This summer, a record has already been set for the number of cruise ship visits in the country’s northernmost municipality, Nordkapp. It is expected that 135 cruise ships will call at Nordkapp harbor this year. So many ships have never visited the municipality before. In the whole of 2019, 102 cruise ships arrived at the port of Nordkapp, so far this year the number is 84. – We see it as a very good start to the future that knocks on the door, says tourism manager at Visit Nordkapp, Martin Hansen. Tourism is part of the people’s soul in Nordkapp municipality, says Martin Hansen, tourism manager in Visit Nordkapp. Photo: Thomas Fredrik Kristensen / news The Norwegian Coastal Administration writes on its website that 2022 is a record year for cruise traffic in Norway. The number of visitors has increased from 3.7 million in 2019 to 4 million this year. In the country’s northernmost municipality, tourism is one of the most important industries. The mayor was worried that the cruise tourists would disappear after the pandemic, he is now relieved that it has returned stronger. – Cruise traffic is what keeps the cultural life, the nightclubs and many of the shops alive, says acting mayor of Nordkapp, Tor Mikkola. Cruise tourism has returned stronger, and it is Tor Mikkola, acting mayor of Nordkapp municipality, relieved. Photo: Trond Odin Myhre Johansen / news Not unproblematic Cruise traffic still does not come without problems. – There are many who want to experience the nature we have in Norway, but it also entails an environmental impact that strict measures must be implemented to meet, says founder of the environmental foundation Bellona, Frederic Hauge. Hauge explains that in 2025, the Arctic fjords will only have emission-free traffic. This means that shore power must be developed for the ships that will visit Norwegian ports. – There will now be stricter regulations for the cruise industry until 2025, which must lead to new and creative solutions to this. We must look at new solutions to be able to continue with cruise tourism in Norway, says Frederic Hauge, leader of Bellona. Photo: Bellona Bellona works to find new means of propulsion in the maritime sector, both with batteries, ammonia and hydrogen. They are also looking at whether it is possible to make smaller boats that can take tourists emission-free into the Arctic fjords. – There are solutions, but these take time to scale up. When it comes to shore power, a larger public investment is needed than what we see today. Not least in relation to the growth that is now being documented. On Wednesday, this year’s 84th cruise ship docked in the North Cape. A further 51 ships are expected this year. Photo: Thomas Fredrik Kristensen / news Frederic Hauge believes that finding new solutions for cruise traffic is better than having to cut it out. – It is important to remember that when people experience fantastic nature, they may become more concerned with taking care of it. – Tourism is part of the people’s soul Tourism Manager Hansen says that the number of people in the city almost doubles when a cruise ship enters. – Tourism is part of our people’s soul and who we are. There is optimism, people are happy. That means an incredible amount, says Hansen. In the North Cape, cruise traffic is important for nightclubs, cultural life and shops. Photo: Thomas Fredrik Kristensen / news He says that Nordkapp has used the corona years to prepare for the meeting with this year’s cruise tourists. – Once we have a record, it will be broken. We take this as a challenge to make things even better. Katharina Kany and Michaela Kany have traveled from Germany to the North Cape to see the natural gems the country has to offer. Katharina and Michaela Kany have traveled far to experience the North Cape. Photo: Thomas Fredrik Kristensen / news – We think Norway is a very beautiful country. Once in a lifetime you have to travel to see the North Cape. They have traveled several times with cruise ships, and are very happy with this way of traveling.
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Record number of cruise ships along the Norwegian coast – news Troms and Finnmark
