Cruise Norway's Sandra Bratland explains the recent rise of ‘winter wonderland’ cruising in Norway
By
Rebecca Gibson |
What makes Norway a key destination for operators planning ‘winter wonderland’ cruises?
Norway’s coast benefits from being in the path of the Gulf Stream, which means it has a warmer climate than other countries at the same latitude. This offers operators the chance to create varied winter itineraries that combine visits to the typically snowy northern ports – such as Alta, Tromsø, Narvik, Bodø, Harstad and Honningsvåg – and the milder central and southern ports like Ålesund, Flåm, Molde, Åndalsnes and Bergen.
Cruise guests sailing to Norway during the winter are able to enjoy a number of unique experiences that are not available during the summer months. Searching for the elusive Aurora Borealis – known as the Northern Lights – is the main selling point for winter cruises, while other popular shore excursion options include snow shoeing, dog or reindeer sledding, snowmobile driving, ice fishing and visiting or staying in an ice hotel.
Has there been a rise in the number of cruise operators looking to operate winter wonderland cruises in Norway?
Norway has become an increasingly popular destination for winter cruises. In 2009, we had our first winter call from Saga Holidays and since then, Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV), Carnival UK and Fred. Olsen Cruise Line have all operated winter itineraries here. Last year, our ports were included in 13 winter itineraries, while Voyages of Discovery will sail a winter cruise in 2015 and AIDA Cruises has planned its first winter voyage in 2017. We certainly hope to see more cruise ships and operators visiting more of our ports in future winter seasons.
To date, feedback from the cruise lines has been overwhelming, with operators such as Fred. Olsen and CMV praising our tours and the value for money we offer. Meanwhile, Saga Holidays said that winter cruising in Norway is the ‘stuff of dreams’ for its passengers and has been such a ‘game changer’ that it now plans its other cruises around the Northern Lights itineraries.
How do the organisation and its member ports cater for these calls?
Our member ports work closely with both shore excursion providers and shipping agents to ensure that they can offer varied programmes when operators visit. In my previous job as a director of shore excursions, I was responsible for developing winter excursions programmes for two cruise operators, so I have a very good working relationship with our member ports. I can also share this valuable experience with others at Cruise Norway.
What strategies has Cruise Norway implemented to promote ‘winter wonderland’ cruising?
One of Cruise Norway’s many objectives is to increase the volume of incoming cruise traffic and develop the country as a year-round cruise destination, so we’re very happy to see that ‘winter wonderland’ cruising has become such a popular product.
Many operators and cruise guests consider winter cruising in Norway as a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience, so Cruise Norway continues to work hard to promote this type of itinerary. This January, we attended the Winter Cruising Forum in Cartagena, Spain, and will publish our redesigned ‘winter wonderland’ cruise manual later this year. This March, we hosted our first-ever ‘winter wonderland’ familiarisation trip for cruise operators, enabling them to gain first-hand experience of the excursions the country can offer during the winter.