“The food should be at least half the reason for travelling with Havila Voyages.”

A brand-new cruise line launching this winter will be offering a voyage of culinary discovery along the Norwegian coast, with fresh, locally sourced food served at every meal, along with a whole host of regional specialities.

Havila Voyages will operate will operate its first ship, Havila Capella, along the Norwegian coast from 1 December with three more ships joining the fleet in 2022.

This week, the cruise line announced details of its on-board dining options including a choice of restaurants and on-board cafe. A new 'Havila Gold' concept has also been unveiled, giving guests the chance to upgrade and enjoy exclusive dining choices and services while on board.

The on board culinary experience will undoubtedly prove one of the highlights of the journey. Each of the 34 ports along the coastal route have their own specialities, local recipes and flavours allowing Havila to offer a round-trip in locally sourced, traditional dishes.

There are no buffets on-board. Guests travelling on full board basis will be served a choice of dishes in the 'Havrand' restaurant, while those looking for something even more special can enjoy fine-dining in 'Hildring'. Hot and cold food will also be available for purchase in the 'Havly' café.

The main dining 'Havrand' restaurant will offer a choice of set dishes as well as local recipes from the areas through which the ship is sailing. Guests will enjoy such delights as glossy white cod, golden cloudberries that only grow in the high north, the famous king crab, and local speciality, the 'lefser' griddle cakes.

For breakfast, guests can choose as many dishes as they like from a menu including cheeses, jams, cold cuts, baked goods, and hot dishes. Their choices will all then be delivered to their table, creating their own personal breakfast spread.

The on-board menus are the work of Gunnar Hvarnes who trained and managed a team of Norwegian chefs to victory in the prestigious 'Bocuse d'or Europe' (often nicknamed the culinary Olympics) in 2020.”

Hotel Director of Havila Voyages, Camilla Løvlien commented “We have so many good ingredients and dishes to offer in Norway, and our cuisine will be a big part of a person's decision to travel with Havila Voyages. I'm looking forward to enjoying this epicurean coastal experience.”

Havila Gold – for the ultimate experience

A new 'Havila Gold' concept has also been introduced, allowing guests to upgrade and enjoy extra dining choices and services such as:

Food and beverage

Welcome pack in their cabin including sparkling wine

Tea and coffee package

Mineral water and cold-pressed juices with all restaurant meals

Havila Gold's exclusive extra food choices at breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Service

Drinks and snacks in Havblikk after check-in from Bergen or Kirkenes

No cover charge for room service

20% discount on on-board activities

Discounts (on selected items) in the shop

The ships are operating as part of a ten-year Government funded contract to sail the historic route, with Havila operating four of the 11 ships departing daily from Bergen.

They are designed to be the most environmentally friendly vessels to operate along coastal route and will feature the World's largest battery packs.

Guests will stay in spacious cabins and have the opportunity to participate in a whole host of local excursions, including many with a culinary theme such as a brewery visit and beer tasting or King Crab fishing on a frozen fjord.

Best Served Scandinavia currently offer Havila's 12 day round trip (Bergen/Kirkenes/Bergen) on full board basis, including return flights from Heathrow, airport transfers and one night's pre and post cruise accomodation at the Thon Hotel Orion (B&B basis) from just £1,950 per person. Price valid for 11 February and 16 February 2022 departures.

To book call tel: 0207 664 2241, email enquire@best-served.co.uk or visit best-served.co.uk.

The Havila Gold upgrade costs from £178 per person for the six-day Voyage South, or £311 for the 12 day Round Voyage and is bookable either pre-departure or on-board.

For more information on Havila visit www.havilavoyages.com