Hurtigruten Establishes Expedition Cruise Entity
As it reports strong demand for 2021 and 2022 cruises, Hurtigruten is preparing for post-Covid-19 expansion, announcing that it will redefine its growing cruise operations by establishing a separate expedition cruise entity.
“2020 is a tough year for everyone in the travel industry. But the set back is only temporary. For 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,” said Hurtigruten Group’s CEO Daniel Skjeldam.
He continued: “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.”
Skjeldam oversees Hurtigruten’s 15 ship operation which has grown significantly over the past years, both in number of ships, guests and destinations – including some of the most spectacular destinations on our planet.
Hurtigruten recently launched selected 2022/2023 voyages – including Antarctica and the Arctic – and reports a strong global demand.
Of particular note, Hurtigruten makes it clear that it sees great demand and equally great opportunities in the expedition cruise segment from 2021 and beyond.
To that end, Hurtigruten is reorganizing its cruise operations into two different entities: Hurtigruten Expeditions and Hurtigruten Norway.
Hurtigruten’s expedition cruises includes more than 250 destinations from pole to pole, ranging from the Northwest Passage, Greenland, Norway, Svalbard, British Isles to Caribbean, South America and Antarctica.
As Hurtigruten consolidates the position as the world’s largest expedition cruise line, Asta Lassesen is appointed CEO of Hurtigruten’s global expedition cruise operations.
Said Lassesen: “As Hurtigruten continue to grow our expedition cruise offering, we will keep doing what we do best: Combining almost 130 years of exploration with cutting-edge innovation and our unparalleled commitment to sustainability to deliver unique experiences in some of the world’s most awe-inspiring destinations.”
The company’s expedition cruise entity will operate a fleet of 8 small size, custom built and greener expedition cruise ships. Starting in 2021, Hurtigruten is offering several new itineraries – including new year-round departures from United Kingdom and Germany, as well as a full Alaska season.
Lassesen explained that: “We go where the big ships can’t, taking you far beyond the ordinary and closer to communities and nature, while exploring the true beauty of our planet in a more sustainable way.”
Operating the Norwegian coast continuously since 1893, Hurtigruten has longer and more in-depth experience on the spectacular Norwegian coastline than any other cruise line.?
Hurtigruten’s iconic 2500 nautical mile between Bergen in the south to Kirkenes at the Russian border offers a unique combination of local travelers, goods and cruise guests, visiting and serving 34 communities along the rugged Norwegian coastline.
From 2021, Hurtigruten’s coastal operation will consist of 7 custom built ships, and operate under a separate entity with a yet to be named CEO.
As Skjeldam observed: “The Norwegian coast is our home. No one knows Norway like Hurtigruten, and from northern lights, the midnight sun, wildlife and local communities, there is no better way to experience authentic Norway than with Hurtigruten. We’ve pioneered the Norwegian coast for more than a century. But the best is yet to come.”
