No. 3 - 2009
Norway - the Ultimate Natural Cruise Experience
and the Safest Country in the World
UK Market - Note the date of this year's Norwegian Workshop in London: June 11th at Hilton Metropole Hotel. Take the opportunity to meet our guest speaker from the Norwegian Business Sector NOx Fund
In this number of Cruise Norway News you can read more about:
- Norway`s first winter cruise - Saga Ruby visiting Norway
- Two more Hardanger ports to join Cruise Norway
- Cruise Port Brønnøysund
- Bodø - the Cruise Port at Arctic Circle
- North Cape Techno Fun
- Cruise Port Barents
- Oslo - an excursion to Hadeland Glassverk
- Bergen - new experiences on Mount Ulriken - Ulriken 643
- Kristiansund - an exciting cruise port
- Molde and Åndalsnes Cruise Ports
- Stavanger - a new record season
- Flåm - The Ultimate Cruise Experience
- Eidfjord - Hardangerfjord
NORWAY'S FIRST WINTER CRUISE IN MARCH 2009
"Many passengers felt the cruise was perfect, the best ever and that it exceeded their expectations. In fact 100% of pax rated it as being Good or Excellent on their questionnaire. They felt privileged to be part of such a pioneering expedition and want us to repeat the cruise. They praised the hospitality of the Norwegian people and the wonderful arctic scenery. One pax even went as far as to say that if heaven was as good, he would be happy!" Picture: Saga Ruby in Tromsø - a new type of ISPS security fence - a wall of snow
The ports of Rosendal and Jondal are now escalating their efforts to attract even more cruise ships to Hardangerfjord. They have already had several calls for many years, but will now be coordinating their promotional activities more closely through Cruise Norway and Cruise Destination Hardangerfjord in order to develop new shorex products for the industry.
In Rosendal, the Barony from 1665 is the main attraction, whereas Jondal offers spectacular activities at the Folgefonna glacier. In a few years from now the two villages will be connected by the new Jondal tunnel, enabling both to make exciting roundtrips through the fantastic Hardanger landscape.
See www.cruisehardangerfjord.com
Saga was the first cruise line to arrange winter cruise to Norway in March this year. 460 passengers and 409 crews onboard the 18 nights cruise to Norway - In the Search of the Northern Light.
TWO MORE HARDANGERFJORD PORTS JOIN CRUISE NORWAY
CRUISE PORT BRØNNØYSUND - The Gateway to the North of Norway
Brønnøysund is an exciting new destination in the middle of Norway, just one day's sailing from the fjords in the west and the Lofoten Islands. Take the chance to experience our most popular excursions:
Torghatten Mountain: - The myth of the Torghatten mountain with the opening right through its middle, has had its place in fables and tales for many generations. As it is difficult to appreciate just how mystical this mountain is from a distance, we are giving give you the chance to visit and walk through Torghatten's opening and look out across the island paradise that is Helgeland. - the gateway to the north of Norway.
Vega (world heritage site): - Experience the unique interaction between the islanders and the eider ducks that has existed in generations. This excursion starts with a boat trip through Norway's most beautiful coastline. You will experience the unique architecture created by the man-made nests called E-huset and learn how the world's best and most exclusive bedding is made.
BODØ
Our destination, Bodø in Nordland county, is your first port of call as you cross the Arctic Circle and enter the Land of the Midnight Sun, close to the Svartisen glacier and the Lofoten Islands, and only a few miles from one of the wonders of nature and a must see; the world's largest maelstrom - Saltstraumen - where millions of gallons of sea water flow through at high speed with the rise and fall of the tide.
Bodø has a proud but subtle military history and NATO presence, as well as Scandinavia's largest and newest aviation museum, where you will find the beautiful lines of the Spitfire and the Starfighter next to the original Cold War spy plane, the U-2, which gathered valuable intelligence information and was the cause of a global security crisis in the 1960s. Added to this, a further 70+ other historical aircraft are on display.
Bodø has it all - piers large enough to accommodate most cruise vessels and an international airport two miles from the port and the city which can facilitate crew and passenger transfers. Other attractions in the immediate vicinity are natural wonders and pristine trading posts by the sea, dating from the times of the Lofoten fishing.
New virtual experience at the North Cape
The North Cape Maritime College houses one of Norway's most advanced ship simulators.
We want to give you the opportunity to experience this amazing technology and invite you as Captain and/or passengers to embark on this virtual journey.
We start our virtual journey from the port of Honningsvåg out to the skerries around Gjesværstappan, and sail round North Cape under the Midnight Sun. Be fascinated by the Northern Lights - experience this spectacular phenomenon of mystical lights on the dark winter sky - regardless of the weather conditions. A guide will tell you about the unique features of our ship simulator, its importance in modern maritime education and in oil response systems.
Welcome to a fantastic virtual experience at the North Cape.
CRUISE PORT BARENTS
Cruise Port Barents - www.cruiseportbarents.com - highly recommends our new, Arctic shore excursion "Barents Extravaganza" which gives you the opportunity to experience the best of our two main destinations, Vardø and Kirkenes. Early in the morning, you leave the boat and walk the about 200 meters to the northernmost fortress in the world; "Vardøhus". After a guided roundtrip at the fortress, you can visit the Arctic town of Vardø, before the ship leaves for Kirkenes. About three hours later your are in the border and mining town of Kirkenes. Here the ships decide whether to berth in the centre of Kirkenes or to proceed to Jarfjord and tender there.
