Two millionth cruise ship passenger a landmark figure for tourism

Hospitality and tourism has been boosted by the news Belfast has nows welcomed its two millionth cruise ship visitor to the city

Lea Goodsell, who emerged down the gangplank on the Norwegian Dawn, was that milestone passenger, marking a major moment for Cruise Belfast, the partnership between Belfast Harbour and Visit Belfast which markets the city as a leading cruise ship destination.

Belfast Harbour is the leading gateway and key economic hub for trade and tourism in the north, handling more than 70% of its seaborne imports and exports.

And the docking of the Norwegian Dawn, operated by Norwegian Cruise Line, means the 2,000-acre Harbour Estate has seen a total of 1,161 cruise ship calls by vessels from 75 different cruise lines to date, representing a significant contribution to the growing tourism economy.

Some of the biggest cruise ships in the world, from world-leading global brands including Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas (347 metres long, gross tonnage 168,666) and MSC Virtuosa (332m long, gross tonnage 181,541) have called at Belfast multiple times in recent years.

Between March and October this year, 61 different vessels will dock at the port, and the 165 calls expected this season represents a 15 per cent increase on the previous record set in 2019.

There will also be 15 ships calling to Belfast for the first time in 2023, including Disney Dream, Norwegian Prima and MSC Preziosa, demonstrating the region’s increasing popularity as a cruise destination and providing testament to the quality of the region’s award-winning visitor attractions and tourism offer.

Michael Robinson, port director at Belfast Harbour, said: “Belfast is now well and truly on the radar for international cruise operators when setting their schedules.

“The arrival of the two millionth cruise visitor to Belfast Harbour is a significant milestone in what is expected to be a record year for the port with 165 calls from 34 different cruise lines, carrying more than a quarter of a million passengers.” Northern Ireland tourism industry.”