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.
Over the last two decades, the port and city has invested heavily. In 1992 the port built a quay specifically for cruiseships. Quay 30 is also available for cruiseships and both are ISPS-approved. (The photo above is from 1997).
Since 2001, the area surrounding the tourist ship quay has been upgraded. A large parking lot has been transformed into a cultural and urban area.
In 2001, a passenger terminal was built including a lobby, cafeteria and custom/security clearance. This terminal was built as a terminal for ferry passengers, but is being used by cruise passengers also.
The same year, Norway's largest indoor swimming pool rose up as the cruise quay's closest neighbor. In 2010, the national rock museum, Rockheim, was finished and in April next year one of Scandinavia’s largest congress hotels will open next to the cruiseship quay.
Looking forward, a new pedestrian bridge will be completed in 2013, spanning the gap between the port and the city centre. This bridge will shorten the walking distance to the city center by 600m, making it easier for passengers to explore the city.
During 2015 the port area will see several new office buildings open, where the ground floors can be used for cafes and shops. “Together, these changes will turn the Trondheim harbour into a brand new experience for all our cruise guests”, says Kirsti Ostensjo, marketing consultant Trondheim Port Authority.
A significant day in the port’s life was in 2008, when five cruiseships docked at the same time. Costa Victoria came alongside the main quay, Crystal Symphony at quay 30, C.Columbus and Le Diamant at Pier II, and Ocean Monarch at Pier I. After the ISPS regulation came into force, Trondheim Port Authority can accommodate two to three cruiseships simultaneously at the two cruise quays, says Ostensjo.
Two of the largest cruiseships to visit Trondheim are Queen Mary 2 and SS Norway. The latter visited Trondheim twice before it went out of service in 2004. Queen Mary 2 last visited Trondheim in 2010 and will return in 2012.
