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

In 2025, Belfast Harbour in Northern Ireland is gearing up for a vibrant cruise season, expecting 146 visits from 57 different ships representing 31 cruise lines. This influx is projected to bring approximately 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 cruise season is set to kick off on March 30th with the arrival of Viking’s newest ship, Viking Vela, marking its first visit to Belfast. Other first-time callers will include Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady in August and the impressive 333-meter-long MSC Preziosa, slated to be the largest vessel visiting this year.

Belfast Harbour will facilitate eight turnarounds this year, allowing passengers to both start and end their voyages in the city, which is expected to promote longer stays in local accommodations. There will also be a partial turnaround for international travelers, including those from the United States, embarking on Silversea’s Silver Shadow for a 28-day cruise. Additionally, Ambassador Cruise Line plans to operate departures from Belfast to various locations in Scotland and Europe.

Ten cruise calls are scheduled to provide overnight stays in Belfast, giving passengers a chance to delve deeper into Northern Ireland’s offerings and enjoy the local nightlife.

Michael Robinson, Port Director of Belfast Harbour, stressed the economic benefits of the cruise sector for the city and noted the significant £90 million investment in a new deepwater quay to attract more cruise business, alongside efforts to integrate clean energy solutions for visiting ships.

Mary Jo McCanny, Director of Visitor Experience and Destination Initiatives at Visit Belfast, expressed excitement about the city’s rising reputation as a prime destination for cruise travelers. She emphasized the importance of the additional overnight calls in allowing visitors to fully experience the city’s animated nightlife and culinary scene.

Naomi Waite, Director of Marketing at Tourism Northern Ireland, highlighted the potential for cruise visitors to return for extended visits after experiencing Belfast and Northern Ireland. She expressed confidence that many first-time guests would feel drawn to return, inspired by the region’s unique culture and spirit.

This upcoming cruise season not only showcases Belfast’s expanding influence in the cruise industry but also illustrates its dedication to enhancing the overall visitor experience while fostering economic growth.

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