The Essential Cruise Shop's Guide to Hurtigruten's Dress Code.

Daytime Dress Code: What to Wear from Morning to Evening

The daytime dress code on any Hurtigruten sailing is centred on comfort, practicality, and preparedness for adventure. As an expedition-focused cruise line, the emphasis is on enjoying the incredible scenery and excursions, so your clothing should reflect that. Layering is the most important principle to follow.

For the Norwegian Coastal Express, weather can change in an instant. A sunny morning can become a windy, wet afternoon. Pack thermal base layers, comfortable fleeces or wool sweaters, and a fully waterproof and windproof outer jacket and trousers.

For polar expeditions in Antarctica, Greenland, or the Arctic, the layering system is even more critical. Wool is highly recommended over cotton. Hurtigruten often provides an expedition jacket and may offer muck boots for landings, but you must bring your own waterproof trousers, thermal underwear, wool socks, a warm hat, gloves, and a neck gaiter.

For warmer itineraries like the Galapagos Islands, the focus shifts to lightweight, breathable fabrics. Pack light trousers or shorts, t-shirts, a sun hat with a wide brim, and a light rain jacket for occasional showers. UV-protective clothing is highly recommended.

General Public Areas (Lounges, Atrium, Cafés)

Inside the ship, the atmosphere is relaxed and casual. Jeans, walking trousers, jumpers, and comfortable shirts are the norm. You will see guests in their expedition gear relaxing in the Explorer Lounge after a shore landing, and this is perfectly acceptable. The key is to be comfortable.

Pool Decks and Outdoor Spaces

Hurtigruten ships are famous for their hot tubs on the outdoor decks. If you plan to use them, be sure to pack your swimwear. It's an incredible experience to sit in a warm hot tub while sailing past glaciers or under the Northern Lights. You will also need a warm hat to wear while in the tub in colder climates!

Daytime Dining (Main Dining Room & Buffet)

The dress code for daytime dining in venues like the main restaurant Aune or the more casual Fredheim is very relaxed. It is perfectly fine to dine in the casual clothes you are wearing for the day, including walking trousers and fleeces. The only firm rules are:

• Swimwear is not permitted in any indoor dining venue.
• A cover-up or t-shirt must be worn over swimwear when walking through any indoor part of the ship.
• Footwear is required in all dining areas.

Evening Dress Codes Explained

Evenings aboard Hurtigruten remain refreshingly simple and informal, staying true to the line's Norwegian heritage and expedition focus. There is no need to pack formal wear; instead, a smart casual approach is all that is required.

Casual Evenings (or the cruise line's equivalent term)

Every evening on Hurtigruten can be considered a Casual Evening. The atmosphere does not change dramatically from day to night. Guests typically change out of any wet or muddy expedition gear into clean, comfortable clothes for dinner. For men and women, this can simply mean a fresh pair of jeans or chinos and a clean jumper or shirt.

Smart Casual / Evening Chic (or the cruise line's equivalent term)

For dinner in the main restaurant or for a special occasion, most guests opt for what could be described as Smart Casual. This is the dressiest you will ever need to be. It is not a strict code, but a general standard of dressing respectfully for the evening meal.

• For Men: Long trousers such as chinos, smart jeans, or slacks with a collared shirt, polo shirt, or a smart jumper.
• For Women: Smart jeans or trousers, a skirt with a nice top or blouse, or a casual dress.

What Not to Wear

While the code is relaxed, it is generally recommended to avoid the following in the main dining room for the evening meal:

• Shorts
• Swimwear (this is prohibited)
• Tank tops or sleeveless vests for men
• Baseball caps

Formal Night / Gala Evening (or the cruise line's equivalent term)

This is the most important thing to understand about the Hurtigruten dress code: there are no formal nights. Hurtigruten does not have a tradition of Gala Evenings, Captain's Dinners, or formal cocktail parties. You do not need to pack a tuxedo, dinner jacket, suit, cocktail dress, or gown. This policy holds true for all itineraries and cruise durations, including festive sailings over Christmas and New Year.

The closest equivalent is often a farewell dinner on the last night, but the dress code remains Smart Casual. You are welcome to dress up a little more if you wish (e.g., a blazer for men or a smart dress for women), but it is entirely optional and you will not feel out of place if you don't.

