BEST Havila Coastal Express Cabin Guide for Solo Travellers
Picking the right cabin on the Norway Coastal Express (especially if you’re a solo traveller) makes a big difference to your overall experience on board.
That’s exactly why I’ve put together this ultimate Havila Coastal Express cabin guide – to give you an honest breakdown of what each Havila cabin is actually like, and which one makes the most sense for solo travellers!
I travelled the full 12-day Havila Coastal Express route solo in winter (and I also used Havila as a ferry for overnight hops between Svolvaer and Tromsø), and I remember looking at all the options and feeling totally overwhelmed.
Your cabin is where you rest after long days of excursions and escape when you need a breather from the lounges, so choosing the right one is important.
You want a cabin that feels safe, comfy, and good value for money, right?
Well, I’ll walk you through every cabin type (interior, sea view, accessible and suites), share what I personally booked, and explain who each option actually suits.
And by the end, you’ll know exactly which cabin will give you the experience you want on board, whether you want to save money or get the best views!
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Why Your Cabin Matters So Much as a Solo Traveller
When you’re travelling the coast of Norway alone, your cabin is a lot more than just a place to sleep at the end of a long day at sea.
For me personally, it was my own private, safe bubble after long travel days, wild weather, busy excursions and socialising in the lounge or at dinner.
Having a space that felt warm, comfortable, homey and totally private made the entire trip feel easier for me, especially as an introverted solo traveller.
So this Havila Coastal Express cabin guide is here to help you choose a cabin that genuinely makes your journey feel calmer, safer, and more comfortable!
Havila vs Hurtigruten Cabins – What’s the Difference?
If you’re still trying to decide between sailing the Norway Coastal Express with Havila or Hurtigruten, there are a few differences you need to keep in mind.
Havila’s ships are a lot newer, and therefore the interiors of the cabins are a lot more modern, bright and comfortable. The décor truly is beautiful, with local artwork, larger windows, smarter layouts and a more contemporary design.
Hurtigruten’s ships, on the other hand, are a lot older, as Hurtigruten has run the original Coastal Express in Norway since 1893. The on-board cabins vary a lot by ship (whereas Havila’s interiors are all the same regardless of ship), so while some cabins have been recently renovated, most have a more dated style of décor and older layouts.
The one biggest difference I noticed when comparing the two was with the windows.
With Havila, if you book any kind of sea-view cabin, you know you’ll get an actual view.
Whereas, on Hurtigruten, some “polar outside” cabins have partially blocked or limited views (for example, behind a lifeboat or as a porthole-style window). And to guarantee an uninterrupted sea view, you have to upgrade further, which I found then cost more than Havila.
Katie’s Top Tip: If you’re torn between the two companies, look specifically at cabin photos and deck plans before you make a decision, to see what you prefer. Because apart from the onboard style, there is no other difference between the two in terms of port calls or excursions.
Havila Cabin Map + Deck Plan
If you’ve never sailed with Havila before, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the cabin map before you choose your cabin type.
You can find the current deck plan on Havila’s website.
On Havila ships, most cabins are on decks 4, 5 and 7, with only the two Lighthouse Suites on deck 8. Most suites can be found on deck 7.
And all cabins are entirely separate from the busier, social space on board the ship (like the shop, restaurants and café on deck 6), so you’re not staying right next to anything noisy.
All Havila Cabins Explained
There are four ships in the Havila fleet (Castor, Capella, Polaris and Pollux), and all have identical cabins and layouts.
There are then 12 different styles of Havila cabins, from the most affordable interior and seaview cabins to the more expensive suites, ranging from Mini Suites to the executive Lighthouse Suite with a private balcony and jacuzzi.
Havila Interior Cabins (The Cheapest Option)
Interior cabins are Havila’s most budget-friendly cabins, and they’re absolutely fine if you’re not planning to spend much time in your room.
I stayed in a Havila interior cabin for one night between Tromsø and Svolvaer, and it surprised me in a really good way!
Even without a window, the interior cabin felt clean, modern, and still very well designed to maximise the space and not feel cramped, claustrophobic or dark.
Inside my 8–10m² cabin, I had a comfy single bed plus a pull-down bunk (if you’re travelling with a friend), a small sofa and table, a TV, and a compact bathroom with a toilet, sink, and shower.
Don’t get me wrong, the cabin feels small (especially compared to my previous stay in the seaview cabin), but the space was totally fine for a short stay!
