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Forbes
21-06-2025
- Forbes
How To See The Best Of Bergen On A Norway Cruise
This iconic view of Bergen is easy to get thanks to the funicular railway Fløibanen, easy to do independently for cruise ship visitors. David Nikel Bergen remains Norway's top cruise destination, even as other ports like Ålesund and Tromsø grow in popularity. In 2024, the city welcomed 328 cruise ships and nearly 600,000 passengers. With even higher numbers expected in 2025, Bergen continues to cement its reputation as the leading gateway to Norway for cruise travelers. Why so popular? Bergen is ideally placed for Norwegian fjords cruises but also as a pit-stop on longer itineraries to the Arctic. It's also the starting point for the Norwegian coastal express, which offers daily departures on the cruise ferries of Hurtigruten or Havila. Surrounded by seven mountains and steeped in maritime history, Norway's second-largest city offers intriguing architecture and cultural heritage, but with easy access to the best of Norwegian nature. The waterfront area of Bergen can get busy on a warm summer day. David Nikel Even better? The compact cruise terminal places you just minutes from the heart of the action. Where Cruise Ships Dock In Bergen Most cruise ships dock at Skolten or Bontelabo, two piers located just a short walk from Bergen's historic city center. These are working port areas, so passengers may be required to follow a designated pedestrian route when disembarking. Signs and port staff help ensure everything runs smoothly. On occasions when exceptionally large cruise liners visit, they may berth at Jekteviksterminalen, a dedicated terminal a bit farther out. In those cases, shuttle buses or coordinated transfers typically bring passengers into the city center. If you're planning to explore Bergen independently, it's worth checking your docking location at Bergen Port Authority in advance. Just keep in mind that berth assignments can change at short notice. Things To Do In Bergen Near The Cruise Port Wherever your ship docks, many of Bergen's main attractions are easily accessible, whether by foot or a quick shuttle ride. A postcard-perfect row of colourful wooden buildings, Bryggen is one of the most iconic and accessible sights from the cruise port. Once the heart of the Hanseatic League's trading empire in Norway, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is now home to artisan workshops, independent galleries, and cosy cafes. The colorful facades of Bryggen, the UNESCO World Heritage site at the heart of Bergen, Norway. David Nikel Step into the narrow alleyways behind the facades to soak up the medieval atmosphere and discover a quieter side away from the busy main street. Just five minutes from Bryggen lies the lower station of Fløibanen, a funicular railway that whisks you up Mount Fløyen in under 10 minutes. From the top, you'll enjoy outstanding views of the city and surrounding mountains. Other than exploring easy walking trails or grabbing a coffee with a view, seek out the playful troll statues nestled in the forest (Trollskogen) for a dose of Norwegian culture and a memorable adventure in nature. Bergen's central area is wonderfully walkable from the piers. Take in the 13th‑century Rosenkrantz Tower, admire the grand facades around Torgallmenningen, and browse independent boutiques along Strandgaten. Between Bryggen and the main square, the Fish Market (Fisketorget) offers seafood stands and other local delicacies in a lively atmosphere. It's busier with tourists these days but remains a fun stop for quick bites like salmon, shrimp, or a taste of reindeer sausage. Worthy Cruise Excursions In Bergen Bergen is one of those rare ports where you definitely don't need an organized tour to enjoy your day. But if you're keen to see more than the city center, or dig deeper into Norwegian culture and nature, there are some excellent cruise excursions worth considering. Edvard Grieg's Home at Troldhaugen: One of Norway's most celebrated composers, Edvard Grieg spent much of his life in a lakeside villa just outside Bergen. Today, Troldhaugen is a museum dedicated to his life and work, featuring his preserved home and beautiful gardens. Cruise excursions typically include a short recital of Grieg's music, which adds a special dimension to the visit. It's a relatively short trip and often bundled up with a city tour, making it ideal for a half-day outing. Hardangerfjord in the summer. getty Hardangerfjord Day Trip: If you're craving a taste of Norway's dramatic natural beauty, a day trip to the Hardangerfjord could be the highlight of your cruise, especially if your itinerary is light on fjord sailings or you've visited Bergen before. Famous for its photogenic waterfalls and blossoming fruit orchards, the Hardanger region is a favorite among Norwegians for its richness in both natural beauty and cultural heritage. Excursions vary, with some traveling exclusively by coach, while others include a scenic fjord cruise as part of the journey. Bergen Travel Tips Bergen's weather is famously unpredictable, and