Hurtigruten Coastal Express vs Virgin Voyages

The core difference

This is perhaps the widest gulf between any two maritime products on this site. Hurtigruten Coastal Express and Virgin Voyages share nothing beyond the fact that both operate vessels that float. The comparison exists because search engines pair them, and because travellers exploring the breadth of the cruise market deserve to understand just how vast the spectrum of sea travel has become.

Hurtigruten Coastal Express operates seven working ships on the Bergen-to-Kirkenes route along Norway’s coast — 2,500 nautical miles, 34 ports, 12 days. The ships carry cargo, mail, and local passengers alongside international tourists. There is no casino, no spa, no pool, no entertainment programme, and no enrichment lectures. The dining is a single restaurant serving included Norwegian meals. The cabins are functional. The experience is the Norwegian coastline — fjords, fishing villages, the Arctic Circle, the Lofoten Islands, and in winter, the Northern Lights. The service has run continuously since 1893.

Virgin Voyages launched in 2021 with a single, audacious premise: strip away everything people dislike about traditional cruising and build something entirely new. Four ships — Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady, and Brilliant Lady — each carry approximately 2,700 adults in an atmosphere that feels more like a floating boutique hotel crossed with a Miami Beach club than a cruise ship. More than 20 distinct dining venues, each with its own dedicated galley and executive chef, are all included in the fare. There is no main dining room, no buffet, no formal night, and no children. The design is bold and intentional — iPad-controlled cabins, balcony hammocks, and a rock-and-roll sensibility. Entertainment pushes boundaries: the signature Scarlet Night transforms the ship into a red-lit carnival, The Manor nightclub operates until the early hours, and the ship features the first tattoo parlour at sea. Named Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Mega Ship three years running.

Hurtigruten attracts retirees watching fjords. Virgin attracts 35-year-olds dancing at midnight. The overlap is approximately zero.

What is actually included

The inclusions comparison reflects entirely different business models serving entirely different audiences.

Hurtigruten Coastal Express includes: cabin accommodation; breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the main restaurant; access to panoramic lounges and observation decks; all 34 scheduled port calls; and the Northern Lights Promise on winter sailings of 11 days or more.

Hurtigruten does not include: alcoholic beverages; Wi-Fi; shore excursions; entertainment (none exists); spa facilities (none exist); and gratuities.

Virgin Voyages includes: cabin accommodation; all dining across 20-plus restaurants (no surcharges at any venue); Wi-Fi; gratuities; group fitness classes including yoga, cycling, and HIIT; basic beverages (filtered water, drip coffee, tea, select juices); and entertainment including immersive shows, live music, and themed events.

Virgin does not include: alcoholic beverages (purchased individually with no drink packages available); shore excursions; spa treatments; speciality fitness sessions; and the Redemption Spa thermal suite.

The inclusion philosophies are interesting in their differences. Hurtigruten includes meals but charges for everything else. Virgin includes dining across 20-plus venues and Wi-Fi and gratuities but deliberately excludes drinks — and, uniquely among major cruise lines, offers no beverage packages whatsoever. This “no packages” policy is a Virgin signature: drinks are priced individually, and guests either embrace the a la carte model or find it frustrating.

The practical effect for a budget-conscious traveller: Hurtigruten’s total daily cost is lower because the base product is simpler and the ship offers fewer things to buy. Virgin’s total daily cost accumulates through drink purchases — a couple ordering cocktails, wine at dinner, and after-dinner drinks can easily spend US$100 to $200 per day on beverages alone.

Dining and culinary experience

The dining comparison is perhaps the starkest illustration of how far apart these two products sit.

Hurtigruten operates a single restaurant serving three included meals daily. The food is Norwegian coastal cuisine — fresh fish, hearty soups, reindeer, king crab on Arctic sailings, cured meats, and dark bread. It is honest, locally sourced, and served without ceremony. There is no menu choice in the traditional cruise sense — the kitchen prepares what is fresh and regional that day. A small cafe offers light snacks and paid beverages. The experience is communal and unpretentious.

Virgin Voyages operates more than 20 distinct dining venues, each with its own dedicated galley, executive chef, and design concept — and every single one is included in the fare without surcharges. The Korean BBQ at Gunbae features tabletop grilling with soju. Razzle Dazzle is a vegetarian-forward restaurant. The Test Kitchen is a sensory-driven experimental dining experience. Extra Virgin serves Italian with a modern twist. The Wake is a steakhouse with ocean views from the stern. Pink Agave delivers modern Mexican. Casual options include The Galley (a food hall with global street food stations), The Pizza Place, the Dock for harbour-side small plates, and Sun Club for pool deck fare. There is no main dining room and no buffet — every meal is in a dedicated venue.

