Menu
09/07/2003
Belfast harbour welcomes 'royal' visitor
The Port of Belfast has welcomed a 'royal' visitor in the shape of the Royal Princess cruise liner, making its first ever visit to the province.
The liner is owned by the American company Princess Cruises, part of the world’s largest cruise company, Carnival Corporation, and with more than 1,700 passengers and crew on board, she is one of the biggest cruise ships due to visit Belfast this summer.
At a quayside reception, Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Martin Morgan and representatives from Port of Belfast and the Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau (BVCB) welcomed passengers as they disembarked to head off on a variety of excursions.
These included Belfast City Centre, the Belfast Past and Present tour, the Irish Linen Tour to Lisburn, an Ards Peninsula Tour and a trip to the Giant’s Causeway.
Overall, summer 2003 marks another successful season for the Cruise Belfast Initiative, a partnership between the Port of Belfast and the BVCB, which was set up to promote Belfast to the world’s cruise industry.
Gerry Lennon, Chief Executive of the Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau, believes that the partnership approach is definitely paying dividends.
“Not that long ago, Belfast wasn’t even on the world map as far as cruise companies were concerned but this year we are delighted to be welcoming our 50th cruise ship to Belfast this summer,” said Gerry.
Congratulating everyone involved in the Cruise Belfast Initiative on their achievements, the Lord Mayor said that attracting the ships is only the first part of a structured tourist process.
"It’s one thing getting the ships here in the first place, but then it’s another to make sure that we deliver on a product basis,” he said.
“As recent figures have shown, Belfast is enjoying great tourism growth and this summer we are expecting some 10,000 cruise visitors with lots of spin-offs for the local economy.
“It is very encouraging to see that many of the big cruise ship companies are making return visits as well as further commitments to come back again next year.”
Another Princess Cruises liner, Grand Princess, is expected to sailing into Belfast harbour in September 2004.
Taller than the Statue of Liberty and longer than three football fields, the 2,600-passenger vessel will be the biggest cruise ship ever to visit Belfast.
(SP)
The liner is owned by the American company Princess Cruises, part of the world’s largest cruise company, Carnival Corporation, and with more than 1,700 passengers and crew on board, she is one of the biggest cruise ships due to visit Belfast this summer.
At a quayside reception, Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Martin Morgan and representatives from Port of Belfast and the Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau (BVCB) welcomed passengers as they disembarked to head off on a variety of excursions.
These included Belfast City Centre, the Belfast Past and Present tour, the Irish Linen Tour to Lisburn, an Ards Peninsula Tour and a trip to the Giant’s Causeway.
Overall, summer 2003 marks another successful season for the Cruise Belfast Initiative, a partnership between the Port of Belfast and the BVCB, which was set up to promote Belfast to the world’s cruise industry.
Gerry Lennon, Chief Executive of the Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau, believes that the partnership approach is definitely paying dividends.
“Not that long ago, Belfast wasn’t even on the world map as far as cruise companies were concerned but this year we are delighted to be welcoming our 50th cruise ship to Belfast this summer,” said Gerry.
Congratulating everyone involved in the Cruise Belfast Initiative on their achievements, the Lord Mayor said that attracting the ships is only the first part of a structured tourist process.
"It’s one thing getting the ships here in the first place, but then it’s another to make sure that we deliver on a product basis,” he said.
“As recent figures have shown, Belfast is enjoying great tourism growth and this summer we are expecting some 10,000 cruise visitors with lots of spin-offs for the local economy.
“It is very encouraging to see that many of the big cruise ship companies are making return visits as well as further commitments to come back again next year.”
Another Princess Cruises liner, Grand Princess, is expected to sailing into Belfast harbour in September 2004.
Taller than the Statue of Liberty and longer than three football fields, the 2,600-passenger vessel will be the biggest cruise ship ever to visit Belfast.
(SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
04 December 2019
Belfast Harbour Named Best Cruise Port
Following a record year for cruise tourism to Northern Ireland, Belfast Harbour has been named the best port of call in the UK and Ireland for cruise ships. The accolade was awarded by a global panel of cruise experts as part of the 2019 Cruise Critic Editors' Pick Awards.
Belfast Harbour Named Best Cruise Port
Following a record year for cruise tourism to Northern Ireland, Belfast Harbour has been named the best port of call in the UK and Ireland for cruise ships. The accolade was awarded by a global panel of cruise experts as part of the 2019 Cruise Critic Editors' Pick Awards.
01 April 2022
130 Cruise Ships Expected To Dock In Belfast This Year
Some 130 cruise ships are expected to dock in Belfast Harbour during the 2022 season, including 18 first time visitors.
130 Cruise Ships Expected To Dock In Belfast This Year
Some 130 cruise ships are expected to dock in Belfast Harbour during the 2022 season, including 18 first time visitors.
27 February 2023
Record Number Of Cruise Ships To Dock In Belfast In 2023
A record 170 cruise ships are due to dock in Belfast in 2023, the partnership between Belfast Harbour and Visit Belfast, Cruise Belfast has announced. As the cruise industry in Northern Ireland continues to provide a welcome boost to the economy, the number of ships expected this season represents a 20% increase on the previous record set in 2019.
Record Number Of Cruise Ships To Dock In Belfast In 2023
A record 170 cruise ships are due to dock in Belfast in 2023, the partnership between Belfast Harbour and Visit Belfast, Cruise Belfast has announced. As the cruise industry in Northern Ireland continues to provide a welcome boost to the economy, the number of ships expected this season represents a 20% increase on the previous record set in 2019.
20 October 2023
Record Number Of Cruise Ships Land In Belfast In 2023 Season
Cruise Belfast has welcomed a record number of cruise ships to the city in the 2023 season, with a total of 158 calls made. Cruise Belfast is a partnership between Belfast Harbour and Visit Belfast, which markets the city as a leading cruise tourism destination.
Record Number Of Cruise Ships Land In Belfast In 2023 Season
Cruise Belfast has welcomed a record number of cruise ships to the city in the 2023 season, with a total of 158 calls made. Cruise Belfast is a partnership between Belfast Harbour and Visit Belfast, which markets the city as a leading cruise tourism destination.
29 July 2019
New Cruise Terminal Opens In Belfast
Cruise ship visitors to Northern Ireland will now be greeted by the first dedicated cruise terminal on the island of Ireland as they step off their ship in Belfast. A partnership between Visit Belfast and Belfast Harbour, the new facility includes a Visitor Information Centre and the latest technology to showcase local attractions.
New Cruise Terminal Opens In Belfast
Cruise ship visitors to Northern Ireland will now be greeted by the first dedicated cruise terminal on the island of Ireland as they step off their ship in Belfast. A partnership between Visit Belfast and Belfast Harbour, the new facility includes a Visitor Information Centre and the latest technology to showcase local attractions.
-
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.
