Interesting Offer from Hurtigruten

Yesterday - I received some snail mail from Hurtigruten. It was most like a flyer that summarised some of their current offers. One that grabbed my attention was The Coastal Express route - including free return flights from the UK to Bergen, and transfers to/from the ship. What a great idea.

TL;DR

Read along as I summarise Hurtigruten's recent offer of flights and transfers included - and why its not for me.

Benefits of the Hurtigruten Offer

Hurtigruten's package offer simplifies, and de-risks the travel experience. The moment you've got to the airport - your travel worries will melt away, as with this offer, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with air travel, such as cancellations or delays. Instead of stressing about when you'll reach Bergen, whether you need and overnight before and after, transfer to the ship - its all in Hurtigruten's hands.

This convenience is especially beneficial for travellers who may feel overwhelmed by the complexities of planning a trip. I've seen Bergen a few times now, and whilst its very nice - it doesn't need to be part of my Coastal Express trip.

So that was where my head was before I looked a little further.

Digging Deeper

Cost

With Hurtigruten's offer you can avoid the expense of flights - maybe £200 per person, and accommodation, meals etc before and after the boat trip - maybe another £200 per night for a couple. So for a couple - lets say £800 saving. However the cost difference to the equivalent standard trip with Havila is £600 per person - so £1200. So on very rough maths the convenience of the package is £400 for a couple.

Risk

We've never had any issues with flying to and from Bergen for our trips, so having not been stung by delayed or cancelled flights, I'm probably not as conscious of how it can impact on the holiday experience.

Experience on board - the difference between Havila and Hurtigruten

I haven't a clue about this, as we have only travelled the route with Havila - twice. And we loved it. Whilst the Hurtigruten package, and the comfort of their ships looks very similar, the risk of the unknown in Hurtigruten is a concern for me.

My View

I'd rather arrange the package myself, and book as I have before direct with Havila. I'm retired so I can take my time and enjoy the night in Bergen before and after the trip, taking flights the day before departure and the day after arrival back in Bergen.

I am concerned though that I haven't tried Hurtigruten and might be missing out - but not happy to take the risk of being disappointed.

Is This Offer Right for You?

Choosing whether Hurtigruten's offer is a smart move comes down to your personal preferences, how much time you have and your travel priorities. For travellers looking to simplify their journeys, this package certainly deserves consideration.

However, take time to balance the convenience it provides with the potential trade-off of reduced exploration time in Bergen. If you thrive on spontaneity and freedom during your travels, this structured approach might not align perfectly with your style.

Final Thoughts

In summary, if minimising risks and enjoying direct travel appeals to you, and if you are eager to explore the Norwegian coastline, Hurtigruten's offer could be a fantastic opportunity. Just be sure to evaluate your preferences alongside what both Hurtigruten and Havila have to offer, which will help you make a well-informed choice that suits your travel desires.

Happy travels!