Hurtigruten temporarily suspends operations “from pole to pole”

By Alexandra Coulton

Hurtigruten is the latest cruise line to halt operations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The line said it would stop sailings “from pole to pole” until the end of April.

“To temporarily suspend operations was a difficult decision to make,” Hurtigruten CEO Daniel Skjeldam said

“And it’s an emotional moment for me and the entire Hurtigruten team. But I firmly believe it is the only responsible decision in the extraordinary crisis the world is currently facing.”

Like the rest of the cruise industry, Hurtigruten last week committed to pausing operations in US waters for 30 days. Over the past weeks, the line has encouraged guests to move their bookings free of charge and have been working around-the-clock to help guests return to their home countries.

Now, the expedition cruise company has paused their global cruise operations through 28 April and their Norwegian coastal cruises through 19 April.

“After more than 125 years of operation, we’ve learned from our past experiences weathering storms such as wars, recessions and outbreaks,” Skjeldam said.

“This is a setback for us, for the local communities and for our guests. But the setback is only temporarily.

“I am confident that this decision was both right and responsible. And I am confident that Hurtigruten and our explorers will hit the ground running as soon as we resume operations – embarking on life-changing adventures with all the Hurtigruten difference.”

The line is offering travellers who have their voyages cancelled because of the temporary suspension a Hurtigruten Future Cruise Voucher in the amount of 125 per cent of amounts paid (including fees). They will also get a 10 per cent discount on any future Hurtigruten cruise – Expedition or Norwegian Coastal – from 1 July 2020 to 31 December 2021, with a flexible rebooking date.

Even though they are not affected by the temporary suspension of operations, guests booked on voyages through 30 September 2020 are offered rebooking, without any rebooking fee, to any future Hurtigruten cruise – Expedition or Norwegian Coastal – for departures between 1 July 2020 and 31 December 2021.

For full policy and rebooking options, please click here to visit Hurtigruten’s dedicated information page.

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coronavirus COVID-19 cruise line hurtigruten