Hurtigruten is looking to gradually restart operations from June, and again operate cruises to places such as Norway’s Geiranger fjord. As a response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, Hurtigruten will extend the temporary suspension of worldwide sailings to mid-June, with the aim of gradually restarting operations on June 16.
“There is still a lot of uncertainty in what the next weeks and months will bring,” said Hurtigruten CEO Daniel Skjeldam in a press release statement. “However, we do see international restrictions gradually being lifted. Step by step, the pandemic is being brought under control. Businesses are re-opening and everyday life is slowly getting back to a degree of normality.”
The cruise line, based in Norway, is looking to gradually restart operations within Norwegian waters as it feels it’s a natural first steps towards a normalization for them. Hurtigruten also plans to gradually restart Arctic expedition cruises this summer. Said Skjeldam, “in areas where restrictions are lifted—where and when we believe it is safe.”
The first planned departure will be MS Finnmarken from Bergen on June 16.
Strict Measures
Even before the global outbreak, Hurtigruten imposed strict measures and protocols to combat the spread of the virus. Hurtigruten ships have not had any confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19. The lessons learned is the basis of the cruise line’s new, strict procedures that will be imposed before the restart of operations.
In total, the cruise line will implement hundreds of small and larger measures to keep our guests and crew safe and healthy. Some of them are transitory, some will be permanent.
“But from even stricter hygiene protocols to reduced guest capacity to allow social distancing, this will give [your clients] a safer voyage without impacting the experience,” Skjeldam said.
For more information, visit global.hurtigruten.com/practical-information/coronavirus-update. For more future booking opportunities, visit #AmazingDaysAhead.
