Norwegian Getaway, Mein Schiff 6 highlight Gothenburg season

A total of 44 calls carrying 60,000 passengers are scheduled. That's up from 34 calls last year.

Petra Gamerdinger, cruise manager at Göteborg & Co., sees 'great' opportunity to increase cruise tourism and noted the average age of travelers by ship is declining. They like to explore independently, she said.

Cruisers come mainly from Germany, the UK, US and Italy. Each spends an average of 700 kronor ($77.50) on food, shopping and excursions. This year the cruise sector is expected to generate tourism revenue of almost 42m kronor ($4.65m).

The season will end Oct. 9, however two Christmas calls are scheduled in December.

2017 will be the final year for cruise ships at Frihamnen, as earlier reported, since the area will become part of a major urban development with homes and offices, forcing cruise operations to find a new location.

The new central cruise terminal will located at Stigbergskajen in Masthugget. The quay and part of the terminal building, Amerikaskjulet, are currently being restored to be ready to welcome ships starting in spring 2018. The facility will be called America Cruise Terminal.

Port officials said the location is within easy walking distance of the 'cozy, inviting' districts of Majorna, Linné and Haga, and a short journey by public transport or chartered bus into the city center.

'Cruise tourists can look forward to a first-rate reception when the beautiful and historic Amerikaskjulet comes back to life as a passenger terminal,' said Jill Söderwall, vp cruise, Gothenburg Port Authority.