MS Sunnhordland

A classic cruise in the fjords of Western Norway

Enter M/S Sunnhordland – the historic flagship of HSD from 1947 to 1973. Experience a historic travel throug the glamorous wild coastal landscape of  Sunnhordland and the rest of Fjord Norway. On board you'll recognize the "classic cruise feeling" from ancient times. In the intimate restaurant of the ship you'll be served excellent food and beverages. In the complete bar you'll find everything you need… The very best from ancient to modern times mixed in an adventure you'll never forget.

The ship can be charted for shorter or longer trips. There is a number of different sailings and exciting places to stop with possibility of adventures of different kinds – from the Viking age to wandering on the Glacier – or local food and drinking traditions. The ship often use­­ Bergen as port of departure.

General characteristics: Built:     1943 (USA) Length: 56 m Beam:   10 m No. of passenger: 180 No. of cabins:  36 No. of beds:     77

This classic ship was built in the USA as PCE 830 (Patrol Craft Escort Chaser 830) by Pullman Standard Car Mfg., Chicago, Illinois for US Navy in 1943, and was equipped to chase submarines during World War II. The ship was leased by The United Kingdom and was homeported in Gibraltar. She preformed convoy and patrol duties along the western coast of Africa to the end of the War.

In 1947 the ship was sold to HSD in Norway and was rebuilt by Bergen Mekaniske Verksteder as a car and passenger ship. On the 22. of June 1949 she started regular sailings in Sunnhordland under the name of M/S Sunnhordland.

In the spring 1974 the ship was sold to OY Fager Lines, Finland, rebuilt as a cruise ship by Wârtsila in Kotka and renamed MS Kristina Brahe. She was cruising across the Gulf of Finland between Helsingfors, Leningrad and Tallin. In 1984 the ship was sold to Rannikkolinjat Ltd. and rebuilt again in 1987 with more cabins, total 44. Thereafter the ship was sold to Saimaan Matkaverkko, Ltd., Villmanstrand, and the name was shortened MS Brahe.