richws

Having travelled on both Ships I would have no concerns re Trollfjord (I travelled on her late October).

She is a bigger ship than Kong Harold with more passengers - but more modern and there is more space in public areas per passenger. (Length TF: 136 metres; KH 122 metres Berths: TF 576; KH 498)

TF is due for a refit and there are a (very) few places where this is visible but remember this is a public transport vessel subject to Norwegian Laws/Regulations and Norway is one of the richest world countries with the best Health Systems. I find the thought that a Norwegian flagged vessel working in Norwegian waters could have ventilation not up to par unrealistic. I think it's more likely to be better than the vast majority of cruise ships flagged in "convenience" countries throughout the world.

I hope this is reassuring - happy to answer any questions.

Fair Winds & Weather

Hi,

As well as Maud Voyages from Dover there are also primarily Scottish Voyages on the smaller MS Spitsbergen. There have been none to date by either Ship.

I am booked on Spitsbergen's initial voyage next month which travels from Bergen to Glasgow (Greenock) over 13 days with Scottish stops plus Belfast & Peel on Isle of Man.

There are subsequent Spitsbergen Voyages Glasgow-Glasgow (2) and one reverse to my voyage this year and more in 2023. It you are primarily interested in Scottish Islands I'd suggest one of these.

Happy to answer any questions on my Spitsbergen voyage when I get back. Also been on recent Maud Voyage on Norwegian Expedition Voyage.

Dover is a pain to get to for most British based guests (who live N of London) as well as International Visitors. Glasgow Airport is convenient (30-40 min cab?) to Greenock & Hurtigruten are doing transfer coach - maybe only in conjunction with a pre- or post- package in Glasgow/Edinburgh. For Dover they only do transfer from Dover Rail Station.

Kayaking was free on Maud. There were both included excursions & pay-for additional ones. I believe same will apply for British Isles Voyages. There are some details on UK Website though not always easiest to find.

Hope this is helpful,

Fair Winds & Weather,

Richard

Try https://www.volvat.no/lokasjoner/bergen/tjenester/corona-test/pcr-ekspress/ 

Hope it works out. Avinor are Norwegian National airport Authority - try their website for other options

Havila initial voyage now 1st December with 2nd ship starting 20th January 2022. 

https://www.havilavoyages.com/about-havila/news/changed-time-for-first-roundtrip 

Trollfjord has been announced as an "Expedition" ship. Initial announced plans were for Expedition" Cruise on Norwegian coast from Bergen. These were subsequently cancelled until March 2022, presumably due to COVID.

No quarantine or testing required for double vaccinated etc. with appropriate documentation:

https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/norway-to-accept-covid-19-certificates-from-england-and-wales-from-12-august/id2867205/ 

On 5/20/2021 at 12:18 AM, Baysidelad said:

Hi there MG Oceanman,

 

The refurbishment appears to not be happening at all now except for the engines and other areas. The cabins are definitely not being refurbished. We were booked on two voyages 22 May 22 and 22 Dec 22 and have received emails advising that the refurbishments will definitely not be happening except for some of the areas such as the boat boarding area, the ability for the ship to use port power in ports and other superficial changes.

I've also received email re Sep 22 voyage. It does state "cabins will not be upgraded as planned" and that the planned "Wellness Centre" will not be introduced.

However there are more work (being) done than detailed. Full science centre; TVs in all cabins; revamped AV with lectures viewable in cabins; 3 restaurants with "Explorer" menus as on the new Expedition Ships.

The ship is now renamed as Maud

Photo in Bergen taken today

27 minutes ago, comcox said:

It's not the cabin size that is a problem for me but the bed size.  I am a plus-size person and I've sailed on the coastal ferry before and had a terrible time sleeping comfortably.  I only booked this cruise because they advertised and showed double beds and kettles in the cabins--neither of which will now be true.

On Maud & Trollfjord 703-706 have double beds (U Class cabins). Hope that helps.

