Norwegian Coastal Voyages

So... I know these ships are doing double duty as cruise ships and mail ships for the coastal population of Norway. Knowing quite a few Norwegians, I also know they like their cigarettes. Has anyone been on these voyages, and how bad is the smoking?

We took the Norwegian coastal voyage from Kirkenes S to Bergen, on Nordnorge, July 2000, and enjoyed it very much. The ship is very well appointed for a "working boat".

I'm a former smoker, but did not notice as much smoking on the ship as I did in the airports and rail stations! In retrospect, I think there was less smoke on the ship than you would normally run across in a cruise ship's casino.

We have taken the coastal voyage three or four times in past years and plan on going again in spring. We love this relaxing voyage and never seem to sense this is a "working" ship. as far as smoking- all of europe smokes! I think non smokers are in the minority. We do not smoke and were never bothered by smoke smell on ship. we spend a lot ot time out on deck so always have the sea air to refresh us if smoke is a problem

mima

They have a new smoking policy.Smoking is only allowed outside, when not in a port and in 1 bar. No smoking is allowed in the cabins. We are going onthe coastal voyage in oktobre

this is high on my list of things I'd like to do. I hope you write a review when you come back.

Since I live in Trondheim on the Norwegian coast, I have travelled a lot on the Coastal Steamers, but only short distances when I was going to a town further down or up the coast.

Geertje is absolutely right, smoking is NOT a big problem on these ships. The new Norwegian smoking regulations are very strict (i. e. smoking is forbidden in all public buildings, restaurants, pubs, bars, discoteques, you name it). However I am not completely sure about how it works on the Coastal Steamer Ships, but I think passengers have to go outside if they want to smoke.

As for the Coastal Voyage, this is very different from the standard Caribbean or Mediterranean cruise, indeed very different from going on a cruise along the Norwegian coast on the average monster cruise ship of these days. The Coastal Steamers make calls at the smallest ports and sail through the narrowest straits and fiords. The atmosphere is very relaxed and quiet, no noisy entertainment or annoying activities. As a result, it might get a bit boring if you decide to do the 11-day roundtrip. But the scenery is like nowhere else on this earth. This journey is for the relaxed, patient and melancholic person. Bring a book, reflect over your life.

My Ship Recommendation: Midnatsol