The gulf is absolute. Hurtigruten serves one meal in one room. Virgin serves dozens of cuisines across dozens of venues. Hurtigruten’s appeal is the authenticity of eating fresh Norwegian fish while watching the coastline the fish came from. Virgin’s appeal is the variety and quality of having a different culinary experience at every meal for an entire voyage. Neither approach is wrong, but they could not be more different.

Suites and accommodation

The accommodation comparison spans the full width of modern maritime lodging.

Hurtigruten’s cabins range from compact inside rooms of approximately 60 to 80 square feet to expedition suites of 350 to 450 square feet. The majority are inside or outside rooms without balconies. The furnishings are functional — working-vessel practical rather than design-forward. Beds are comfortable but the cabin experience is about sleeping between scenic viewings, not about the room itself.

Virgin Voyages’ cabins are design-forward and tech-driven. The Sea Terrace (balcony) cabin starts at approximately 225 square feet with a signature hammock on the balcony, iPad-controlled mood lighting, and a design-led bathroom. Inside cabins (approximately 150 square feet) are compact but cleverly designed. The RockStar Suites are Virgin’s premium tier — ranging from the Mega RockStar Suite (approximately 2,147 square feet with a two-deck slide, in-room bar, and outdoor hot tub) to more modestly sized Seriously and Massive suites. All RockStar Suites include access to Richard’s Rooftop, a private outdoor deck with a bar, hot tub, and sun loungers exclusive to suite guests.

The design philosophy could not differ more. Hurtigruten cabins exist to provide rest between scenic experiences. Virgin cabins are part of the experience — the balcony hammock, the mood lighting, and the Massive Suite’s peek-a-boo shower are designed to make the cabin itself a talking point.

Pricing and value

The pricing comparison requires acknowledgement that these are entirely different products.

Hurtigruten’s directional pricing for the full 12-day round trip: an inside cabin starts from approximately GBP 1,200 per person (roughly GBP 100 per night); an outside cabin from approximately GBP 1,500; a suite from approximately GBP 2,500. Meals are included.

Virgin Voyages’ directional pricing for a 7-night Mediterranean or Caribbean cruise: an inside cabin starts from approximately US$800 to $1,200 per person (US$115 to $170 per night); a Sea Terrace (balcony) from approximately US$1,100 to $1,750 per person (US$160 to $250 per night). All dining, Wi-Fi, and gratuities are included. Drinks are additional.

On a per-night basis, Virgin is more expensive than Hurtigruten for comparable cabin types — roughly 50 to 100 per cent more. But Virgin’s fare includes 20-plus restaurants, Wi-Fi, and gratuities, while Hurtigruten’s includes only meals in a single venue. The comparison is academic rather than practical because nobody choosing between these two is making a price decision — they are making a lifestyle decision.

For Australian travellers, Virgin has deployed Resilient Lady to Australian waters with sailings from Sydney and Melbourne. Hurtigruten requires flights to Bergen. The cost gap widens further when AU$3,000 to $5,000 in return airfares to Norway is added to Hurtigruten’s headline fare.

Spa and wellness

The wellness comparison has one clear winner because only one line has a spa.

Hurtigruten has no spa, no gym in the conventional sense, and no wellness programme. Some ships have basic exercise equipment. The wellness experience is the natural environment — Arctic air, coastal scenery, and the meditative quality of watching 34 ports unfold.

Virgin Voyages’ Redemption Spa is a substantial facility designed by the same team behind celebrity wellness retreats. The hydrotherapy circuit includes a mud room, salt room, cold plunge pools, quartz beds, and a rainforest shower. Treatment rooms offer massage, facials, body treatments, and beauty services. The Athletic Club — Virgin’s gym — features a full-size boxing ring, outdoor training area, and a daily schedule of group fitness classes including yoga, cycling, HIIT, and barre — all included in the fare. The pool deck features multiple areas including the Aquatic Club (a daytime pool party venue) and Stubborn Ass (a pool bar).

For wellness-focused travellers, there is no comparison. Virgin delivers a comprehensive spa and fitness experience. Hurtigruten delivers fresh air. Both have their adherents.

Entertainment and enrichment

The entertainment comparison is the most polarising section of this analysis.

Hurtigruten has no entertainment. No theatre, no shows, no live music, no DJ, no casino, no nightclub, no late-night venue. Guests watch the scenery, read, and retire early. On winter sailings, a guide alerts passengers to Northern Lights activity. On summer sailings, commentary may accompany key scenic passages. The silence is the point.

