Hurtigruten temporarily suspends operations
As a response to the global coronavirus outbreak, we will temporarily suspend our operations worldwide.
Last updated: 06 April 2020 14:38 CET
Following the latest developments in the coronavirus situation we have decided to continue a temporary suspension of our operations:
- Norwegian coastal voyages: Operations will be suspended until 20 May 2020. As of now, the first scheduled round trip departure from Bergen will be on 21 May.
- Expedition cruises: All Hurtigruten expedition cruises will be suspended until 12 May. In addition to the previously cancelled cruises, this includes the MS Fridtjof Nansen’s departure from Hamburg on 29 April as well as MS Spitsbergen’s departure from Longyearbyen 6 May.
- In addition, Hurtigruten’s Alaska expedition cruise season will be postponed to July due to new travel restrictions from Canadian authorities. This means that the 17 May, 31 May, 12 June, 24 June and 1 July MS Roald Amundsen Alaska departures unfortunately will be cancelled.
Free rebooking of your Hurtigruten voyage
Please read more about why we suspend operations in CEO Daniel Skjeldams letter to our guests below.
We will help you rebook your voyage for free, both if your sailing is cancelled and if you have booked a voyage with us before 30 September 2020:
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If you are affected by our cancellations, please rebook your voyage for free here.
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All other voyages are planned to go ahead as scheduled. But if you have a booking with us before 30 September 2020, you can still rebook your voyage for a later date free of charge.
The rebooking form must be sent to Hurtigruten by 30 April 2020.
A personal update from our CEO:
How the coronavirus affects our operation and your future voyage
Dear Guest,
Like the rest of the world, Hurtigruten is facing an extraordinary and grave situation. While we have not had a single suspected or confirmed case on board any of our ships, we share a great responsibility to take all the appropriate precautions to prevent further spread of the virus.
Nothing is more important to Hurtigruten than the safety and well-being of our crew and guests. Your trust in us is greatly appreciated, and we are thankful for the understanding you have shown in this difficult situation.
That’s why I’m personally updating you on the significant steps we are taking as part of our continued commitment to combat the spread of COVID-19 by adopting all appropriate measures.
A few weeks ago, we made the difficult decision to temporarily suspend our operations worldwide. Following the latest developments in the coronavirus situation we have decided to continue a temporary suspension of our operations.
In agreement with the Norwegian Ministry of Transport, we will continue 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. These sailings are only for cargo and local passengers.
We would love nothing more than to welcome you back to explore the world with us as soon as we are fully operational again, so we are offering you a voucher and a 10% discount on your future cruise.
To ensure a smooth and convenient process, we have a webpage with all the information you need to rebook your planned Hurtigruten voyage. Please follow this link to read more and register.
Please note that you do not have to decide on the date or destination of your future voyage. The form will secure your Hurtigruten Future Cruise Voucher and the discount.
One of Hurtigruten's core values is “We care”. We care about our staff, our guests, the local communities we visit and, last but not least: We care about our role in the global society.
The decision to extend the temporary suspension of operations has been difficult to make and this is an emotional moment for me and the entire Hurtigruten team. This decision will affect all of us – our guests, our colleagues onboard, our offices around the world, the communities we visit, and the hundreds of suppliers of all sizes, friends and partners who live and work alongside us.
At the same time, I firmly believe that this is the only responsible decision given the extraordinary crisis the world is currently facing.
After operating for more than 127 years and weathering storms such as wars, recessions and outbreaks, we have learned much from our experiences. While this is a setback for us, for the local communities and for you as our valued explorers, I am confident of two things:
That this is the right and responsible decision for Hurtigruten, and that we will all hit the ground running as soon as we resume operations – offering you, our fellow explorers, the journey of a lifetime with all the Hurtigruten difference.
Thank you for your continued support and trust. I look forward to welcoming you on board one of our ships in the near future.
Sincerely,
Daniel Skjeldam
CEO, Hurtigruten
