In a statement the Norwegian-based cruise line said it had “announced its intention not to renew its membership of Clia.”

Anthony Daniels, head of sales, commented: “This decision is in no way indicative of our view of Clia as an organisation.

“We are very supportive of the good work undertaken by Clia for the cruise industry, not just in the UK, but globally. However, as a business, Hurtigruten has ambitions to be seen more as an adventure travel business than a mainstream cruise line.

“With that in mind, we have decided it is the right time for us to part ways. I’d personally like to thank Andy [Harmer, Clia UK and Ireland director] and his team for all their hard work and wish them all the best with the future of the organisation”.

Andy Harmer, UK and Ireland director of Clia said: "We have enjoyed working with the team at Hurtigruten and would like to thank them for their support, particularly at Clia events across the UK.  However, Hurtigruten is a very unique brand and we understand the desire of the company to reposition itself within the holiday sector."