The recent departure of the Ambassador Ambition marks the end of another successful cruise season which saw Belfast welcome 147 cruise ship visits to the city, including the 1500th call since the first cruise line docked at Belfast Harbour in 1996. This milestone visit was made by the Regal Princess.
Cruise Belfast, the partnership between Belfast Harbour and Visit Belfast which markets the city as a leading cruise tourism destination, reported 57 ships from 31 different cruise lines docked in Belfast this year, bringing 300,000 passengers and crew to Northern Ireland and contributing an estimated £20–25 million to the local economy. Ten ships berthed overnight, giving passengers the opportunity to explore Belfast’s vibrant food, and cultural scene.
Ten ships made their inaugural calls to the Port this year, including the P&O Britannia, which arrived in June as part of a 14-day trip to celebrate the ship’s 10-year anniversary. The Britannia is the flagship of the P&O Cruises fleet at 330 metres long and hosting more than 4000 guests.
As well as welcoming new visitors, Belfast facilitated seven cruise turnarounds during the year with Ambassador, which meant that 2,500 local passengers started and ended their journey in Belfast.
This year, Belfast Harbour announced a landmark £90m investment in a new dual purpose deepwater cruise terminal.
Michael Robinson, Port Director at Belfast Harbour said:
“In the year where we welcomed the 1500th cruise call, we continue to see an increase in the economic benefits that the industry brings to the city and wider region. With 147 calls this year, we’ve seen over 300,000 passengers and crew coming into the port to experience all that Northern Ireland has to offer, as well as eight turnarounds boosting overnight stays in the city. The tourism industry in Northern Ireland has been instrumental in the ongoing success of cruise in Belfast, and we’d like to thank those working across the sector for their consistent warmth and the positive experience they continue to provide for our cruise visitors.
“Construction has begun on our deepwater cruise terminal, which marks a £90m investment, the most Belfast Harbour has ever invested in a single project. This signifies our confidence in the potential for further growth of the industry to boost our tourism sector.”
Gerry Lennon, Chief Executive, Visit Belfast, said:
“The end of the cruise season offers a valuable moment to reflect on the impact of tourism and the strength of the partnerships that make it possible. Cruise visitors bring vibrancy, international reach and meaningful economic benefit, not just to Belfast, but to towns and attractions right across the city region. Through Cruise Belfast, our long-standing partnership with Belfast Harbour, and with the many organisations that make up our cruise supply chain, we remain focused on delivering exceptional visitor experiences and supporting the sustainable and inclusive growth of cruise tourism into the future.”
Nick Hughes, Chief Operating Officer, Ambassador Cruise Line said,
“I’d like to thank our local partners in Belfast for welcoming us back for this season’s successful sailings. Ambition’s visits underline the strong partnership we’ve built with our friends at Belfast Harbour and Doyles Shipping Group and the appeal the port holds for both first-time and returning guests. Our mission has always been to offer affordable quality experiences – something traditional, accessible, and welcoming, but with a fresh approach.
“We are looking forward to renewing our partnership with Belfast Harbour next year, when we will again offer the warmest welcome at sea to guests on our seven sailings from Belfast aboard our second lady of the sea, each of whom is set to enjoy a hassle-free and authentic cruise experience that goes above and beyond their expectations.”