

When Captain Richard With established the Norwegian Coastal Express in 1893, he made an enormous impact on life along the Norwegian coastline. The MS Richard With lives up to that legacy.
Relax in the ship's panorama lounges and take in the unforgettable views of remarkable coastal scenery, much of it the same as when the first Hurtigruten boats sailed by more than a century ago. Beautiful art throughout the ship's interior adds contemporary elegance to the vessel's maritime ambience.
Refurbishment in 2018
More comfort, new technology and better views of the spectacular Norwegian coast. MS Richard With emerged as a brand new ship in December 2018 during the largest upgrade project in Hurtigruten's history.
The upgrade saw a number of new features being added to the ship:
- All staterooms and suites are fully upgraded to match Hurtigruten’s new standards. On deck 6, a number of cabins were merged into 14 larger suites, some with large bay windows and spectacular views.
- In addition to a full makeover, the aft-facing Torget main restaurant has large deck-to-ceiling windows.
- The brand-new Activity Center will act as the on-board headquarter for Hurtigruten’s Expedition Team.
- Kysten Fine Dining - serving innovative dishes based on high quality, local produce such as ultra-fresh seafood - is slightly different from other Hurtigruten ships, and also be open for a la carte lunch.
- The gym on deck 7 is bigger, the sauna upgraded and two aft-facing outdoor hot tubs are added.
- Two new lecture halls have been added on deck 4, together with the open Kompass information and shopping area, where guests can enjoy exclusive offers on outdoor clothing and other items.
- On deck 7, the informal and hugely popular Hurtigruten venue Multe Bakery is now open- serving freshly baked cakes and pastries, smørbrød (open sandwiches with generous amounts of topping), smoothies, a large assortment of local ice cream with homemade toppings, premium coffee, organic herbal tea, and premium juice.
- The forward-facing Explorer Lounge and Panorama Bar offers a unique atmosphere and the best views on the ship – with front-row seats for enjoying the Northern Lights, Midnight Sun, wildlife and nature as it passes by.
- Size small
- Style Expedition
- Type ocean
- Year of launch 1993
- Year of last refit 2018
- Gross tonnage 11205t
- Length 121.8m
- Width 19.2m
- Speed 15kts
- Decks 6
- Language Norwegian & English
- Currency Norwegian Krone (kr)
- No. of passengers 590
- No. of crew 70
- No. of cabins 200
- -wheelchair access 3
Hurtigruten ships are working vessels operating a regular service to a set timetable. The ships carry goods, vehicles and passengers between ports, by night and day, as an integral part of Norwegian daily life. The ships are calling at ports around the clock. You may expect some noise and vibration° in a few cabins during loading of goods. This varies depending on the location of your cabin and the type of ship. Also, noise affects people differently and what may be a problem for one person may not be a problem for another. Please ask the reservation team for advice on the best cabin location for you.
It is not common practice to tip on Hurtigruten ships on the coastal voyage, but if you feel that crew members should be rewarded for providing exceptional service, tip boxes are placed in the restaurant together with envelopes.
The facilities in Hurtigruten 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 hairdryer. Tea/Coffee making facilities are available in suites only.
On board our ships you can choose between different menus - all based on fresh, seasonal ingredients. While you’re relaxing on board or enjoying excursions, local fishermen are out securing the day’s catch, such as Arctic char from the deep, cold waters of Sigerfjord in Vesterålen.
Chef Eirik is confident that the fresh local ingredients they serve enhances the experience of sailing Norway´s coastline:
‘Procuring, preparing and serving fresh, locally produced food is vital to the coastal experience. Our local interaction also generates positive ripple effects and good stories from the communities we visit. Our passengers experience an authenticity few others can offer. They can even buy some of the local products on board the ship. That way they get to savour their Norwegian coastal experience a little longer,’ chef Larsen says smiling.
Food blogger Anders Husa on the menu on board:
It is the artful combination of tastes and contrasting textures that make these dishes so delicious and exciting. Also, when you know that the animals had good lives, the food tastes even better!
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.
Keep yourself feeling fresh and active in the Fitness Room or sweating away the day in the sauna.
There is a playroom available for children.
Enjoy a lecture on the ship's deck or in one of the conference rooms and learn something new.