The Port of Kristiansand in Norway has logged a 400 percent increase in cruise calls since 2009, said Thomas Granfeldt Jr, general manager.
In 2009, the port saw 15 calls, rising to 20 in 2010, with 37 calls last year and 54 on the books for this year.
“We are happy that the cruise lines have discovered the archipelago around Kristiansand and are finding the calls profitable,” he said. “We have a wide range of excursions, too.”
So far for 2013, 64 calls have been booked, and Granfeldt said he is working on adding a few more.
To maintain and support the port’s growth, Kristiansand has established a cruise network to ensure the quality of the products offered to cruise passengers.
“We are one of the largest ports in Norway,” Granfeldt continued.” And we hope more cruise lines will add us to their itineraries, as a natural port between Oslo and Bergen.”
2012 also marks the first winter call for a cruise ship in Kristiansand.