Cruise ships skip Norway ports due to strike

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Posted on: May 29, 2012 email the editors email a friend small medium large View Comments Home Topics Cruise By Donna TunneyA massive public workers’ strike in Norway, including cruise ship harbor pilots in Oslo, is affecting port calls to the destination.

The strike, which began late last week, has forced ships operated by Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and Star Clippers to avoid calling at Oslo.

According to the Norwegian Coastal Administration, 42 harbor pilots are on strike in Oslo, and the number could increase to more than 100 across all Norwegian ports if union negotiations don’t make headway by May 30.

The strikers are holding out for higher salary increases, reports from Norway indicate.

The action is unfolding just as the summer Norwegian fjord cruises are getting under way. Among the cruise lines that are scheduled to operate a series of Norwegian coastal cruises are Costa, Royal Caribbean and Princess.

Hurtigruten, the Norway-based expedition line that sails the coast, is not affected by the action, reports say.

For cruise news and updates, follow Donna Tunney on Twitter

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