MS Nordlys is a 505-guest Hurtigruten cruise ship, in service since 1994. This page lists 214 upcoming departures across 17 itineraries in Northern Europe, day by day and port by port. Its live AIS position is plotted on the map below and refreshed through the day.
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A small ship at 11,204 gross tons — #297 of 565 ships we track. 22 tons of ship per guest.
Currently on: Trondheim - Bodø - Tromsø (2 nights) — En route to Bodø — last stop Trondheim
Position via AIS — updated periodically, not real-time.
MS Nordlys is a compact Hurtigruten Coastal Express ship designed for scenic, close-to-shore voyages along Norway’s coast. Built in 1994 and upgraded with hybrid-power technology, the ship combines practical coastal transport with a relaxed cruise atmosphere. Its Northern Lights-inspired décor, panoramic lounge, outdoor sun deck and Expedition Team make it well suited to passengers who value scenery, local culture and frequent port calls over resort-style entertainment.
The ship features Northern Lights-inspired interiors, a panoramic Explorer Lounge & Bar, a large outdoor sun deck and an Expedition Team offering lectures and coastal insights. It is a hybrid-powered vessel with free Wi-Fi, sauna and fitness facilities.
Dining includes Torget, the main restaurant; Kysten, an à la carte coastal restaurant; Brygga, a casual bistro; and Multe, a bakery and café. Hurtigruten’s Norway’s Coastal Kitchen concept emphasizes ingredients sourced from Norwegian coastal suppliers.
Entertainment is centered on panoramic scenery, the Explorer Lounge & Bar, lectures and presentations from the Expedition Team, and informal social spaces rather than large-scale theatrical production. The ship also provides Wi-Fi and meeting rooms.
MS Nordlys has 200 cabins, including 20 suites, with options ranging from standard cabins to Arctic Superior rooms and Expedition Suites. Suite features can include double beds, sofa beds, seating areas, minibars, televisions and coastal views.
The ship offers family-suitable cabins and suites, Wi-Fi, casual dining at Brygga, and a practical coastal-voyage environment. Its facilities are better suited to families focused on Norwegian scenery and port visits than to families seeking extensive children’s programming.
Wellness facilities include a sauna, fitness room and outdoor sun deck. The gym provides views of the coast while the deck offers open-air space for scenery and Northern Lights viewing.
Hurtigruten states that key public areas have step-free access and that accessible toilets are available on Decks 4 and 7. Limited accessible cabins with automatic doors and wheelchair storage are offered, including cabins 331, 333 and 335 and suite 643.
MS Nordlys is one of Hurtigruten’s hybrid-powered Coastal Express ships. Its environmental upgrade program included hybrid power and additional systems intended to reduce emissions and improve wastewater handling.
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| Northern Europe | 24 | 43 | 39 | 15 | 8 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 9 | 12 | 11 | 12 |
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MS Nordlys is registered in Norway.
MS Nordlys carries about 505 guests with roughly 70 crew.
MS Nordlys entered service in 1994 and was last refurbished in 2024.
At 11,204 gross tons and 122 m long, MS Nordlys is a small ship — larger than 47% of the 565 cruise ships cruises.to tracks.
