Can You Fish on a Cruise Ship? Yes, and Here's What's Served

What's Included to Eat and Drink

Every guest receives a warming bowl of fish soup served with fresh focaccia bread, making it an ideal comfort meal during your time on the Arctic waters. Hot beverages are available throughout the five-hour journey: coffee, tea, and hot chocolate keep you warm as you cruise past the Ryøya islands and into Ramfjorden. Cookies round out the included refreshments, offering a light treat between courses. The crew prepares and serves everything at set times during the cruise, so you'll know when to expect each course without needing to ask or wait around.

The fish soup is hearty and designed to sustain you through the morning or afternoon on deck. It arrives hot, which matters in northern Norway's climate, even during the warmer months. The focaccia provides substance alongside the soup, and the hot drinks ensure you can warm your hands between fishing attempts. This combination covers the basics for a five-hour outing, though the crew's approach means meals happen on their schedule rather than on-demand.

Vegan and Vegetarian Soup Options

If you follow a plant-based diet, the crew prepares a vegan version of the fish soup with the same care as the standard catch. A vegetarian option is also available. Both arrive at the same time as the regular soup, so no one waits longer or eats separately from the group. Focaccia and all the hot drinks pair equally well with either version, meaning dietary choice doesn't limit your experience on the water.

Let the booking team know your dietary preference when you reserve your place on the cruise. This advance notice ensures the kitchen has everything prepared before departure from Tromso. There's no penalty or surcharge for choosing either alternative; the crew simply serves what suits your needs.

Fresh fish soup served straight from the galley stove

Handling Allergies and Dietary Restrictions

The crew is equipped to discuss allergies and dietary restrictions when you board, but you should communicate any concerns at the time of booking rather than waiting until departure. Tell the operator about shellfish allergies, gluten sensitivity, or other concerns so they can plan ahead. The kitchen can work around most restrictions, but advance notice gives them the best chance to prepare properly and avoid cross-contamination in the galley.

If you have a severe allergy or an unusual dietary need, describe it in detail when purchasing your ticket. The crew takes allergies seriously, especially in a confined space on the water where medical help is not immediately nearby. Honesty about what you can and cannot eat protects both you and the team running the cruise.

Catching, Cooking and Eating Your Fish

When you hook a fish in the fjord, the crew handles the next steps. They will gut and fillet your catch and fry it fresh in the galley, returning it to you cooked and ready to eat. This is the signature experience of the fishing cruise: you reel it in, the crew prepares it, and you taste the results within minutes. The process happens throughout the day as guests catch fish, so fresh fried fillets arrive at the table in waves rather than all at once.

The crew knows Arctic fjord fishing well and will show you how to handle the line and bring fish aboard safely. Once landed, your catch goes straight to preparation. You don't need to do any gutting or cleaning yourself unless you ask to learn. Most guests simply enjoy the meal that emerges from their own efforts, warm and flaky, served alongside the included soup and bread. This fresh-catch element transforms the cruise from a sightseeing trip into a complete Arctic food experience.

Keeping Your Catch to Take Home

Whether you can take fish back to your hotel or keep it for later depends on the operator's policies and local regulations around transporting seafood. Ask the crew directly when you arrive at the boat in Tromso. They'll explain what's possible given where you're staying and how you're traveling next. Some guests prefer to eat everything fresh on board, while others want to bring their fillets home to cook later or share with family.

The crew can advise on best practices for keeping fish fresh during transit, including ice and packaging. If you have plans to cook your catch elsewhere, mention this at the start so the crew can prepare it in a way that suits your timeline. Don't assume you can take everything home; confirm the arrangement upfront so there's no confusion when the cruise ends.

The Onboard Bar and Paid Snacks

Beyond the included coffee, tea, hot chocolate, soup, focaccia and cookies, the crew offers additional food and beverages for purchase. Ask about what's available when you board, as the selection varies. Snacks, alcohol, and specialty drinks can usually be ordered, but these are separate from your ticket price and handled as extras. The bar setup is informal, befitting a working fishing boat rather than a luxury cruise liner, but the crew will help you choose.

Budget for drinks or snacks if you think you'll want them during the five hours on water. The crew accepts payment on board, though it's wise to confirm payment methods when you make your reservation. Since the Arctic fjord can be cold and windy even in summer, many guests appreciate having options beyond the included beverages to keep themselves comfortable.

Bringing Your Own Food and Alcohol

The operator does not explicitly forbid bringing your own snacks or alcohol aboard. However, before you pack a cooler, ask the crew about their policy when you book or arrive. Different boats have different rules, and some may have safety or liability reasons for limiting outside food and drink. Showing respect for the boat's guidelines means checking first rather than assuming anything goes.

If you have strong preferences about what you eat or drink, or if you're unsure the included menu will sustain you for five hours, mention this when reserving. The crew may have suggestions or accommodations. For a five-hour Arctic fjord cruise combined with active fishing, the included fish soup, bread, and hot beverages form a solid base, but your own appetite and comfort level should guide what you bring or purchase. Don't skip the reservation conversation if food security matters to you.

Before you book