May 15, 2025
I recently went back to the Netherlands, so it was time for another ferry ride. Having previously written about my Fjordline experiences, I was excited to take the ferry again, this time with a few differences. We recently switched to an electric car, and I was curious about the onboard charging experience that Fjordline offers. Plus, I wanted to revisit the lounge experience to see if it had improved since my last trip.
The Ferry: Fjord FSTR Catamaran
For those unfamiliar, Fjordline operates the fast catamaran Fjord FSTR between Kristiansand and Hirtshals. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, making it one of the fastest connections between Norway and Denmark. The catamaran can accommodate up to 1,200 passengers and over 400 vehicles.
EV Charging: Is It Worth It?
One of the questions I had before this trip was whether paying extra for EV charging would be worthwhile. Fjordline charges a supplement of €13 for EV charging during the crossing.
During our journey, our car gained approximately 20-30% charge. While this might not sound like much, it made a significant difference for us since we had a long drive ahead after arriving in Hirtshals. If you’re planning to continue your journey immediately after disembarking, this additional charge is definitely worth considering.
But here’s the surprise benefit I hadn’t anticipated: vehicles with reserved EV charging spaces are among the first to board the ferry. This perk was actually more valuable to me than the charging itself. Being one of the first to board meant we could immediately head to our seats and settle in, rather than waiting in the vehicle queue.
The Lounge Experience: Has It Improved?
I previously mentioned that the lounge food wasn’t quite as advertised. I’m happy to report that things have improved considerably! For a surcharge of €26 per person, you can access the FSTR lounge at the front of the ship.
What’s included:
- Comfortable reclining seats with great view
- Power sockets at tables for keeping devices charged
Varied buffet:
- Various coffees and teas
- Beer, wine, and soft drinks
- Pancakes and pastries
- Salmon and cheese platters
- Fresh salads
- Sweetbuns
The buffet still doesn’t live up to the pictures on Fjordline’s website, but it’s still good and worth the price.
Is the lounge worth it? For us, absolutely. We needed to get proper rest before continuing our journey, and the comfortable reclining seats made this possible. Additionally, when you factor in what you would pay for these food and beverage items individually in the regular seating areas, the cost difference isn’t actually that significant.
However, if you’re not in desperate need of a power nap and have time to prepare your own lunch, you can certainly save the €26 and use the standard seating.
Boarding Efficiency
One aspect of ferry travel that often frustrates me is the requirement to arrive one hour before departure. It usually feels unnecessary, but this time, thanks to our EV charging reservation, we were among the first to board.
Based on personal experience, I know you can usually arrive a bit later than stated, but I wouldn’t bet on being allowed to board.
Total costs
| Item | Quantity | Description | Unit Price (€) | Row Price (€) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger Economy ticket 1st of May 2025 | 2 | Adults | 24.00 | 48.00 |
| Cabin/seat | 1 | Lounge – table for 2 pers. incl. meal, 2 Persons | 52.00 | 52.00 |
| Vehicle | 1 | Car max 1.95 m high, Length m 5 | 87.00 | 87.00 |
| Extra | 1 | Charging electric car | 13.00 | 13.00 |
| Extra | 2 | EU environmental surcharge | 4.00 | 8.00 |
| Total | 208.00 |
The Verdict
The Fjordline ferry between Kristiansand and Hirtshals offers a quick and comfortable way to travel between Norway and Denmark. For EV owners, the charging option provides dual benefits: some extra range for your onward journey and priority boarding. The lounge experience has improved and offers good value if you plan to consume food and drinks during the crossing.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. The combination of the lounge access and EV charging made for one of the most comfortable ferry experiences I’ve had.
Pro tips for ferry travelers:
- Book the EV charging option even if you only need a moderate charge – the priority boarding alone is worth it
- Reserve lounge seats if you need guaranteed comfort and rest
Have you traveled with Fjordline recently? What was your experience like? Let me know in the comments!
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