Hurtigruten Expeditions scraps pre-departure testing

Hurtigruten Expeditions has removed its pre-departure testing requirement for every departure across its fleet – expect for Antarctica sailings.

Mandatory testing is to be scrapped from Saturday, October 1.

Passengers sailing on a Hurtigruten voyage in Antarctica must still provide proof of a negative Covid-19 test prior to embarkation.

More: Hurtigruten releases three 2023 pole-to-pole sailings

The line will arrange testing for passengers during transfers from either Santiago, Chile, or Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Cruise-only guests in Antarctica who travel to Ushuaia, Argentina, or Punta Arenas, Chile, must arrange for their own test within 72 hours before boarding.

In addition, masks are no longer mandatory on board or during expedition landings. However, passengers are encouraged to wear masks in public areas on board all ships.

Hurtigruten still requires all passengers aged 12 and above to have received two vaccines doses, but a booster dose is no longer required.

Iain McNeill, Hurtigruten Expeditions senior vice-president, said: “Our updated protocols will more closely align with land-based travel options and the current environment across our destinations.

“We will offer our guests the best possible experience, with the peace of mind of exploring with us on board a fully vaccinated ship.”

The line added that testing and vaccination requirements may differ for certain destinations due to local regulations.