Ship reference
Nordlys
Ship specifications and sources.
Quick facts
- Cruise line
- Hurtigruten
- Status
- In service
About us Nordlys
Nordlys takes its name and much of its interior inspiration from the Northern Lights. The vessel was built at Volkswerft in Germany in 1994 and remains part of Hurtigruten's Original Coastal Express fleet. Its permanent IMO number is 9048914. Norwegian coastal authority vessel particulars identify the Norwegian flag, 11,217 gross tonnage and 121.8 metres length.
A major technical milestone came considerably later than construction. The operator's August 2025 results release confirms that Nordlys completed its battery-hybrid upgrade during the first half of that year, becoming the fourth hybrid in the fleet. This completed work supersedes the older 2019/2024 refurbishment summary still visible on the individual specification page. The distinction matters when comparing ships by their latest actual technical investment.
Nordlys serves a coastal network rather than a sequence consisting only of long tourist visits. Hurtigruten's annual report describes local passengers and cargo travelling alongside holiday guests between Bergen and Kirkenes. A short stop used by the transport service may not provide enough time for an independent excursion. Use the specific sailing timetable when deciding what can reasonably be visited ashore.
On board, the Explorer Lounge and Bar on deck seven provides a sheltered observation space. A large outdoor deck gives another perspective on the landscape, while a sauna and fitness room offer activities between calls. The name and décor are not a guarantee of seeing an aurora: darkness, weather and the actual sailing all matter. The expedition team adds presentations about Norwegian nature, history and culture to the journey.
Dining choices include Torget, Kysten, Brygga and the Multe bakery. Compare the fare's actual inclusions before assuming that a named venue covers every meal or drink. English and Norwegian are the announced languages for lectures and public information, with Norwegian kroner used for the onboard account. The specification lists 19.2 metres beam and 200 cabins. Passenger limits remain unresolved because the current FAQ states a maximum of 505 guests while the latest annual report gives capacity of 490. Those totals are disclosed rather than averaged or converted into an invented double-occupancy figure.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Year built | 1994 |
| Entered service | — |
| Gross tonnage (GT) | 11,217 |
| Guests at double occupancy | — |
| Maximum guests | — |
| Crew | — |
| Cabins | 200 |
| Decks (total) | — |
| Length (m) | 121.8 |
| Beam (m) | 19.2 |
| Last verified refurbishment year | 2025 |
| Maximum speed (knots) | — |
| IMO | 9048914 |
| Shipyard | Volkswerft, Germany |
| Flag | Norway |
| Propulsion / fuel description | Battery-hybrid propulsion with replacement combustion engines |
A dash means no independently verified value is available. Guest counts at double occupancy and maximum capacity are different measures. GT measures enclosed volume, not weight.
Last checked:
Sources
- Hurtigruten — currentindividualfleetmembership — Accessed
- Hurtigruten — individual specifications and current FAQ — Accessed
Service speed is not a verified maximum. Current FAQ maximum 577 Kong Harald / 505 Nordlys conflicts with annual report 490; Richard With 590 agrees. Older operator GT not used over matching authority/insurer data.
- Hurtigruten — latest 2025 annual report — Accessed
Original fleet table: Kong Harald 490, Nordlys 490, Richard With 590 passengers; report does not reconcile FAQ differences.
- Norwegian Coastal Administration — matching vessel particulars — Accessed
Only vessel particulars used; no personal certificate-holder data retained.
- Hurtigruten — completed Nordlys hybrid upgrade, 27 August 2025 — Accessed
Explicit completed first half 2025, supersedes older 2019/2024 specification summary.