Virgin Voyages delivers the most boundary-pushing entertainment in the cruise industry. Scarlet Night is the signature event — the entire ship transforms into a red-lit carnival with themed costumes, immersive performances, fire shows, DJs, and a crowd that grows more uninhibited as the night progresses. The Manor is a multi-room nightclub that operates until the early hours. The Red Room is a theatre with a transformable stage hosting immersive shows that range from acrobatic spectacle to experimental performance art. Duel Reality is a magic-infused production that has earned widespread critical acclaim. Ships R Us is a drag brunch. The Groupie karaoke suites offer private singing rooms. Squid Ink is a tattoo parlour where guests can get inked at sea. Live DJs play at multiple venues throughout the evening. The entertainment aesthetic is deliberately edgy, design-conscious, and adult-oriented.

The contrast is absolute and almost comical. One product offers silence, darkness, and the Northern Lights. The other offers fire shows, tattoo parlours, and drag brunch. Both are excellent at what they do. The overlap in appeal is essentially zero.

Fleet and destination coverage

The fleet and destination comparison reflects fundamentally different operating models.

Hurtigruten Coastal Express operates seven ships on one route — Bergen to Kirkenes and back, 34 ports, 12 days, every day of the year since 1893. The ships range from small heritage vessels to mid-size coastal ships. The entire programme is one country, one coastline.

Virgin Voyages operates four ships sailing globally. Scarlet Lady is based in Miami for Caribbean itineraries. Valiant Lady sails the Mediterranean. Resilient Lady has sailed Australian waters, the South Pacific, and repositions seasonally. Brilliant Lady (2025) is the newest addition. Itineraries cover the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Greek Isles, Australia, and South Pacific. The fleet is young — all four ships were delivered between 2021 and 2025.

For Australians, Virgin’s Resilient Lady has direct relevance — it has deployed from Sydney and offered sailings to the South Pacific. Hurtigruten’s entire operation is on the opposite side of the world. The destination coverage gap matters less here than the geographic accessibility gap.

Where each line excels

Hurtigruten Coastal Express excels in:

• The Norwegian coastal route. Thirty-four ports in 12 days — the most comprehensive Norwegian coastal experience available.
• Northern Lights viewing. Winter sailings above the Arctic Circle with the Northern Lights Promise guarantee.
• Authentic maritime character. A working mail route carrying cargo and local passengers alongside tourists since 1893.
• Scenic immersion. Fjords, fishing villages, the Lofoten Islands, and the Arctic Circle as continuous, unmediated visual spectacle.
• Quiet contemplation. No entertainment, no noise, no structured activities — just the coastline and the sea.

Virgin Voyages excels in:

• Culinary diversity. More than 20 included dining venues with no surcharges — the broadest complimentary dining programme of any major cruise line.
• Entertainment and nightlife. Scarlet Night, The Manor nightclub, immersive shows, drag brunch, and a tattoo parlour create an evening scene unmatched in cruising.
• Design and aesthetic. Bold, modern, and intentionally different from every traditional cruise line.
• Adults-only atmosphere. A strictly 18-plus policy creates an environment tuned for couples and friend groups in their 30s to 50s.
• Australian deployment. Resilient Lady has sailed from Sydney, offering domestic departures for Australian travellers.

Standout itineraries for Australian travellers

Hurtigruten Coastal Express

12-Day Classic Round Voyage (Bergen to Kirkenes to Bergen). The full Norwegian coastal experience. Requires flights from Australia to Bergen. Best experienced as a standalone bucket-list trip rather than a casual holiday add-on.

6 or 7-Day Northern Lights Voyage (northbound, October to March). The condensed winter option for Australians who cannot commit to 12 days. The Northern Lights Promise guarantees a free return if the aurora fails to appear.

Virgin Voyages

Australian Season Sailings (Resilient Lady, from Sydney or Melbourne). When Virgin deploys to Australian waters, these sailings eliminate the need for international flights. South Pacific island itineraries from Australian homeports are among Virgin’s most popular Australian offerings.

7-Night Greek Island Hop (Resilient Lady or Valiant Lady). Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, and Rhodes on a modern ship with 20-plus restaurants and Mediterranean sunshine. Accessible from Australia via Athens with multiple airline options.

5-Night Mediterranean Weekender (various ships, ex-Barcelona or Piraeus). Shorter sailings that pair well with a European holiday. A strong introduction to Virgin for Australian travellers testing the brand.

Ship-by-ship recommendations

Hurtigruten Coastal Express

MS Trollfjord — The most modern and spacious vessel in the fleet. Best for first-time Hurtigruten travellers.

