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01/04/2022
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.
Cruise Belfast, the partnership between Belfast Harbour and Visit Belfast which markets Belfast as a leading cruise ship destination, has announced that more than 50 different vessels from 33 cruise lines are booked to dock in the city throughout 2022, with up to 340,000 visitors expected to come ashore to experience Northern Ireland's award-winning tourist attractions.
The cruise season, which will run from April to November this year, will see 18 new ships calling to the shores of Belfast for the first time, including 'Ambassador Ambience,' from new British cruise line, Ambassador, and Princess Cruises calling with its ships Enchanted Princess & Island Princess.
Michael Robinson, Belfast Harbour's Port Director, said: "Following two challenging years for tourism, the team at Belfast Harbour is thrilled to have 130 cruise vessels booked for arrival at our Port in 2022. This busy cruise schedule signals an increase in customer confidence in travel and will be a welcome economic boost to the local tourism industry.
"The team is also looking forward to welcoming 18 ships for their inaugural call to these shores, which will further enhance Belfast's and the wider region's reputation as a must-visit cruise destination.
"Following the safe and successful resumption of cruise tourism last year, we continue to work with public health agencies and the cruise lines to implement safety protocols to ensure the wellbeing of all visitors and staff. As restrictions are eased, the team will review our procedures in line with government guidelines, with safety remaining our highest priority."
Mary Jo McCanny, Director of Visitor Servicing at Visit Belfast, added: "The tourism investment that brought an increasing number of international and first-time visitors here before Covid, placed Belfast in a really good position to safely welcome cruise visitors back to Northern Ireland last summer. We expect to exceed our 2019 cruise passenger numbers this season, which is a testament to the quality of our visitor experiences, the strong working relationships Cruise Belfast has with global cruise operators and the warmth of the visitor services teams.
"The partnership between Belfast Harbour and Visit Belfast and on-going support from Tourism NI enables us to provide both shore-side and on-board visitor information services, ensuring a first-class welcome is available to passengers as soon as they arrive in Belfast. The Visitor Services team is looking forward to a busy cruise season welcoming visitors from around the world and we will continue to work with our tourism partners and cruise ground handlers in driving much needed business to visitor attractions and experience providers right across Northern Ireland and support the rebuilding of our tourism economy."
Cruise Belfast, the partnership between Belfast Harbour and Visit Belfast which markets Belfast as a leading cruise ship destination, has announced that more than 50 different vessels from 33 cruise lines are booked to dock in the city throughout 2022, with up to 340,000 visitors expected to come ashore to experience Northern Ireland's award-winning tourist attractions.
The cruise season, which will run from April to November this year, will see 18 new ships calling to the shores of Belfast for the first time, including 'Ambassador Ambience,' from new British cruise line, Ambassador, and Princess Cruises calling with its ships Enchanted Princess & Island Princess.
Michael Robinson, Belfast Harbour's Port Director, said: "Following two challenging years for tourism, the team at Belfast Harbour is thrilled to have 130 cruise vessels booked for arrival at our Port in 2022. This busy cruise schedule signals an increase in customer confidence in travel and will be a welcome economic boost to the local tourism industry.
"The team is also looking forward to welcoming 18 ships for their inaugural call to these shores, which will further enhance Belfast's and the wider region's reputation as a must-visit cruise destination.
"Following the safe and successful resumption of cruise tourism last year, we continue to work with public health agencies and the cruise lines to implement safety protocols to ensure the wellbeing of all visitors and staff. As restrictions are eased, the team will review our procedures in line with government guidelines, with safety remaining our highest priority."
Mary Jo McCanny, Director of Visitor Servicing at Visit Belfast, added: "The tourism investment that brought an increasing number of international and first-time visitors here before Covid, placed Belfast in a really good position to safely welcome cruise visitors back to Northern Ireland last summer. We expect to exceed our 2019 cruise passenger numbers this season, which is a testament to the quality of our visitor experiences, the strong working relationships Cruise Belfast has with global cruise operators and the warmth of the visitor services teams.
"The partnership between Belfast Harbour and Visit Belfast and on-going support from Tourism NI enables us to provide both shore-side and on-board visitor information services, ensuring a first-class welcome is available to passengers as soon as they arrive in Belfast. The Visitor Services team is looking forward to a busy cruise season welcoming visitors from around the world and we will continue to work with our tourism partners and cruise ground handlers in driving much needed business to visitor attractions and experience providers right across Northern Ireland and support the rebuilding of our tourism economy."
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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.
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.
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.
07 December 2023
Belfast Harbour Named Best In The UK
Belfast Harbour has been recognised as the Best UK & British Isles Port of Call at this year's Cruise Critic UK Editors' Picks Awards.
Belfast Harbour Named Best In The UK
Belfast Harbour has been recognised as the Best UK & British Isles Port of Call at this year's Cruise Critic UK Editors' Picks Awards.
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.
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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.