frequent light rain is all part of Bergen's charm. Even during summer, it's wise to pack a lightweight waterproof jacket, sturdy walking shoes, and layerable clothing like wool sweaters and scarves to stay comfortable, especially if you're heading into the hills or on a fjord excursion. Spring and early summer in Bergen is festival season. For example, Bergen International Festival runs late May to early June and is a major cultural highlight, filling the city with music, theatre, dance and many thousands of visitors. If your cruise stop coincides with a major event, expect busy streets, full restaurants, and limited availability of taxis. Consider booking entry and seats in advance, particularly for concerts featuring Edvard Grieg's music. Even rides on the funicular may have longer queues thanks to increased foot traffic. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes How To Plan A Norwegian Fjords Cruise In 2025 By David Nikel Forbes Why European Cruise Itineraries Don't Always Tell The Full Story By David Nikel Forbes Avoid These 10 Rookie Mistakes On Your First Cruise By David Nikel
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Havila Kystruten AS: Trading Update for April 2025
Operational Highlights Occupancy in April was 69%, up 4% compared to April 2024. Average Cabin Revenue (ACR) increased by close to 30% year-over-year. Total ticket revenue grew by over 20% year-over-year, despite reduced available capacity due to Havila Castor being in dry-dock. Booking Position 2025 As of end-April, 60% of 2025 capacity is booked, representing about 80% of the full-year targeted cabin nights. Occupancy for Q2 2025 is at 72% with 1.5 months remaining, compared to a final 69% in Q2 last year. With booking distribution more balanced across north and south routes than last year allowing for further sales closer to departure, and Q4 campaigns starting about three months later, full year occupancy for 2025 is expected to trend higher moving forward. Booking Position 2026 21% of 2026 capacity is already booked at notably higher average prices (ACR) than 2025. Forward bookings support continued revenue growth and EBITDA margin expansion into 2026. *The KPIs provided are sourced from the Company's (unaudited) booking system. Consequently, there may be variations or minor discrepancies in absolute figures and periodization compared to the reported financial statements. Revenue in currency (for ACR) is based on the booking system currency rate. Contacts:Chief Executive Officer: Bent Martini, +47 905 99 650Chief Financial Officer: Aleksander Røynesdal, +47 413 18 114This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading ActError in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Forbes
25-04-2025
- Forbes
Top 9 Ecotourism Trips To Take This Summer
Ecotourism helps protect the environment in many ways. Ecotourism, a form of responsible travel to natural areas that focuses on environmental conservation, is growing by leaps and bounds. The global ecotourism market is expected to reach $823.4 billion by 2033. Also, an estimated 33% of travelers chose sustainable accommodations over the past year. Ecotourism benefits local communities and fosters environmental and cultural awareness. It prioritizes minimizing negative impacts on the environment and local communities while offering educational and enriching experiences for visitors For many within the tourist industry, sustainability is a top priority. Whether it's cruising through Norway's Northern Lights with zero emissions and sustainable ship technologies, participating in a hands-on mangrove restoration project or staying at the country's first carbon positive hotel, travelers can immerse themselves in meaningful, eco-friendly experiences. Guests can explore Norway's historic routes in a sustainable way. Havila Voyages, a premier eco-focused cruise line, invites travelers from around the globe to explore Norway's historic routes in a sustainable way. With regular departures throughout the year, the voyage line now offers four modern and sustainable ships with a goal to eliminate carbon emissions completely by 2030. Havila Voyages' fleet are loaded with the largest battery packs ever installed on a passenger ship, allowing the vessels to sail for four hours straight with zero emissions. The battery packs allow Havila to visit vulnerable fjords, such as the world heritage Geirangerfjord, without worrying about environmental issues. The resort is assisting with the rehabilitation of sea turtles. At the newly opened Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa guests enjoy comforts and amenities surrounded by modern Polynesian style. The luxurious resort places conservation as core part of the experience. At the heart of its sustainability efforts is the on-property Eco Center Bora Bora, originally founded in 2000 in partnership with the Direction of the Environment of French Polynesia. Now fully restored and expanded, the Center is once again rehabilitating sea turtles and educating guests on marine conservation. Throughout the year guests can join the Eco Center's