News

Hurtigruten to run UK sailings in September

Hurtigruten plans to bring 14 of its 16 ships back into service by the end of September as it makes its ex-UK debut.

A series of new short-break itineraries around the British Isles will depart from Portsmouth, Liverpool and Glasgow on hybrid battery-powered ship Roald Amundsen.

The itineraries cover “off-the-beaten-track” destinations such as Isles of Scilly, Fowey, Isle of Man, Rathlin Island, Fort William, Oban, Fishguard and Waterford in Ireland.

Departures are planned from Portsmouth on September 2, Liverpool on September 7 and 17 and Glasgow on September 12.

The ship will operate at a reduced maximum capacity of 350 passengers, approximately 65% of total berths, with prices starting at £999.

The Norwegian company previously announced a year-round programme with sailings departing from Dover in March, 2021.

The expedition cruise company has stepped up its “rebound strategy” after marking its return in June as MS Finnmarken became the first ocean cruise ship in the world to return to sailing.

Chief executive Daniel Skjeldam said: “We are thrilled to announce our new British Isles itineraries, and put a lot of pride into handpicking the destinations.

“We wanted to make sure guests can enjoy the British Isles like never before, visiting remote isles, seeing rugged nature and amazing wildlife, and enjoying charming coastal cities, towns and villages while avoiding the mass tourism crowds.

“Our British Isles departures have proven extremely popular. With the addition of 2020 expedition cruises, we will offer guests a unique opportunity to explore unique destinations already this fall.”

He added: “With the safety and well-being of our guests and crew as our number one priority, the response to our successful return to sailing last month has been extremely positive from both the local communities, our guests and crew.

“As travel restrictions are lifted, we are now entering the next phase of our step-by-step return to full operation.”

UK general manager Anthony Daniels said: “We are delighted to offer guests the short break expedition cruises to experience the British coastline onboard our pioneering hybrid ship, MS Roald Amundsen.

“We will take guests to lesser-visited parts of the British Isles, and take them up close to nature, and conservation projects.

“This is a great opportunity for those looking to try expedition cruising for the first time, but from closer to home.

“Having operated in Norway throughout the coronavirus pandemic, and having recently restarting regular operations in Norway, our robust health and safety procedures on and off board mean guests can relax and enjoy their UK short break.”

Share article

View Comments

Jacobs Media is honoured to be the recipient of the 2020 Queen's Award for Enterprise.

The highest official awards for UK businesses since being established by royal warrant in 1965. Read more.