Embark on a journey through time aboard MS Sandnes

One of the most beautiful, luxurious ships to have sailed Norway’s coast is MS Sandnes, a veteran ship that used to regularly grace the waters between Sandnes, Stavanger and Bergen. Today, the ship offers you the opportunity of a lifetime: stepping onboard and back into time.

Fans of the Titanic movie might find themselves mesmerised by the polished wooden decks and soft glow of vintage, brass light fixtures. Not to mention, the old-time luxury and magical romance of the ship. MS Sandnes welcomes you to experience Norway’s very own version of the Titanic experience, without the tragedy of course. A floating time machine, the meticulously preserved veteran ship gives you a luxurious taste of the 1950s.

“The ship used to sail through the night from the 50s on and is preserved as a cultural monument by the Norwegian Directorate for Cultural Heritage. It operates as a non-profit, maintained by a 350-member volunteer association,” says Andreas Ingsøy, Manager at MS Sandnes.

Today, each rivet, cabin, and piece of vintage decor has been restored to their original splendour, allowing guests to relive the elegance of mid-20th-century maritime travel.

A floating piece of history

Built in 1950 at Nylands Mekaniske Verksted in Oslo, MS Sandnes was once the crown jewel of the legendary “Nattruten” night route between Stavanger and Bergen. With regular departures, the ship carried passengers through bustling ports like Haugesund and Leirvik, offering a vital connection along the Norwegian coast.

“The ship’s creation was influenced by competition between Det Stavangerske Dampskibselskab and Sandnes Dampskibselskab, who competed to attract the most passengers. MS Sandnes was constructed to be the most beautiful, modern ship and earned international attention for its design and interior,” Ingsøy explains.

It wasn’t just about transportation, however. For many, the journey itself was the highlight – a chance to dine, relax, and marvel at the passing fjords and islands.

“As hydrofoils, planes and better roads took over, the demand for Nattruten was reduced significantly, and in 1974, MS Sandnes was taken off the route. The ship was repurposed over the years, first as a school ship and later as a veteran ship, and since 2007, it has remained in Stavanger as Norway’s largest preserved veteran ship.”

Step onboard and into the past

Today, the veteran ship gives guests the chance to experience the grandeur of maritime history up-close, with everything from the cabins to the lounges still looking the same as they did in the 50s.

“Walking around the ship is like walking through a living museum while enjoying the comfort and atmosphere of a fjord cruise,” says Ingsøy.

“We aim to offer our guests an experience that combines culture and history with relaxation and enjoyment. The ship’s traditional service on original tableware, its unique surroundings, and small touches like chamber pots under the bunks create an authentic and memorable journey.”

At the core of the work of the MS Sandnes team is a desire to preserve Norwegian coastal culture, maintain the ship as a cultural monument, and actively engage with the local community. Ingsøy explains that they call this “preservation through use” – the ship is preserved by being actively used and by involving people in the region.

“We place great emphasis on experiences that educate and are rooted in this local coastal culture. In addition to providing guided tours, film screenings and storytelling, our cruises to Ryfylke and Lysefjorden allow guests to enjoy freshly baked waffles served with traditional toppings like sour cream and jam.”

And of course, a luxury cruise ship would be incomplete without its very own restaurant. The onboard restaurant serves classic coastal dishes made from local ingredients, accompanied by spectacular views of fjord landscapes. For larger groups, menus can be tailored upon request and can include everything from classic Norwegian comfort food to elegant three-course meals.
“Our goal is to reach even more people, both locals and visitors, and give them the opportunity to experience a piece of Norway’s maritime history. At the same time, we continuously work to restore and maintain the ship to ensure it remains in excellent condition for future generations,” says Ingsøy. “Ultimately, everything we do is about creating meaningful experiences and sharing the joy of slow travel, just like in the “good old days.”

Web: www.mssandnes.no
Facebook: Nattruten MS Sandnes
Instagram: @mssandnes