The maritime pilot strike in Oslo has now spread to other ports throughout Norway, including Alesund, Kirkenes and Tromso.
Pilots boats are not able to go out and meet ships, and thus ships that require a compulsory pilot to navigate within local waters cannot sail into the Norwegian ports.
Royal Caribbean International (www.cruisingpower.com) announced yesterday that Vision of the Seas will call at Geiranger, Norway, today as planned, then spend Friday at sea and conclude its sailing in Gothenburg, Sweden, on Saturday.
That vessel was originally slated to terminate its voyage in Oslo. Passengers will be transported by motorcoach to Oslo.
The line also said Brilliance of the Seas will call on Bergen, Norway, today as scheduled, spend Friday at sea and conclude its sailing in Amsterdam, Netherlands, on Saturday as scheduled.
During the past week, Emerald Princess, Fred. Olsen Cruises’ Balmoral, and Star Clippers' Star Flyer all cancelled calls in Norway.
Star Flyer, for example, instead sailed to to Stromstad, Sweden, a two-hour drive by motorcoach from Norway’s capital. Since Oslo was the ship’s turnaround port, the line transported guests to and from Oslo via motorcoach; transit guests were still able to tour the city.
Upcoming port calls in Norway? Holland America’s Eurodam and Rotterdam, Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas, and MSC Cruises’ Magnifica are among those ships with scheduled calls this coming week.
Hurtigruten is not impacted, as its captains are proficient in knowledge of Norwegian coastal waters, so they don’t need a pilot when sailing in the region.