Following a successful restructuring earlier this year – including its split from expedition cruise company HX – Hurtigruten, the leading operator of iconic Norwegian coastal voyages, is now charting its own course as a standalone company. With a fleet of 10 ships serving Norway’s coast and land-based tour operations in Svalbard, Hurtigruten is proud to report its first financial results since the separation.
In Australia and New Zealand, trading has been notably impressive this year. Revenue growth has been driven by increased passenger demand for core Original voyages, plus a substantial surge in bookings on premium Signature voyages, resulting in a 78% increase compared to the same period last year. Building on this momentum, Hurtigruten will expand their Signature program from May 2026 with the fully refurbished MS Midnatsol, effectively doubling capacity.
Both Signature and Original voyages are the foundation for the significant growth of Hurtigruten’s multi-country Nordic Tour packages. This success has driven a 60% year-on-year increase in capacity for both escorted and independent tours and has enabled the launch of new departures and expeditions in Norway and the High Arctic Svalbard region.
Australian and New Zealand guest numbers reflect the continued demand for the region, seeking authentic experiences along the Norwegian coast.
“Asia-Pacific is a key growth region for Hurtigruten, with travellers increasingly seeking immersive, experience-rich journeys,” said Damian Perry, Managing Director APAC. “We’re seeing strong momentum not only for our Original and Signature voyages, but also for packaged tours that combine these with land-based exploration. Guests are showing a growing appetite for authentic, sustainably minded adventures – from chasing the Northern Lights to exploring Svalbard – experiences that Hurtigruten delivers like no one else.”
Globally, Hurtigruten has released its first-half 2025 figures, reporting a 60% increase in EBITDA, up from EUR 27 million to EUR 43 million. Total revenue grew 14% to EUR 250 million, with occupancy rates improving from 66% in H1 2024 to 70% in H1 2025.
“This growth is a testament to the successful establishment of the ‘new’ Hurtigruten, which now solely serves the Norwegian coast and Svalbard. Our commitment to providing the iconic experience of Norway has resonated with our guests, and we are excited about the future as we continue to see strong demand,” said CEO Hedda Felin.
“We would like to thank our guests for choosing Hurtigruten, our partners for their collaboration, and our dedicated employees for their commitment. Together, we are setting new standards in the travel industry and creating unforgettable journeys through Norway’s breathtaking landscapes in a time where more sustainable destinations become increasingly popular,” Felin added.
Well positioned to meet strong demand
Looking ahead, Hurtigruten expects continued growth in EBITDA and occupancy rates, reflecting strong demand and positive booking trends. As of August 26, Hurtigruten’s booked ticket sales for the full current year are up by 11% compared to the same time in 2024. Similarly, Hurtigruten’s booked ticket sales for 2026 are up by 12% compared to the year ahead bookings at the same time last year.
During the first half of 2025 Hurtigruten restructured and significantly strengthened its balance sheet. The book equity now stands at EUR 85 million and the Company’s EUR 411 million term loans matures in 2030. The Group’s total cash position was EUR 112 million at the end of the first half of 2025.
Reducing environmental impact
As a part of Hurtigruten’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint, the company is continuously looking at ways to modernise the fleet. During the first half of 2025, MS Nordlys completed a significant upgrade to battery-hybrid propulsion, making it the fourth Hurtigruten ship to run on hybrid power. In addition, Hurtigruten reduced its Scope 1 emissions per guest by 9%, and significantly reduced SOx emissions by 45% (2024 figures compared to 2023).
