This week (Wednesday
5th September 2018), Belfast welcomed Brilliance of the Seas on her maiden visit
to the city. Carrying 3,350 passengers
and crew, many of whom will embark on a variety of shore excursions in the city
and across Northern Ireland – it marks another milestone in Belfast’s
burgeoning cruise offering.
In keeping with
maritime tradition, Belfast’s first citizen Councillor Deirdre Hargey took part
in a plaque exchange, commemorating the ship docking in Belfast Harbour for the
first time. Speaking onboard the Lord
Mayor commented “I am honoured, along with Visit Belfast, Belfast Harbour and
Hamilton Shipping, to exchange a city plaque with Captain Ante of Brilliance of
the Seas on her maiden call to our city.
This is another indication of the success of Cruise Belfast, which has
become an increasingly important element of our growing tourism economy. Cruise ships bring many first-time visitors
to Belfast, and the growing numbers demonstrate our ability to entice visitors
from across the globe. They are arriving in Belfast to sample our rich culture,
excellent hospitality and unique visitor attractions, and I extend the warmest
welcome as Lord Mayor”.
As one of the largest ships
scheduled to dock in Belfast Harbour this year, Brilliance of the Seas is the
second Radiance-class Royal Caribbean ship.
Launched in 2002, the 90,090-tonne passenger cruise ship is one of 117
cruise ships with Belfast on their itinerary this year, bringing an expected
200,000 visitors to the city.
Belfast has established itself as a
destination of choice for cruise operators and visitors. By the end of the season, over 700 cruise ships
will have docked in Belfast Harbour, carrying 1.2 million cruise visitors,
since the first arrival in 1996.
ENDS…//
Photo Caption:
1 – Master of Brilliance of the
Seas Captain Ante Cavala took part in a plaque exchange with Lord Mayor Cllr
Deirdre Hargey, Mary Jo McCanny, Visit Belfast, Tony McCauley and Colin
McClements from Belfast Harbour and Leo McParland, Hamilton Shipping. This marked the 3,350 passenger cruise ship’s
first time docking in Belfast.
2 – Master of Brilliance of the
Seas Captain Ante Cavala took part in a plaque exchange with Lord Mayor Cllr
Deirdre Hargey, pictured alongside Adrian Theodoru, Hotel Director.
For more information, more images or to request an interview contact:
Kathryn Williamson, Visit Belfast, Communications and PR Manager, kathrynwilliamson@visitbelfast.com,
07528854546