On 5/6/2021 at 11:14 AM, JuCru said:

Glad that Cruise Critic is showing this information about Maud - apparently still Midnatsol and in Bergen.  Our cruise for June to Southern Scandinavia was cancelled so we were able to get a full refund and that arrived within 2 weeks.  Once we saw that no upgrading of the cabins had taken place we no longer wanted to sail on Maud.  The website has subtly changed the cabin photos and the Scandi decor has been replaced by Art Deco!.  We did the coastal voyage on Richard With and accepted the simple and economical cabins which were adequate and comfortable, though the shower would have been difficult for larger people.  Last  year we were lucky enough to get a short cruise on Fridtjof Nansen and appreciated the lovely large Polar Outside cabin and all the public areas and were very much in favour of the technical specification of the ship including hybrid engines.  There was however a big failing with the auditorium design.  Unfortunately Maud is promoted as an expedition ship, at expedition ship prices, with Coastal Voyage cabins and far too many passengers for a good expedition.  It also has many cabins with limited or no visibility.  This is very disappointing.  

I'm, also impacted by the (lack of) changes. From my perspective the planned "design" changes were a mixed blessing. The current design of the public areas is to my mind at least as attractive as the planned "Scandi" one.

Just a few clarifications as someone familiar with Midnatsol:

• all the cabins will be the same size as if refurbishment had taken place
• there are now current pictures of all cabin classes in the Cabins Section of the ship's description, previously there were only a handful of computer impressions  in the main page of ship's description
• the number of "limited" view" cabins would not have changed with the refurbishment - these have been described in cabin descriptions for each cabin class both before and after recent website changes

5 hours ago, comcox said:

 

I'm also worried about the new British Isles cruise I signed up for August 2021.  When I talked to them by phone this week, I asked when shore tours would be posted and was told they had not organized any yet and were waiting to hear from U.K. government.  So they are selling this British Isles cruises, the earliest of which is now 4 July, and yet they have no idea if they will even be able to stop in any of the ports and offer tours?

Both Fred Olsen and P&O cruise lines have been in constant communication with the U.K. government and have adjusted all their summer cruises accordingly.  When some had to change, they offered free cancellations or changes.  Hurtigruten is not dealing fairly with us at all.

Hello again. I'm also unimpressed with Hurtigruten's Comms. with Customers. 

From a UK Resident - I'm not surprised at response re excursions & this will be an accurate answer for each of the 12+ cruise lines sailing in UK waters this summer. All of them are selling Voyages they cannot guarantee will happen due to potential changes in COVID Regs, this is true of so much worldwide at present.

Whilst the UK Government has given ok for "domestic cruises" to take place from May 17th the Scottish, Welsh & Northern Irish Devolved Governments/Administrations have not to my understanding (& I have been looking out for any announcements). Each Nation in UK has different COVID Restrictions (as someone resident in England I could not travel to Scotland until a few weeks ago) and the relaxation of rules is not all happening at the same time. In addition there was a full Election of the Scottish & Welsh Administrations 2 days ago and decisions/announcements may well have been delayed by this.

Having said that I expect both Scottish, Northern Irish & Welsh authorities will confirm these voyages can proceed - you will have seen that the planned Republic of Ireland call has been withdrawn & replaced as per issued email from Hurtigruten. Hurtigruten, along with all the other Cruise Lines, will then (& only then) be able to confirm itineraries and ports of call etc

I'm planning for yachting voyages on West of Scotland in June & July so monitoring the restrictions there regularly.

3 hours ago, comcox said:

Has anyone stayed in cabin 460 on MS Maud (aka Midnatsol)?  I'm trying to confirm whether it is below the toilets or the shop.  Thanks.

Not stayed in cabin but would be confident there'd be no noise issues. It's below the gallery/corridor with seating going to restaurant at stern. From experience & full plan there's no toilet very close, shop nearby but not above. I'm booked in 439 on a voyage next year and have no concerns re noise. Only potential for occasional noise would, I guess, be from Boat deck below which is where they launch/retrieve zodiacs for non-port landings. Timings of these would be predictable and not likely to be when folks would be sleeping :-).  I've never had issues with noise from deck above on Hurti. ships even with cabin directly under main bar.

3 hours ago, comcox said:

I did finally hear back from Hurtigruten on bed size and was told 80 cm wide (about 31 inches) which is tight.  They didn't answer my question as to whether kettles will be added nor not--that was another "refurbishment" advertised.  I looked at the photo website richws posted and found picture of 689 (I'm in 661) and that raised another concern as without the bedside shelves (another part of refurb), I have no idea where I will put my CPAP machine at night.  It's beginning to look like I will need to cancel and I'm not happy as I booked other things next year around these dates.

