Hurtigruten, the Norway-based line resumed sailing last month with the Finnmarken. She was the first ocean cruise ship in the world to return to service with a June 16 departure. Hurtigruten is currently operating four ships on domestic Norwegian coast itineraries and one on sailings from Hamburg, Germany, all with limited capacity and enhanced hygiene protocols. They plan to resume 10 more ship between August & September.
The September sailings include a series of new British Isles cruises on the battery hybrid powered ship, the Roald Amundsen. “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,” Hurtigruten Cruises CEO Daniel Skjeldam says.
Initially, the cruise line will welcome guests who reside in Germany, Austria & Switzerland only. In the next phase they will evaluate whether they are able to allow resides from other countries depending on the infection rate from these places.
The Roald Amundsen (2018) and the MS Spitsbergen (2009) will relaunch Arctic cruises with sailings to Svalbard. Seven other ships will operate Bergen-Kirkenes itineraries along the Norwegian coast in August and September.
There have not been any confirmed cases of COVID-19 on any of the Hurtigruten ships. Hurtigruten has implemented strict procedures to ensure the health and safety of guests and crew. These include reduced guest capacity (50%,) to allow social distancing, strict hygiene protocols, health checks and screenings, frequent temperature readings upon boarding and entry to restaurants.
- Every crew member undergoes a health check and completed WHO’s official COVID-19 course for hygiene procedures and infection management.
- There will be a “reset” day between voyages with no passengers onboard for cleaning and disinfection of the ships.
- Strict cleaning practices on board have proven themselves effective time and again. All cabins will be fully disinfected at changeover with strong disinfectants in all communal areas, staterooms and galleys.
- Regular testing and flooding hard surfaces in cabins, galleys and all public areas with UV light to identify any organic materials invisible to the naked eye.
- Regular checks of HVAC ventilator filters and the quality of drinking water.
- More dining seating times and individual plating, instead of self-service buffets. The kitchen will uphold its usual high standards of hygiene and quality. Everything guests are in contact with in the restaurants are disinfected between dining sessions.
- Before embarkation, passengers will be required to hand in a self-declaration form which ensures safety of fellow passengers and crew
- Passengers must maintain a reasonable and respectful distance from others. Markings on the ships will help keep a safe distance while queuing.
- Hands must be washed with soap and water or an alcohol based hand sanitizer at embarkation and disembarkation, outside all restaurants and on entering public areas.
- A cruise account will register purchase on a touch-free card.
- The number of passengers who board and disembark the ships at any given time will be regulated.
- Excursion suppliers must meet the applicable national guidelines – capacity of excursions has been reduced to ensure sufficient space for social distancing.
- Buses used are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected between each trip
- Passengers will wash or disinfect hands thoroughly before, during and after excursions
- There is a dedicated Health & Safety Officer on board whose task is to coordinate and ensure the quality of infection control on board.
- Wearing face masks is optional.
