173 is upgrading its infrastructure to make it safer and easier for ships to dock in inclement weather. It is also exploring the feasibility of berthing ships at a location 10 minutes’ drive from Nordfjordeid. Harstad is developing new winter experiences to cater for the growth in calls during these months, including skiing, snowshoeing and reindeer feeding. Nordkapp (North Cape) is also creating more year-round attractions, such as the new Ocean Stories maritime museum that will open near the cruise pier in Honningsvåg in summer 2025. Visit Nordkapp is encouraging local tour providers to introduce combined excursion packages for cruise guests, allowing them to travel between different activities using the same tour bus. Skjolden is devising excursions that don’t require bus transport, such as culinary tours in town. Noteworthy options in the destination include a new trail at the glacier, Sjkolden cidery and the Unesco World Heritage-listed Stave Church at Urnes. Plans are underway to build a museum about the church. Collaborating for sustainable growth In north-eastern Norway, the Port of Kirkenes is joining forces with ports in Båtsfjord and Vardo to develop Destination Varanger and offer excursions showcasing attractions including the northern lights, Snowhotel Kirkenes, the fishing industry in Båtsfjord and Vardøhus Fortress. Destination Varager offering will be available from 2026. Kirkenes is also keen to develop as a turnaround port, particularly for expedition cruise lines. The airport will provide direct flights to Oslo and Finnish Lapland in 2025, and local hotels are expanding their capacity. Similarly, Bodø hopes a new airport set to open in 2029 will help to establish it as a turnaround port for Arctic cruises. Sortland and Hadsel have joined forces with Brønnøysund, Lofoten and Narvik to create a ‘slow cruising’ concept, which is designed to enable guests to explore all the destinations in one voyage. Cruise lines will receive discounts on harbour fees when booking calls at several ports and the first ship to sail this concept will visit in 2026. All five destinations are investing to upgrade the visitor experience. For example Brønnøysund is planning a new dolphin that will enable it to take ships up to 300 metres long, while Narvik will open a shore power facility at its primary cruise berth in 2026 and has introduced shore excursions to immerse guests in local life. They include guided ‘food and story’ walks, aquavit tasting and activities centred on music and storytelling. Lofoten is working with key stakeholders and locals across the municipalities to make the destination more sustainable and extend the season. In the Vesterålen region, the port of Stokmarknes in Hadsel is collaborating with the port of Sortland to drive sustainable cruise industry growth by ensuring there is only ever one vessel per day in either location and that two tour buses are never in the same place at the same time. This will create exclusive experiences for cruise visitors, while also preventing overcrowding for locals, who are increasingly leading tours, welcoming ships at the port and more. Likewise, Stavanger’s cruise network is working on initiatives to promote the value of cruising to the local community and politicians, while showcasing the environmental advancements the industry is making. The port plans to have shore power connectivity available by 2027 and is also offering crew members free access to museums or discounts on guided tours. Photo: Bård Løken/www.nordnorge.com Multiple destinations are introducing new winter activities, such as dog sledding, to encourage cruise ships to call in the winter
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