Tag Archives: British Isles

NCL UNVEILS NORWEGIAN DAWN’S EX-UK PROGRAMME FOR 2023

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Norwegian Cruise Line has released the programme of itineraries for Norwegian Dawn when the ship homeports in Southampton in 2023.

NCL will offer a range of eight to 14-day voyages on Norwegian Dawn from Southampton in 2023, as part of its partnership with Associated British Ports to open a new cruise terminal at the Hampshire port from 2021 onwards.


The 2023 itineraries on Dawn will include a 14-day transatlantic trip from New York to Southampton, departing on 20 April, and a series of 10 and 11-day cruises around the British Isles, as well as voyages to the Baltics and Northern Europe.


Eamonn Ferrin, NCL’s vice president and managing director in the UK, Ireland, Middle East and Africa, said: “We’re seeing strong demand for closer to home sailings in 2021 and beyond. Looking ahead, British holidaymakers are excited to explore Europe, with endless destinations to suit all types of travellers.


“At NCL, we will expand our itineraries out of Southampton onboard Norwegian Dawn in 2023 and have some fantastic trips available across the British Isles, the Baltics and Northern Europe. We can’t wait to welcome guests onboard again.”

Hurtigruten Prepares for Growth, Establishes Separate Expedition Cruise Entity

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Hurtigruten has announced it will redefine its growing cruise operations by establishing a separate expedition cruise entity, citing strong demand for 2021 and 2022 expedition sailings.

“2020 is a tough year for everyone in the travel industry. But the set back is only temporary. 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,” said CEO Daniel Skjeldam.

“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 post-COVID-19,” he added.

“We have only seen the beginning of what’s to come. Hurtigruten sees great demand and equally great opportunities in the expedition cruise segment from 2021 and beyond. This is the growth we are preparing for.”

Thus, the company is reorganizing its cruise operations in two different entities: Hurtigruten Expeditions and Hurtigruten Norway.  

Hurtigruten’s expedition cruises include more than 250 destinations from pole to pole, ranging from the Northwest Passage, Greenland, Norway, Svalbard, the British Isles to the Caribbean, South America and Antarctica.

Asta Lassesen has been appointed CEO of Hurtigruten’s global expedition cruise operations.

“As Hurtigruten continues to grow our expedition cruise offering, we will keep doing what we do best: Combining almost 130 years of exploration with cutting-edge innovation and our unparalleled commitment to sustainability to deliver unique experiences in some of the world’s most awe-inspiring destinations,” said Lassesen.

Hurtigruten’s expedition cruise entity will operate a fleet of eight small sizes, custom-built and green expedition cruise ships, the company said.

Updated FCO advice clears the way for river cruise return

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Competition: Foreign and Commonwealth Office framework ...

The Foreign Office has updated its advice against cruise ship travel to confirm that it relates to international travel on a “sea-going” cruise ship.

The FCO had previously confirmed its advice applied to all forms of cruising, but the updated guidance paves the way for UK travellers to return to river cruising.

The updated advice would also appear to exclude cruises in UK waters from the blanket ban, although it says those seeking information on such cruises should contact the Department for Transport.

Hurtigruten last week said it was in talks with the government after its plans to operate British Isles itineraries in September were impacted by the guidance.

The FCO advice now says: “The Foreign & Commonwealth Office advises against cruise ship travel at this time. This is due to the ongoing pandemic and is based on medical advice from Public Health England.

“Cruise ship travel means staying overnight for at least 1 night on a sea-going cruise ship with people from multiple households.

“Our advice against cruises applies to international travel on a ship that is exclusively for pleasure or recreation, providing overnight accommodation and other leisure facilities such as entertainment venues or swimming pools.

“Our advice does not include ferries or privately-rented boats.

“The government will continue to review its cruise ship travel advice based on the latest medical advice.

“If you have future cruise travel plans, contact your cruise line, travel operator, or the travel company you booked with, for further advice. For information on cruises in the UK, waters contact the Department for Transport: Maritimeengagement@dft.gov.uk.

“The Foreign & Commonwealth Office continues to support the Department for Transport’s work with industry for the resumption of international cruise travel.”

Travel Weekly has contacted the Department for Transport for clarification about advice for cruises in UK waters.

Andy Harmer, Clia UK & Ireland director, said: “This latest change to the Foreign & Commonwealth Office’s advisory regarding cruise ship travel provides a very welcome boost.

“We are seeing a gradual, phased-in approach to a resumption of cruise operations across Europe, initially domestic and regional. Clia is continuing its constructive dialogue with the Department for Transport and Public Health England to finalise the road map to the resumption of international cruise travel.”