This article was first published in the Spring/Summer 2017 issue of International Cruise & Ferry Review. All information was correct at the time of printing, but may since have changed.
This year, the Port of Bergen is scheduled to host more than 300 cruise calls and around 550,000 cruise passengers. These visitors will be able to visit the Norwegian city’s historic streets, wooden houses, alleyways, Bryggen (dock) and the Fish Market, or take a trip to one of the seven mountains. Bergen serves as an ideal base for cruise visitors to take various tours, while the city, coast and region’s fjords offer the ideal combination of nature, culture and activities that will give them an experience they will never forget.
Bergen will welcome its first cruise ship on 1 February and the season will close on 11 November. The city’s cruise season is increasing every year, which is enabling visitors to enjoy the city in spring, summer, autumn and winter. Most ships berth in the port for the full day, giving passengers time to take tours and enjoy some independent exploring and shopping.
Cruise ships berths are within walking distance of the city centre. This walk takes visitors past landmarks including Haakon’s Hall, Rosenkrantz Tower and the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bryggen in Bergen.
Bergen scores highly with its cruise line clients because it provides efficient port services for both homeporting ships and those making transit calls. These include maritime and technical services, as well as services for provisions, supplies and consumables; transport and allied operations; and tourism and shore excursions.
Turnaround calls are a new and important line of business for the Port of Bergen. The port has a large, functional and accessible terminal and has installed 200-ton bollards on the four cruise quays – Bontelabo, Skolten, Jekteviken and Dokken – so it can accommodate the largest cruise ships. Plus, the port is located in close proximity to the railway station and Bergen International Airport, which offers direct flights to more than 60 cities.
The Port of Bergen also caters for visiting crew members. Opened in May 2016 as a pilot project, Bergen International Seamen’s Center is located at Festnings quay in Bergen harbour and offers a local welfare service. Between May and November 2016, a total of 3,500 crew members visited the centre.
Whether Bergen’s cruise visitors and crew arrive by plane or ship, they are guaranteed a warm welcome because the city is buzzing with life all year round and loves its tourists. In fact, visitors from all over the world have just one complaint when they leave: their stay wasn’t long enough.