After a successful return to sailing last month, Hurtigruten has released its plans to further ramp-up operations with the return of 14 of 16 ships in August and September. In addition, Hurtigruten launches a series of new itineraries in the British Isles over the upcoming months and a a first-ever, all-inclusive Norway expedition package.
Hurtigruten marked the return of cruising as MS Finnmarken became the first ocean cruise ship in the world to return to sailing with her June 16 departure. With limiting capacity and strict hygiene measures, Hurtigruten currently operates five ships on international and domestic Norwegian itineraries.
The world’s largest expedition cruise company has stepped up its rebound strategy, with plans to bring 14 of their 16 ships back in operation by the end of September including:
- The return of Arctic expedition cruising with battery-hybrid powered MS Roald Amundsen and MS Spitsbergen – ships will offer 6- to 15-day voyages on the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard starting mid-July
- Seven additional ships that will be gradually introduced on the legendary Bergen to Kirkenes voyage along the Norwegian coast in August and September. As of this week, Hurtigruten already operates four ships on what’s known as “the world’s most beautiful voyage”.
- The launch of a series of exclusive British Isles itineraries on the world’s first battery hybrid powered cruise ship the MS Roald Amundsen. Departing from Portsmouth (Sep 2), Liverpool (Sep 7 and 17) and Glasgow (Sep 12), the short expedition cruises will take guests to off-the-beaten-track destinations such as Isles of Scilly, Fowey, Rathlin Island, Fortwilliam, Oban, Fishguard and Waterford.
In June, Hurtigruten also announced its 2021 plans for year-round expedition cruise departures from Dover and Hamburg to Norway, Southern Scandinavia and the British Isles.
The newest addition to Hurtigruten’s fleet of custom built expedition cruise ships, battery-hybrid powered MS Fridtjof Nansen, marked the return of international cruises as she departed Hamburg, Germany on June 26 for the first in a series of expedition cruises to the Norwegian coast. The 14-night itineraries will continue into September, exploring World Heritage fjords, glaciers, bird cliffs, narrow inlets and other sites under the Midnight Sun – all the way to the iconic North Cape.
As ships return to sea, Hurtigruten has also launched a first-ever, all-inclusive offer, the Norway Expedition Package. From July 9th until September 9th of 2020, travelers ready to book future Expedition Norway travel can explore the new all-inclusive packages that include round-trip flights, transfers, hotels, and more here: https://www.hurtigruten.com/offers-overview/space-to-explore-norway/
Small ships – big difference
Hurtigruten is the world’s largest expedition cruise line and has operated in polar waters continuously since 1893. As the most experienced operator on the spectacular Norwegian coastline, Hurtigruten is the only cruise line to offer year-round sailings on the Norwegian coast.
Health and safety
There have not been any confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19 on any of Hurtigruten ships. Hurtigruten has implemented strict procedures to ensure the health and safety of guests and crew. These include reduced guest capacity to allow even more social distancing, strict hygiene protocols, health checks and screenings, frequent temperature readings upon boarding and entry to restaurants, and numerous other measures. Find out more about Hurtigruten’s Safer Together health and safety policies here.
For more information about Hurtigruten visit www.hurtigruten.com
