Pullmantur will use Trondheim as a turnaround port for Empress in 2012 and 2013.

The Spanish operator has decided to try out the operation on four calls both years. This will involve about 1,800 passengers each time.

The port says that if the operation is a success, Pulmmantur will expand the turnaround activity to up to 25,000 passengers a year.

Additional signage has been put up to guide passengers to the city centre.

The number of calls to Trondheim has changed little since it joined Cruise Europe in 1991 but the passenger numbers have increased significantly. Twenty years ago there were 39 calls and 17,700 passengers whereas this year there are 40 calls and 43,601 passengers, reflecting the increasing size of the vessels.

Next year there are 50 calls confirmed and 77,604 passengers. Pullmantur Cruises are planning to use Trondheim as a turnaround port for Empress. She will make three calls - May 19, June 2 and June 16 2012 - with about 2,000 passengers calling the Norwegian port.

In 1991 the Port of Cork welcomed 10 cruiseships carrying 9,552 passengers and crew to Cobh and by 2011 this has increased to 54 calls carrying 100,902 passengers and crew. One vessel to visit this year was The World (pictured).

This significant growth shows that the Port of Cork’s investment in a dedicated cruise terminal in Cobh has paid dividends. Cork is the only port in Ireland that can berth the larger ships alongside in a deepwater sheltered environment.

Five ships will make inaugural calls to Liverpool this year.

The new quay in Elsinore - Royal Quay, will be in service from August 15.

Trondheim is expecting 64,600 passengers on 42 calls this year with 63,950 on 40 calls estimated in 2012.

Helsingor/Elsinore reopens for cruiseships in May 2011 following a rebulding of the port.

Aarhus will be greeting Queen Mary 2 on August 12.

Port of Bergen and Cruise Destination Bergen can note a new record this year, 291.877 passengers visited Bergen, an increase of 3,2% from 2009 season. With this result, Bergen confirms it's role as the leading cruise port in Norway. The number of calls decreased by 19 to 241 compared to 260 in 2009.

Helsingor (Elsinore) is investing E3m-4m in a new quay which is due to be completed July 2011.