Celebrating Belfast’s 1,500th Cruise Call: Aboard the Regal Princess
Belfast Harbour recently achieved a significant milestone by welcoming its 1,500th cruise ship, marked by the arrival of the Regal Princess. The visit included a modest ceremony filled with Irish music, dance performances, and the cutting of a celebratory cake.
During the event, harbour officials honored Captain Aldo Traverso and his crew with tokens of appreciation. The Regal Princess has become a familiar sight in Belfast, having made 32 calls since 2015, including five this year alone. Notably, Princess Cruises has transported nearly a third of all cruise passengers to Northern Ireland. Captain Traverso expressed pride in the ship’s contribution to this achievement and noted the warm reception their guests receive in Belfast, which has cemented the city’s status in British Isles itineraries.
Cruising operations in Belfast began in 1996, and the cruise industry has since experienced noteworthy growth. Currently, it contributes approximately £25 million annually to the local economy, with around 2.5 million passengers having visited Northern Ireland via the port. The year 2025 is particularly promising, with 148 cruise calls scheduled from 58 vessels across 31 lines, including ten maiden visits.
Port leadership attributes this achievement to strategic planning and collaboration. The Port Director emphasized ongoing investments to stimulate further growth, describing the momentous occasion as a reflection of careful progression. The director of Belfast’s visitor experience celebrated the city’s rise as a premier cruise destination, highlighting fruitful partnerships and the development of enriching visitor experiences.
Belfast Harbour shared highlights of the celebration via social media, thanking passengers, partners, and cruise lines while expressing excitement for the remainder of the 2025 cruise calendar.
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At CruiseShip.net, our editorial team is made up of passionate travelers, seasoned cruisers, and maritime industry enthusiasts who live and breathe life at sea. From the latest ship launches and destination spotlights to detailed reviews and onboard tips, we are dedicated to helping readers discover the joy of cruising. Our mission is to make every article both inspiring and useful, whether you are planning your first voyage or your fiftieth. We research, fact-check, and collaborate with cruise insiders around the world to bring you accurate, up-to-date, and exciting coverage of the global cruise industry. Join us as we chart new horizons, exploring one port, one ship, and one unforgettable experience at a time.
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