161 Hurtigruten’s hybrid cruise ship Roald Amundsen at port in Tromsø More than 3,900 cruise ship calls brought an estimated 1.6 million individual guests to Norway in 2025, while total cruise passenger movements hit an all-time high of 6.3 million, according to figures from the Norwegian Coastal Administration. These figures indicate cruise traffic has risen steadily since 2016 – excluding 2020 and 2021 when the Covid pandemic forced a halt in global cruise operations. But what keeps cruise guests coming back? “Norway is known as a safe and well-organised destination, and we work hard to provide predictable framework conditions for cruise lines and partners,” says Monica Berstad, managing director of Cruise Norway. “At the same time, Norway has invested over many years in developing tourism along the entire coastline. Several ports and destinations are already working with visitor management and long-term development strategies, and more are recognising the importance of ensuring that cruise tourism creates value while maintaining vibrant places to live.” From hiking mountains to cruising along scenic fjords, railway biking, visiting art museums, meeting Sámi families and training as a Viking, cruise guests can enjoy a range of activities in Norway. It’s this variety that appeals to first-time and repeat cruise guests, says Berstad. “For cruise lines, Norway offers extraordinary nature combined with welcoming communities from Svalbard in the north to the southern coast,” she explains. “Strong cooperation between ports, destinations and industry partners helps create high-quality experiences for guests. Ultimately, the best places to visit are those where people genuinely enjoy living, and that is something many cruise guests experience when they come to Norway.” FOCUS ON: NORWAY Exploring the land of the midnight sun Cruise activity is surging in Norway, but why? Rebecca Gibson asks Cruise Norway’s Monica Berstad and eight ports to highlight the top attractions for guests Photo: Hurtigruten/Espen Mills
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