wi-Fi.  

Can I use my mobile phone / WiFi work onboard all ships?

We offer Wi-Fi on board, but on expedition cruises to remote destinations, coverage and speed will be very limited. Internet will be provided through satellite connections (if in sight), except when we’re close to mobile communication infrastructure on land. Due to capacity limitations, the included Wi-Fi is limited to browsing and not streaming. Please contact the reception desk if you have any questions related to Wi-Fi usage.

Antarctica, Arctic Canada, North East Greenland, Svalbard, and many places in Alaska will have limited or no mobile coverage on shore. Check with your carrier for details.

Wi-Fi Internet connection is available on-board MS Santa Cruz II but due to the Galapagos’ remote location, please be aware that internet connection is intermittent and low-bandwidth. Limited complimentary Wi-Fi access is available for all guests.

Internet is only available in public areas.

All cell phones must be on AIRPLANE MODE for all trails within the National Park.

Cellular coverage is patchy, very low, and restricted to the vicinity of populated Islands (Santa Cruz and San Cristobal islands).

What languages are spoken onboard?

The working language on board is English. Announcements and written information are also given in German, and may also be given in French and Chinese on selected departures. In order to be able to accommodate lectures in a language other than English, we offer an “in-ear” translation into German. Lectures will be streamed into the cabins. 

Whilst Santa Cruz II sails under the Ecuadorian flag; Announcements for guests are given in English, and may also be given in German, French, Spanish, or Italian depending on the guests traveling. Lectures and other presentations are held in different languages in different rooms.

Are there laundry services onboard?

A laundry service is available on board. The service is included for suite guests. No self-service or dry-cleaning is possible.

Unfortunately, laundry service is not available on board Santa Cruz II . Two domestic-type washer/dryers are available 24 hours at the stern of the vessel for complimentary guest use, together with instructions, baskets, and biodegradable detergent is available from reception.

Are the ships fully equipped with lifesaving equipment?

The ships comply with international safety requirements and are modern vessels suitable for sailing in their respective destinations, including icy waters.

All guests will be instructed in safety procedures and the use and location of the safety equipment before departure. There is a Safety Notice posted on the inside of the cabin door which we encourage all guests to read carefully.

Santa Cruz II complies with the Galapagos Biocontrol Agency (ABG) AND ISPS (International Ship and Port Security System) regulations, where all luggage is subject to X-ray/metal and organic/biosecurity inspection prior to boarding the aircraft in mainland Ecuador. These inspections include carry-on screening before and after the Ecuador-Galapagos flight.

Santa Cruz complies with international safety requirements and is a modern vessel suitable for sailing in the Galapagos.

The first day´s programme includes a short but complete mandatory safety briefing about safety on board and during landing operations. This briefing is followed by the compulsory boat drill exercise.

A separate safety briefing is held prior to the first snorkeling, kayaking, or paddle-boarding opportunity.

Regardless of the ship you join - during the sailing, special safety regulations will apply on landings with the Expedition boats. Please follow the instructions given by the Expedition Leader and crew/staff. Special lifejackets for use during landings will be provided to all passengers. A mandatory briefing regarding the safety guidelines will also be given.

Can I send mail from the ship?

You can hand in your mail at the reception, and for a service fee and cost of stamps, we will forward the post in every port where possible. The time needed for delivery of mail may be relatively long. Hurtigruten Expeditions accepts no responsibility for lost mail.

For those onboard Santa Cruz II - mailboxes and stamps are available at the Baltra Airport, and in Puerto Ayora. Be aware that the delivery may take a long time.

What food and drink options are available?

On board, we serve a delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Mealtimes will be announced in the daily programme. In our main dining area, Aune restaurant, you are able to book your dining time via our onboard app and your table will be assigned to you. For the first day of the cruise for your convenience, we assign a time to you, and can be found in your welcome onboard letter. Please provide information regarding special requests for seating arrangements and dietary requirements to your sales office/travel agent before your cruise.

On the ships that have the à la carte restaurant Lindstrøm, our suite guests may enjoy all meals there. For dinner, Lindstrøm will be open for all guests, but there is an additional charge for non-suite guests. Reservation is required and will depend upon availability. Not available on MS Spitsbergen.

Fredheim is the ship’s third dining option, offering casual dining in a relaxed atmosphere, or a takeaway option during opening hours. There will be no takeaway option on the last day of the cruise when you disembark the ship. Not available on MS Spitsbergen, MS Fram.

