Havila Voyages recognized with Condé Nast Traveler 2024 Readers' Choice Award

Condé Nast Traveler has announced the results of its annual Readers’ Choice Awards naming Havila Voyages,a one-of-a-kind collection of four hybrid ships offering eco-friendly voyages along the stunning Norwegian coast, as #10 out of 24 in best in the “Medium Ships” category. Having debuted their final two ships in 2023, this recognition within the prestigious global program has been achieved within the first year Havila Voyages has had the full fleet in operation.
"It is a true honor to be recognized by such a highly esteemed awards program. Our team has worked hard to develop an energy-efficient way to allow more travelers to experience the beauty and culture of the Norwegian coastline and we are thrilled to have received such a positive response in our first full year in operation," said Bent Martini, CEO of Havila Voyages.
“As we look to 2025, we’re eager to continue welcoming travelers to our uniquely sustainable onboard experiences and approach to enjoying the rich nature and culture of the region.”
More than 570,000 Condé Nast Traveler readers across the United States submitted responses rating their travel experiences across the globe to offer a comprehensive look at the places they eagerly anticipate revisiting. The Readers’ Choice Awards, with their unparalleled legacy as the travel industry’s longest running and most prestigious accolades, remain the ultimate symbol and acknowledgement of excellence within the travel sector. The full list of winners can be found here.
From the moment passengers embark on Havila Voyages’ eco-friendly journeys, they venture through historic sites while enjoying breathtaking views of the Norwegian coastline, with the chance to experience iconic sights like the ethereal Northern Lights, midnight sun in the summer, and scenic fjords. Guests are invited to savor a range of top-class dishes, mostly supplied by local producers, while enjoying a comfortable stay in the spacious and modernly designed cabins. Relaxing on the promenade deck or in the observation lounge, taking in the fresh air and stunning views of the mountains, unwinding in one of the two saunas or the onboard jacuzzi while experiencing the beauty of the fjord are some of the ways that Havila Voyages enables passengers to become immersed in nature and relaxation.
Havila Voyages is committed to preserving its forward-thinking approach to reducing food waste onboard and the overall impact on the environment that the ships sail through and explore. With a set goal to reduce carbon emissions completely by 2030, the brand continues to push the envelope on how to make the journey even more sustainable.
[SL1]To be updated once awards list is live.
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Contacts
Lasse A. VangsteinChief Communications & Sustainability Officer Communication, marketing & sustainability
Tel:+ 47 934 49 954lasse.vangstein@havila.noImages






About Havila Voyages
Havila Voyages is a Norwegian shipping company that sails the classic coastal voyage between Bergen and Kirkenes with the Norwegian coast's most environmentally friendly ships.
The four new ships are loaded with one the world's largest battery pack ever installed on passenger ships and can sail for up to four hours without noise or emissions through vulnerable areas. The batteries are charged with clean hydropower at shore, and when the batteries are low we switch to natural gas which cuts CO2 by around 35 %.
The hull is specially designed for maximum energy efficiency, and excess heat from cooling water and sea used for heating on board. On the menu are locally made dishes from local producers, and all unnecessary plastic is avoided. We are already exceeding the authorities' requirements for cutting emission, and we have set sail with zero emissions as the future target.
Havila Voyages is part of the Havila Group that dates back to the 1950s. It all started when the founder, Per Sævik, bought his first fishing boat in his teens. From fishing and herring fishing, Havila is now a group operating in shipping technology, offshore, transport and tourism.
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Latest releases from Havila Voyages
Havila Polaris on historic voyage powered by biogas5.12.2025 07:05:00 CET | Press release
On Sunday, the Havila Polaris set sail from Bergen on its first climate-neutral voyage along the coastal route. On board were international guests, media representatives and people who live and work on the coast.
Significant improvement in results27.11.2025 10:21:01 CET | Press release
Havila Voyages continued its strong development in the third quarter of 2025, with solid operational performance and a significant improvement in results. Operating results ended at a positive NOK 283 million.
The start of a cleaner future26.11.2025 17:16:05 CET | Press release
Today, the coastal cruise ship Havila Polaris has filled its tanks with 200 cubic meters of liquefied biogas supplied by Barents Naturgass at Polarbase in Hammerfest, Norway. This marks the start of a historic voyage for Havila Voyages, where CO2 emissions are reduced by more than 90% and demonstrate that greener shipping is possible – already today.
Havila Voyages secures long-term financing18.11.2025 17:49:04 CET | Press release
Havila Kystruten AS (Havila Voyages) has entered into a comprehensive agreement to refinance the company’s outstanding debt totaling EUR 456 million. The agreement provides 15-year financing that ensures predictability and room for maneuvering for the continued operation and development of the coastal route between Bergen and Kirkenes.
Havila Voyages to Sail Climate-Neutral and Challenge Government Climate Ambitions7.10.2025 12:53:12 CEST | Press release
At the end of November, Havila Voyages will fill the tanks of Havila Polaris with pure liquefied biogas for a historic voyage along the Norwegian coast. This sailing will prove that climate neutrality in the next tender on the coastal route is possible, and that using biogas in the future will both cut greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to more jobs along the coast.
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