Foyle Port’s 2024 cruise season kicked off with the arrival of Seabourn Ovation today, the first of three cruise ship visits this week.
More than 10,000 passengers and crew are expected to visit the stunning North West of Ireland from now until September.
The ultra-luxury Seabourn Ovation anchored in Lough Foyle this morning after spending several months in the Caribbean. With a focus on visiting unique ports with must-see cities and hidden gems, she is visiting the destination as part of a 21-day sailing from Lisbon to Hamburg via Scandinavia.
Foyle Port’s Harbour Master and Operations Director Bill McCann said: “It’s a pleasure to welcome Seabourn Ovation to Lough Foyle once again following her maiden visit last May. We are seeing return calls from 92% of the cruise lines this year – we believe this speaks volumes to the positive experience received on previous visits and is a real testament to the destination.”
“2023 was a record year for the port as we welcomed over 16,000 guests and crew with an estimated direct spend of over €1m into the local economy benefiting local restaurants, shops, tourism providers, entertainment and transport companies. We eagerly anticipate further growth allowing for more international tourists to experience first-hand what a beautiful part of the world this is.”
Cruise guests have the opportunity to explore areas of outstanding natural beauty and a wealth of incredible tourism products across four counties: Derry-Londonderry, Donegal, Antrim and Tyrone. With a focus on sustainable tourism, bespoke excursions transport guests to Glenshane Country Farm, Mussenden Temple and Downhill, the Giant’s Causeway, Seamus Heaney HomePlace, the historic Walls of Derry-Londonderry, Glenveagh National Park and the Inishowen Peninsula.
The next cruise ship is due in just two days’ time as Spirit of Adventure, operated by Saga, makes an inaugural call on Thursday 16th May.
Then on Sunday, 19th May one of the most eco-friendly ships in the world, World Explorer chartered by Rivages du Monde, will make a return visit to Lisahally following her stint in Antarctica.