Useful info, thanks. The photo of 689 partly shows a round table just in front of sofa on RHS. These cabins have always had such a table in my experience & I've used it for laptop etc. They are stable and can easily be moved. Re kettle etc I have in the past taken a travel kettle (virtually identical to those in the more expensive cabins) but not actually used it given you can get tea/coffee/hot water 24 hours a days in public areas. If you do take kettle you can pick up tea bags etc at drinks stations.

https://www.hurtigruten.co.uk/practical-information/coronavirus-update/sailings-and-cancellations/expedition/?_ccid=71748&_ccst=839&_hrgb=3 

changes are in June

The ship has definitely has had some work done already, it was in shipyard earlier in the year for about 6 weeks. Initial voyage from Dover not now scheduled until July so plenty of time for more work - though don't think decision was time-based. I've had confirmation that all cabins will have TV which wasn't previously the case in Midnatsol. I do think there are pluses & minuses with the full refurb not going ahead. Whilst double beds are a big plus for many, it's arguable that the current cabin layout makes better use of the available space in most cabins. Also the current decor in lounges etc is attractive and more "characterful" than the more "Nordic generic" planned redesign. these views are reflected in several on FB groups.

2 hours ago, comcox said:

Thanks richws.  Vibration has never been a problem for me; I just try to stay away from people noises.  My concern is the bed width.  I am what is euphemistically referred to as a "plus-size" person and I once had a single cabin bed that was only 27" wide.  Anytime I went to roll over I woke myself up worrying I would hit the floor and when there was rough seas I had to pull over a chair against the bed to keep from being rolled out of it.   My memory of the coastal cruise was of a narrow bed with rather too-firm a mattress (this was on the old Nordkapp).

Pretty sure the single berths won't be wider than 30" but suggest you email the ship directly with the specific question (probably still Midnatsol rather than Maud - contact details for ships on website). They might be getting a few at moment though.

If double bed is still your only option I'd try the Glasgow-Glasgow voyage on Spitsbergen at same time as yours, mostly doubles on there & smaller ship. Only covers a more limited area (but best British Isles scenery in my book ;-).

8 hours ago, comcox said:

I'm currently booked for cabin 661 sailing April 2022 round U.K.

comcox: cabin has beds at right angles as described above. Check Hurtiwiki link above for photos of similar layouts. In my view good location (for access to outside Deck 6 walkaround deck, rear stairs & lift). I was once in 685 on Trollfjord, Midnatsol/Maud's sistership, & experienced some vibration when main power pods (360degree pivoting main propulsion units) were driving sideways on port arrival/departure. Your cabin is significantly further forward so probably not an issue. That's only -ve I can think of.. Storage is pretty good & everything is designed well. Oh & bathroom floor is heated :-).

Worth using bow view camera to see whether windy. If so go out onto open deck on lee side of ship (stern of deck 6 was traditionally smokers corner (staff & passengers)on this ship when on Norwegian Coastal service). I'd expect kettle & tea/coffee materials in cabin as well as free in public areas. Hope that's helpful.

2 hours ago, derek_in_eastcote said:

We're booked on a trip in September 2022 and had the email regarding the refurbishment. I've sent an enquiry asking about our particular cabin, 747.

 

We've been trying to find pictures of the cabin or something similar. 

Photos of nearby cabins here: http://hurtigwiki.de/schiffe/ms_midnatsol/bilder#deck_7

comcox: I'm also impacted on more than one voyage by this. Have been on Midnatsol several times including in inside cabins. There are 2 layouts, as per hallasm's photo with picture on wall instead of window and another with one bed (converting to settee) at right angles ie under window/back wall. This 2nd layout is my preference. I know Deck 6 inside cabins are of this 2nd layout & think Deck 4. Easy to find photos on Google - search both Trollfjord and Midnatsol as sister ships.

hallasm is correct that the size/position of cabins were not planned to change (so sizes will be identical) but I believe internal layouts and furniture were planned too be changed in all cabins.

