SeaDream Yacht Club has returned to sailing following the departure of the line’s SeaDream I from Oslo on 20 June.

SeaDream announced a new series of nine Norwegian itineraries, to sail through to September, in May.

However, such was the demand the line quickly increased the number of itineraries to 21 and added its second ship, SeaDream II, to increase capacity. Ports of call have been handpicked by SeaDream’s CEO and founder Atle Brynestad.

Itineraries include seven-day voyages between Bergen and Oslo and six 12-day cruises between Oslo and Tromsø.

The 12-day voyages, Oslo to Tromsø or Tromsø to Oslo, will give guests the chance to spend three days in the Lofoten Islands.

During the recent pause in operations all SeaDream crew members have completed the World Health Organisation’s official covid-19 course for hygiene procedures and infection management. Passengers are also observing social distancing protocols while on board.

SeaDream executive vice-president Andreas Brynestad said: “We are very proud to be the first luxury line to resume operations. Our preparation has paid off as we are able to maintain the experience of luxury on board while ensuring everyone’s health, comfort and safety.

“Everyone around the world has been affected by the health crisis. This historic moment feels like good news not just to our team, but our industry as a whole.”

SeaDream added that its 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio will provide a luxury experience that adheres to strict health and safety rules.

SeaDream’s return to service follows Hurtigruten, which has also resumed sailings in Norway, and has also launched a year-round programme of expedition voyages departing from Dover from mid-March 2021.

European river cruising has also returned. Nicko Cruises’ 220-passenger NickoVision departed on 1 June with a reduced capacity of 110 German passengers from Passau to Dusseldorf, while A-Rosa has resumed cruises on the Rhine, the Douro and the Danube.