Cruise Hardangerfjord (CH), now permanently based in Eifjord, has joined Cruise Europe. It is the marketing body for the region of Hardangerfjord where the ports of Ulvik, Eidfjord, Jondal, Rosendal, Lofthus and Odda are located.
Calls to the fjord increased from 50 in 2009 to 79 in 2010 with passenger numbers increasing 104% in the same period from 44,000 to 92,000, according to Helge Moller, project manager CH, who said this was the largest increase in Norway. This year 96,000 passengers are expected and in 2012 100,000.
Recent developments include a NKr 26m (E3.3m) investment in alongside facilities at Eidfjord in 2005 and the building of the Hardangerfjord suspension bridge, with an air draught of 55m, which will open in June 2013. This NKr1.9bn investment will cut the journey time from Bergen to Eidfjord by one hour to about 105 minutes.
There are plans also to build a quay at Odda, similar to that at Eidfjord (360m long and 11.5m depth), with costs being sought for construction. A decision is due to be made this June with the aim of it being operational in 2015. The plan is to offer shoreside electricity which will make it more expensive than Eidfjord which is currently the only port on the fjord where ships can dock. Odda and Lofthus have not had calls for 10 years.
Princess Cruises called for the first time this year with Ocean Princess. In 2011 it will return to Eidfjord with two calls which was rated 93% guest satisfaction by the passengers, explains Mr Moller. In 2012 Holland America Line will call for the first time with seven calls - three ships - to Eidfjord.
CH also markets shore excursions from Bergen to Hardangerfjord, mainly within the municipalities of Norheimsund and Oystese. It has been working on new tours and is offering footage of what’s on offer in the region to cruiselines which they in turn can offer potential passengers via the relevant websites. P&O Cruises, for example, has chosen to upload some of the footage.
