Hurti splits business

HURTIGRUTEN is forming a separate expedition cruise company, meaning the line will now operate as two entities Hurtigruten Expeditions and Hurtigruten Norway.

Expeditions will offer cruises spanning more than 250 destinations, including Antarctica, the British Isles, the Caribbean, Greenland, the Northwest Passage, Norway, Svalbard and South America.

Using a fleet of eight small-size ships, Hurtigruten Expeditions will offer a number of new itineraries in 2021, including a full season in Alaska and year-round departures from Germany and the United Kingdom, under Chief Executive Officer Asta Lassesen.

Hurtigruten Norway will focus on coastal operations, and will consist of seven custom-built ships, operating under a yet-tobe-named Chief Executive Officer.

The moves will put Hurigruten Group in a good position to tap into pent-up demand for 2021, said Chief Executive Daniel Skjeldam.

“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,” he 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 postCOVID-19.”

Hurtigruten is also currently holding a number of Adventure Awaits webinars, detailing the company’s 2022/23 season.

The next to air will be the Exploring Svalbard webinar, taking place at 2pm AEDT on Tue - CLICK HERE to register.