For the full 12-day route, though (or even the southbound or northbound full voyage), I would’ve personally felt a bit boxed in and missed having the natural light from the window.
As a general recommendation, I would recommend the Havila interior cabin for solo travellers making short one or two-night hops, rather than the full voyage.
Katie’s Top Tip: If you are booking an interior cabin for a longer itinerary, make sure you spend lots of time in the lounges and out on the panoramic decks, so you’re getting enough natural light and truly enjoying those incredible views!
Havila Seaview Cabins (My Top Pick + Honest Review)
This is the cabin I stayed in for my 12-day round-trip and honestly, I loved it!
Havila’s sea view cabins are the perfect choice for solo travellers, as they’re not crazy expensive like the suites, but are still big enough (15–16 m²) and bright enough to feel like a space you genuinely enjoy spending time in.
In my opinion, Havila Seaview cabins have the perfect balance of comfort, beautiful modern décor, space and practicality – all at a reasonable price.
I stayed in cabin 4104 on board Havila Polaris.
It had a large picture window with constant sea views, a super comfy queen-size bed (I wanted to bring it home with me!!), a separate sofa, a spacious wardrobe, a proper desk, tea and coffee facilities, a kettle, a fridge, a TV, and an ensuite bathroom that was way more spacious than the interior cabin one.
My cabin was on the port side of the ship, so I was a little worried about being disturbed by the noise or light of early-hours’ port calls, but it never bothered me. (If you’re a light sleeper, definitely bring some earbuds and an eye mask just in case, though.)
The only noise I noticed was the occasional soft hum of the ship or reception, but nothing that kept me awake or disturbed me at all.
And from a female solo perspective, I always felt safe. The corridors are bright and always lit, the locking system feels secure, and the crew are always around if you need someone.
I spent so many moments curled up on the sofa or in bed, watching tiny fishing villages or spectacular mountain scenery through my window, with a hot chocolate in hand. It was honestly so relaxing!
Havila also offers different setups for their sea view cabins, with double beds, twin beds, a king-size bed, or even an aft-view option to watch the wake of the ship!
Katie’s Top Tip: If your sailing isn’t during peak times (the Midnight Sun especially), check prices around 90 days before the voyage start date. Havila often removes solo supplements on Seaview cabins, which is exactly how I booked mine without paying any extra!
Havila Accessible Cabins
If you’re looking for accessible options, Havila offers spacious, thoughtfully designed rooms in both the interior and Seaview cabins.
The accessible interior cabins are 16–18 m² and feel a lot bigger than the standard interior version, with wider doorways, more floor space, and a larger bathroom.
The accessible Seaview cabins are also larger, between 21–24 m², and include the same amenities as the regular Seaview rooms, just with better movement space for wheelchairs and a bigger bathroom.
Then there’s also an accessible balcony junior suite (21 m²), with floor-to-ceiling windows, a private balcony, a sofa, fridge, desk, tea/coffee facilities, bathrobes and slippers.
So, all the comforts of a suite with a layout that is perfect for wheelchair users or people with mobility aids!
Katie’s Top Tip: If you need to know anything more about accessible cabins on board, email Havila directly. I found the team to be genuinely helpful, and they can confirm the exact layout of the different cabins with you.
Havila Mini Suites
Mini Suites on board Havila come in three different types, all with panoramic windows, a double bed, a cosy seating area, a desk with a chair, tea and coffee facilities, a fridge, a bathrobe and slippers, and access to the quieter Hildring restaurant.
If you like space in your room when you travel or you know you’ll spend a lot of time in your cabin, this is the most affordable suite in this whole Havila Coastal Express cabin guide, but it still offers those extra touches of luxury!
The Panoramic Centre Mini Suite (20 m²) sits right at the bow, giving you huge floor-to-ceiling windows and a front-row view of the beautiful coastline ahead of you.
The Panoramic Corner Mini Suite (22 m²) has even more wraparound window space, with one of the best viewpoints on the ship (this is the captain’s view!).
Or, if you prefer a quieter, more spacious setup, the Aft View Mini Suite (30 m²) gives you a separate bedroom and lounge with beautiful aft-facing views at the back of the ship.
Katie’s Top Tip: If you’re booking a winter sailing and want the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights from bed (yes, really!), a suite is a perfect choice!
