Ferry Travellers Back Return of Norway Link

When asked which direct route they would most like to see launched or reinstated, 56.9% chose a UK–Norway service, ahead of all other options. More broadly, 74.6% selected a Scandinavian route, whether to Norway, Sweden or Denmark.

When discussing the biggest benefits of ferry travel, respondents overwhelmingly cited the ability to bring their own car or campervan (63.2%), while avoiding the airport and environmental considerations came second and third respectively.

The comfort ratings resulting from the survey was one of the more striking findings in the survey. Respondents gave ferry travel an average comfort score of 8.0 out of 10. Flying for a similar trip scored an average of 5.0 out of 10.

The Newcastle-to-Bergen route was discontinued in 2008, and this is not the first indication of interest in its return. In 2022, Norwegian company Bergen Cruise Line announced plans for a ferry service linking Newcastle, Stavanger and Bergen.

However, none of this has been confirmed and no bookings are currently available. There is no operator selling tickets, no timetable and no vessel announced for a revived UK–Norway ferry service.

Meanwhile, 74.1% of respondents said their biggest barriers to ferry travel were the lack of direct routes and, of course, the cost.