Kristiansand joins Cruise Baltic

Although 2008 has just started, Cruise Baltic continues to expand. A new member has already joined Cruise Baltic – Kristiansand, Norway. It has become Cruise Baltic’s 26th destination. During the past years, Kristiansand has focused on the cruise market. This has resulted in 27 port calls in 2007 and an all time high of 52,000 passengers beating 2006’s 38,000.

“Kristiansand’s participation in Cruise Baltic is both natural and interesting. Cruise Baltic’s success during its first years is highly motivating. We look forward to learning from the professional branding process from which we will certainly develop our products. Additionally, we hope to contribute to the future success of the network and work in partnership with other destinations,” says Destination Manager, Marie T. Sørensen, Kristiansand Tourist Information.

“On behalf of Cruise Baltic, I welcome Kristiansand. We are proud to attract yet another Norwegian destination. With its unspoilt nature and small-town charm it is a fine supplement to the big city life of Oslo. We are proud that Kristiansand finds Cruise Baltic of a quality they want to be part of,” says Director of Cruise Baltic, Bo Larsen.

Kristiansand is situated on the most southern coast of Norway and is surrounded by water on three sides. Although the town centre fits within one square kilometre, it is Norway’s fifth largest town and the capital of Southern Norway. Since the Renaissance town was founded in 1641, Kristiansand has boasted one of the world’s largest fleets of sailing ships and is truly a town with a maritime history.

At the fisherman’s wharf, one can find an exciting fish market, lively restaurants and small boat traffic. Kristiansand’s old town, Posebyen, boast Northern Europe’s largest collection of low-rise, wall-to-wall wooden houses.