Hurtigruten has released its first financial results as a standalone company following its restructuring and separation from expedition cruise company HX Expeditions earlier this year. The Norwegian coastal voyage operator now operates independently with a fleet of 10 ships serving Norway's coast and land-based tour operations in Svalbard.
The company reported particularly strong performance in North America during the summer season, with booked revenue from June 1 to Aug. 28 increasing 15% year over year. This growth was primarily driven by a 72% increase in Signature product series bookings from U.S. and Canadian travelers.
"North America remains one of Hurtigruten's most exciting growth markets, and we're delighted to see such powerful momentum this season," said Carly Biggart, head of Hurtigruten in the Americas. "Travelers are increasingly seeking destination immersion and meaningful exploration — and that's exactly what we deliver 365 days a year."
Globally, Hurtigruten's first-half 2025 results showed significant financial improvement. EBITDA increased 60% from 27 million euros to 43 million euros, compared to the same period in the previous year. Total revenue grew 14% to 250 million euros, while occupancy rates improved from 66% in the first half of 2024 to 70% in the first half of 2025.
"This growth is a testament to the successful establishment of the 'new' Hurtigruten, which now solely serves the Norwegian coast and Svalbard," said Hedda Felin, CEO of Hurtigruten. "Our commitment to providing the iconic experience of Norway has resonated with our guests, and we are excited about the future as we continue to see strong demand."
The company expects continued growth momentum with booked ticket sales for the full current year up 11% compared to the same time in 2024. Advance bookings for 2026 are running 12% ahead of year-ahead bookings at the same time last year.
On the environmental front, Hurtigruten completed a battery-hybrid propulsion upgrade on MS Nordlys during the first half of 2025, making it the fourth ship in the fleet to run on hybrid power. The company reduced Scope 1 emissions per guest by 9% and achieved a 45% reduction in SOx emissions compared to 2023 figures.
"We would like to thank our guests for choosing Hurtigruten, our partners for their collaboration and our dedicated employees for their commitment," Felin said. "Together, we are setting new standards in the travel industry and creating unforgettable journeys through Norway's breathtaking landscapes in a time where more sustainable destinations become increasingly popular."
Editor’s Note: This article was generated by AI, based on a press release distributed by Hurtigruten. It was fact-checked and reviewed by a TravelAge West editor.
