As a response to the global coronavirus outbreak, Hurtigruten will stop operations on the Norwegian coast through April 19th. All international expedition sailings are cancelled through April 28th.
“After more than 127 years of operation, we’ve learned from our past experiences weathering storms such as wars, recessions and outbreaks. While this is a temporary setback for us, for the local communities and you as our valued explorers, I am confident in two things:
That this decision is both right and responsible, and that Hurtigruten and you fellow explorers will hit the ground running as soon as we resume operations – offering you the journey of a lifetime with all the Hurtigruten difference,” said Daniel Skjeldams CEO of Hurtigruten.
“We have offered the Norwegian government to deploy two of our ships in an amended domestic schedule, bringing critical supplies and goods to local communities that rely on Hurtigruten along the Norwegian coast.”
Last week, Hurtigruten committed to pause operations in US waters for 30 days. Over the past weeks, the cruise 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.
CLIA ocean-going cruise lines voluntarily and temporarily shutting down operations from U.S. ports of call for 30 days as public health officials and the U.S. Government continue to address COVID-19.
European cruise lines are also shutting down operations. Viking announced it will temporarily suspend river and ocean cruise operations until May 1, 2020. Saga is suspending all its cruises from 15 March to 1 May.
