Back on course: Cruise ships return to fjords after last-minute strike deal

The pilots’ strike which has disrupted shipping in Norway has been settled and cruise lines are making hasty plans for their ships to resume their original itineraries.
The dispute had closed Oslofjord since last weekend and spread to the rest of the country on Wednesday, initially forcing several ships to be diverted and later resulting in wholesale changes to itineraries.
Announcing the settlement, the Norwegian Coastal Administration said: “The strike among the pilots in the Oslofjord, and the 103 pilot boat skippers in the country is over. The parties reached an agreement during the night of June 2.
“NCA is now working hard to get the situation back to a normal, and to catch up with pilotage that has been on hold through the strike. ”
P&O, which has two ships leaving Southampton this weekend for cruises to the fjords is making last minute plans to return to their original itineraries after yesterday announcing that Azura would be sent to Denmark and Germany, while Adonia was to head for Iceland.
Passengers who had cancelled as a result of the changes have been given the opportunity to reverse the decision, and Azura’s departure today has been put back to 8.00 pm so that everyone can reach the port in time.
A message on the P&O Facebook page says: “Passengers who cancelled yesterday but still wish to travel can reactivate their bookings by calling our Reservations team. Please make your way to Southampton if you can travel as our call centre is busy. We will be able to reinstate your booking at the terminal also.”
The decision was met with relief by many. One passenger commented: “Four very happy people en route to Southampton docks 🙂 Thank you P&O staff for all you’ve done and are doing.”
Another said: “Well done to P & O. What a whirlwind of events. I hope everyone going to the fjords has an extra amazing time.”
The settlement came too late to prevent Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas from embarking and disembarking passengers in the Swedish port of Gothenburg today instead of Oslo, but the ship can also now revert to its scheduled itinerary