First cruise call for Haugesund

The Port of Haugesund unveiled its cruise capabilities on Wednesday 22 May with the arrival of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Balmoral. The ship called at the new cruise terminal on its way to Southampton.

“Haugesund is an attractive cruise port due to its very good access from the North Sea and the short pilotage required,” said Vigleik Dueland, director of cruise development for the port of Haugesund. “It is only five nautical miles to go ashore. With three big cruise brands close to us – Stavanger, Hardangerfjord and Bergen – cruise visitors can see a lot of the south-western part of Norway in a short time.” The cruise pier offers robust mooring facilities with its new 150-ton bollards, he added.

Located between Bergen and Stavanger, Haugesund can accommodate vessels up to 350 metres in length and with a maximum draft of 10 metres. Situated 800 metres from the city centre and 14.5 km from the nearest airport, the port offers a range of activities to cruise visitors, from Viking history to fjord trips.

The 43,500gt Balmoral has capacity for 1,350 guests in 710 cabins. The ship was extensively refurbished in 2008, including added length.

Haugesund is one of 12 maiden calls made by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines in its 2013-2014 cruise season. Others include Yangon in Myanmar, Osaka and Hiroshima in Japan and Nawiliwili in Hawaii.

“With our strong Norwegian background, it is always a pleasure to plan a cruise to our historic homeland. This call at Haugesund is particularly special, as it is Balmoral’s first, and we know that our guests are always looking for new experiences and destinations,” said Martin Lister, itinerary planning manager for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. “We would like to thank the town and people of Haugesund for the support that they have shown to Fred. Olsen, and we very much appreciate the warm and enthusiastic welcome that they have given our guests.”