Norweigan Cruise Line Hurtigruten Apologizes, Suspends Travel After New Coronavirus Outbreak

TOPLINE

Hurtigruten, a Norway-based cruise operator that was one of the first to resume operations as Covid-19 cases in Europe have fallen, apologized Monday and canceled its upcoming cruises amid a new Covid-19 outbreak onboard one of its ships, which potentially spread the coronavirus to dozens of Norweigan towns.

KEY FACTS

Crucial Quote

“We have made mistakes. On behalf of all of us in Hurtigruten, I am sorry for what has happened,” Skjeldam said in a statement. “We take full responsibility.”

Big Number

9,268: The number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in Norway as of August 3, as reported by Johns Hopkins University.

Key Background

Cruise ships have been considered a particular breeding ground for Covid-19 outbreaks since the early days of the pandemic, with multiple ships affected by outbreaks including the more than 700 passengers who tested positive aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship. The U.S. State Department has warned travelers since March that American citizens, “particularly travelers with underlying health conditions, should not travel by cruise ship,” due to the “increased risk of infection.” Cruises out of the U.S. remain suspended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which recently extended its “No Sail Order” until early October.

What to Watch for

Hurtigurten may not be the only cruise line to experience a new Covid-19 outbreak after resuming travel: The Paul Gauguin cruise ship in Tahiti confined passengers and crew on the ship late Sunday after one passenger tested positive for Covid-19.

Further Reading

Outbreak hits Norway cruise ship, could spread along coast (Associated Press)

Americans Should Not Take Cruises Amid Coronavirus Outbreak, State Department Says (Forbes)

Cruises From The U.S. Banned Until At Least October (Forbes)

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