Soft drinks, beer, and the house wine are included with all meals. Coffee, tea, and potable water that has been purified on board are included throughout the day. Complimentary still and sparkling water is provided for all meals. An upgraded beverage package is also available.

Onboard Santa Cruz II - All meals are designed by our Le Cordon Bleu- certified Gastronomic Director. Breakfast is buffet-style in the Beagle Restaurant on the Ocean deck. No reservations are required and the attire is always casual. We only ask our guests not to enter the dining area in bathing suits or barefoot.

Please provide information regarding special requests for seating arrangements and dietary requirements to Hurtigruten Expeditions or your travel agent before your cruise.

House beer, wine, and soft drinks are available and complimentary at lunch and dinner. Coffee, tea, and potable water that has been purified on board are included throughout the day. Complimentary still and sparkling water is provided for all meals. Other beverages, including cocktails, and an upgraded beverage package is also available for purchase.

Is motion sickness medication available onboard?

Seasickness pills are available for purchase in reception, at 1 Euro each. If you are prone to seasickness, it is recommended that you bring pills that you are familiar with. You may also buy “sea bands” on board.

Hurtigruten complies with the ISPS-regulations (International Ship and Port Security System) where all luggage is subject to X-ray/metal detector inspection upon arrival at the port facility or ship. The ISPS regulations also include hand baggage scans in all ports of call throughout the course of the cruise.

Prohibited Items List:

Illegal drugs, narcotics and illegal substances

All firearms including replicas imitations, non-firing weapons, starting pistols and their components (including but not limited to the following items: Guns, operational or replicas, ammunition of all types, BB Guns, Compressed Air Guns, including Paint Ball Guns, Flare Guns, Gun Lighters, Gun / Firearms Parts, Pellet Guns, Spear Guns, Starter Pistols, Realistic Replicas of Firearms)

All Explosives and replicas (including, but are not limited to, the following items: Blasting Caps, Dynamite, Fireworks, Pyrotechnics, Hand Grenades, Plastic Explosives, Bomb Making Components, Gun Powder)

Pointed weapons and sharp objects (including, but not limited to, the following items: throwing stars, flick- or gravity knifes, daggers, knifes or scissors with blade longer than 7 cm (including folding pocket knives), open razors, Spears or Spears gun, archery equipment, crossbows, crossbow bolts and long bow arrows, sabers, swords, Skean Dhus or Kirpans, axes)

Blunt weapons (including, but not limited to the following items: knuckle dusters, brass knuckles, clubs, coshes, batons, flails or nunchaku and other items adapted or intended for use as an offensive weapon)

Restraining Devices (including, but not limited to the following items: handcuffs, leg or head restraining straps)

High voltage stun devices and items containing incapacitating substances (including, but not limited to the following items: tasers, gas guns, tear gas spray, mace, phosphorus, acid and other dangerous chemicals that could be used to maim or disable, poison)

Flammable  substances unless carried in limited quantities (including, but not limited to the following items: petrol, methylated spirits, lighter fuel, paints, thinners, large batteries etc.)

Candles or incense

Compressed gas tanks, bottles, cylinders (including, but not limited to the following items: dive tanks, propane tanks, large aerosol cans)

Items containing heating elements (including, but not limited to the following items: Immersion Heaters, Heating blankets, infrared heaters, flat irons, water heaters, coffee machines, etc.)

Remote-controlled or independent flying devices (including, but not limited to the following items: drones, toys, kites of any kind)

Self-balancing hover boards, air wheels, scooters, Segway’s

Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB), ham radios, satellite phones,  transformers, laser and laser pointers, signaling jamming devices

The above list is not exhaustive. The SSO/Captain are authorised to make a professional judgment as to the legality of any item declared, detected or discovered on board.

What can I buy whilst onboard the ship?

In our onboard shop, you can buy clothing suitable for expedition cruises. Our Expedition Team will be happy to give you expert advice on how to dress properly according to the destinations. We offer a great range of both warm and practical clothing and we focus on fabrics with natural fibres.

We also offer souvenirs, handicrafts, and postcards, in addition to a small selection of soap, toothpaste, and other personal effects.

Shore excursions

We offer a rich and varied programme of optional shore excursions. In many ports, we offer an included excursion, which can be reserved for no additional charge. In many cases, the included excursion can be combined with other optional excursions in the port. Most excursions can be pre-booked, but may also be bookable onboard if capacity remains. 

