Cruise ship passengers sailing to Norway may soon have their plans halted as the country looks set to bring in a strict new tax.
Flocks of visitors every year cruise to Norway to experience the breathtaking natural beauty of its fjords, some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world offering draw dropping cliffs, stunning waterfalls, and lush greenery.
A winter cruise through the Norwegian fjords really does offer a front-row seat to some of the world’s most dramatic and beautiful scenery.
But Norway may be becoming a victim of its own success as the country is seeing unprecedented levels of cruise ship passengers.
During the 2023 cruising season, there were a total of 3,943 cruise calls at Norwegian ports, up almost 500 on the previous year.
Following in the footsteps of Iceland, who last month introduced a daily tax of 2,500 Icelandic krona, equalling to around £14 per passenger, Norway is debating imposing a daily tax which could have a detrimental impact on visitors.
The Icelandic government says their new tax will go towards the country’s infrastructure and sustainability measures.
Norway officials at the country’s ministry of trade and industry are currently debating how a passenger fee might be incorporated as part of a general tourism tax.
Norway has already joined a growing cohort of destinations determined to turn the tide against the increasing pressures brought by the cruise industry.
Norway’s Government wants to cut down on pollution caused by marine diesel fuel emitted from cruise ships.
Their first set of regulatory changes will arrive in just under a years time in January 2026, with a complete ban on fuel-powered cruise ships expected in 2032.
The 2026 ruling will apply to tourist ships and ferries under 10,000 whilst by 2032, only zero-emission ships will be allowed in the World Heritage fjords.
The new impending regulations will severely limit the number of recreational vessels permitted into Norwegian waters. Their authorities hope these rules will inspire global shipping and tourism industries to adopt more sustainable practices.
Espen Barth Eide, Norway’s foreign minister, told DW: “Cruise ships cause the world’s highest emissions per passenger and travel kilometre. And they pollute our fjords.”
