cruise ships docking in belfast 2023

• Belfast Harbour To Welcome 170 Cruise Calls in 2023
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As the cruise industry in Northern Ireland continues to provide a welcome boost to the economy, the number of ships expected this season represents a 20% increase on the previous record set in 2019.

Between March and October this year, 62 different vessels from 36 different cruise lines will dock at the port carrying more than 350,000 passengers and crew.

This season will feature six embarkation cruises departing from Belfast with Ambassador Cruise Lines, where local residents can start and finish their cruise from Belfast

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

Michael Robinson, Port Director for Belfast Harbour said: “With 170 vessels due to dock in Belfast this year, it’s clear that cruise tourism is back on track in 2023. Last year, we had 141 calls to the Port as we transitioned from the 2021 cruise season, which was still partially curtailed by the pandemic, but this year we are on course to surpass our previous record year in 2019 as the global industry returns to full capacity. “Cruise visitors make an important contribution to Northern Ireland’s tourism mix, attracting visitors from across the globe on day trips to attractions all across the region. We’re expecting a quarter of a million passengers to arrive to Belfast Harbour this season, which will provide an estimated £20m boost to the local economy.” Mary Jo McCanny, Director of Visitor Servicing at Visit Belfast, added: “The outlook for the cruise industry in 2023 is extremely positive with figures suggesting we will break the record for cruise calls that was set in 2019, demonstrating the strong partnerships that Cruise Belfast has formed with global cruise operators. This is an exciting year for the city as the tourism offering is going from strength to strength with more visitor experiences such as the Titanic Belfast multimillion pound refresh, the launch of Titanic Distilleries and McConnell’s Distilleries and the reopening of HMS Caroline. The quality of our visitor attractions throughout the region continue to draw visitors from across the world and the Visitor Services team are excited to welcome them shore-side this season.”

Additional information about the Port of Belfast at CruiseMapper

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Belfast Harbour to Welcome 170 Cruise Calls in 2023

As the cruise industry in Northern Ireland continues to provide a welcome boost to the economy, the number of ships expected this season represents a 20% increase on the previous record set in 2019.

Between March and October this year, 62 different vessels from 36 different cruise lines will dock at the port carrying more than 350,000 passengers and crew.

This season will feature six embarkation cruises departing from Belfast with Ambassador Cruise Lines, where local residents can start and finish their cruise from Belfast

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

Michael Robinson, Port Director for Belfast Harbour said:

“With 170 vessels due to dock in Belfast this year, it’s clear that cruise tourism is back on track in 2023. Last year, we had 141 calls to the Port as we transitioned from the 2021 cruise season, which was still partially curtailed by the pandemic, but this year we are on course to surpass our previous record year in 2019 as the global industry returns to full capacity.

“Cruise visitors make an important contribution to Northern Ireland’s tourism mix, attracting visitors from across the globe on day trips to attractions all across the region. We’re expecting a quarter of a million passengers to arrive to Belfast Harbour this season, which will provide an estimated £20m boost to the local economy.”

Mary Jo McCanny, Director of Visitor Servicing at Visit Belfast, added:

“The outlook for the cruise industry in 2023 is extremely positive with figures suggesting we will break the record for cruise calls that was set in 2019, demonstrating the strong partnerships that Cruise Belfast has formed with global cruise operators. This is an exciting year for the city as the tourism offering is going from strength to strength with more visitor experiences such as the Titanic Belfast multimillion pound refresh, the launch of Titanic Distilleries and McConnell’s Distilleries and the reopening of HMS Caroline. The quality of our visitor attractions throughout the region continue to draw visitors from across the world and the Visitor Services team are excited to welcome them shore-side this season.”

Belfast, Northern Ireland

Port schedule.

Belfast, Northern Ireland cruise ship port calendar shows all scheduled arrival and departure dates in a timetable format. The cruise calendar displays the ship’s estimated time of arrival including related information such as how crowded is the port, as well as the ship’s next port-of-call.

The following timetable provides valuable information and keeps track of the future cruise ship arrivals from all major cruise lines. In order to find out more about the cruise ship itineraries such as ports, dates, and arrival/departure times just follow the ship’s link.

Belfast Cruise Port Guide Info

Belfast is the capital and largest city of Northern Ireland, standing on the banks of the River Lagan on the east coast.

