No. 2 - 2007

Norway - the leading nature-based cruise destination in Europe

Cruise year 2007 in Norway

Cruise year 2007 is approaching the end in the Norwegian market.  Oslo still has 4 Christmas cruises, but in the rest of the country we have seen the last cruise ship for this year.

Cruise year 2007 ended up with 1450 calls, compared with 1504 in 2006.  Bergen is still on top with  231 calls. Geiranger had 144, Oslo 138, Flåm 128 and North Cape 100 calls.  The other cruise destinations had less than 100 calls.

The number of visitors increased from 1 179 714 to 1 260 437, an overall rise of 6.7%. 

 Top 15 cruise destinations in Norway measured by number of visitors:

Cruise year 2008 - The forecast for 2008 measured by the number of cruise calls looks good with a total of 1 438.  

NOX Status

This year the Norwegian government introduced a Norwegian tax on emissions of NOx.  Exemptions from the tax are vessels in direct traffic between Norwegian and foreign ports.  Cruise Norway and co-operating members protested against the tax, but there seems to be no going back for the government.

The Confederation of Norwegian Business and Industry has started negotiations with the Department of the Environment. The next step is for ESA to approve the fund agreement, and this might take 3-6 months. (A NOx fund solution will reduce the NOx tax from NOK 15 to NOK 3-5 per kilo of Nox.)

News from participating cruise destinations

Lofoten - Magical Islands

National Geographic Traveller has rated the Lofoten islands of Northern Norway as the third most appealing islands in the world.

National Geographic on Lofoten

"Chilly, high-latitude islands form a "masterpiece" of spectacular outcrops steeped in cherished tradition. Many of the villagers rent out cosy rorbu, the historic fishermen's cabins". "There are several excellent museums and art galleries".

?As is true with most of Norway, the local authorities have been careful in making sure that tourism coexists with the traditional culture?.

Phot Cruise Norway

Lofoten is known for excellent fishing and natural attractions, small villages off the beaten track. During winter the fjord fills up with Orcas, or killer whales, and there are organised safaris to experience them. During summer, the sun never sets. There are towering mountains with pointed peaks which reflect the red glow of the midnight sun. White beaches with clear green water and sea teeming with fish. For more information see www.visitlofoten.com

Geiranger - Unesco World Heritage Natural Site

Geiranger Fjordsenter

The aim of the information centre at the Geiranger Fjordsenter is to provide basic information about the World Heritage Natural Site.

The travel magazine "National Geographic Traveller" has ranked the Geirangerfjord and the Nærøyfjord at the top of all the World Heritage Natural Sites. "The Geirangerfjord is so fantastically visual as you sail into it. When you encounter Geiranger itself, it seems like a tourist village" (Mr. Jonathan Tourtellot, National Geographic Traveller)

Another feature which Mr. Tourtellot also finds very positive about the region is the Geiranger Fjordsenter, where you can discover what the fjord is and learn about its culture and history. And, not least, it raises your awareness of what we stand to lose if the distinctive character of the area is not protected and preserved.

With exhibits based on the lives and the livelihoods of the people of the Geirangerfjord, Geiranger Fjordsenter offers a unique and rewarding insight into the history of the region and its colourful people, as well as the fabulous natural scenery and geological features including landslides areas, hydro-electric power development, road-building, tourism and transport, folk life and nature.

The interactive multimedia exhibit "From Mountain to fjord" will show you the stunning natural World Heritage Natural Site as it appears in the four seasons of the year. You will be told this fascinating story  and be able to experience all the natural and cultural wonders of this outstanding area ? all in the same place at the same time.  For more information see www.geiranger.no

Phot Geiranger Fjordsenter

Small City Cruises - a new experience in Southern Norway

The basic philosophy of the concept is built on extensive cruise experience and the new trends for the future within the trade and in the market.

In a world increasingly focused on the needs of the individual and the need for security, far from the stresses and demands of everyday life, we present the opportunity to transfer the good cruise feeling from ship to shore. This is done by enabling our guests to partake in anything from seeking harmonious sanctuary, to enjoying a wealth of historical experience, thrilling activities and the memorable social life of Southern Norway - all on the guest's terms.

Small City Cruises in Farsund has defined and accommodated the needs of passengers and ships, and cultivated them further to satisfy all variables. For more information contact kontakt@smallcitycruises.no.

Stavanger - European Capital of Culture 2008

The Stavanger region in south western Norway is well on the way in preparing for its status as European Capital of Culture in 2008. The status is considered to be European Union's most successful culture initiative. Stavanger was granted this honour by EU for 2008 together with Liverpool in the UK. This will also strengthen the links across the North Sea.

Stavanger2008 will present a variety of arts and culture. The programme is designed to "bring together local, regional and national artists with the most potent creative forces from elsewhere in the world to challenge and explore each other's ideas, to build new competence, to create excellence and to encourage openness, curiosity and adventure".

For more information see www.visitstavanger.com or www.stavanger2008.no.