Our shore excursion programme offers a trip to the mine, to the Barents Valley, or how about taking a closer look at the local reindeer? We recommend a trip by riverboat to the Russian border to experience the rich border history, before rounding off the day with our world-famous (as reported in the National Geographic Magazine) King Crab fishing, giving the opportunity to catch, cook and eat the King of the Barents Sea (picture).
We are sure you will leave Kirkenes with fond memories, as you sail off into the Midnight Sun..
OSLO - AN EXCURSION TO HADELAND GLASSWORKS - Summer nights at Randsfjorden
The park at Hadeland Glassworks; a crisp, chilled, white wine served alfresco in genuine crystal glasses. Relaxing while delicious aromas from the summer buffet grill excite and tantalise the taste buds. The terrace is in festive mood, set with a long table and candle-lit lamps. A troubadour helps create the atmosphere, while you continue dancing until late into the warm summer evening. We will be pleased to cater for your individual summer party requirements at Hadeland Glassverk. Don't hesitate to contact us!
BERGEN - New experiences on Mount Ulriken
New experiences on Mount Ulriken - the highest of Bergen's seven mountains
Mount Ulriken, 643 m above sea level, is reopening on 1 May 2009, after months of extensive renovation, including upgrading of the cable car. But it is not only the cable car that has been upgraded. The new restaurant - the Skyscraper - has traditional Bergen fare on the menu, and collaboration with Exin.no on activities will allow both locals and visitors to take greater advantage of the opportunities on offer on Mount Ulriken. www.mir.no - www.ulriken643.no
KRISTIANSUND - AN EXCITING CRUISE PORT - on the top of Fjord Norway!
The famous Atlantic Road (picture) is the world's most beautiful road trip according to the British newspaper "The Guardian". But did you know that in this area you can sail a Viking ship and visit a Viking ship exhibition at Håholmen - a unique fishing village just a few minutes from the Atlantic Road? A visit to picturesque Kvernes Stave Church from around 1300 is highly recommended. Fishing trips, walks in spectacular natural surroundings and diving in crystal clear water are exciting activities for cruise passengers.
Kristiansund is small and charming and one of the most distinctive towns in Norway. The port is located in the middle of the town. Museums, art galleries, city walks and shopping are within immediate walking distance. Kristiansund is the perfect starting point for excursions on the top of Fjord Norway.
Welcome to the top of Fjord Norway!
New and exciting products and a well established network of professionals are ready to give cruise guests experiences like the great Viking heritage and the world`s most beautiful road trip.
MOLDE & ÅNDALSNES CRUISE PORT - 2 PORTS - 1 FEE
We offer virtually unlimited capacity for best-selling excursions that should be on every itinerary, such as TROLLSTIGEN ROAD, ATLANTIC ROAD and RAUMA LINE
Since there is not usually more then one cruise ship per day in our ports, your guests will still get that authentic feeling of visiting Norway and a touch of exclusivity!
We are a safe port of call, far away from political disturbances and health threats, and cruise passengers have voted us be the 4th most satisfying cruise harbour in the world.
STAVANGER
Costa biggest in Stavanger
Stavanger has started a new record season, measured by both the number of calls and cruise guests. For the first time, Costa Cruise will the biggest cruise line to visit Stavanger. This year, Costa ships will make a total of 18 calls, increasing from 3 in 2007 and 8 in 2008.
- We are of course very happy with Costa's increased presence in Stavanger, and not the least the very good connections we have established with the company over the last few years, says Anders Bang-Andersen, director of cruise development in Stavanger.
This year, Stavanger expects up to 100 cruise calls, up from 57 in 2007 and 93 last year. This year's guest potential stands at 164 000, almost three times the number in 2007. In the last couple of years, Stavanger has been one of the fastest growing cruise ports in Northern Europe. From 2012 a new cruise berth next to Stavanger's new concert hall will provided even greater capacity for cruise calls.
FLÅM - THE ULTIMATE CRUISE DESTINATION - WORLD HERITAGE NATURAL SITE
Flåm was the winner of the Best Destination Experience (organised) presented by Dream World Cruise Destinations 2008 Awards.
The Flåm Railway - The world's steepest railway.
The famous Flåm Railway takes you from the fjord to the mountains, climbing almost 900 m, with a gradient of 1:18. The train journey provides a panoramic view of some of the wildest and most striking examples of Norwegian landscape.
In May this year the width of the platform at the Flåm station was extended from 5 to 12 metres. The total length is 180 meters. The increased platform area will provide a better flow of traffic. Trees and bushes have also been cleared along the Flåm Railway line to improve the view from the train. The toilet capacity at Flåm station has been increased from 5 to 10 ladies toilets, with no charge.
This summer, the Flåm Railway is carrying out a test project with on-board LCD screens providing information about the history of the railway, the beautiful nature, as well as technical and practical information for our guests.
A free map of Flåm Harbour Area Services has been available in English since the start of the season.
More information and details of our free photo service can be accessed at: www.visitflam.com
The Society of International Railway Travellers has listed the Flåm Railway and the Bergen Line as two of the world's top 25 train journeys. More information is available at: www.irtsociety.com/trains.php
EIDFJORD HARDANGERFJORD NEWS
The Service-Centre with free internet (w-lan) at the pier is now open and popular among crew members.
Destination Eidfjord will have an agent for Global Refund Norge AS and will be able to offer tax refunds to cruise passengers with Eidfjord as the last port of call from the end of May.
Editor Wenche Nygård Eeg, Director Cruise Norway
