Hurtigruten will return all seven ships on Norwegian coastal voyages between Bergen and Kirkenes voyages in July.
The return follows more than a year of limited operations by Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express due to Covid travel restrictions.
Group chief executive Daniel Skjeldam said: “The global travel industry has been hit hard by the pandemic. With the safety and well-being of our guests and crew as our number one priority, we are now entering a new phase of our step-by-step return to operations.”
The company has reported record-strong demand for 2022 small-ship sailings with booking levels almost 50% higher than pre-pandemic levels, while 2021 is also “shaping up”.
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Skjeldam said: “As vaccines are being rolled out and travel restrictions are lifted, we are seeing a huge pent-up demand and strong booking trends across all markets.
“When international travel resumes, we will be ready to welcome our guests on board again,
Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express chief executive Hedda Felin is looking forward to once again welcoming international travellers on board when travel restrictions are lifted.
“Our step-by-step return to sailing under our strict health and safety procedures has been extremely well received from both guests, our crew and the local communities.” She said.
“We continuously adapt to the Norwegian authorities’ plans for reopening, and follow all guidelines and recommendations.
“Operating safely throughout the pandemic also gives us unparalleled experience as we now are getting ready to welcome international guests.
“We were born and raised to connect the coastal communities and their people with the world. This summer, we will have the fjords almost to ourselves. And there is no better way to experience the Norwegian coast than with our small ships, close partners and our almost 130 years of local know-how.”
She added: The world’s most beautiful voyage just got even better. We are combining the best available technical solutions and cutting CO2 emissions along the Norwegian coast with at least a quarter. And most importantly, we are laying the foundation for introducing new and even more efficient environmental solutions as they are developed.”
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