Dress Codes by Venue (Evening)

The dress code is consistent across almost all evening venues, with a simple emphasis on being clean, tidy, and smart casual.

• The Main Dining Room(s): Venues like Aune expect a Smart Casual dress code for the evening meal. Long trousers are recommended.
• Speciality Dining Restaurants: For a more intimate dining experience in a restaurant like Lindstrøm, the dress code is also Smart Casual.
• The Buffet / Lido Marketplace: In more casual eateries like Fredheim, the dress code is relaxed, but the 'no shorts for dinner' guideline is still appreciated.
• The Main Theatre or Show Lounge: On Hurtigruten, this is typically a Science Center or lecture hall. Attire is always casual as these are educational venues.
• Bars and Lounges: In the Explorer Lounge or other bars, the dress code is relaxed and casual throughout the evening.

Common Themed Nights & Special Events

Hurtigruten does not have 'themed nights' in the traditional cruise sense (like 70s Disco or Pirate Night). Instead, special events are tied to the culture and nature of the destination.

• Crossing the Arctic Circle Ceremony: This is a fun, casual daytime event on deck. No special dress is required other than being wrapped up warm!
• Norwegian Traditions: On the Norwegian Coastal Express, you may encounter events celebrating local food or traditions, but these do not have a specific dress code.
• Farewell Gathering: On the final evening, there is often a farewell gathering with the expedition team. The dress code for this remains Smart Casual.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Hurtigruten Dress Code

Can I wear jeans on Hurtigruten?

Yes, absolutely. Jeans (including smart, dark-wash jeans) are perfectly acceptable in all areas of the ship, including the main dining room for dinner in the evening. Comfort and practicality are key on a Hurtigruten voyage.

Are shorts allowed in the Main Dining Room in the evening?

While shorts are common daytime wear, they are generally discouraged in the main dining room during the evening meal. While the dress code is relaxed, most guests opt for long trousers, such as chinos, smart jeans, or slacks for dinner.

How many formal nights will be on my cruise?

There are zero formal nights on any Hurtigruten cruise. The cruise line has a relaxed, informal atmosphere and does not follow the tradition of formal or gala evenings. The dressiest occasion is typically a farewell dinner, where guests might wear a smart, collared shirt or a nice blouse, but no formal wear is required.

Do I really need a dinner jacket or a gown for a formal night?

No, you do not need a dinner jacket, tuxedo, gown, or cocktail dress. Hurtigruten has no formal nights, and such attire would be out of place. The focus is on comfortable and smart casual clothing for evenings.

What is the dress code for children and teenagers?

The dress code for children and teenagers is the same as for adults: relaxed, comfortable, and practical. There are no special dress requirements for younger guests.

Is the dress code strictly enforced?

The dress code is not strictly enforced because it is already very relaxed. The main guidelines are based on common sense and comfort, such as wearing a cover-up over swimwear indoors and opting for long trousers for dinner. The atmosphere is casual and friendly.

Expert Packing Tips for Any Itinerary

Your packing list should be dictated by your destination. Here are some final, practical tips:

• For your Norwegian Coastal or Arctic cruise: Do not forget high-quality wool base layers, mid-layers (fleece or wool), waterproof and windproof outer layers (jacket and trousers), warm socks, a hat, gloves, and a scarf or neck gaiter. Comfortable, waterproof walking shoes are essential.
• For your Antarctic expedition: In addition to the Arctic list, ensure you have excellent UV protection, including high-SPF sunscreen and quality sunglasses, as the sun reflecting off the ice is incredibly strong.
• For your Galapagos cruise: Pack lightweight and breathable clothing, a wide-brimmed sun hat with a chin strap, reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, and at least two swimsuits. Comfortable walking sandals and trainers are ideal.
• For all itineraries: Pack comfortable shoes for wearing around the ship, any personal medications, a reusable water bottle, binoculars for wildlife spotting, and your camera with extra batteries and memory cards.

Finally, remember that certain items are prohibited on board for safety reasons. These typically include clothing irons, travel steamers, heating pads, and surge-protected extension leads.

This information is believed to be correct at the time of publishing, however policies can change at short notice, and may vary in their implementation from ship to ship.

For the most current information, please visit the official Hurtigruten website: Hurtigruten - Life on Board Information.