Polarlys

About us Polarlys

Polarlys is the Ulstein-built coastal passenger ship delivered in March 1996. Its Norwegian name refers to polar light, but the vessel's identity is established more precisely by IMO 9107796. Current insurer Gard records 11,341 gross tonnage and the Norwegian flag. The operator's dimensions of 123 metres length and 19.5 metres beam agree with the yard's approximate original outline.

The builder documents an unusually public beginning. On 23 March 1996, Polarlys and Nordkapp were named at neighbouring yards in Ulsteinvik, with a large gathering and a flotilla accompanying their departure. The yard describes Polarlys as a step towards greater passenger comfort within a working coastal service. Its historical machinery and capacity tables remain construction references, not automatically today's accommodation or operating limits.

Interior work at Fosen in February 2016 renewed public areas and reception, according to Ulstein's retrospective. Hurtigruten's current technical summary records later refurbishment in 2023. The latest annual report lists the ship as non-hybrid. Current fleet-wide shore-power capability is a separate feature: a compatible port connection can supply electricity alongside, without making the entire voyage battery-powered. An old announcement about future technology is not evidence of an installed present-day system.

For passengers, the panorama lounge and Explorer Bar on deck seven provide a sheltered place to watch the coast. Outdoor decks, two hot tubs, a sauna and fitness room broaden the choices between calls. The expedition team offers presentations about the places encountered. Torget, Kysten, Brygga and Multe represent the range of dining spaces; actual inclusions depend on the fare rather than the fact that a venue exists.

The operator lists 211 cabins. Its current FAQ states a maximum of 580 guests, while the latest annual report gives passenger capacity of 507. The structured maximum remains unresolved, with neither figure averaged or selected silently. English and Norwegian are used for announcements and lectures, with Norwegian kroner for the onboard account. Plan around the actual coastal timetable, especially when arranging independent time ashore during a service that also transports local residents and cargo.

Specifications

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.

Sources

• Hurtigruten — currentindividualfleetmembership — Accessed Oct 28, 2026
• Hurtigruten — current individual specifications and FAQ — Accessed Oct 28, 2026

  Guest plans not total physical decks; speed not explicit maximum. Conflicting capacity/cabins disclosed where present.

• Hurtigruten — latest 2025 fleet report — Accessed Oct 28, 2026

  All four non-hybrid. Nordkapp 590/Nordnorge 452 agree current FAQ; Polarlys 507 versus FAQ580; Vesteralen490 versus current differentiated274/516.

• Norwegian Coastal Administration — matching vessel particulars — Accessed Oct 28, 2026

  Vessel particulars only; personal certificate-holder information not retained.

• Hurtigruten — completed programme, 2026 sustainability status — Accessed Oct 28, 2026

  Shore-power capability all vessels; four named hybrids exclude these four ships. Vesteralen full engine replacement explicit.

• Gard — current 2026/27 matching identity — Accessed Oct 28, 2026

  Norway flag explicit; yard working names not treated as former passenger names.

• Ulstein — Polarlys delivery and neighbouring naming ceremonies — Accessed Oct 28, 2026

  March1996 delivery/naming historical; 2016 Fosen interior work. Historical machinery and capacity not current operating limits.