I don't like the idea of a cruise either which is partly why I only did a one night trip with Hurtigruten.
It didn't feel like a cruise at all - these ships are also working ships, they transport goods and people from port to port. They are used as a means of transport.
I suspect that they have more tourists on board in summer than in autumn when I did it, though.
Some of the ships are very fancy and some are not so much.
The view was fantastic.

For the train, book early for the cheapest tickets (minipris I think they are called).