Hurtigruten Cancels Remaining 2020 Cruises

The MS Roald Amundsen ship, operated by Norway’s Hurtigruten line, is seen after its crew members were diagnosed with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), at a port in Tromso, Norway July 31, 2020. Rune Stoltz Bertinusse/NTB Scanpix/ via REUTERS

OSLO, Sept 17 (Reuters) – Norway’s Hurtigruten has called off its remaining cruises this year due to the rise in COVID-19 cases in Europe and the Americas, the company said on Thursday.
“Our goal is to resume operations in January 2021,” the company said in a statement.

The decision affects Hurtigruten’s so-called expedition cruises, which often take passengers into Arctic or Antarctic waters, though its business of shipping goods and people between ports along the Norwegian coast will continue.

The company was the first cruise operator worldwide to return an oceangoing cruise ship to service in mid-June, touting reduced passenger capacity, social distancing and strict rules on hygiene.

But dozens of crew and passengers onboard a Hurtigruten ship tested positive for the coronavirus following an Arctic cruise in July, triggering a police investigation into the circumstances. (Reporting by Terje Solsvik)

CMV’s Amy Johnson Heading to the Arctic for 2021 Summer Cruises

Amy Johnson

Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV) is offering three cruises to the Arctic, Greenland and Iceland on the Amy Johnson in 2021.

The Amy Johnson will explore the arctic on three voyages in Summer 2021 sailing from London Tilbury on June 20, July 22 and August 7.

The Amy Johnson sails on her first 22-night Arctic Voyage Greenland & Iceland Experience on June 20 with an overnight stay at Iceland’s capital Reykjavik. There are also six port calls in Greenland, highlighted by an overnight stay in Ilulissat. The Amy Johnson will sail on a very similar itinerary in August, without the overnight stay in Reykjavik, but with the bonus of a call in Rotterdam for the CMV Fleet Parade and Regatta on August 28.

The Amy Johnson sails to the top of the world on a 38-night Grand Arctic Voyage to Greenland, Spitsbergen and Iceland from London Tilbury July 22, highlighted by a visit to Spitsbergen.

Crystal Cruises’ new adventure ship emerges from the shipyard

Image result for crystal endeavor

The latest Crystal Cruises’ adventure ship Crystal Endeavor has been rolled out of a German shipyard eight months before it is due to enter service.

The 200-passenger polar class expedition vessel touched water for the first time at the MV Werften yard in Stralsund.

The all-suite ship is due to set off on its first cruise from Tokyo on August 10, 2020.

Crystal Endeavor will feature helicopter pads and a submarine capable of carrying seven passengers 980ft underwater.

Other facilities include chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s Umi Uma & Sushi Bar; a spa and fitness centre; mud rooms and a helicopter lounge.

Itineraries are available until early 2023 range from the Arctic, Antarctica and Australia to Africa, Europe and Indonesia.

Crystal Cruises’ president and chief executive Tom Wolber said: “Each milestone marked in the journey to introducing Crystal Endeavor to the world becomes more thrilling, as we know that the most adventurous luxury travellers are eagerly awaiting the unforgettable experiences that lie ahead, just as we are.