Havila Junior Suites
Junior Suites are more expensive (and more luxurious) than Mini Suites, but less expensive than the few Premium Suites on board.
Both Junior Suite layouts come with large picture windows or floor-to-ceiling windows, a double bed, a sofa, a desk, a comfy chair, a fridge, and all the homey extras like a robe and slippers, access to the Hildring restaurant, and tea/coffee making facilities.
The Seaview Junior Suite (27 m²) sits right at the front of Deck 7, with wide picture windows to watch the scenery drift by. It’s a direct upgrade from the regular Seaview cabin, and is the kind of room where you’ll genuinely want to spend time!
The Balcony Junior Suite (21 m²) gives you a private balcony and floor-to-ceiling windows, which is perfect if you want to take photos or enjoy the scenery without heading up to the open decks. It’s slightly smaller in terms of interior space but still feels spacious with a smart layout and bright décor.
Katie’s Top Tip: The Balcony Junior Suite is especially perfect in Northern Lights season, as you can head out and take photos without having to go to the busy top deck! It’s your own private viewing spot!
Havila Premium Suites
The Premium Suites are Havila’s most luxurious option, so if you’ve ever wanted to treat yourself on a bucket-list trip, this is where you’d do it!
Everything inside these suites is bigger, more luxurious and more comfortable: the beds, the lounge areas, the bathrooms, the storage and, of course, the balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows to make the most of those incredible views!
The Lighthouse Suite (48 m²) is the ultimate splurge – and there are only two onboard each ship. You get a private balcony with a jacuzzi (just imagine watching the Northern Lights from your own private jacuzzi!!), a dining area, a cosy lounge, a huge double bed, a bathroom with both a shower and a bath, and a true apartment-like feel.
The Balcony Suite (25–28 m²) is smaller in size but has a bigger balcony and interior size than the Havila Junior Balcony Suite, with floor-to-ceiling windows, a private balcony, two wardrobes, and a clean, modern Scandi aesthetic.
Katie’s Top Tip: If you’re sailing in summer and know you’ll be spending hours outside watching the Midnight Sun, either of these Premium Suites is a great way to make the most of the endless daylight!
The Relax Chairs
If you’re only sailing port-to-port and don’t want to pay for a full cabin, Havila’s Relax Chairs are a great, affordable option.
It’s a quiet, private lounge with reclining, comfy chairs where you can sleep or just relax with a book or your phone and get some peace and quiet.
You won’t get the privacy or storage a cabin offers, but for one-night hops, it’s a decent option.
Katie’s Top Tip: Make sure you keep your valuables on you, pack a sleep mask and earplugs, and be prepared for people coming and going at the smaller, nighttime ports.
Understanding Solo Supplements
Solo supplements are the bane of every solo cruiser’s existence (and budget!) I will never understand why cruise liners think it’s fair to ask us to pay the same price as a couple.
But rant over! The good news is that Havila Voyages is surprisingly solo-friendly compared to many other cruise lines (and even rival Hurtigruten).
When I booked my trip, I discovered that Havila remove the solo supplement on many interior and seaview cabins 90 days before departure.
And let me tell you, for an experience that is already pricey, this makes a huge difference!
But the important part to note is that suites generally don’t get this discount. Even though they’re beautiful (and worth it if you have the budget), they’re priced for couples or travellers wanting a more premium experience.
Katie’s Top Tip: I personally recommend the Havila Seaview Cabin for solo travellers, as you get the best balance of comfort, space, natural light, and incredible sea views – for a more affordable price where you’re not paying for two!
What’s Included in the Havila Room Rate?
One thing I really appreciated about Havila as a solo traveller is that the room rate actually includes all the essentials you need, with no confusing tiered packages or endless upsells that you get on more traditional cruises.
In every cabin, you’ll get comfortable bedding, towels, USB ports, a TV, a wardrobe, a hairdryer, good heating, a kettle and a private bathroom.
WIFI is included for free too, and while it’s not lightning fast, I found it reliable enough for messages, photo uploads, browsing and even long video calls.
Self-service laundry is also free, with washers and dryers and auto-dispensing detergent.
Free housekeeping happens every two days, and as someone who hates feeling hovered over, I loved this! It’s enough to keep your room fresh without having it every single morning.
And, when booking the Coastal Express 12-day round-trip, I also had three meals a day included in my room rate. The meals were served in the Havrand Restaurant and included a buffet and served breakfast with juices and tea/coffee, a served lunch of small plates, and a three-course served dinner.
