Foyle Port, in Derry, will welcome a total of 9 different cruise lines this year; 6 of which will be inaugural calls.
All the visits will be between May and September.
The port celebrates its 170th anniversary this year and saw a record year last year, with more than 16,000 passengers and crew arriving.
The first cruise ship, Seabourn Ovation, will anchor in Greencastle on 14th May
Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) Norwegian Star was the biggest ship ever to anchor in the Foyle, when it visited Derry last year. Her sister ship, Norwegian Dawn, will visit Foyle Port this August.
Visit Derry’s Chief Executive, Odhran Dunne said: “Visit Derry are delighted that Lough Foyle will welcome cruise passengers from around the globe again this year to experience some of the fantastic range of tourism attractions and experiences on offer across the North West region. Whilst the cruise visitors will have a unique opportunity to enjoy some of the stunning scenery along the Causeway Coastal Route and Wild Atlantic Way, we are delighted that many will also enjoy the unique heritage and culture of the Walled City during their visit.”
“Visit Derry looks forward to working in partnership with Foyle Port to provide a warm welcome and visitor information shoreside to all the cruise passengers and crew arriving this season.”
Louise Denvir, Cruise Marketing Executive, Foyle Port said: “The North West has the most incredible range of tourism products on offer in an area of outstanding natural beauty which, we believe, makes it the most attractive cruise destination on the island of Ireland. Donegal was named one of the best regions in the world to visit in 2024 by Lonely Planet due to the scenic landscape, rich history, commitment to sustainable tourism practices, and the warm, friendly people. The historic, vibrant city of Derry-Londonderry, home to the ‘Derry Girls’, award-winning museums and some of the greatest outdoor festivals in the world is right on our doorstep making for an incredibly compelling destination for international cruise visitors.”
