Cruise ships offer hope of post-Covid tourism boon

The hospitality and tourism sector is hoping fora bumper 2022 season after the first cruise ship of the year arrived in Belfast Harbour on Friday.

The Viking Venus, a 930-passenger vessel owned by Viking Cruises, is the first of 130 cruise ships expected to bring up to 340,000 visitors to Belfast in 2022.

Eighteen of the cruise ships will be first-time visitors, and many are due to visit on multiple occasions, with 50 vessels from 33 cruise lines due to arrive.

Newcomers include the Ambassador Ambience from British cruise line, Ambassador, and Princess Cruises’ Enchanted Princess and Island Princess.

Michael Robinson, Belfast Harbour’s port director, said: “Following two challenging years for tourism, the team at Belfast Harbour is thrilled to have 130 cruise vessels booked for arrival at our port in 2022.

“This busy cruise schedule signals an increase in customer confidence in travel and will be a welcome economic boost to the local tourism industry.

“The team is also looking forward to welcoming 18 ships for their inaugural call to these shores, which will further enhance Belfast’s and the wider region’s reputation as a must-visit cruise destination.”

Viking Cruises’ website hails Belfast for its “beautifully restored Victorian architecture, a gleaming waterfront, a thriving food scene and music-filled pubs are all part of today’s Belfast”.

It states that “the influence of Britain is everywhere, with buildings exuding Victorian flair and cosmopolitan elegance, but the city clings to its famous Irish charm with welcoming pubs, inns and shops”.