Belfast Celebrates 1,500th Cruise Call with Regal Princess Arrival: A Video Overview

Belfast Harbour reached a significant milestone by welcoming its 1,500th cruise ship this week, marked by the arrival of the Regal Princess. This event, witnessed by dignitaries, featured traditional Irish music, dance performances, and the cutting of a commemorative cake to celebrate this achievement.

Captain Aldo Traverso and his crew were honored by harbour officials, as the Regal Princess has become a frequent visitor, making its 32nd call since 2015 and its fifth visit this year. Notably, Princess Cruises has transported nearly a third of all cruise passengers to Northern Ireland. Captain Traverso expressed his pride in contributing to this milestone, emphasizing the warm reception that guests receive in Belfast, which has become a popular stop on British Isles itineraries.

The cruising in Belfast Harbour began in 1996 and has seen substantial growth, contributing approximately GBP 25 million annually to the local economy. Over 2.5 million passengers have traveled through the port. Looking ahead, 2025 is particularly promising, with 148 scheduled cruise calls from 58 vessels representing 31 different cruise lines, including ten maiden visits.

The success of the port has been attributed to strategic planning and teamwork. The Port Director praised the achievement as a result of substantial efforts, reiterating a commitment to significant investments aimed at further maritime growth—an ambitious venture in the port’s history. Likewise, the Director of Belfast’s visitor experience highlighted the city’s transformation into a leading cruise destination, driven by strong partnerships and an expanding array of enriching visitor offerings.

Following the celebrations, Belfast Harbour took to social media to share highlights from the event and extend gratitude to all passengers, partners, and cruise lines. The port expressed excitement for the upcoming cruise season in 2025.

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