No, Hurtigruten is not the new Swedish Chef on the Muppet Show. Besides the name is Norwegian, not Swedish. Granted, “Hurtigruten” is an unusual name but it’s an unusual company. Begun as a postal delivery service in 1893 by sea captain Richard With, it now serves as a freighter, ferry, and cruise line connecting northern with southern Norway. Their ships are small enough to slip into Norway’s narrow fjords, yet large enough to provide many of the comforts of larger vessels.
Originally named “Norwegian Coastal Lines”, its initials “NCL” became a source of confusion to agents and clients alike. Since the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has no connection with the Norwegian Coastal Lines, it was decided to return to its original name ,”Hurtigruten”, literally meaning Express Route.
Beginning in the 1980s, the role of Hurtigruten changed; operating subsidies were gradually phased out and the operators put more emphasis on tourism. New, bigger and more comfortable ships were introduced, with attention given to hot tubs, bars, restaurants and other comforts. However, Hurtigruten still serves important passenger and cargo needs, and operates 365 days a year. Originally designed to hug the shoreline, the newer vessels are designed to sail throughout the Arctic as well as the Antarctic. One can go dog-sledding above the arctic circle, or head south (VERY far South) and go penguin – watching.
Now it’s many things to many people. Linda and I traveled southward on the Kong Harold and found the trip fascinating. We’ve been on cruises before, but this was the first “working” ship we’ve ever been on. We could stand on deck and see people and cars embark and disembark. We could see supplies being taken off and crates of frozen fish taken aboard. Or we could just sit back and watch the magnificent scenery go by on what some have said “It’s the world’s most beautiful sea voyage.”
