Hurtigruten extends operations suspension

The line had previously paused its expedition cruises through to 28 April and its Norwegian coastal cruises until 19 April.

Hurtigruten has now said all expedition itineraries will be suspended until 12 May, while coastal cruises will stop until 20 May.

The pausing of expedition sailings includes newest ship Fridtjof Nansen’s departure from Hamburg on 29 April, as well as Spitsbergen’s departure from Longyearbyen on 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 the 17 and 31 May, 12 and 24 June and 1 July Roald Amundsen Alaska departures will be cancelled.

In agreement with the Norwegian ministry of transport, Hurtigruten has deployed two ships in an amended domestic schedule.

Richard With and Vesteralen are bringing supplies and goods to Norwegian communities “hit hard by travel restrictions”, the company said.

“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,” said chief executive Daniel Skjeldam.

“There is nothing we would love more than to welcome our guests back to explore the world with us as soon as the situation allows for it. I am confident that Hurtigruten and our explorers will hit the ground running as soon as we resume operations.”