The MS Nordstjernen: The oldest cruise ship visits Stralsund!

The MS Nordstjernen: The oldest cruise ship visits Stralsund!

In an exciting event for shipping history, the MS “Nordstjernen”, the oldest ocean-going cruise ship in the world, will make a port call in Stralsund in spring 2026. This historic passenger ship, built in 1955 and 1956 by Blohm + Voss in Hamburg, has an exciting past as a mail ship that traveled to Spitsbergen and Scotland and was in service with the Hurtigruten fleet until 2012. Due to its impressive history, the “Nordstjernen” was protected as a national cultural heritage site in Norway in 2012.

The “Nordstjernen” is currently operated by Vestland Marine and has found a new purpose as a hotel and charter cruise ship since her restoration in Gdansk in 2012. Last August, after a trip to Courland, the ship stopped at the Warnemünde cruise terminal, where it was checked by federal police and customs officials, as the Ostsee-Zeitung reports.

Visitors arrive in Stralsund

The port call in Stralsund is expected to bring with it exciting visitors. The “Nordstjernen”, with a length of 80.77 meters and a width of 12.60 meters, can accommodate up to 110 guests. With a selection of one-week nostalgic trips that cost between 978 and 2442 euros per person, both Stralsund and Western Pomerania have the opportunity to experience a piece of maritime history up close. The ship can also head to smaller ports and, if necessary, is brought ashore with Zodiac expedition dinghies, offering guests a special service.

Planned with a berth at the Stone Fish Bridge, guests will not only have the opportunity to go on board, but will also be within walking distance of the sights of the city of Stralsund. The port call will not only promote the region's maritime enthusiasm, but could also arouse the interest of other shipping companies and organizers in Stralsund.

Insights into shipping history

The MS “Nordstjernen” not only celebrates her journey between Norway and the Svalbard Islands, but also represents a piece of shipping history, as discussed on the platform Schiffahrtsgeschichte. Here you will find a variety of areas of interest that shed light on the development of navigation and the challenges of life at sea. During the annual meeting of this specialist group, historians and experts can exchange their findings and discuss new discoveries, which underlines the importance of the “Nordstjernen” in maritime history.

For the region and passionate history lovers, a visit to the “Nordstjernen” will not only be a highlight, but also an excellent opportunity to take another look at the fascinating shipping history that we encounter from so many perspectives.