Cruise Service · Tromsø harbour, Nerstrandkaia
MS Gabriele is a white catamaran that leaves the pier by Alti Nerstranda at 09:00 and is usually back within 6 to 7 hours. Pick it for the shortest big-boat day from Tromsø and a guide who keeps people laughing.
Cruise Service runs MS Gabriele, a warm catamaran with a seat for every passenger, large windows and a big open deck. The trip lasts 6 to 8 hours: normally 6, stretching to 8 at most when the whales are further away. With the whales up near Skjervøy, that leaves about 1 to 2 hours in the whale area. The company says a network of sailors reports where the whales are each day.
It has the lowest rating of the big boats, 4.3 from nearly 2,000 reviews, and value for money scores lowest (4.1). The usual gripe: no free coffee. The bar sells hot and cold drinks, beer, snacks and hot dogs. On the plus side, guests praise the guides by name and the clear warnings late in the season. Visit Tromsø lists direct prices of NOK 2,000 for adults, NOK 1,000 for children aged 6 to 15 and NOK 1,500 for students; on GetYourGuide it's from $209.
In February 2026, after the whales had left, Cruise Service offered a refund or a fjord cruise with a stop on Sommarøy, and reviewers who took the cruise were happy. If you sail in season and see no orcas or humpbacks, you get a free ticket for a later date in the same season. Crowding at the front of the boat comes up in Viator reviews: tall guests block the view when the whales surface.
The pier just outside the Alti shopping centre. Look for the white catamaran MS Gabriele.
North through the fjords with the guide's talk in English.
Indoor viewing through big windows, or out on the open deck for a closer look.
Usually after 6 to 7 hours; up to 8 when the whales are far north.
★★★★★We loved our trip on MS Gabriele, a real highlight of our trip. [...] Our guide was also amazing, we done other boat trips during our trip to Norway but his humour, local knowledge and recommendations really made it special. There is also a bar on board so we could enjoy some beers on the return leg of the tour.
★★★★★Great bunch of folks running the ship, helpful and chatty. Guide gave an in interesting talk on the whale's of the area. Managed to get really good view of Orcas and two hump backed whale's.
★★★★★The guides were so very kind, clever and funny throughout the 9 hours we were on the boat. Eventhough it was very early in the season, we saw both Ocras and Humpback whales very close to the ship!
★★★★★It turned out to be a fantastic day with enthusiastic guides, really comfortable seating, and the freedom to head out on deck whenever we liked. The covered upper deck was the highlight.
Read next:
Usually 6 hours, up to 8 if the whales are far away. That makes it the shortest of the big-boat trips from Tromsø.
Nerstrandkaia, the pier just outside the Alti Nerstranda shopping centre in central Tromsø. Boarding starts at 08:30 for the 09:00 departure.
No. The bar sells warm and cold drinks, snacks and light meals.
Cruise Service gives a free ticket for a later tour with space in the same season. Sightings are not guaranteed.
Ready to book
The shortest day on a big boat: usually back in 6 to 7 hours, with a kiosk on board.
Whale Safari on a High-Speed CatamaranThe most-booked whale day in Tromsø: a fast catamaran from the city centre, a warm lounge and a free retry without whales.★ 4.6 · 8 hours · from $197
Whale Watching on a Fast, Comfortable CatamaranMax 90 guests on a 147-seat fast catamaran, free hot drinks, and a free rebooking if the whales don't show.★ 4.7 · 7.5 hours · from $218
Silent Whale Watching by Hybrid-Electric BoatBrim Explorer's hybrid boat goes quiet on battery power near the whales. Three outdoor decks, a cafe, any age.★ 4.5 · 7 to 9 hours · from $213