The Norwegian government introduced temporary stricter measures in order to halt Corona infections. The new regulations prevents ships with more than 100 persons from being approved and allowed access to Norwegian ports.

“The Hurtigruten situation goes to show that the Corona pandemic is far from over, and that is the background for tightening the grip again. This tightening will apply until further notice, and the government will make a renewed assessment in 14 days”, says Health Minister Bent Høie.

Crew replacements will still be facilitated, so that crew may embark and disembark. Disembarking crew are except from entry quarantine regulations with regard to the replacement. Embarking crew must have been through the quarantine period required.

The tightening of regulations applies only to cruise traffic, not to passenger vessels operating between Norway and other countries.