MS Nordstjernen is named after the North Star or Stella Polaris, famous for helping seafarers find their way back home and the Vikings to navigate the north.

The ship was built for the Coastal Voyage fleet in 1956 and extensively modernised in 2000 for exclusive Arctic sailing. Today she takes explorers∘ on adventures in the waters around Spitsbergen. Despite modernisation, she still retains the aura of an old Atlantic ship, restored to her former splendour with new brass, classic wooden interiors∘ and all her original art. Out on deck you come extra close to the untouched nature of the Polar Arctic and with roofs over a lot of the deck space you can enjoy being outside, even in rough weather.

It is at your discretion to honour service rendered by the crew in bars, restaurant and cabins. In order to give you some guidelines, a recommended 80 Kr (approx 9 Euro, 12 US Dollar) per guest per day as an average∘ gratuity. whatever amount you decide to give, please fill in the form you will find in your cabin and give it to the receptionist two nights before the end of your cruise. The amount will then be debited to your cruise account.

The facilities in Huritgruten cabins vary between ships and the various cabin grades. Towels and shower gel/liquid soap are provided in all cabins, in addition to this all cabins also have a hair dryer. Tea/Coffee making facilities are available in suites only.

Visiting 34 ports, Hurtigruten have an exceptional opportunity to get fresh produce from local suppliers everyday. This means delicious new and fresh ingredients, both from coastal and inland areas.

Based on the season's best ingredients, the chefs create either three-course dinners or lavish buffets. Being a coastal voyage, seafood dominates the menu, accompanied with fresh vegetables and delicately flavoured sauces. Each dinner ends with traditional desserts, like home-made cakes, puddings, berries or sorbet. Breakfast and lunch is served buffet style, while dinner is a set dinner. 

MS Nordstjernen is equipped with a dining room, bar,  and a café.

Enjoy a lecture on the ship's deck and learn something new.

The emphasis onboard is on relaxation and discovery, and not the commercial entertainment that is so often a part of conventional cruises. Hertigruten’s aim is to get you closer to unique environments∘ and to allow you to share the experience with your fellow travellers. Occasionally there may be some musical entertainment onboard in the evenings.

There are no health and fitness facilities available.

There are no children's facilities available.