Norwegian ferry and cruiseship operator Hurtigruten is planning to reactivate all its remaining stacked vessels as it ramps up activity following coronavirus lockdowns.
In March, it took 14 of its 16 ships out of service, leaving just two running on essential local routes.
The company began domestic and international cruises again last month and will now bring back its other vessels in August and September.
The passengership operator is also plotting new routes taking in the British Isles over the coming months.
"With the safety and well-being of our guests and crew as our number one priority, the response to our successful return to sailing last month has been extremely positive from both the local communities, our guests and crew," said chief executive Daniel Skjeldam.
New phase of cruising return
"As travel restrictions are lifted, we are now entering the next phase of our step by step return to full operation."
Hurtigruten's 15,690-gt Finnmarken (built 2002) became the first ocean cruiseship in the world to return to sailing with a 16 June departure to the Trollfjorden.
Two battery-powered hybrid vessels will resume Arctic expeditions from mid-July.
And more vessels will return to the Bergen to Kirkenes voyage along the Norwegian coast in August and September. Four have already begun this week.
The new short UK cruises will leave from Portsmouth, Liverpool and Glasgow in September, visiting Scottish and Irish islands.
In June, Hurtigruten also announced their 2021 plans for year-round expedition cruise departures from Dover and Hamburg to Norway, Southern Scandinavia and the British Isles.
International cruises resumed from Hamburg on 26 June.
The world’s largest expedition cruise line has operated in polar waters continuously since 1893.
Strong demand for cruises
"We are seeing a strong demand across all markets and all destinations, including the Norwegian coast, the Arctic and Antarctica," Skjeldam said.
"The demand reflects our predictions that small-ship cruising, with all our advantages such as more flexibility and fewer guests, will prove even more popular post-Covid-19."
There have been no confirmed or suspected cases of Covid-19 on any of Hurtigruten's ships.
The company has reduced passenger capacity to allow more social distancing, and has introduced strict hygiene protocols, health checks and screenings, and frequent temperature readings when boarding.
Last month the shipowner secured a long-term financial solution to its coronavirus woes.
It secured a NOK 1bn ($100m) loan in the international market, which it said will secure liquidity through 2021 and into 2022.