Tap water is also free throughout the voyage, so if you don’t want to pay extra for soft drinks or alcohol with meals, you can just ask for water. This is what I did (and so did the couple sitting next to me).
Katie’s Top Tip: Food wasn’t included in the room rate when I booked my overnight hops between Tromsø and Svolvaer, but you can easily upgrade to a meal package when booking or go to the onboard café to eat.
What Isn’t Included in the Havila Room Rate?
On my voyage, breakfast, lunch and dinner were included in the 12-day round-trip as standard. And I also spoke to fellow passengers just doing the southbound or northbound voyages, and they had meals included too. But for all other passengers, meals are not included unless you add a dining package.
Excursions are also separate, which gives you more freedom to choose what actually interests you rather than paying for bundled activities that don’t interest you.
It is worth keeping an eye on the deals page, though, as I have seen offers for excursion credit or even for a free excursion.
Finally, snacks from the café, alcohol, soft drinks (apart from juices at breakfast), and anything from the onboard shop are also extra.
Katie’s Top Tip: Like I said, make sure you check the offers page before booking (especially during the quieter off-season), as there may be deals for excursion credit or even spending credit for the shop or café, which can definitely help you save money.
When to Upgrade (And When Not To)
An upgrade is absolutely worth it when you’re doing the full 12-day route, especially in winter, or if you know you’ll spend a lot of time in your room.
A Havila Seaview Cabin or even a suite (if you have the budget) gives you more space, better views, and just a more relaxing cabin to come back to when you need a break from the cold or from socialising.
And for me, as a solo female traveller, that little boost in comfort from an interior cabin to a beautiful, more spacious Seaview cabin made the voyage so much more special and enjoyable!
But if you’re only onboard for a night or two between ports, an upgrade is a lot less necessary.
A standard Havila interior cabin is more than enough for quick journeys, especially because you’ll spend most of your time in the observation lounge or out on deck.
Katie’s Top Tip: If you’re unsure, choose based on the length of your itinerary. So for a long journey (6+ nights), upgrade. But if you’re only doing a short hop, save your cash.
How to Choose the Right Havila Cabin for You
I wanted to make this Havila Coastal Express cabin guide for solo travellers as easy and actionable as possible, so here is a quick cheat sheet to help you choose your perfect cabin:
Choose an Interior Cabin if…
- You’re travelling on a budget and just want somewhere private and comfortable to sleep.
- You’re only travelling on board for a night or two, between ports.
- You’re doing the full route but plan to spend most of your time on deck or in the lounges.
Choose a Seaview Cabin if…
- You want to wake up and see the scenery without stretching to suite prices.
- You’re doing the full voyage (either one way or round trip).
- Natural light makes a big difference to your mood, especially on dark winter days.
Choose a Suite if…
- This trip is a bucket-list journey, and you want better views and a luxury experience.
- You want the most comfortable and spacious cabin setup for longer sailings.
- You’re travelling in summer with long daylight hours, or you’re travelling in winter and want a private space to see the Northern Lights.
Final Thoughts
If you take away one thing from this Havila coastal express cabin guide, it’s that your cabin doesn’t have to be a fancy suite to feel safe, cosy and comfortable as a solo traveller.
Havila keeps things simple, with comfortable and clean rooms, free WIFI, fair pricing for the value you get, and total privacy so you always feel safe and secure in your own space.
Whether you’re choosing a basic interior cabin, upgrading to a Seaview cabin, or splurging on a luxury suite, every Havila cabin is amazing for solo travellers – it just depends on your route, travel style and personal preferences.
I hope this guide has given you all the details you need to feel confident choosing your perfect Havila cabin, budgeting for your trip, and stepping onboard knowing exactly what to expect!
Havila Coastal Express Cabin FAQ
Is WIFI included in all Havila cabins?
Yes! WIFI is included for free in every single cabin, whether you’re in an interior room, a Seaview cabin or a suite.
It’s not lightning fast, but I found it more than reliable enough for messages, browsing, uploading photos and video calling with family. I used it daily and never struggled to stay or get connected.
Do Havila cabins have hairdryers?
Yes! Every cabin comes with a small but perfectly usable hairdryer, more than enough for everyday styling. This is so helpful if you’re packing light and trying to minimise electronics.
Is housekeeping included?
