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Two exclusive cruise calls in Mandal
September 14, 2026
Mandal has been visited by two of the world's most exclusive cruise ships in August. Both the EXPLORA III and the SCENIC ECLIPSE II anchored in the Mannefjorden outside Mandal, and both calls were marked with a traditional plaque ceremony on board.
EXPLORA III
First visit of EXPLORA III
On August 19, 2026, the Port of Kristiansand welcomed IKS EXPLORA III to Mandal for the very first time. The call was the ship's maiden call in Mandal.
EXPLORA III anchored at Mannefjorden outside Mandal, the guests were transported into town by tender boats. The beautiful approach offers views of Sjøsanden, Furulunden, a great approach up the Mandalselva with famous landmarks before the guests dock at the tender quay, Buen culture center.
The maiden call was marked by a plaque ceremony on board, a traditional ceremony marking the first port call of a cruise ship. The ship's captain, Serena Melani, attended the ceremony.
– It is very nice to welcome EXPLORA III to her first visit to Mandal. The fact that new ships are being built with technology for alternative fuels and the possibility of shore power shows the development we see in the cruise industry. For us as a port, it is important to follow this development and facilitate future shipping, says Filip Tellefsen Ass. Port Captain at Kristiansand Port IKS, Lindesnes department.
EXPLORA III is one of the newest ships in the ultra-luxury fleet of Explora Journeys. The 207-meter ship was delivered in July 2026 and represents the next evolution in modern cruise ships.
Sustainable Cruise Ship
EXPLORA III is the first LNG-powered ship in Explora Journeys' fleet. The ship can operate on LNG today, while also being prepared to transition to renewable alternatives such as bio-LNG and synthetic LNG as they become available.
EXPLORA III also has the option of connecting to shore power in ports with available infrastructure. When connected, the ship's engines can be switched off during the stay, which reduces direct emissions in the port area and can contribute to better local air quality.
SCENIC ECLIPSE II
SCENIC ECLIPSE II first visit to Mandal
Just over a week later, on August 27, 2026, a new exclusive cruise call was ready when the SCENIC ECLIPSE II visited Mandal.
SCENIC ECLIPSE II is an ultra-luxury expedition cruise ship from the Scenic group, designed to provide guests with an exclusive travel experience while allowing the ship to operate in areas that place greater demands on flexibility and capacity.
This call was also marked with a plaque ceremony on board. Captain Torry Sakkariassen attended the ceremony together with Tellefsen. Deputy Mayor of Lindesnes, Jan Øyvind Åvik, also participated in the visit and was on board SCENIC ECLIPSE II during the commemoration.
The plaque ceremonies are a pleasant and traditional way to mark the calls, and at the same time provide an opportunity to welcome both the captain, crew and guests to Mandal.
Cruises in development
The two calls in August show the breadth of the modern cruise industry, from brand new ships with advanced technology and alternative fuel solutions to ultra-luxurious expedition ships.
It is positive for the port to be able to welcome new and exciting ships. At the same time, the calls provide valuable experience and contribute to strengthening Lindesnes as a cruise port.
We thank EXPLORA III, Captain Serena Melani and crew for the maiden call in Mandal and SCENIC ECLIPSE II, Captain Torry Sakkariassen and crew for the visit and welcome back.
