Why a solo cruise along Norway’s coast is a great way to travel alone
Whether you're a seasoned solo traveller or contemplating your first solo adventure, a voyage with Hurtigruten is the perfect combination of the beautiful Norwegian coast, like-minded people, and delicious local food.
Here are 7 reasons why a voyage with us along the Norwegian coast is a great way to travel by yourself.
1. Solo doesn’t mean alone
Just because you’re travelling solo doesn’t mean you’re travelling alone. Our smaller ships make it easier for you to get to know other guests. You’re more likely to see the same people again and again in the communal spaces, at organised events, and on excursions. It doesn’t take long for faces to become familiar.
The friendly, informal atmosphere of our ships and the beauty of Norway’s coast tend to appeal to travellers who appreciate local food and culture, nature, wildlife, and natural phenomena such as the Northern Lights and the Midnight Sun. If that sounds good to you too, there’s an even better chance you’ll bond with like-minded fellow passengers.
Group excursions are another great way to get to know others, and some of our partners offer group trips for solo travellers. As a solo traveller, you can also join an informal get-together in the bar or a dedicated table for solo travellers in the restaurant, so you can get to know your fellow solo passengers.
With guests hailing from all over the globe, you might find that your new friendships unlock new travel opportunities and adventures.
2. Take time for yourself
Or, perhaps you’re choosing to travel solo because you want time to yourself. A solo journey with us can give you the space and time you need.
Admire the mighty mountains and fjords, scan the skies for sea eagles, and watch the waters for whales. Stand out on the deck, eyes closed, and feel the wind in your face and the smell of salt water. Or retreat to your cabin, the sauna, or a recliner in the lounge and watch the coastline glide by over the pages of that book you’ve been meaning to read for a year!
You can go all out and take a complete break from emails and social media, swapping envy-inducing feeds for spectacular views and surprise appearances by whales or sea eagles. Or you can sign up for the complimentary Wi-Fi available on all our ships and keep in touch with friends and family back home.
Whether you cherish solitude or not, for some of us, being in the same place by yourself for days at a time can get a little dull. That’s another reason why a cruise can be a great starting point for solo travel; the scenery changes every day, so there’s no chance of getting bored.
3. You do you
Travelling with friends is great, but more people means more planning and commitments. When you sail solo, you have the freedom and flexibility to act on your impulses. You can pursue your interests without negotiation or compromise.
Part of the beauty of solo cruising is that you can dip in and out of the social side as you choose. Arrange to meet your new friends for drinks or linger over dinner with a good book. Pop into a shop that caught your eye from the pier or listen to your favourite podcast as you take in coastal landscapes from the top deck. Join a kayaking excursion or enjoy a long soak in the hot tub without anyone rushing you. You can do whatever you want, whenever you want.
And if you’re ever stuck for ideas, your Coastal Experience Team is ready with suggestions.
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Photo: Trym Ivar Bergsmo and Jim Sayer
4. Travel as a local and get closer to the coast
On The Coastal Express, locals sail alongside travellers. We’ve connected communities along Norway’s coast, carrying cargo and people to where they need to be. No-one knows this coast like us, and we want to share it with you.
If you want, travelling solo with us can be a great way to immerse yourself even more deeply in Norwegian culture. Attend one of the lectures offered by our Coastal Experience Team and soak up their local knowledge. Sample local delicacies. Pop into a local market and chat with the vendors. Strike up a conversation with a Norwegian passenger on a port-to-port journey.
You might be surprised by how the sometimes-fleeting nature of these encounters can bring about deep conversations and connections that stay with you long after disembarkation.
5. Make memories and friends for life
Solo travel isn’t just about the destinations you visit; it’s also about the friends and stories you collect along the way – memories that will stay with you forever.
Join onboard lectures exploring the history, nature, and culture of Norway. Take part in activities that might spark a new passion. You never know, you could discover a new hobby as a dog-sled musher!
These moments are excellent opportunities to connect with like-minded travellers – people from around the world with shared interests, who could become life-long friends and travel companions. You can also connect with fellow guests through the “Hurtigruten Insiders” Facebook group, before or after your solo trip.
6. No single supplement
If budget is a consideration for you, check out our solo traveller offers. We’ve waived the single supplement on selected voyages on The Coastal Express and The North Cape Express. That means you pay the same price as someone travelling in a pair – with the added bonus of a whole cabin to yourself.
Naturally, it follows that if you choose to sail on a voyage without a single supplement, it’s likely there will be even more other solo travellers on board with you.
7. In safe hands
If you’re still nervous about taking a solo cruise, rest assured that Norway is considered among the safest and most welcoming countries in the world for solo travellers.
As well as its beautiful landscapes and sea views, Norway is known for its low crime rates, friendly communities, and well-developed infrastructure – and our ships are an iconic part of that infrastructure. From the moment you book to the moment you disembark, our friendly staff and crew do everything we can to make you feel safe, welcome, and secure.