“This is a huge step towards normality and a great reminder to all of us of what’s to come,” said Damian Perry, Managing Director of Hurtigruten Asia Pacific.
“By bringing MS Nordlys and MS Nordnorge into operation from July, we will not only bring more furloughed colleagues back to work; we will also hire new colleagues to fill vacant positions. We can welcome more guests on board, offer more unique experiences, carry more local goods, and create more local value and more activity in the communities we visit.
“As more and more countries open their borders for travel this summer, we will be able to welcome more international guests. The great news Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express announces today is something we should celebrate across the travel industry. Not only for the nature of the news itself, but because it clearly shows what’s to come also for Hurtigruten Expeditions.
“Few – if any – global travel groups will be able to operate 50% of their passenger ship fleet by July. This ramp-up within Hurtigruten Group for Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express is the first natural step towards full operations,” Mr Perry said
“We have great faith in the European summer tourism season,” said CEO of Hurtigruten Norway, Hedda Felin.
“There is no better way to experience the Norwegian coast than sailing it with Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express. Together with our local partners, who supply local food and excursions, we will create unique experiences for our guests.
“We are excited to welcome guests from all over the world as travel restrictions are being eased. We continuously adapt to the Norwegian authorities’ reopening plan and recommendations and have comprehensive safety and infection control measures in place,” said Ms Felin.
Hurtigruten is experiencing great interest from guests all over the world; travel along the Norwegian coast has a clear roadmap outlined by local governments and policy makers for guests domestically, regionally and internationally.
Mr Perry said Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express’ expansion to operate a full season was a great indicator of how cruise can restart and operate safely both domestically and regionally.
“It would be great to see similar proactive and practical initiatives here in Australia and within our region.
“Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express has been in service throughout the pandemic with robust operating protocols, and health and safety procedures developed and refined to address the COVID challenge,” Mr Perry said.
Since January 2021, five ships have been in service between Bergen and Kirkenes to maintain the important traffic for freight and local passengers, and in July all of the company’s seven ships will be fully operational.
“The new season of our bestselling Follow The Lights itinerary, which features the Norwegian Coastal Express, has been embraced by Australian and New Zealand travellers who are actively booking into 2022 and 2023.
“We’ve met with many of our travel partners and they remain resilient, with their businesses prepared to support travellers both domestically and internationally as we return with safe cruising solutions. As we see the rest of the world opening borders and facilitating a return to travel, we also seek a clear roadmap for Australians as the desire to travel remains strong,” said Mr Perry.
Hurtigruten Group has strict measures across all its ships, designed to reduce the spread of COVID-19, and is constantly updating these measures according to the latest guidelines from the local authorities. Guests need to agree to follow any current travel restrictions at the time they are sailing. For more information on COVID-19 safety, see here.
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