• Regal Princess 4.272 passengers 28 Sep 2024 - 07:00
• Seven Seas Splendor 829 passengers 29 Sep 2024 - 13:00
• MSC Preziosa 4.378 passengers 03 Oct 2024 - 08:00
• Norwegian Star 2.813 passengers 04 Oct 2024 - 12:00
• Norwegian Star 2.813 passengers 14 Oct 2024 - 07:00
• Oceania Sirena 803 passengers 28 Oct 2024 - 09:00
• Viking Vela 998 passengers 30 Mar 2025 - 00:00
• Viking Vela 998 passengers 13 Apr 2025 - 00:00
• Ambition 1.428 passengers 16 Apr 2025 - 08:00
• Regal Princess 4.272 passengers 21 Apr 2025 - 07:00
• Viking Vela 998 passengers 27 Apr 2025 - 00:00
• Ambition 1.428 passengers 28 Apr 2025 - 08:00
• MSC Preziosa 4.378 passengers 02 May 2025 - 08:00
• Celebrity Eclipse 3.420 passengers 03 May 2025 - 08:00
• Norwegian Prima 3.950 passengers 07 May 2025 - 11:00
• Spirit of Discovery 1.000 passengers 08 May 2025 - 08:00
• ms Nieuw Statendam 3.218 passengers 10 May 2025 - 11:00
• Viking Sky 930 passengers 12 May 2025 - 00:00
• Viking Sky 930 passengers 13 May 2025 - 00:00
• Norwegian Star 2.813 passengers 14 May 2025 - 07:00
• Regal Princess 4.272 passengers 28 Sep 2024 - 21:00
• Seven Seas Splendor 829 passengers 29 Sep 2024 - 23:00
• MSC Preziosa 4.378 passengers 03 Oct 2024 - 18:00
• Norwegian Star 2.813 passengers 04 Oct 2024 - 20:00
• Norwegian Star 2.813 passengers 14 Oct 2024 - 19:00
• Oceania Sirena 803 passengers 28 Oct 2024 - 19:00
• Ambition 1.428 passengers 16 Apr 2025 - 17:00
• Regal Princess 4.272 passengers 21 Apr 2025 - 21:00
• Ambition 1.428 passengers 28 Apr 2025 - 17:00
• MSC Preziosa 4.378 passengers 02 May 2025 - 18:00
• Celebrity Eclipse 3.420 passengers 03 May 2025 - 18:00
• Norwegian Prima 3.950 passengers 07 May 2025 - 20:00
• Spirit of Discovery 1.000 passengers 08 May 2025 - 17:00
• ms Nieuw Statendam 3.218 passengers 10 May 2025 - 23:00
• Norwegian Star 2.813 passengers 14 May 2025 - 17:00

• Property (9,566)
• Cars (7,486)

130 Cruise Ships Expected To Dock In Belfast This Year

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Please Note: Dates / Times are as advised by the Cruise Lines and may be subject to change at short notice. Cruise Belfast does not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy of any information contained within this schedule.

World Voyager

COMPANY:   Mystic Cruises

Regal Princess

COMPANY:   Princess Cruises

Seven Seas Splendor

COMPANY:   Regent Seven Seas

Please note that throughout 2021 this ship is operating with reduced capacity to allow for greater social distancing.

Norwegian Star

COMPANY:   Norwegian Cruises

COMPANY:   Oceania

September 2024

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Cruises to Belfast, Northern Ireland

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Belfast Northern Ireland Port Guide

Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland, a country that shares the same island as the Republic of Ireland but is part of the United Kingdom. While Belfast retains some of the Irish charm you’ll encounter in the cities of Dublin and Cork during a European cruise , Belfast has an ambiance entirely its own with a cosmopolitan vibe that you might expect to find in London or Edinburgh. The British influences in the city become apparent while you cruise Belfast, explore the streets, and encounter Victorian architecture and British pubs.

Your cruise to Belfast will pull into the harbor situated in Belfast Lough, the large sea inlet located on the east coast of Northern Ireland that connects to the Irish Sea via the North Channel.

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Top sights & attractions for cruises to belfast, belfast castle.

Belfast Castle is a stately structure located on a hill in Cavehill Country Park. Here, you’ll get panoramic views of the city and sea below as well as a glimpse into the city’s past. Belfast Castle dates back to the 12th century when it was built by the Normans. Today, it’s a great place to amble around and enjoy the gardens and walking trails with gorgeous views. It also has an onsite restaurant and tavern.

