Cruise tourist expenditures in Norway – comparison of results and methodology in ten surveys

Ten different analyses (undertaken between 2005 and 2018) of cruise tourists’ expenditures in Norway show a variety of estimates. On national level (three surveys), estimates vary between NOK 542 and NOK 952 per shore visit per tourist. Surveys in Bergen show estimates between NOK 272 and NOK 769, while surveys in Oslo show estimates from NOK 457 to NOK 672. Differences in the selection procedure, representativeness and collection method, as well as different approaches to consumption related to excursions purchased directly from the cruise line, contribute significantly to differences in results. It can be argued that in some surveys consumption is underestimated and in some overestimated. Inadequate documentation of methodology, representativeness and assumptions that are made, however, imply that direct comparison in many cases is difficult. The report still concludes that 600 – 700 NOK per cruise passenger per shore visit is a reasonable estimate for Norwegian cruise ports.