Last edited : 15/05/2020 9:06 AM
What we do on board to sail safer together
Photo: Agurtxane Concellon
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Covid-19: Important information about your booking
Read the latest updates on scheduled sailings, cancellations, and what it means for you and your booking.
Last updated: 25 May 2020 14:15 CET
Information about sailings and cancellations
Norwegian Coastal Voyages
We are planning for a gradual restart of our operations on the scheduled Bergen - Kirkenes – Bergen voyages along the Norwegian coast, starting from mid-June.
- Operations will be suspended until 15 June 2020.
- The first planned voyage will be MS Finnmarken departing Bergen on 16 June.
- Following June 16, we will make decisions for each voyage individually.
We will update all booked guests on any changes that will affect their voyage as soon as possible, and no later than three weeks (21 days) before the scheduled ship’s departure.
Expedition Cruises
Due to international restrictions and the global coronavirus outbreak, we have cancelled several expedition sailings.
See the updated list of cancelled expedition cruises here
We plan to gradually restart expedition cruises in areas where restrictions are lifted – where and when we believe it is safe. We will make decisions on each individual voyage, and update all booked guests on any changes no later than three weeks (21 days) before the scheduled departure.
Free rebooking of your Hurtigruten voyage
As of now, we do not know what the international travel restrictions will look like this summer. So what should you do next?
To give you more flexibility and confidence in these uncertain times, 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.
A personal update from our CEO:
How the coronavirus affects our operation and your future voyage
Dear Guest,
We are two months into what is a truly extraordinary situation. In one way or another, the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic impact us all. Hurtigruten is no exception. For the first time in our more than 127 years of history, our ships lay idle.
Nothing is more important to us than the safety and well-being of our crew and guests. We have not had any suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 on any of our ships. But as you know, the pandemic is heavily affecting worldwide travel.
On the Norwegian coast, our ships will remain out of operation until June 15. All of our expedition cruises are temporarily suspended.
There is still a lot of uncertainty in what the next weeks and months will bring. 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. In Norway, schools, kindergartens, restaurants, cinemas and hairdressers are already open.
Being a lifeline along the Norwegian coast, as well as an integral part of Norwegian society since 1893, this also means Hurtigruten gradually will restart our operations. This will happen step-by-step, in a safe and responsible way - and with strict procedures in place.
- We are planning for a gradual restart of our operations on the scheduled Bergen - Kirkenes – Bergen voyages along the Norwegian coast, starting from mid-June.
- The first planned voyage will be MS Finnmarken departing Bergen on 16 June.
- Following June 16, we will make decisions for each voyage individually.
- The size and scale of our step-by-step restart is dependent on national and international travel restrictions, government support and other external factors outside of our control.
- We ask for your understanding that we need to get back to you with further, more specific details on your voyage. We will update all booked guests on any changes that will affect their voyage as soon as possible, and no later than three weeks (21 days) before the scheduled ship’s departure.
- We plan to gradually restart Hurtigruten’s expedition cruises in areas where restrictions are lifted – where and when we believe it is safe. We will make decisions on each individual voyage, and update all booked guests on any changes that will affect their voyage as soon as possible, and no later than three weeks (21 days) before the scheduled departure.
These voyages in Norwegian waters will be our first small steps towards the new normal. As of now, we do not know what the international travel restrictions will look like this summer. I am sure your next question will be “So, what happens next? And what should I do?”
To give you more flexibility and confidence in these uncertain times, we are offering you to take part in Hurtigruten’s flexible rebooking policy. You can rebook your voyage with us free of charge.
Stricter measures – for your safety and comfort
The safety and well-being of our guests and crew are our number one priority. Since the beginning of the pandemic, Hurtigruten has imposed strict measures and protocols to combat the spread of the virus. Through an incredible team effort, we have not had any cases of COVID-19 on any of Hurtigruten’s ships. The lessons learned is the basis of our new, strict procedures that will be imposed before the restart of our operations.
In total, we will implement hundreds of small and larger measures to keep our guests and crew safe and healthy. From even stricter hygiene protocols to reduced guest capacity to allow social distancing, you have my word that this will give you a safer voyage without impacting your experience.
For us at Hurtigruten, rules and regulations are never about meeting a minimum standard. International standards are just a starting point. We will continue to monitor the situation closely, take any steps necessary, and adapt our operations to all advice from relevant authorities
I thank you for your continued support and trust in us. We look forward to welcoming you on board one of our ships soon - offering you the journey of a lifetime with all the Hurtigruten difference.
Stay safe and stay healthy.
Yours sincerely,
Daniel Skjeldam
CEO, Hurtigruten