Belfast City Hall

Belfast City Hall is designed in a Classical Renaissance style and has an impressive façade that is partly thanks to the Portland stone it’s made out of. Guided tours of Belfast City Hall are available.

Hillsborough Castle

Another iconic building you don’t want to miss is Hillsborough Castle, which was built in the 18th century and serves as the official residence of the British Royal Family when they’re in Northern Ireland. It also often serves as the meeting place for foreign dignitaries who visit Northern Ireland.

View All Belfast Shore Excursions

Top things to do in belfast, ulster museum.

Those who enjoy history, science, and freebies will enjoy a visit to the Ulster Museum. This interesting museum has free admission and houses a number of collections pertaining to history, art, and natural science.

Titanic Belfast Exhibit

The Titanic was built in Belfast, and you can visit a museum that focuses on the doomed ship’s history. The museum is set up in an interactive manner that makes you feel as if you’re walking along the decks of the ship. You’ll also visit an exhibit that will have you feeling as if you’ve traveled to the bottom of the North Atlantic to see where the Titanic now lies. Hear stories that were told by the survivors of the maritime disaster and learn about the workers who built the Titanic and more of the history behind its design, which was an engineering marvel back in its day. Another interesting facet of this museum is that it was built on the shipyard where the Titanic was built. You can even see the slip from which the ship was first launched.

Giant’s Causeway

Giant’s Causeway is one of the top natural wonders to see not just in Northern Ireland, but the world. It’s often called the 8th wonder of the world and is only 50 miles north of Belfast. What makes Giant’s Causeway so special is its unique formation of rocks that consist of over 40,000 basalt columns stacked next to each other in a myriad of heights right against the sea.

Top Food and Drink Spots Near the Belfast Cruise Port

Belfast is quickly becoming a culinary hot spot thanks to a new array of restaurants that offer trendy settings and haute cuisine. That, combined with traditional British taverns and Irish pubs, makes it a fun place to dine no matter what your taste buds are in the mood for. Here are some places to check out during your cruise to Belfast.

Crown Liquor Saloon

This restaurant has the reputation of being the most beautiful pub in Northern Ireland.

St. George’s Market (on May Street)

Head here for a laidback culinary journey through Northern Ireland’s largest indoor market. If you cruise to Belfast on a Saturday, you’ll find a farmer’s market there as well. St. George’s Market is located on May Street near Belfast Central Station.

Now here are the things you need to eat at the above restaurants (or wherever you find it on the menu!):

The Comber Potato

You’ll learn that not all potatoes are made the same after trying the Comber potato, a spud grown in the soil of Strangford Lough in County Down. It stands out from other potatoes due to its nutty flavor. Also making this potato interesting is the fact it has a Protected Geographical Indication, which is handed out to regional food to protect its reputation.

Abernethy Butter

Enhance your meal with some Abernethy butter made from local cream and churned by hand. Bushmills Whiskey: If you’re a whisky lover, you’ve likely heard of Bushmills Whiskey. This popular distillery is actually located near Belfast right on the Antrim coast. You can tour the distillery and do a tasting. Yellowman Candy: If you’re looking for something sweet after lunch or for a midday snack, head to Yellow Man Candy, which serves up pulled candy made in the Northern Irish tradition.

Culture & History of the Belfast Cruise Port

Belfast was the focal point of much political unrest during the end of the 20th century due to disagreements over who Northern Ireland belongs to. On one side were the Ulsters, who identified with Great Britain and wanted to keep the country part of the United Kingdom. On the other side of the conflict were the Nationalists, who wanted Northern Ireland to rejoin with the Republic of Ireland, which gained independence in 1920. The unrest between these two sides is referred to as “the troubles”.

Though the troubles have subsided, you can still see murals and other remnants left over from this conflict. Today, you’ll find a progressive city considered to be safer than many of the other European capitals. You’ll also find an international culture hospitable to visitors, many of whom enjoy learning more about the local art and music culture of Belfast.

Belfast Port Facilities & Location

Belfast is very accessible for those arriving by cruise. Belfast city center is located just three miles north of Belfast Harbour, where large cruise ships dock in Stormont Wharf. The cruise terminal is the largest in Northern Ireland and sees over 155,000 visitors each year. Shuttles that run between Belfast and the city center are usually available every 15 minutes.

