“We are getting close to having year-round calls,” said Anders Bang-Andersen, director of cruise development in Stavanger, Norway. “June, July and August are still our busiest months with approximately 40 calls each, but May will soon join them and shoulder season calls are increasing. Only January and February are without calls.”

As ships get bigger, the port is looking into extending one of its four berths to accommodate the new class of vessels.

“We are also preparing for support LNG and even cleaner fuels,” noted Bang-Andersen.

This year will be among near record levels for the port with 183 calls and 340,000 cruise guests, just below the 2013 season which saw 196 calls and 345,000 guests. Bang-Andersen predicted a slight increase for 2018.

“Our networking and good relations with decision makers are main factors for sustaining and increasing our cruise business,” he added.