We advise that you book well in advance in order to avoid disappointment due to the excursion being fully booked. Please note that registration is binding, and once on board the Expedition Team will advise you of booking deadlines for excursions still available. Our excursions have English speaking guides unless otherwise indicated and other languages cannot be guaranteed unless specified. Excursions are subject to change and possible cancellation due to weather conditions. They are also dependent on the number of participants.  

In addition, the Expedition Team also arrange a variety of activities during the cruise. These will depend on location and season, but may include hiking, snowshoeing, and kayaking. These activities are booked on board and subject to availability. 

Small boat landings

Guests are respectfully reminded that only our stable expedition boats enable both water-based exploration and safe landings in otherwise inaccessible areas. You will need to be fairly agile to board these, but there is otherwise no need to worry about travelling in them. The crew will show you what to do and as long as you follow their instructions, after a few times it will become second nature. On all landings in expedition boats, guests are expected to wear proper footwear. For additional information about the footwear, see separate point “Equipment loans”. Landing operations depend on favourable conditions. 

Is smoking permitted onboard?

On board, smoking is only permitted in designated areas on outside decks. Smoking is not permitted in cabins or private balconies. Throwing cigarette butts overboard is strictly prohibited. A cleaning charge of approximately 150 EUR will be applied for smoking in a cabin /suite , to cover the cost of cleaning linen and curtains to return it to a non-smoking standard. E-Cigarettes, according to Norwegian law, are the equivalent of tobacco cigarettes, and therefore smoking these is only permitted in the designated smoking areas.

When the ship is refuelling smoking is prohibited. Announcements will be made on board accordingly. Smoking is not allowed during nature landings in AECO and IAATO areas, except for city landings.

For those on board Santa Cruz II - smoking is only permitted at the Sky Deck, where ashtrays are available. Smoking is not permitted in cabins. Throwing cigarette butts overboard is strictly prohibited. Smoking is strictly prohibited while ashore within the Galapagos Islands National Park.

I have a special request (e.g. dietary, medical), what do I do?

If you have special requests (e.g. dietary or medical), please inform us as soon as possible, and no later than 12 weeks prior to your cruise departure. We will do our best to meet such requests but cannot guarantee to do so, and under no circumstance will any such request be accepted by us so as to form part of a contractual agreement.

What is included when I book a suite?

À la carte dining option | On the ships that have a Lindstrøm restaurant, suite guests are offered the chance to have all their meals here. Reservations must be made on board and are offered upon availability.

Room service | This service is offered to selected suite guests free of charge only, within the Lindstrøm opening times. (Suite number for MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen: 800, 801, 700, 701, 932, 919, 856, 849, 756, 749)

Suite check-in | Are first to check in as per our timeslot system. An exclusive welcome area in Lindstrøm is available for suite guests, where they may meet and greet some of the ship officers.

Welcome greeting | On embarkation day, the suite guests will find a carabiner watch, a bottle of champagne, and a welcome greeting from the captain in their suite after check-in.

Turn-down service | Suite guests will receive a daily turn-down service, including fresh towels and chocolate or similar on the pillow.

Laundry service | This service is free of charge for all suite guests. This does not apply to MS Otto Sverdrup; only self-service is possible on board this ship.

Minibar | Daily replenishment of the minibar is included for suites, except for large bottles of wine, sparkling wine, and Champagne (The first round is included, any additional refills will charged ).

For those on Santa Cruz II, only guests who book a suite will receive:

Welcome greeting | On embarkation day, all guests will receive a complimentary Galapagos wildlife book and a reusable water bottle. Suite guests will receive an additional welcome gift in their cabin.

Turn-down service | Guests will receive a daily turn-down service, including fresh towels and chocolate or similar on the pillow.

Wi-fi | Guests will receive limited complimentary Wi-fi access. Additional Wi-Fi is available for purchase, but due to the Galapagos’ remote location, please be aware that the internet connection is intermittent and low-bandwidth.

Wetsuit rental | Wetsuit rental is complimentary for guests on request.

How safe is it to move around the ship?

We kindly remind you to take care when walking on board the ship while at sea, especially when venturing out on deck, observing the signs for warnings of wet and slippery decks. Be aware the doors toward the outer deck are potentially dangerous in windy conditions.

Please adhere to the signs and announcements when it is not advised to go outside. While walking inside, hold on to railings but not to door frames, to avoid injury.

For those guests on Santa Cruz II - In addition to the above, there are no elevators on the ship. Stairs are steep and guests should take extra care when moving between decks. Hold the hand rail!

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