Hurtigruten extends suspension of operations

TROMSO, NORWAY — Hurtigruten has extended its temporary suspension of worldwide sailings from May 12 to mid-June, with plans to gradually restart operations from June 16.

The cruise line is also planning to gradually restart Arctic expedition cruises this summer “in areas where restrictions are lifted, where and when we believe it is safe,” says CEO Daniel Skjeldam.

“There is still a lot of uncertainty in what the next weeks and months will bring. However, we do see international restrictions gradually being lifted,” adds Skjeldam. “Step by step, the pandemic is being brought under control. Businesses are reopening and everyday life is slowly getting back to a degree of normality.”

Skjeldam is reassuring guests that their safety is being kept top of mind. Even before the global outbreak, Hurtigruten imposed strict protocols to combat the spread of the virus, and has not had any confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19 on any of its ships.

“Nothing is more important to us than the safety and well-being of our crew and guests. We are working closely with all relevant authorities, experts and agencies to ensure a safe and sensible restart of our expedition cruises,” he adds.

The following cruises have been impacted by this latest extension:

Norwegian Coastal Voyages

Operations on the scheduled Bergen – Kirkenes – Bergen voyages will be suspended until June 15, 2020
A gradual restart of operations on the Norwegian coast is being planned, with the first departure being the MS Finnmarken from Bergen on June 16
Following June 16, Hurtigruten will make decisions for each and every voyage individually, with guests being updated on any changes no later than 21 days before their scheduled departure
In agreement with the Norwegian Ministry of Transport, Hurtigruten has deployed two ships in an amended domestic schedule for the transport of critical supplies and goods to local communities, which will continue through June 15

Expedition Cruises

All expedition cruises are temporarily suspended, including voyages with battery hybrid powered MS Fridtjof Nansen to Norway and MS Roald Amundsen to Alaska and the Northwest Passage, as well as some cruises to Svalbard and Iceland
Hurtigruten will make decisions on each individual voyage, and will update all booked guests of any changes no later than 21 days before their scheduled departure

Hurtigrtuen is offering free rebooking for all guests on all voyages departing before Sept. 30, 2020. In addition, guests are being offered a future discount of 10% for any future Hurtigruten cruise – Expedition or Norwegian Coastal – in 2020 or 2021.

For more information go to https://global.hurtigruten.com/practical-information/coronavirus-update/.

For more updates from other cruise lines to go https://www.travelweek.ca/news/when-will-cruise-lines-return-to-service-here-are-all-the-latest-updates/.