Cruise tourism brings growing economic benefits to Faroe Islands

Cruise ship visits are generating increasing revenue for local communities across the Faroe Islands, according to a report by Faroese national broadcaster Kringvarp Føroya.

Runavík Municipality has noted a rise in local businesses offering experiences for cruise passengers, with visitors willing to pay for activities. “The locals work together on this, and they also get paid in return,” said Rannvá Troest, cruise coordinator at Port of Runavík. The cruise ship Ocean Explorer, which docked in Funningur this week, brought 88 passengers who had previously visited the capital, Tórshavn. Passengers expressed high satisfaction with their experience in Funningur.

While Tórshavn has traditionally been the main destination for cruise ships, around 75 vessels—roughly half of those visiting the Faroes this summer—will now call at other ports. Combined, these ships will spend over 100 days in Faroese waters this year.

Economic impact beyond cruise tourism

Guðrið Højgaard, director of Visit Faroe Islands, acknowledged that while cruise tourism contributes to the economy, other sectors of the travel industry generate higher revenue per visitor. “We should not rely too heavily on cruise tourism, as it does not leave as much money behind compared to other visitors,” she said, emphasizing the need to develop alternative tourism.

Last year, the Faroese tourism industry reported revenues of 1.4 billion Danish kroner. In 2025, 74 cruise ships brought nearly 34,000 passengers to the islands, with a similar number of vessels expected this year but with longer stays, totaling just over 100 days. Including Nordic passenger ships, the Faroes welcomed around 60,000 visitors in 2025.

Magni Mouritsen, chair of Cruise Faroe Islands, sees further potential in expanding cruise-related offerings.