More cruise tourists to Bergen in 2025

As the new year began, Bergen welcomed its first cruise ship of 2025. The next cruise ship arrives on January 15, and traffic will increase during the winter and spring. This year, the Port of Bergen is prepared to receive 745,000 cruise passengers across 335 cruise calls.

• "We’ve never had this many passengers in Bergen before," says Frode Sagmo, who is responsible for planning and coordinating cruise traffic at the port

It remains to be seen whether that many will arrive, but he explains that the figure is based on the ship's maximum passenger capacity.

Why are so many passengers and cruise calls expected this year?

“Bergen is a very popular destination for cruise lines. Many people want to visit Norway and the western fjords, and Bergen is the gateway to the fjords," explains Frode Sagmo.

“There is also a clear trend where newly built ships are larger, accommodating more passengers. Additionally, the climate plays a role. More cruise tourists and other travelers are choosing Norway as a destination to escape the heat, heading north instead.

A darker backdrop is the war in Ukraine, which has affected cruise traffic in the Baltic Sea. Some of that traffic has shifted to Norway.”

Clear regulations and sustainable solutions in Bergen
Bergen has set strict limits on the number of ships and passengers allowed to visit the city, capping it at four cruise calls and 8,000 passengers daily. Over the years, Bergen Port has heavily invested in shore power facilities and now boasts Europe’s largest shore power setup for cruise ships, allowing four ships to connect simultaneously.

The positive reception from cruise lines

“More and more ships are turning off their diesel engines and connecting to shore power in the port. We began requiring cruise lines to use shore power in 2023, aiming for 25% compliance.

In 2024, the goal was 50 percent, for 2025 it is 75 percent. So far, we've achieved this target, and by 2026, we aim for all cruise ships visiting Bergen to use shore power while docked,” says Frode Sagmo.

How are cruise lines responding to the passenger and ship limits?
“We find that they are positive. I’ve received feedback that they appreciate the cruise cap. It reduces overcrowding, making visits to Bergen a better experience.

In addition to promoting shore power usage, we are marketing Bergen as a turnaround port for cruises. A turnaround port means that the cruise begins or ends in Bergen.”

Why are turnaround calls beneficial?
“When cruise tourists come to Bergen to start or end their journey, they often stay in the city for one or more nights before or after the cruise. This means they stay in hotels, dine at restaurants, and shop locally, creating added value for the city,” Sagmo emphasizes.

What’s new and exciting for 2025?
“We’re proud of the upgraded cruise terminal at Skolten. It now features new elevators, escalators, and an efficient passport control system. Another highlight is the pedestrian route for cruise passengers in Jekteviken. Previously, passengers were bussed to the city center, but now most are walking. This is something we’ve worked actively to implement,” says Sagmo.

Facts About Cruise Traffic in Bergen

Number of cruise calls:

• 2023: 340
• 2024: 317
• 2025: 335

Number of cruise passengers:

• 2023: 631,000
• 2024: 625,000
• 2025: 745,000

The number of turnaround calls:

• 2023: 57
• 2024: 61
• 2025: 67

Percentage of ships using shore power:

• 2024: Approximately 50%
• 2025: Goal of 75%

Facts about the crouse traffic in Bergen

Cruise calls:

2023: 340

2024: 317

2025: 335

Number of cruise passengers

2023: 631.000

2024: 625.000

2025: 745.000

Turnaround calls

2023: 57

2024: 61

2025: 67