Hurtigruten Cancels Finnmarken’s July 25 Cruise for Stern Thruster Repairs

The Hurtigruten cruise ship Finnmarken, originally built in 2002 and equipped with hybrid propulsion systems, is currently undergoing significant repairs at the Norderwerft shipyard in Hamburg, Germany. A stern thruster malfunction prompted the cancellation of its highly anticipated Norwegian coastal voyage scheduled to depart on July 25, 2025. Headlines across the cruise and travel industry underscore the delicate balance between operational efficiency and passenger satisfaction in such events.

Cruise Cancellation and Passenger Support

Scheduled to embark on a 14-night roundtrip journey from Hamburg, the canceled sailing included stops at nine notable Norwegian destinations such as Stavanger, Bergen, Nordkapp, and the Lofoten Islands. Hurtigruten promptly informed affected guests and offered them two options: rebook their voyage on an alternative sailing or receive a full refund. The company also assured passengers it would cover any additional costs incurred due to the cancellation, including revised travel arrangements.

According to the Hamburger Abendblatt, approximately 50% of passengers chose to rebook, while 15% opted for a full refund. The remainder of travelers are still in communication with Hurtigruten regarding their preferences. Notably, the July 11 departure remains unaffected and is proceeding as scheduled from Hamburg.

Complex Repairs and Drydock Operations

As part of the ongoing repair operations, the damaged stern thruster has received attention alongside the installation of a new 14-ton propeller. Shipyard workers completed the complicated propeller installation in just two days, including a two-hour operation required to position the unit precisely. Following this, the vessel was refloated near Hamburg’s HafenCity region for dockside testing, with further onboard checks currently in progress.

Focus on Preparedness and Upcoming Sailings

Hurtigruten has set a target for the Finnmarken to return to service on August 8, 2025, with a departure from Hamburg for another 14-night voyage along its North Cape Line itinerary. The route includes immersive calls at Norwegian coastal landmarks such as Tromsø, Senja, and Haugesund. Passengers who rebooked may expect a similar itinerary depending on their new selected date.

The canceled July 25 cruise underscores the operational challenges of the cruise sector but also highlights the firm’s focus on minimizing disruptions and maintaining guest trust amidst technical setbacks. Regional tourism economies in Norway, which generally depend on cruise traffic, are expected to experience minimal long-term impact due to the ship's swift return to regular operations.

Modernization Efforts and Statement of Assurance

The Finnmarken is no stranger to modernization. Earlier in 2025, the 15,960-ton vessel underwent a comprehensive one-month drydock project at the Frederikshavn shipyard in Denmark. The upgrades included sustainability-focused features and the reinstatement of the ship’s original name after it temporarily operated as Otto Sverdrup following a 2021 refit. Hurtigruten has clarified that the current stern thruster malfunction is unrelated to this earlier refurbishment.

In a statement to the Hamburger Abendblatt, Hurtigruten emphasized its commitment to passenger satisfaction, stating, “Our focus remains on delivering seamless future travel experiences for our guests while ensuring the operational readiness of our ships.” The line’s transparency and proactive communication throughout this incident have been lauded as exemplary within the industry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why was the July 25 Finnmarken sailing canceled?

The voyage was canceled due to a stern thruster malfunction, requiring immediate repairs at the Norderwerft shipyard in Hamburg. The decision prioritizes passenger and crew safety and ensures the vessel’s operational reliability.

What compensation was offered to affected passengers?

Guests were given the option to either rebook on a later sailing or receive a full refund. Hurtigruten also committed to covering additional travel-related costs incurred as a result of the cancellation.

Is the technical issue connected to the earlier modernization work?

No, Hurtigruten confirmed that the stern thruster issue is not related to the comprehensive refurbishment completed earlier this year in Frederikshavn.

Which ports of call were included in the canceled itinerary?

The Norwegian coastal journey included stops at Stavanger, Bergen, Træna, Senja, Nordkapp, Tromsø, Reine, Lofoten, and Haugesund.

When is the Finnmarken returning to service?

The ship is scheduled to resume operations on August 8, 2025, departing from Hamburg for another 14-night Norwegian coastal voyage.