Cruise Belfast, a collaboration between Belfast Harbour and Visit Belfast, opened the first dedicated cruise terminal on the island of Ireland to cater for Belfast’s growing popularity as a cruise destination.
According to the statement, the project costed more than £500,000 on upgrading the quayside facility, which now consists of a Visitor Information Centre, part funded by Tourism NI and managed by Visit Belfast.
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The facility includes:
- space required to service the shore side activities associated with cruise tourism for coaches;
- shuttle buses and taxis;
- a berth which has been dredged to accommodate newer and larger cruise ships.
Joe O’Neill, Belfast Harbour’s CEO commented
Cruise calls to Belfast are now up to 148 calls in 2019, an increase of 31% on last year and this investment in a terminal facility will enable us to offer the anticipated 285,000 cruise visitors a positive welcome and first impression of the region.
He continued that in light of the cruise industry’s development, the new expanded terminal will provide the first dedicated facilities for cruise ships on the island, enabling visitors directly connect to Belfast city centre.
Northern Ireland’s cruise sector has continued to grow and this year Belfast Harbour is scheduled to welcome a record 148 calls from 35 different cruise lines. July will be the busiest month with 32 calls including SAGA’s first ever new build vessel, the Spirit of Discovery. Disney Magic will also visit in September, bringing the globally recognized brand to Belfast for the first time.