Yes, but not daily. Havila cleans your cabin every two days, which I actually prefer as a solo traveller, as it gives more privacy and fewer interruptions.
Towels, bins, bedding, and basics are refreshed during these visits, as well as a general cleaning of the cabin. Plus, you can always ask for extras at reception if you need anything sooner.
This housekeeping service is very intentional, as it keeps the ships sustainable and eco-friendly without compromising your comfort.
Is a cabin with a window worth it?
Yes, in most cases, but it does depend on your route.
On the full 12-day trip or either the northbound or southbound itinerary, a window is absolutely worth the extra money. The Norwegian scenery changes constantly, and I loved being able to enjoy it right from bed, whenever I wanted! It was so relaxing!
But if you’re only on board for a night or two, the upgrade becomes less worth it. So for shorter port-to-port journeys, an interior cabin is more than fine, especially if you plan to spend most of your time in the lounge or on deck.
Are Havila cabins safe for solo female travellers?
Yes! The cabins lock securely, corridors are always well-lit, and the crew are always around or at reception if you need someone. I also felt completely safe walking back to my cabin at night.
The ships also have clear emergency procedures and modern safety systems, which you will learn all about in the helpful first night briefing, held in the meeting room.
You can also read my blog post: Is Norway Safe for Solo Female Travellers?
Do cabins have kettles and fridges on Havila?
Yes! Every single Havila cabin comes with a kettle, which is honestly one of my favourite little comforts on board. Being able to make a hot chocolate for my flask or to enjoy in bed while watching the view was one of my favourite things!
And with fridges, only the interior cabins don’t have them. If you’re in a Seaview cabin or a suite, you’ll have a small fridge where you can keep milk, snacks, or anything you pick up at port.
If you’re in an interior cabin and need a fridge to store medication, the crew will be able to help.
Read More About Travel in Norway:
- Northbound vs Southbound Norway Coastal Express: Compared
- What to Wear in Norway in Winter? (+ Norway Packing List)
- How to Plan a Trip to Norway in Winter (Step-by-Step Guide)
- Norway vs Iceland in Winter: Ultimate Solo Travel Comparison
- Where to Stay in Bergen (+ Best Areas For Solo Travellers)
- Where to Stay in Tromsø (+ Best Areas For Solo Travellers)
- Hurtigruten vs Havila: Which is Best For Solo Travellers?
- Is Saltstraumen Worth Visiting from Bodø? (+ What to Expect)
- How to Get Around Norway in Winter (Without a Car!)
- How to Visit Trollfjord: Northern Norway’s Most Iconic Fjord
- How to Visit Mostraumen Fjord (Bergen’s Best Day Trip!)
- 7 Things To Do in Hammerfest (Hammerfest Travel Guide)
- Mount Aksla Hike: How to Find the Best Ålesund Viewpoint
- 8 BEST Things To Do in Brønnøysund, Norway: Havila Port Stop
- 21 Most Beautiful Places in Norway You Have To Visit
Grab Your Solo Female Travel in Europe Starter Kit:
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Thank you for these informative articles. These have been extremely helpful in making a decision on including a Havila (or Hurtigruten) voyage. My only issue is the cabin allocation – the Havila online booking system does NOT allow the traveller to select their preferred deck or cabin. I really need a quiet cabin (when staying at a hotel I always ask for a quiet room away from public areas such as reception of loft lobby – as people can be inconsiderate – talking loudly or banging doors). However, the online booking does not allow for selecting a cabin based on preferences. Was the area on Deck 4 near the laundry and hospital (where your cabin 4104 was located) quiet at nighttime?
Hi! Thank you so much for your comment and I’m so glad the articles have been helpful 🙂 I personally had no issues with noise in my room and I’m quite a light sleeper. 4104 is on the opposite side to the laundry, so while that’s not far, I never heard it at any time of day. I was also very close to reception but again never heard anything, even during the middle of the night dockings and even though I was on the port side of the ship. My sailing was fairly quiet (winter), so this may differ if you were visiting in peak summer, but I personally never experienced any inconsiderate behaviour (or at least never heard it!). The cabin doors are also slow close so you can’t really bang them. But if you are concerned I would absolutely recommend reaching out to the Havila team. On less busy sailings you might be able to put in a special request for a quieter room. They were always very helpful when I contacted them! I hope this helps and that you have an amazing trip – if you want to know anything else just comment again or you can shoot me an email, which you’ll find on my contact page!