marine biologists to feed sea turtles, assist with habitat upkeep and learn about long-term reef preservation. Mayakoba's developers positioned the resort off the beach. Mayakoba goes to great lengths to protect the surrounding nature, mangroves and wildlife habitats through careful land planning and the preservation of open space through a nature-forward, low-density design. Instead of situating the resorts directly on the water, which would increase water pollution and endanger many species of flora and fauna, Mayakoba's developers positioned the resorts off the beach to minimize environmental impact. Rather than driving between properties, guests travel between resorts via Mayakoba's intricate lagoon system and picturesque canals, where the destination even provides daily ecotours through the pristine waterways to teach guests about the endemic species that call this region home. The resort offers a secluded, naturally beautiful island landscape. Ambergris Cay, an exclusive, private year-round island resort, boasts 1,100 acres of mostly untouched land, offering a secluded, naturally beautiful island landscape. The private island includes more than 150 plant species such as cacti, mangroves and native grass and shrubs, barrier dunes, freshwater sinkholes and coastal trails for guests to explore and enjoy. Weaving sustainability into the private island resort's exclusive features and services, Ambergris Cay is home to an onsite solar farm used as an eco-friendly power source. The hotel remains deeply rooted in sustainability efforts. Recognized as the world's first vertical destination, lebua at State Tower in Bangkok not only offers the height of luxury travel, but also remains deeply rooted in sustainability efforts. This five-star hotel integrates cutting-edge carbon and energy efficiency technologies, prioritizing local, environmentally certified and fair-trade suppliers to minimize its ecological footprint. In its waste management practices, the hotel has adopted a circular economy model, focusing on recycling, reusing and composting to reduce waste. These efforts combine luxury and responsibility, allowing guests to experience the future of luxury travel. Efforts are underway to preserve the yellow necked parrot. Bordering a UNESCO World Heritage Site with more than 363,000 acres of protected land and sea, Costa Elena works to preserve and protect its local environment. Costa Elena invests in the regeneration of the Tropical Dry Forest ecosystems, for which only 2% are estimated to remain, preventing illegal logging, hunting and man-made wildfires and bringing endangered species like jaguars and the yellow necked parrot from the verge of extinction back to healthy numbers. They also invest in the protection of local beaches (earning a 'Blue Flag' for five beaches) and the construction and maintenance of a community recycling center that is now managed by a group of locals. Isla Bella has initiated a mangrove restoration project. Isla Bella Beach Resort, a luxurious, eco-driven beachfront destination, is changing the future of the local Florida Keys ecosystem. The resort has eliminated single-use plastics by installing water stations, providing reusable aluminum bottles and using sustainable takeout service ware. In partnership with the Conch Republic Marine Army, Isla Bella regularly organizes beach cleanups as part of Mangrove Restoration and has donated $85K for a boat to aid in local restoration efforts. The resort maintains beehives to support pollination, provide fresh honey for its dining outlets, and offer guests an educational experience. The Farm's greenscape is committed to sustainable practices. The Weston, a luxury boutique hotel concept, meaningful connections are at the center of everything they do. Set on 50 acres of land, The Farm's greenscape and hotel are committed to sustainable agricultural practices. The team's year-round seeding plan uses ecologically restorative farming techniques, resulting in all produce being free of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers and herbicides. Vermont is home to environmentally-friendly outdoor adventures and also to world-class artists, collectors, makers and purveyors of myriad remarkable goods. The Populus is the country's first carbon positive hotel. Considered to be the country's first carbon positive hotel, Populus sets an entirely new standard in the world of sustainable travel. Carbon emissions were significantly reduced in Populus' development stage, thanks to sustainable construction techniques including the use of low-carbon concrete, an insulated façade system and GFRC rainscreen, intentionally not having onsite parking. All aspects of the hotel – from its innovative architecture and construction features to its upcycled and consciously-sourced interiors – are designed to drastically lower and offset its carbon footprint. Thanks to Populus' One Night, One Tree program in partnership with the National Forest Foundation, the hotel plants one tree for every night's stay – locally in Colorado – inviting guests to play a role in bettering forests.
