28/08/2013
Belfast Aims To Become Premier Cruise Ship Destination
Tourism Minister Arlene Foster has said that Belfast is aiming to become the premier cruise ship destination in the UK.
The Minister was speaking on board the Crystal Serenity, one of 60 cruise liners expected to dock in Belfast this year.
Arlene Foster said: "It is wonderful to see the Crystal Serenity, which carries over 1,000 passengers, joining the long list of cruise ships which are choosing to make Belfast one of their 'must see' destinations.
"Cruise ships visiting Belfast have the advantage of being able to dock in a harbour very close to the city centre and just a short distance away from some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, including the Giant's Causeway on the north coast and County Down's Mountains of Mourne.
"No wonder then, that Cruise Critic, one the most influential cruise sites on the internet, has named Belfast as the 'Best UK Port of Call' for 2013. We will continue to work hard on our cruise ship offering to ensure our visitors enjoy the very best Belfast and Northern Ireland has to offer."
Cruise ships are a tourism growth area. In 2012, some 45 ships docked in Belfast and approximately 75,000 passengers and crew visited the city. Regular visits from cruise lines already include Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Saga Cruise and Crystal Cruises among others.
Arlene Foster continued: "Cruise ships are a tourism growth area and it is important that we continue to encourage more operators to include Northern Ireland on their itinerary. We are already seeing significant progress, with 60 ships due to dock here in 2013 compared to 45 last year.
"For every ship that docks, Visit Belfast with the support of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, provides a full range of visitor servicing facilities under the 'Cruise Belfast' banner. This includes free literature, tailored and translated 'what's on listings', musical performances to welcome the ships, and a complimentary shuttle bus to Belfast city centre."
The Minister also outlined Belfast Harbour Commissioners plan to invest £7m in the infrastructure in the Titanic Quarter to create a purpose-built cruise ship facility.
(CD/JP)
The Minister was speaking on board the Crystal Serenity, one of 60 cruise liners expected to dock in Belfast this year.
Arlene Foster said: "It is wonderful to see the Crystal Serenity, which carries over 1,000 passengers, joining the long list of cruise ships which are choosing to make Belfast one of their 'must see' destinations.
"Cruise ships visiting Belfast have the advantage of being able to dock in a harbour very close to the city centre and just a short distance away from some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, including the Giant's Causeway on the north coast and County Down's Mountains of Mourne.
"No wonder then, that Cruise Critic, one the most influential cruise sites on the internet, has named Belfast as the 'Best UK Port of Call' for 2013. We will continue to work hard on our cruise ship offering to ensure our visitors enjoy the very best Belfast and Northern Ireland has to offer."
Cruise ships are a tourism growth area. In 2012, some 45 ships docked in Belfast and approximately 75,000 passengers and crew visited the city. Regular visits from cruise lines already include Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Saga Cruise and Crystal Cruises among others.
Arlene Foster continued: "Cruise ships are a tourism growth area and it is important that we continue to encourage more operators to include Northern Ireland on their itinerary. We are already seeing significant progress, with 60 ships due to dock here in 2013 compared to 45 last year.
"For every ship that docks, Visit Belfast with the support of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, provides a full range of visitor servicing facilities under the 'Cruise Belfast' banner. This includes free literature, tailored and translated 'what's on listings', musical performances to welcome the ships, and a complimentary shuttle bus to Belfast city centre."
The Minister also outlined Belfast Harbour Commissioners plan to invest £7m in the infrastructure in the Titanic Quarter to create a purpose-built cruise ship facility.
(CD/JP)
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17 October 2018
Cruise Belfast Celebrates Record Breaking Year
Belfast Lord Mayor, Deirdre Hargey, has congratulated Cruise Belfast on an award-winning, record-breaking year in 2018. Wednesday, 17 October marks the end of an award winning cruise season for Cruise Belfast – the partnership between Belfast Harbour and Visit Belfast – with the arrival of the final ship of the year, the 'Black Watch'.
Cruise Belfast Celebrates Record Breaking Year
Belfast Lord Mayor, Deirdre Hargey, has congratulated Cruise Belfast on an award-winning, record-breaking year in 2018. Wednesday, 17 October marks the end of an award winning cruise season for Cruise Belfast – the partnership between Belfast Harbour and Visit Belfast – with the arrival of the final ship of the year, the 'Black Watch'.
30 March 2011
Galway Port To Welcome Luxury Liners
Some of the biggest cruise liner companies in the world may soon include the planned new Galway Port on their travel itinerary.
Galway Port To Welcome Luxury Liners
Some of the biggest cruise liner companies in the world may soon include the planned new Galway Port on their travel itinerary.
11 November 2010
Mivan 'Sails Ahead' With £6.5m Contracts
Antrim-based construction firm Mivan which announced the launch of its new residential brand, Mivan Prime, earlier this year has now secured its first project. Known as 'The Bluff' is in excess of £3.1m and is an individual development located in Chinnor, Oxfordshire for a private client.
Mivan 'Sails Ahead' With £6.5m Contracts
Antrim-based construction firm Mivan which announced the launch of its new residential brand, Mivan Prime, earlier this year has now secured its first project. Known as 'The Bluff' is in excess of £3.1m and is an individual development located in Chinnor, Oxfordshire for a private client.
30 July 2010
Cruise Ship Deal On Horizon For Mivan
Antrim-based contracting company Mivan has been awarded a £2m re-fit onboard the Pacific Pearl cruise liner. Work will take place in Singapore in November of this year for a period of 36 days, completing the week before Christmas.
Cruise Ship Deal On Horizon For Mivan
Antrim-based contracting company Mivan has been awarded a £2m re-fit onboard the Pacific Pearl cruise liner. Work will take place in Singapore in November of this year for a period of 36 days, completing the week before Christmas.
17 June 2011
Mivan Completes Hat Trick Of Cruise Ships
Outfitting specialist Mivan continues its success in the cruise ship market having recently completed c£6m of interiors work on the Grand Princess, Crystal Serenity and P&O Adonia. Work on the larger of the projects, the Grand Princess began in mid April at the Grand Bahamas Shipyard and was completed over a 24 day period.
Mivan Completes Hat Trick Of Cruise Ships
Outfitting specialist Mivan continues its success in the cruise ship market having recently completed c£6m of interiors work on the Grand Princess, Crystal Serenity and P&O Adonia. Work on the larger of the projects, the Grand Princess began in mid April at the Grand Bahamas Shipyard and was completed over a 24 day period.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.