Hurtigruten is celebrating Norway’s reopening as the country will no longer require North American travelers to quarantine for 10 days upon arrival. Effective Jan. 26, the government announced removal of the restrictions that have been in place for almost two years.
Following the announcement, North Americans can travel to Norway as long as they present a negative COVID-19 test taken 24 hours before departing for Norway, complete an entry pre-registration form, and test upon arrival, either at the airport or within the first 24 hours. Prior to this week, even vaccinated North Americans were not allowed to enter Norway without quarantining for 10 days.
Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express, which has been operating sailings up and down the country’s coast since 1893 is looking forward to once again welcome North American travelers to explore. Starting from $1,752, travelers can enjoy a 6-day cruise from Kirkenes—located at the very top of Norway, close to Russia—down to Bergen, the country’s second-largest city. This route is often described as “the most beautiful voyage in the world.”
Hurtigruten Expeditions is offering the 15-day Northern Lights and Fjords Expedition from Dover, United Kingdom, which focuses on the natural wonder of the Aurora Borealis, this winter and spring, as well as for the 2022/23 winter season. Between April and September, the company is also operating 15-day summer expedition cruises out of Hamburg, Germany.
Guests booking with either Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express or Hurtigruten Expeditions before March 31, 2022, for sailings before Sept. 30, 2022, are automatically covered by Hurtigruten’s Book with Confidence policy.
Last year, American travelers listed seeing the Northern Lights in Norway as their number one bucket-list experience in the world, according to the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA). These magical occurrences that take place from November to March every year, and to ensure guests can cross the lights off their bucket list, Hurtigruten offers the unique Northern Lights Promise on select voyages.
Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express’ departures range from six to 12 days, with the latter calling at 34 ports along the Norwegian coast and sailing past more than 100 fjords and 1,000 mountains. Guests can enjoy the astounding Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site; the old Viking town of Trondheim, Norway’s traditional historic, religious, and cultural capital; the postcard-worthy Lofoten Islands, whose special beauty is praised as one of the most beautiful locations in the world by National Geographic; or wander through Tromso, the gateway to the Arctic Ocean, on the North Cape at the top of Scandinavia.
Last year, Hurtigruten Norway Coastal Express also announced that all seven of its ships will undergo one of the largest environmental upgrades, which will result in CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions being reduced by at least 25 percent and NOx (nitrogen oxide) emissions cut by 80 percent.
For full details of the new entry requirements to Norway, please visit the U.S. Embassy in Norway’s website.
For more information, visit hurtigruten.com.
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