Friday, August 1, 2014 - 09:28 by ce-press
When it comes to passenger congestion Eidfjord was voted number one for non-crowdedness in a survey conducted by Cruise Norway last year.
This is partly due to the 4,000 passenger limit that has been put in place by Hardangerfjord and also because the traffic can be spread out across the five ports. In addition municipalities without cruise calls are being involved in shore excursions.
There is excitement that the go-ahead has finally been given to upgrade the Voringsfossen waterfall at a cost of NOK150m (E17.8m). The municipality of Eidfjord has accepted the plan which it will partly finance and involves improving access to the falls.
Finally the tourist office has made stamps for Eidfjord with cruiseship and attraction motifs.
This year 114 calls are expected to the fjord compared with 108 last year. However bookings for next year are not looking so good. Helge Moller, managing director Cruise Destination Hardangerfjord, said: “We are seeing a reduction in our fjord but an increase closer to the sea to save on fuel. An increasing number of ships are having two to three days in the fjord, for example Saga and P&O Cruises.”
For Norway generally calls for next year number 1,500 compared to 2,200 this year.
