Havila Voyages is introducing a cruise concept that combines sailing along the Norwegian coast with a multi-day stay in Svolværl, Lofoten.
The land program will be integrated part of the route and not just a pre- or post-cruise add-on for what the company says is the first time.
Called the Lofoten Coastal Stopover, the concept will be done in collaboration with Thon Hotel Svolvær, Havila said in a statement.
This is the first launch in what is planned to become a broader initiative featuring longer stopovers along the way as an integrated part of the Coastal Route, under the concept name Coastal Stopover.
“We are seeing a clear development in the market where travelers want more time on land, deeper experiences, and greater flexibility. Lofoten Coastal Stopover is our way of meeting this demand – with a solution that is integrated into the Coastal Route and allows the journey to continue seamlessly,” said Bent Martini, CEO of Havila Voyages.
Guests sailing southbound from Kirkenes can disembark in Svolvær, spend two or three nights at Thon Hotel Svolvær, and then continue south with the next Havila Voyages ship, in the same cabin category as before.
Havila says this concept breaks with the traditional linear cruise format, where the experience typically consists of short port calls and land programs before or after the voyage.
The land stay becomes part of the overall experience, giving guests more time to immerse themselves in Lofoten, but without losing the continuity of the Coastal Route.
Thon Hotel Svolvær gives guests a base close to the harbor, and a digital activity platform allows them to book various experiences and activities.
“We greatly appreciate the cooperation with Havila Voyages and are proud to have been selected as the hotel partner for Lofoten Coastal Stopover,” said Erik Taraldsen, general manager of Thon Hotel Svolvær and Thon Hotel Lofoten
“This is a travel product that truly elevates the possibilities for those who want to experience Lofoten the way the archipelago deserves to be experienced.”
Lofoten Coastal Stopover will be available for booking from week 12, with first departures in May 2026.
