Ireland’s Cruise Belfast, the partnership between Belfast Harbour and Visit Belfast, has opened a new cruise terminal in Belfast.
The facility now includes the space required to service the shore side activities and a berth that has been dredged to accommodate newer and larger cruise ships.
Belfast Harbour said it has invested over GBP 500,000 (USD 605,900) in the upgrades.
“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,” Joe O’Neill, Belfast Harbour CEO, said.
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.