Foyle set for a
record-breaking cruise season
16.04.26
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FOYLE Port is preparing to
welcome its largest ever cruise programme with 22 calls
from 15 cruise lines scheduled to visit Ireland’s North
West in 2026. The record season is expected to bring an
estimated 15,800 international visitors to the region,
delivering significant economic benefits to local
visitor attractions, hospitality providers, retail and
transport companies. |
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Le Lapérouse anchored off
Greencastle today, 16th April. |
The first cruise ship of
2026, Le Lapérouse, anchored off Greencastle today,
Thursday 16th April. Le Lapérouse is a luxury,
184-passenger polar expedition ship operated by Ponant,
launched in 2018 as the lead vessel of the Ponant
Explorers-class. It features 92 cabins with private
balconies, a 24-hour butler service, and a unique
underwater lounge known as the 'Blue Eye'.
This year’s scheduled calls are expected to run from
April until September, more than a month longer than the
2025 cruise season. Among the visiting vessels will be
first-time visits from Ponant and Nicko Cruises,
alongside several returning cruise partners who continue
to include the Foyle in their itineraries.
One of the highlights of the season will be the
scheduled arrival of Nieuw Statendam, operated by
Holland America Line. She will be the largest ship to
ever visit Lough Foyle and will bring the highest volume
of passengers and crew the port has welcomed in a single
day.
On 28 August, the port will also host a double ship day,
with frequent caller Hebridean Sky joined by a return
visit from Seven Seas Voyager. The majority of the
liners will anchor at the tender port of Greencastle,
with some smaller vessels scheduled for berthing
alongside at Lisahally and Fort George in the city
centre.
Captain Bill McCann, Harbour Master & Operations
Director, Foyle Port said: “We are very much looking
forward to welcoming both new and returning cruise lines
this year in what is set to be our busiest season to
date. We expect eight first-time calls, including the
brand-new luxury ship from Explora Journeys, Explora
III, which is scheduled to make its debut visit to the
island of Ireland here in the North West on 6th June.
The increase in cruise calls reinforces the region’s
growing appeal among itinerary planners, which we have
been actively promoting over the years. The destination
makes for a key stop among itineraries particularly
around Ireland, Britain and Scandinavia.”
Cruise ships scheduled to anchor off Greencastle in
2026
• 16th April 2026
Le Lapérouse
• 3rd May 2026
Le Lapérouse
• 20th May 2026
Vasco da Gama
• 4th June 2026
Spirit of Discovery
• 5th June 2026
Oceania Marina
• 6th June2026
Nieuw Statendam
• 5th July 2026
Seabourn Ovation
• 25th July 2026
Crystal Serenity
• 5th August 2026
Artania
• 14th August 2026
Oceania Vista
• 28th August 2026
Seven Seas Voyager
• 11th September 2026
Explora III
• 12th September 2026
Oceania Marina
• 19th September 2026
Seven Seas Grandeur
To view the full cruise schedule, visit
www.foyleport.com |
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