Transportation in Belfast

When you cruise Belfast, you’ll see that the city is easy to explore by foot. If you don’t want to do much walking, though, there is plenty of public transportation to help you find your way around. Shuttles run between the harbor and city center every 15 minutes. Shore excursions are also a great way to explore Belfast and beyond.

Shopping Near the Belfast Cruise Port

You’ll find an array of upscale boutiques along Golden Mile, which is considered to be Belfast’s premier shopping district for luxury goods.

For high street fashion and other popular brands, head to one of Belfast’s shopping malls, such as Victoria Square Shopping Centre, Kennedy Shopping Centre, or Yorkgate Shopping Centre, all of which are a quick bus or taxi ride away from the port when you cruise to Belfast.

Local Currency & Tipping Customs

The official currency in Northern Ireland is the British Pound. However, it’s common to see English sterling notes in Northern Ireland as well, and banks in Belfast tend to use both. If you are dining out during your cruise, Belfast restaurants appreciate tips, with the customary amount to leave being between 10% to 15%.

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Cruise to Belfast, Northern Ireland

Belfast shore excursions, amazing experiences coming soon., sorry, there are no excursions for this port at this moment., things to do in belfast.

A Titanic Legacy

A vintage ship propeller and rudder

Travel back in time to the Titanic Quarter. Titanic Belfast is a must-see — it was named the world's leading tourist attraction in 2016. Step aboard Titanic's little sister, the SS Nomadic, or the HMS Caroline. Finish your visit at McHugh's pub, located in one of Belfast's oldest buildings.

Winter(fell) Is Coming

A man walking down the road at the famous dark hedges in Northern Ireland

Are you a Game of Thrones fan? Belfast's Titanic Studios is where the series is filmed. Take a tour to visit filming locations across Northern Ireland — you'll experience Winterfell, Dragonstone and the Wall like never before.

Political Paths

If you're interested in learning more about Belfast's political history, strike out on Irish Tour Ticket's Belfast Political Walking Tour. Cruise to Ireland and walk the streets where the city's historic political events took place and learn more than any guidebook can tell you.

Local Cuisine

Belfast cuisine is about more than fish and chips (although there's plenty of that, too). It's also about fresh-caught seafood including oysters and small crabs — served alongside a proper pint of ale, of course. Upscale modernist fare more your thing? Head to one of the restaurants that overlook the River Lagan, where you'll find everything from forward-thinking updates on British cuisine to Italian small plates.

Check out the Titanic Store at Titanic Belfast with your Ireland cruise. Souvenirs include vintage posters, food products, collectibles and clothing. On weekends, St. George's Market has a variety of local vendors selling handicrafts. Danielle Morgan's Flax Fox brand specializes in gift ware and limited edition Irish-inspired prints.

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Belfast in for a ‘record’ season for visiting cruise ships

Published on 27 February 2023

Belfast can expect a £20m boost to its economy in 2023 as it pulls in 170 cruise ship calls over a record year, it was announced today.

Cruise Belfast said the number of cruises slated for a Belfast visit during 2023, bringing 250,000 tourists, was up 20 per cent on the previous record in 2019.

That was before the industry took a colossal hit during the pandemic.

In contrast, between March and October this year, 62 vessels from 36 cruise lines will dock at the port carrying more than 350,000 passengers and crew. In total, the 62 vessels will make 170 calls.

There will also be six cruises leaving from Belfast with Ambassador Cruise Lines, where residents can start and finish their cruise from the city.

And 15 ships will drop anchor in Belfast for the first time, including Disney Dream, Norwegian Prima and MSC Preziosa, as well as Ambassador Ambition.

Cruise Belfast said the number of first-time visitors demonstrated Northern Ireland’s increasing popularity as a cruise destination.

Michael Robinson, port director at Belfast Harbour, said: “With 170 vessels due to dock in Belfast this year, it’s clear that cruise tourism is back on track in 2023.

• Belfast can expect a £20m boost to its economy in 2023 as it pulls in 170 cruise ship calls over a record year
• Cruise Belfast said the number of cruises slated for a Belfast visit during 2023, bringing 250,000 tourists, was up 20 per cent on the previous record in 2019
• 62 vessels from 36 cruise lines will dock at the port carrying more than 350,000 passengers and crew, between March and October this year
• With 170 vessels due to dock in Belfast this year, it’s clear that cruise tourism is back on track in 2023

“Last year, we had 141 calls to the port as we transitioned from the 2021 cruise season, which was still partially curtailed by the pandemic, but this year we are on course to surpass our previous record year in 2019 as the global industry returns to full capacity.

