Among a forty call season for Norway’s Svalbard (Longyearbyen), were big ship calls for the first time from the MSC Preziosa, Mein Schiff 3, AIDAsol and Costa Magica.

The season is a tight one, running from mid June through August.

Passenger expectations for 2017 and 2018 are roughly 48,000 guests per season.

Located at 78 degrees North, Svalbard is the northernmost cruise port. A new pier will be ready by 2022, according to a spokesperson from the Svalbard Cruise Network, which is made up of 32 key local stakeholders.

The Svalbard Cruise Network has been pitching a two-day slow-cruising concept in the Isfjorden area, with highlights being Longyearbyen, various ”Russian Settlements,” and landings in Kapp Napier and Kapp Schoulz, the latter two of which are cultuural sites.