Any ship — The route is identical on every vessel. Book on departure date and cabin availability.

Virgin Voyages

Resilient Lady — The ship most likely to deploy to Australian waters. Book this for domestic departures when available.

Scarlet Lady — The original and flagship vessel, sailing from Miami. The Caribbean itineraries are the core Virgin product.

Brilliant Lady — The newest ship (2025) with any refinements from lessons learned across the first three vessels.

For Australian travellers specifically

The Australian relevance of these two products is starkly different.

Virgin Voyages has direct Australian relevance. Resilient Lady has deployed to Sydney and Melbourne, offering domestic sailings that eliminate international flights. South Pacific itineraries from Australian homeports provide tropical options. The line’s app-driven booking and onboard experience appeals to tech-savvy Australian travellers. The adults-only, nightlife-inclusive product draws a younger demographic than most cruise lines operating in Australian waters. Virgin does not currently offer a dedicated Australian loyalty programme or fly-free promotion, and fares are typically quoted in USD, but the physical presence of ships in Australian ports makes the line genuinely accessible.

Hurtigruten Coastal Express has no Australian relevance. The service operates exclusively on the Norwegian coast. There are no Australian departures, no AUD pricing, no Australian sales infrastructure, and no fly-free programmes. Australians must arrange return flights to Bergen (AU$2,500 to $4,000 per person), accommodation, and transfers independently. The Coastal Express is a superb Norwegian experience but requires dedicated planning and expense to reach from Australia.

For younger Australian travellers seeking an adults-only cruise with dining, nightlife, and design — particularly one departing from Australian ports — Virgin Voyages is one of the strongest options in the market. For Australian travellers whose bucket list includes the Norwegian coast, Hurtigruten requires commitment but delivers an experience no other operator can match.

The onboard atmosphere

The atmospheric difference between these two products is so vast that describing them in the same section almost feels absurd.

Hurtigruten’s atmosphere is quiet, contemplative, and Norwegian. Panoramic lounges fill with guests watching fjords in companionable silence. The rhythm is dictated by port arrivals, mealtimes, and sunset. Evenings are early. The passenger base skews toward retirees, with a significant Norwegian contingent travelling domestically. Conversations are about the scenery, the weather, and tomorrow’s ports. The mood is meditative and unhurried.

Virgin’s atmosphere is energetic, social, and unapologetically modern. The pool deck buzzes with DJ sets and cocktail service. Restaurants hum with conversation and culinary experimentation across 20-plus venues. Scarlet Night transforms the entire ship into a carnival. The Manor nightclub operates until the small hours. The aesthetic is design-magazine chic — every public space feels curated and Instagram-ready. The passenger base is predominantly couples and friend groups in their 30s to 50s who chose Virgin specifically because it does not feel like a traditional cruise. The energy is high, the music is loud, and the atmosphere rewards those who want to participate.

Hurtigruten’s ideal guest wants to be alone with the scenery. Virgin’s ideal guest wants to be in the middle of the action. The two audiences barely overlap, and that is perfectly fine — the breadth of choice in modern sea travel means both preferences are well served.

The bottom line

Hurtigruten Coastal Express and Virgin Voyages exist at opposite poles of the maritime travel spectrum. Choosing between them is not a cruise comparison — it is a holiday philosophy comparison.

Choose Hurtigruten if you want the Norwegian coastal experience above all else. Choose it for 34 ports in 12 days on a working mail route. Choose it for the Northern Lights Promise. Choose it for fjords, fishing villages, and the Arctic Circle in contemplative silence. Accept that the ships are working vessels, the dining is a single restaurant, there is no spa or entertainment, and reaching Bergen from Australia requires significant planning and expense.

Choose Virgin Voyages if you want a modern, adults-only cruise with 20-plus included restaurants, immersive entertainment, late-night energy, and design-forward ships. Choose it for Scarlet Night, The Manor nightclub, and the tattoo parlour. Choose it for the culinary diversity and the no-formal-nights, no-kids, no-buffet ethos. Choose it for Australian departures when Resilient Lady deploys to Sydney or Melbourne. Accept that drinks are not included and there are no beverage packages, that the nightlife-forward atmosphere may not suit all travellers, and that the fleet of four ships limits itinerary breadth compared to larger lines.

For most Australian travellers, this is not a genuine either-or decision. These products serve such different demographics and desires that anyone drawn to one is unlikely to consider the other. But if the comparison helps you understand the extraordinary range of what is available at sea today — from a 130-year-old Norwegian mail route to a ship with a tattoo parlour and drag brunch — then it has served its purpose.