A group of robbers stole luggage from a truck that had been delivering it to a Hurtigruten ship in Chile, a spokesperson for the cruise line tells Travel Agent.
According to the cruise line, the truck was traveling between downtown Santiago, Chile, and the nearby international airport when the theft took place early the morning of Thursday, November 28. The truck was later recovered, but without the luggage that had been intended for the Hurtigruten ship, the Roald Amundsen. More than 200 bags were lost in the incident.
Hurtigruten said that no guests were involved in the incident, and no staff members of the local company organizing and operating the luggage transport on the cruise line’s behalf were injured.
“Hurtigruten is committed to ensuring all guests who have been impacted by this incident have as much support as needed to continue with the voyage,” a cruise line spokesperson said. “We are working closely with local law enforcement on the investigation, and have deployed care teams to assist with the staff members involved.”
Guests will be eligible for reimbursement of up to $2,000 to spend on new clothing and gear needed for their cruise, Hurtigruten said. Additionally, the cruise line will offer free laundry service for the duration of the voyage, as well as assist guests with contacting insurance services and other logistical matters. The ship’s Hotel Director and crew will also be available to assist guests with any questions or concerns.
At the time the theft took place, the ship was docked in Punta Arenas, from which it had been scheduled to sail to Antarctica. The voyage will continue as planned, Hurtigruten said.
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