Hurtigruten Group reported strong demand for 2021-2022 cruises. Preparing for post-COVID expansion, the company announced it will redefine its growing operations via establishing a separate expedition cruise entity.
Daniel Skjeldam (Hurtigruten Group's CEO) revealed that for 2021-H2 and beyond, they were seeing strong demand across all markets and destinations, including the Arctic, Antarctica, and the Norwegian coast. He added the demand reflected their predictions that expedition cruises, with all of the company's advantages such as smaller ships, fewer guests, and more flexibility, would "prove even more popular post-COVID-19."
Hurtigruten recently announced selected 2022-2023 cruises, including Antarctica and the Arctic, and reported strong global demand. The global travel group is currently preparing for further growth, reorganizing its cruise operations into 2 different entities: Hurtigruten Expeditions and Hurtigruten Norway.
The line’s expedition cruises include 250+ destinations from pole to pole, ranging from Greenland, Norway, Svalbard, the Northwest Passage, and the British Isles to the Caribbean, Antarctica, and South America.
Hurtigruten’s expedition cruise entity is expected to operate a fleet of 8 custom-built, small-size, and greener expedition ships. Beginning in 2021, Hurtigruten is offering a number of new itineraries such as new year-round departures from Germany and the United Kingdom, as well as a full Alaska season.
The iconic 2500 nautical mile between Bergen and Kirkenes offers a combination of local travelers, goods, and cruisers, visiting and serving a total of 34 communities along the rugged coastline of Norway.
From next year, Hurtigruten’s coastal operation will feature 7 custom-built cruise ships, and operate under a separate entity.