HURTIGRUTEN this morning announced the halt of the majority of its operations until at least 19 Apr, with almost 3,000 staff also put on temporary leave. The company will keep just two public transportation and freight ships sailing between Bode and Kirkenes. Sailings will cease for 30 days for Norwegian...
HURTIGRUTEN this morning announced the halt of the majority of its operations until at least 19 Apr, with almost 3,000 staff also put on temporary leave.
The company will keep just two public transportation and freight ships sailing between Bode and Kirkenes.
Sailings will cease for 30 days for Norwegian coastal voyages and 45 days for expedition ships, with Chief Executive Officer Daniel Skjeldam telling his Instagram followers in a post it was the toughest situation he had seen in his time in the travel industry, but added it was the only responsible decision to make in the face of the COVID-19 outbreak.
“Putting more than 2,800 people on temporary leave is the toughest decision I have had to make,” he said, noting there had been no instances of COVID-19 aboard its ships.
The cruise line is encouraging guests to move their bookings, free of charge, with those who have had their voyages cancelled because of the pause in operations offered a future cruise voucher in the amount of 125% of amounts paid, including fees.
Guests will also get a 10% discount on any future Hurtigruten cruise from 01 Jul to 31 Dec 2021.
Guests booked on voyages through to 30 Sep are also being offered rebooking without any change fee, to any departure between 01 Jul and 31 Dec 2021, despite not being affected by the pause in operations.
Hurtigruten also has a dedicated page for those hoping to rebook their cruise, accessible HERE.
Pictured: MS Midnatsol.
