MS Richard With - Photo Tour

Next in line in our series of photo tours on board the ships of Hurtigruten is MS Richard With.

Hurtigruten's fleet of cruise ships operates daily departures on the 11-day round trip from Bergen, calling at 34 ports along the coast of Norway. The route is popular with cruise tourists keen to experience 'the most beautiful voyage in the world', and also serves as a lifeline for many smaller communities in Norway's more isolated north.

Scroll down to see our full photo tour of her passenger decks.

Hurtigruten's Richard With alongside in Bergen, Norway

Named after the Captain who founded Hurtigruten in 1893, MS Richard With entered the fleet 100 years after the opening of the coastal express route.

Richard With

Built in Germany in 1993, she has a tonnage of 11,305 and can carry up to 623 passengers (464 in berths). She is one of the six '90s' ships in the Hurtigruten fleet; a group of near-sister ships with similar designs and passenger facilities.

Richard With refuels whilst alongside

Large doors in the ship's side lead to the car decks and cargo areas

After passing through check in at the Hurtigruteterminalen, passengers receive a safety briefing before boarding via a large glass walkway to the ship.

A modern glass walkway leads to the ship

INTERIORS

Down one deck from the gangway are many of Richard With's main public rooms, which run the full length of Deck 4.

A seating area in the Los Holtes Cafe

Just aft of the forward stairwell is the Los Holtes Cafe, which offers a selection of self-service food and drinks throughout the day. This relaxed area has a comfortable feel and ample seating.

The service counter in the Los Holtes Cafe

Tucked into a corner of the cafe is the on board shop, which sells gifts and clothes.

The shop on board Richard With

Moving aft along Deck 4, the wide arcade leads to the main dining room. The mirrored ceiling may not be in line with modern tastes, but the large picture windows along one side of this space are the real focal point, offering incredible views throughout the voyage.

The arcade links the main restaurant to the other public areas

The Polar Restaurant is Richard With's main formal dining venue where passengers can take breakfast, lunch and dinner in open seatings. The room has a pleasant atmosphere, despite decor that is busy and slightly dated. The large windows along 3 sides flood the room with light.

The Polar Restaurant

Moving back to the forward end of Deck 4 brings you to the Draugen Troll Bar, an inviting room with warm decor and a cosy atmosphere.

The Draugen Troll Bar on Deck 4

The bard opens onto one of the conference rooms

The forward part of this space leads into Richard With's conference facilities, with the larger lecture hall opening directly from the bar area (this can be screened off). Two smaller conference rooms are accessed via the port side of the bar.

Conference facilities on board

One of the two smaller conference rooms on Richard With

The ship's relaxing library makes a great addition to this Deck. Considerably larger than the libraries on many of her sister ships it is well stocked with books and games.

The Stokmarknes Library is a very comfortable space

The Library on board

The remainder of Richard With's public rooms are located up on Deck 7. The Syvstjernen Observation Lounge has a fully stocked bar and plenty of space to sit back and enjoy the trip.

The Syvstjernen Observation Lounge

Seating in the observation lounge

Just aft of the Syvstjernen lounge is a small fitness room, with a decent selection of equipment. The space is clean, fresh, and light, and benefits from its position high on the ship with large windows along one wall.

The Fitness Centre

The largest and most impressive public room is the Horisont Panorama Lounge, located all the way forward on Deck 7. This room is a standard feature on the majority of ships in the Hurtigruten fleet. The decor here is relatively simple, with the main focus being the views out from three sides of the room.

The Horisont Panorama Lounge provides a fantastic vantage point

Large picture windows line three sides of the Panorama Lounge

A dance floor in the centre of the room can be used for evening entertainment

Public stairwells have a nautical theme

OPEN DECKS

The main sun deck is located aft on deck 7, and is partially covered to ensure passengers can enjoy the fresh air whatever the weather.

Richard With's funnel stands above the covered deck area

The main sun deck has loungers for use when the sun comes out

A full wrap-around promenade is situated on Deck 5, and offers the perfect place to stretch your legs and enjoy the views.

The promenade deck

Lifeboats are stored above the promenade

ACCOMMODATION

A range of cabins are available on board Richard With. Standard rooms offer clean and comfortable accommodation, an all have a small vanity desk and en suite facilities. Wheelchair accessible cabins are also available.

A standard outside cabin on Richard With

The en suite bathroom units are small but functional

A wheelchair accessible cabin provides a little more space

The wheelchair accessible bathrooms are specially fitted

At the other end of the scale are the two suites, situated on Deck 5. These have been recently renovated, and the interiors here are a noticeable step above those in the main public areas. Each suite features a separate bedroom with double bed, a sitting area, mini bar and larger bathroom.

The sitting room in a Suite (category M)

Suites offer large double beds and bathrobes

The bedroom windows give views out across the ship's bow

A bottle of champagne on ice awaits the new passengers

Also available are a number of mini suites. These also feature double beds and a sitting area, and offer considerably more comfort than the standard cabins. Occupants of all suites and mini suites are welcomed with a bottle of champagne on ice waiting upon arrival.

The sitting area in a Mini Suite

A Mini Suite on Deck 6

Mini Suites also feature a small vanity desk and flat screen TV

FINAL IMPRESSIONS

Richard With is typical of the six 90's ships that make up the majority of the fleet on the express route. She offers pleasant, comfortable surroundings which though a little dated in areas are clean and well-maintained. Her friendly crew complete the welcoming atmosphere on board. Those looking for a slightly more modern ship with a few more facilities may wish to consider Midnatsol or Trollfjord for their trip with Hurtigruten.