Hurtigruten Group has moved MS Maud from its expedition arm, HX, to its Norwegian coastal brand, Hurtigruten, and suspended its 2023/24 West Africa season

Previously, the vessel had operated Hurtigruten’s Norwegian Coastal Express itineraries, but joined HX in 2021, a role it will return to in 2026 after its secondment.

Last year, the group split its expedition and coastal operations, with Hurtigruten Expeditions adopting the HX brand and Hurtigruten Norway reverting to just Hurtigruten, maintaining the same name as when it launched in 1893.

“Hurtigruten is undertaking the most significant environmental upgrade in the cruise industry,” said the group’s CEO Daniel Skjeldam.

“The diverse fleet capabilities of the group gives us the opportunity to temporarily move MS Maud, filling the void left by the upgrade programme.”

Hurtigruten Group cancels West Africa season due to ‘instability’

Meanwhile, having previously expanded HX’s product portfolio to include West Africa for the 2023/2024 season, the line has paused all operations in the area due to “increasing levels of instability”.

Earlier this year, chief commercial officer Patrick Brewer unveiled his vision for the British market and shared tips on how agents can attract an additional strain of clients by promoting the line’s new Norwegian coastal sailings.