Belfast Harbour’s 2025 Cruise Season Expected to Boost Local Economy by £25M

In 2025, Belfast Harbour in Northern Ireland is gearing up for a busy cruise season, with 146 ship calls from 57 vessels representing 31 different cruise lines. This influx of maritime traffic is expected to bring around 225,000 passengers and over 100,000 crew members to the city, contributing an estimated £20 million to £25 million to the local economy.

The season is set to kick off on March 30th with the inaugural visit of Viking’s new ship, Viking Vela. Notable first-time arrivals include Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady in August and MSC Preziosa, which will be the largest ship making a stop in the port this year.

Belfast Harbour will also accommodate eight turnaround services this season, allowing passengers to begin and end their cruises in the city, which will likely lead to increased hotel bookings. A partial turnaround for international travelers is scheduled with Silversea’s Silver Shadow, offering a lengthy 28-day sailing. Additionally, Ambassador Cruise Line has plans for departures from Belfast to various Scottish and European destinations.

Ten cruise visits are expected to include overnight stays in Belfast, providing passengers ample opportunity to experience Northern Ireland and enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife.

Michael Robinson, the Port Director of Belfast Harbour, highlighted the substantial economic benefits the cruise industry brings to the local community and mentioned a recent £90 million investment in a new deepwater quay designed to support this growing cruise business. He also underscored the port’s commitment to sustainable practices, including exploring clean power options for visiting ships.

Mary Jo McCanny from Visit Belfast and Naomi Waite from Tourism Northern Ireland both expressed excitement about the city’s reputation as a prime cruise destination with the potential to inspire visitors to return for extended stays after their initial experiences.

This upcoming cruise season reflects Belfast’s increasing significance in the global cruise industry while enhancing the overall visitor experience and supporting the local economy.

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