Growth in Cruise
Tourism
24.04.25
THE North West region is
set for a significant surge in cruise tourism this year,
with cruise calls increasing by 21% compared to 2019,
reinforcing its growing appeal as a key destination for
international visitors.
A total of 17 cruise calls are scheduled between May and
September, including maiden visits from five vessels.
Renowned cruise lines returning to the region include
Silversea, Azamara, Mystic Cruises, Crystal Cruises,
Regent Seven Seas, Noble Caledonia, AE Expeditions, and
German-based operators Phoenix Reisen and Hapag-Lloyd
Cruises.
Foyle Port estimates combined visiting passenger and
crew spend will generate over £0.5 million for the local
economy in 2025. |
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Saga Spirit of Adventure
at Greencastle in May 2024. |
As members of Cruise
Ireland, a strategic network of Irish port authorities
and stakeholders, Foyle Port is committed to growing
cruise tourism to the region. The cruise team recently
returned from the world’s largest cruise trade show,
Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami, Florida. Since 1996,
representatives from the Port have attended this annual
event, continuously promoting Foyle Port as the gateway
to Derry-Londonderry and the wider North West region for
cruise tourism.
Captain Bill McCann, Harbour Master & Operations
Director, Foyle Port said: “The consistent return of
cruise lines year after year speaks volumes about the
reputation of our destination. The feedback we received
from cruise lines in Miami was overwhelmingly positive,
with particular interest in the port’s strategic
location, allowing visitors to experience both Northern
Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in one day.”
He added, “We look forward to working with our strategic
partners to collectively welcome over 5,000 passengers
and 3,700 crew from all over the world this season.” |
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Bill McCann, Harbour
Master & Operations Director & Louise Denvir, Cruise
Marketing Executive representing Foyle Port at Seatrade
Cruise Global. |
Louise Denvir, Cruise
Marketing Executive at Foyle Port, highlighted what
makes the destination so appealing to visitors. She
explained: “When travelling to new countries, guests
love to immerse themselves in the history and culture of
each destination...
Foyle Port serves as a gateway to some of Ireland’s most
breathtaking natural landscapes. Guests can explore the
start of the iconic Wild Atlantic Way in County Donegal,
or journey along County Antrim’s Causeway Coastal Route,
featuring the UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway. With the
perfect blend of rich history, lively culture, and
stunning scenery, the North West offers an unforgettable
experience for cruise visitors.”
Cruise ships set to anchor off Greencastle include
Europa on 23rd July, Island Sky
on 13th August, Seven Seas Grandeur on 21st August and
Crystal Serenity on 9th September 2025.
To view the full cruise schedule, visit
www.foyleport.com . |
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