Friday, December 1, 2017 - 11:37 by ce-press
With calls increasing to 89 in 2018 from 57 this year, and passengers rising to 170,000 on 93,000, Trondheim Port Authority (TPA) has decided to employ Maria Kuhnl as cruise coordinator in a 100% position from January. The position, which has been split 50% Port Authority and 50% Visit Trondheim to date, will be merged.
In 2017 TPA enlarged the bus parking ground within the ISPS area from 10 to 16 places. This is now being extended to 20 places and a roundabout is being added. A 200t bollard 240m west of the dedicated cruise quay 68 will be in place by August 2018. Kuhnl comments: “Furthermore we are discussing the option of investing in mooring dolphins at the cruise quay.” Rental of a new 12m gangway is now possible.
In 2018 discounts on harbour dues will be introduced for ships registered in ESI. Upon receipt of a valid certificate, 20% will be received on 30-50 points, and 30% on more than 50 points.
In 2017 the indoor waterpark Pirbadet built an extension which restricted the space within the ISPS area. This project is to be completed by March 2018. While reconstruction takes place, tickets to the venue are being offered to passengers at a discount.
Following land strip renovation at TrondheimAirport Vaernes, Pullmantur returns next year (from Bergen) with turnarounds on Zenith. Clarion Hotel & Congress will once again offer facilities for check-in on four of the seven calls.
As a result of AIDA Cruises making four overnight calls next year, evening tours are being created such as local beer tasting, a night at the museum and kayak tours. The World is also making an overnight visit.
The 2018 cruise excursion manual has been updated with 13 new tour offers focusing on creating more off-season as well as culinary tour offers including those to local homes/farms. An advertisement in the local newspaper resulted in many people coming forward to take part in the home visits, which cater to no more than 10 passengers, in order to remain authentic.
As in 2016, an average of 83% of passengers disembarked within three hours of berthing. Shore excursions sales went up by 7% this year on last.
The market square in Trondheim will undergo major reconstruction in the next two years. Although the work will not influence the shore excursions routes by bus, it will slightly effect the city centre walking tours. Events such as the farmers market, the food festival, Martnan and the Christmas market have to be moved.
The stores in Trondheim’s city centre will offer 10% discount for all passengers and crew members again in 2018. The tourist information is open everyday including Sundays (in summer).
