Hurtigruten Extends Suspension Until May 12
by Daniel McCarthy /
Expedition cruise company Hurtigruten is extending its voluntary suspension of cruise operations until at least May 12 in response to the continuing impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
All of Hurtigruten’s cruises will be suspended until at least May 12, with some pushed back further into the summer because of travel restrictions, including its Alaska season, which will be postponed until July due to restrictions from Canadian authorities.
Hurtigruten’s operation on the Norwegian coast will also be delayed farther than the May 12 date—Hurtigurten right now is planning to kick off that season with a round trip departure from Bergen on May 21.
“Seeing our ships laying idle for a prolonged period of time instead of exploring is difficult. These are extraordinary and emotional times for the entire Hurtigruten team. But I firmly believe it is the only responsible decision in the extraordinary crisis the world is currently facing,” Hurtigruten CEO Daniel Skjeldam said.
“The situation is affecting virtually everyone in one way or another. Hurtigruten is no exception. This is a setback for us, for the local communities we work with and for our guests. But the setback is only temporarily”
Hurtigruten has been offering all guests who have had bookings impacted by the cancellations a 125% future cruise credit and a 10% discount on any future cruise from July 1 2020 to Dec. 31, 2021.