Hurtigruten wins first place in 2025 Telegraph Travel Awards

Hurtigruten has been named Best Small-Ship Ocean Cruise Line in the 2025 Telegraph Travel Awards.

Voted for by 20,000 readers of the UK-based newspaper, the Norwegian specialist beat Seabourn and Noble Caledonia to the accolade, and was praised for enabling guests “to live more like locals than tourists” according to The Telegraph.

The judges said small ships can “access tiny and off-the-beaten-path ports that their larger competitors simply can’t squeeze into” and praised “the calmness and connection to the ocean that are a large part of the appeal”.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to be recognised once again,” said Prini Patel, Marketing Director, UK & EMEA at Hurtigruten.

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“This award is a true tribute to the dedication of our teams, both at sea and on shore, who work tirelessly to create unforgettable experiences for our guests. It reflects the passion we bring to every voyage, from showcasing the natural beauty of the Norwegian coast to fostering meaningful connections with local communities.

"Being chosen by the public makes this recognition especially meaningful, as it confirms that our commitment to unique, immersive and authentic travel continues to resonate.”

Hurtigruten recently said it will expand its premium Signature fleet with the addition of MS Midnatsol, set to join sister expedition ships MS Trollfjord and MS Finnmarken in summer 2026.

This move comes as demand for voyages along the Norwegian coast continue to “rise sharply”, with global bookings for upcoming Hurtigruten Signature cruises up more than 40% year-on-year as of early May 2025.