Hurtigruten has further extended its suspension of worldwide sailings but is drawing up plans to gradually restart operations from 16 June.
“We are two months into what is a truly extraordinary situation. In one way or another, the consequences of the pandemic impact us all,” says Hurtigruten CEO Daniel Skjeldam.
“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, where Hurtigruten is headquartered and which is one of the most popular destination for Arctic cruises, schools, kindergartens, restaurants, cinemas and hairdressers are already open and travel restrictions are gradually being lifted.
“Gradually restarting operations within Norwegian waters are natural first steps towards a normalisation for us,” says Skjeldam.
“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. But we are eager to welcome guests on board our ships again,
Hurtigruten also plans to gradually restart Arctic expedition cruises this summer “in areas where restrictions are lifted – where and when we believe it is safe”.
“Nothing is more important to us than the safety and well-being of our crew and guests,” adds Skjeldam, right. “We are working closely with all relevant authorities, experts and agencies to ensure a safe and sensible restart of our expedition cruises.”
Even before the global outbreak, Hurtigruten imposed strict measures and protocols to combat the spread of the virus. It has not had any confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19 on any of its ships.