Celebrating Milestones: Regal Princess Marks Belfast’s 1,500th Cruise Call

Belfast Harbour recently celebrated a significant milestone by welcoming its 1,500th cruise ship arrival with the Regal Princess docking at the port. The event was marked by a small ceremony that included traditional Irish music, dance performances, and a commemorative cake to honor the occasion.

During the ceremony, Captain Aldo Traverso and his crew were presented with tokens of appreciation for their contributions. The Regal Princess, a familiar presence since its first visit in 2015, has made 32 calls to Belfast, with five of those occurring in 2025. Notably, Princess Cruises accounts for nearly one-third of all cruise passengers arriving in Northern Ireland. Captain Traverso expressed pride for his ship’s involvement in reaching this milestone, highlighting the warm receptions their guests receive in Belfast, establishing the city as a favored stop on itineraries in the British Isles.

Cruising operations in Belfast began in 1996, and the sector has grown significantly, contributing approximately GBP 25 million annually to the local economy. Over 2.5 million passengers have arrived in Northern Ireland via the port since the industry’s inception. The upcoming year of 2025 is particularly promising, with plans for 148 scheduled cruise calls from 58 vessels representing 31 different lines, including ten maiden calls.

Port officials attribute this achievement to strategic planning and collaboration within the industry. The Port Director emphasized the importance of this milestone and expressed a strong commitment to ongoing investment, which represents the most ambitious efforts in the port’s history.

The leadership of Belfast’s visitor experience noted the city’s transformation into a prominent cruise destination as a result of strong partnerships and a growing array of attractions for visitors. Belfast Harbour shared details of the celebration and extended gratitude to all involved — passengers, partners, and cruise lines — via their social media, eagerly anticipating the remainder of the 2025 cruise calendar.

For more information, visit Belfast Harbour and Regal Princess.

Set sail on a voyage of discovery with CruiseShip.net – your ultimate destination for all things cruising! Explore the latest news, insightful reviews, and thrilling cruising adventures from around the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or a first-time traveler, CruiseShip.net is your go-to source for expert advice, insider tips, and inspiring stories to fuel your wanderlust. Embark on a journey like no other with CruiseShip.net – where every wave brings new excitement and endless possibilities on the high seas.