Trondheim (Norway) welcomed 170,700 cruise passengers across 93 calls in 2024, a decline from the 108 calls recorded in 2023. In 2025, figures are expected to rise slightly to 174,000 passengers on 98 calls. A study conducted by Menon Economics for Trondheim Cruise Forum revealed that in 2023, cruise lines spent NOK 27 million (EUR 2.3 million), while passengers contributed NOK 100 million to the local economy.
Last year, cruise calls occurred every month, including 4 overnight stays and an unscheduled turnaround for Hurtigruten’s ship Trollfjord due to adverse weather conditions.
In 2025, World Voyager is scheduled to perform a planned turnaround call, marking the first such operation in Trondheim since Pullmantur's regular turnarounds between 2012 and 2019.
Six new shore excursions will be introduced this year, including kennel visits, themed walking tours, and winter-season dogsledding. Additionally, 14 excursions will be available on the islands of Froya and Hitra. Infrastructure improvements include the addition of a new 12-meter, wheelchair-accessible gangway, supplementing the existing set of gangways ranging from 6 to 12 meters, which can be combined with a container gangway solution. The port's bus parking area is also set for upgrades to improve traffic flow and organization.
Trondheim Port continues to advance its onshore power capabilities. In 2024, World Explorer connected 3 times to the low-voltage shore power facility at Quay 1, Pier 1. The port is now exploring an investment in a frequency transformer to accommodate 60Hz vessels at this pier.
Meanwhile, plans for shore power installation at the main cruise quay (Pier 68) remain on hold, pending a confirmed grid commitment of 4.9 MW, with a potential upgrade to 12 MW by 2030. The facility is expected to be completed by December 31st, 2026.
Further development includes the extension of Cruise Quay 68 from 96 meters to 120 meters. While the quay can already accommodate vessels up to 360 meters in length, the current dimensions do not allow access to all necessary shell doors for shore power connections. Strengthening the quay’s structure will also enhance its capacity to handle taller vessels. The port authority has stated that construction will be scheduled to minimize disruption to cruise operations.
A geotechnical survey conducted in 2024 has confirmed the feasibility of a new berth location, with the port working towards regulatory approvals and securing investment commitments from its board. In a move to engage stakeholders, local politicians and decision-makers were invited aboard TUI's ship Mein Schiff 7 last year, where sustainability measures aimed at reducing environmental impact were presented.
The quay expansion project is projected to cost NOK 40 million (EUR 3.4 million) and will be financed by the port authority.