If you definitely want a double bed there are only a handful unless you go for (a very expensive) suite. Having said that the singles (including the sofa conversion ones) are not very narrow (at least on Midnatsol) and very comfortable. Part of the refurb. work that has been carried out is the (re-)installation of TVs in all cabins - these have bow view, satellite channels including English Language ones plus in-house channels. I certainly rate them better than basic "ferry style" but your view may be different. If you have cabin number I can perhaps give you some further info.

jonikal: I'm also impacted on more than one voyage by this. Have been on Midnatsol several times including in an MG Suite as per hallasm's photo. Surprised Hurti are saying M or MG class. These are significantly different prices and styles. I believe there is only 1 M Class Suite at stern of Deck 7. The 2 MG Suites on Deck 7 (at stern) are very different to those (10 of I think) on Deck 8 (as in photo). The 3 Deck 7 stern suites all have balcony whereas those on Deck 8 have a large Bay Window, which I'd certainly choose outside of summer season. Easy to find photos on Google - search both Trollfjord and Midnatsol as sister ships.

Happy to try & clarify any other details I know of

1 hour ago, gollane said:

Seems strange to me that Hurtigruten cancelled the May 2nd cruise 7 days ago but my TA has still not been officially notified, thereby delaying the refund process even more, not happy about that. 

My sympathies. On only occasion I didn't book direct with Hurtigruten I had the same problem and the 2 organisations blamed each other and had a stand-off. I spoke directly to Hurtigruten and they owned the issue and sorted it. That was my 1st Hurtigruten cancellation - ironically for a Spitsbergen Voyage (to Franz Josef Land)

On 3/22/2021 at 12:12 AM, richws said:

On checking DE site I see cancellation of Maud voyages in May, but none in June. In addition I see no Spitsbergen cancellations in May or June. Very confusing! Greyjay could you please check and reply? Thanks

Today received email cancelling my 2nd May Spitsbergen departure and UK website now (today) updated to show this and 12/05 departures cancelled. There are still no cancellation shown for Maud in June as reported previously. DE website looks to have same cancellations listed.

2 hours ago, grayjay said:

On Hurtigruten's German website  (Corona information/ cancellations) the Expedition cruises for Spitsbergen (the ship) and MS Maud in Britain and Scotland  in April, May and June have been listed as cancelled. Might be a good idea to compare with their UK website, as some cruise lines like Princess and P&O are already offering some summer cruises for vaccinated British passengers. Maybe Hurtigruten might follow this scheme to earn some needed monies!

On checking DE site I see cancellation of Maud voyages in May, but none in June. In addition I see no Spitsbergen cancellations in May or June. Very confusing! Greyjay could you please check and reply? Thanks

Hi again,

2nd May and subsequent Spitsbergen voyage no longer available for booking on Hurti UK website. Voyage not (yet) cancelled.  On phone they suggest it'll be known in a week.

Also booked on this voyage. Agree with all your points. In addition previous Spitsbergen voyage (Bergen -> Glasgow) was cancelled some time ago. 17th May only applies to England, not other UK countries, though announcement did say discussions were underway to get UK-wide agreement. I have heard nothing about this happening since. Scottish Gov announcement of COVID Routemap yesterday gave no suggestion that domestic cruises would be allowed at start of May. Social distancing limitations early May are "4 people from 2 households in indoor public spaces" and  it is not even confirmed that travel to Scotland from any other UK country will be allowed for leisure purposes. It's definite that no international travel is allowed either.

So doesn't look too likely does it?

14 hours ago, comcox said:

Trying to decide which cabins may be quieter--the deck 7 mid to aft U2D under the top Observation Deck or the deck 6 forward U2D over/next to the Explorer Lounge?  We are early to bed types and try to avoid people noise/music, etc. when picking a cabin.  Any advice?

Hi, 

Have had inside cabin between the U2D cabins on Deck 7 & no noise for entire voyage. There are stairs/lift there convenient for Restaurant etc & external doors to rear outside deck with  the hot tubs. Entrance to stairs/lift is on starboard side.

The Deck 7 U2D cabins are not the largest (noted on Hurti website) so if that is important - most people don't spend much time in their cabins - maybe worth researching more.

3 hours ago, comcox said:

We booked July 4th sailing on recommendation of our TA who thought, at the time, that April would not happen.  Talked to her yesterday and know she is saying that the thinking. at least among American TAs, is that nothing may sail before September or October.

I suspect travel restrictions (at least for voyages departing from Norway & UK may well be limiting factor over next few months. Be worth monitoring these as much as Hurtigruten themselves.

Dover departures of Maud are cancelled to end May currently.