September 23, 2026
2-Night ['Mainland Norway'] Cruise
Departing from Tromso
From
$678
Price / day
$339
MS Nordlys|MS Polarlys
MS Nordlys vs MS Polarlys
Compare ship age, size, passenger capacity, itineraries and upcoming cruise prices.
VS
Newer Ship
MS Polarlys
Built in 1996
2 years newer
Lower Price Per Day
MS Nordlys
$492 / day
$200 less per day
More Spacious Ship
Both ships are the same
MS Nordlys vs MS Polarlys: Quick Comparison
MS Polarlys is the newer ship in this comparison. Built in 1996, it is 2 years newer than MS Nordlys, which entered service in 1994. MS Polarlys is approximately 1% larger by gross tonnage at 11,341 GT. MS Nordlys has upcoming sailings in ['Mainland Norway'], while MS Polarlys has sailings in Mainland Norway. Based on the upcoming cruises currently displayed, MS Nordlys has the lower average starting price per day. The sailings shown cover different itineraries, so the price per day figures are not a like-for-like comparison. Cruise fares vary significantly by itinerary, departure date and cabin availability, so any price difference should be treated as a snapshot rather than a permanent gap.
Ship Comparison
| Spec | MS Nordlys | MS Polarlys |
|---|---|---|
| Year Built | 1994 | 1996Newer |
| Gross Tonnage | 11,204 GT | 11,341 GT |
| Passenger Capacity | — | 737 |
| Space per Passenger | — | 15.4 GT |
| Length | 121.8 m | 123 m |
| Decks | — | — |
| Cabins | — | — |
Key Differences: MS Nordlys vs MS Polarlys
Age
MS Polarlys was built in 1996, making it 2 years newer than MS Nordlys, which was built in 1994.
Size
At 11,341 GT, MS Polarlys is approximately 1% larger by gross tonnage than MS Nordlys at 11,204 GT.
Itineraries
The upcoming sailings shown for MS Nordlys (['Mainland Norway']) and MS Polarlys (Mainland Norway) currently cover different regions or departure ports.
Price
Among the upcoming sailings currently displayed, MS Nordlys has the lower average starting price per day at $492 per day.
Compare Ports of Call
MS Nordlys
Arctic Capital to the Norwegian Border
- Departure Port
- Tromso
- Region
- ['Mainland Norway']
- Nights
- 2
- Round Trip
- No
- Day 1 · Sep 23, 2026Tromso
- Day 2 · Sep 24, 2026Skjervøy
- Day 3 · Sep 25, 2026Honningsvåg
- Day 4 · Sep 26, 2026Båtsfjord
- Day 5 · Sep 27, 2026Kirkenes
Dates are estimates based on the published departure date.
MS Polarlys
The Coastal Express – North
- Departure Port
- Bergen
- Region
- Mainland Norway
- Nights
- 6
- Round Trip
- No
- Day 1 · Sep 11, 2026Bergen
- Day 2 · Sep 12, 2026Alesund
- Day 3 · Sep 13, 2026Molde
- Day 4 · Sep 14, 2026Trondheim
- Day 5 · Sep 15, 2026Bodø
- Day 6 · Sep 16, 2026Tromso
- Day 7 · Sep 17, 2026Honningsvåg
- Day 8 · Sep 18, 2026Kirkenes
- Day 9 · Sep 19, 2026Båtsfjord
Dates are estimates based on the published departure date.
Upcoming Cruises & Prices
MS Nordlys
September 25, 2026
5-Night ['Mainland Norway'] Cruise
Departing from Kirkenes
From
$3,219
Price / day
$644
MS Polarlys
September 11, 2026
6-Night Mainland Norway Cruise
Departing from Bergen
From
$4,770
Price / day
$795
September 11, 2026
4-Night Mainland Norway Cruise
Departing from Bergen
From
$2,354
Price / day
$589
Prices shown are starting fares and may change.
Which Ship Is Cheaper?
MS Nordlys
Average
$492 / day
VS
MS Polarlys
Average
$692 / day
MS Nordlys has the lower price per day among the sailings shown
$492/day vs $692/day
About $200 less per day
This comparison is based on the upcoming sailings currently shown and may not represent like-for-like itineraries.
Cruise prices vary by departure date, itinerary, cabin type and availability.
Which Ship Should You Choose?
Choose MS Nordlys if…
- You want to sail in ['Mainland Norway'].
- Departing from Tromso and Kirkenes works for your plans.
- The lower price per day among the sailings currently shown matters to you.
- You do not place as much importance on sailing on a newer ship than MS Polarlys.
Choose MS Polarlys if…
- You prefer the newer ship.
- You prefer the larger ship by gross tonnage.
- You want to sail in Mainland Norway.
- Departing from Bergen works for your plans.
MS Nordlys vs MS Polarlys: Final Comparison Summary
Newer
MS Polarlys
Built in 1996
2 years newer
Bigger
MS Polarlys
11,341 GT
1% larger by gross tonnage
Lower Price Per Day
MS Nordlys
$492 / day
About $200 less per day
- MS Polarlys is 2 years newer.
- MS Polarlys is 1% larger by gross tonnage.
- Passenger capacity is not available for both ships.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is newer, MS Nordlys or MS Polarlys?
MS Polarlys is newer. It was built in 1996, while MS Nordlys was built in 1994, making MS Polarlys 2 years newer.
Which is bigger, MS Nordlys or MS Polarlys?
MS Polarlys is larger by gross tonnage. It measures approximately 11,341 GT compared with MS Nordlys at 11,204 GT.
Which ship is cheaper, MS Nordlys or MS Polarlys?
Among the upcoming sailings currently displayed, MS Nordlys has the lower average starting price per day at $492 per day versus $692 per day. Fares vary by itinerary, departure date, cabin type and availability.
Where does MS Nordlys sail?
The upcoming MS Nordlys sailings currently listed cover ['Mainland Norway'], departing from Tromso and Kirkenes.
Where does MS Polarlys sail?
The upcoming MS Polarlys sailings currently listed cover Mainland Norway, departing from Bergen.
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