Chief executive Daniel Skjeldam said it was the “only responsible decision in the extraordinary crisis the world is currently facing”. 

The line has paused its global expedition cruise operations through to 28 April and its Norwegian coastal cruises until 19 April.

“‘One of Hurtigruten’s core values is we care. We care about our staff, we care about our guests, we care about the local communities we visit, and not least – we care about our role in the global society,” he said.

“That is why we are now taking these monumental steps to follow up on our continued commitment to take all appropriate actions to combat the spread of Covid-19.”

Guests who have their voyages cancelled are offered a future cruise credit worth 125% of amounts paid (including fees). They will also get a 10% discount on any future Hurtigruten cruise – expedition or Norwegian coastal – from 1 July 2020 to 31 December 2021, with a flexible rebooking date.

Even though they are not affected by the temporary suspension of operations, guests booked on voyages through to 30 September 2020 are offered rebooking, without any rebooking fee, to any future Hurtigruten cruise – expedition or Norwegian coastal – for departures between 1 July 2020 and 31 December 2021.