Hurtigruten separates Expeditions and Norway wings

Hurtigruten has announced it will establish a separate expedition cruise entity as it prepares for “post-Covid-19 expansion”.

The line, which currently has 15 ships, is set to reorganised its cruise operations in two different entities: Hurtigruten Expeditions and Hurtigruten Norway.

The company has been operating along the Norwegian coast continuously since 1893, but has more recently began exploring other areas of the world, including the polar regions. 

“2020 is a tough year for everyone in the travel industry, but the set back is only temporary. For the second half of 2021 and beyond, we are seeing a strong demand across all markets and all destinations, including the Norwegian coast, the Arctic and Antarctica,” Hurtigruten Group CEO Daniel Skjeldam said. 

“The demand reflects our predictions that expedition cruises, with all our advantages such as smaller ships, more flexibility and fewer guests, will prove even more popular post-Covid-19,” he added. “We have only seen the beginning of what’s to come. Hurtigruten see great demand and equally great opportunities in the expedition cruise segment from 2021 and beyond. This is the growth we are preparing for.”

Meanwhile, the company has revealed its 2021/2022 expedition brochure with sailings from Dover on board the newly refurbished MS Maud.

More: Sign up to our Cruise Digest newsletter
More: Read our cruise line cancellations list

The no-fly expedition cruises offer guests the choice of five expedition itineraries with numerous departures from Dover exploring locations around the British Isles, Norway and for the first time Southern Scandinavia.

The 13 or 15-day round trips will see MS Maud travel to destinations such as the Lofoten Islands; Rathlin Island, the home of Northern Island’s largest seabird colony; and the Koster Islands in Sweden.

Anthony Daniels, UK general manager for Hurtigruten, said: “We are delighted to launch our new expedition cruises from Dover 2021/22 brochure, which will be available to all our travel agent partners. There are some incredible itineraries as well as new destinations included that deliver truly authentic adventures for those who are curious to experience more of the world around them.

“Every destination has been handpicked by experts to create the ultimate expedition for guests. From witnessing the spectacular wildlife of the British Isles, the rugged Archipelagos in Southern Scandinavia, to the stunning Norwegian fjords and the mesmerising Northern Lights. With departures from Dover and the small ship ambience of the MS Maud, we’ve made it even easier for guests to get up and close to nature – something the bigger ships can’t.”