“Cruise visitors make an important contribution to Northern Ireland’s tourism mix, attracting visitors from across the globe on day trips to attractions all across the region.

"We’re expecting a quarter of a million passengers to arrive to Belfast Harbour this season, which will provide an estimated £20m boost to the local economy.”

Mary Jo McCanny, director of visitor servicing at Visit Belfast, added: “The outlook for the cruise industry in 2023 is extremely positive with figures suggesting we will break the record for cruise calls that was set in 2019, demonstrating the strong partnerships that Cruise Belfast has formed with global cruise operators.

"This is an exciting year for the city as the tourism offering is going from strength to strength with more visitor experiences such as the Titanic Belfast multimillion pound refresh, the launch of Titanic Distilleries and McConnell’s Distilleries and the reopening of HMS Caroline.”

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Oceania Cruises, Ireland from Belfast, June 21, 2023

Cruising from: Belfast, Northern Ireland ;

Departure Date: 21 June, 2023 ;

Cruise Line: Oceania Cruises ;

Cruise Ship: Riviera ;

Duration: 8-day cruise ;

Ports of Call: Belfast, Dublin, Waterford, Cork, Bantry Bay, Galway, Killybegs, Londonderry, Belfast ;

8-day cruise to Belfast, Dublin, Waterford, Cork, Bantry Bay, Galway, Killybegs, Londonderry, Belfast on board Riviera.

Day 0 belfast, northern ireland.

Belfast is Northern Ireland's capital. If passing through as part of a cruise, be sure to head straight for the so-called Golden Mile, which runs from Belfast City Hall to Queen's University, and is where you'll find the majority of the city's historic attractions as well as its best bars, restaurants and cafes.

Day 1 Dublin, Ireland

Dublin, capital of the Republic of Ireland is steeped in Celtic legend, and is one of the liveliest and most historic cities in Europe. Among the many must-see highlights that the city offers is the National Museum of Ireland, which is spread out over several venues, each covering a different speciality. The famous Book of Kells can be seen in the Old Library at Trinity College, while the Christ Church Cathedral is Dublin's oldest building.

Day 2 Waterford, Ireland

Waterford is a city in Ireland, situated at the head of Waterford Harbour. Waterford City, steeped in history, heritage and culture, represents a unique blend of modern shopping centres, traditional pubs and highly acclaimed gourmet restaurants. There is also much to do and see: the Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre, the highly praised Waterford Museum of Treasures and the Waterford Walking Tour as well as Christ Church Cathedral.

Day 3 Cork, Ireland

Cobh is a town on the south coast of Ireland, on an island in Cork city's harbour. It's known as the Titanic's last port of call which sailed from here on 14 April 1912. The centre of Cobh is compact and quite flat with a large waterside park and a good selection of bars, shops, cafes and restaurants.

Day 4 Bantry Bay, Ireland

Bantry is a lovely little harbour town at the head of Bantry Bay, where visitors can find peace and tranquillity. Wonderful coastal countryside, hidden glens, hills, woods and forests are what every nature lover is looking for. And for adventurers there are well-organized outdoor activities like sailing through the various peninsulas, see kayaking or visiting nearby islands.

Day 5 Galway, Ireland

Galway is the fourth largest city in Ireland and it is special because of its atmosphere, the culture, the people, and the events. Outside of Galway City, Connemara region offers spectacular scenery of valleys, mountains and lakes. The coast line is wrought into rocky inlets sheltering white sand beaches, and is studded with the beautiful Aran islands that make for interesting day trips. Galway is the unofficial cultural capital of Ireland and home to many artists, writers and artisans.

Day 6 Killybegs, Northern Ireland

Killybegs is a town in County Donegal in Ulster, Ireland and the second largest fishing port in Ireland. Killybegs is famous for its tapestries and carpets, some of which were produced on the biggest carpet loom in the world at the "Donegal Carpet Factory". Fintra beach, located on the outskirts of Killybegs town, consists entirely of fine golden sand and it is regarded as one of the safest beaches in Ireland.

Day 7 Londonderry, Northern Ireland

Londonderry or Derry is the second-largest city in Northern Ireland and the fourth-largest city on the island of Ireland. Derry is the only remaining completely intact walled city in Ireland and one of the finest examples of a walled city in Europe. Combining tradition and modern tendencies, there are plenty of shops and boutiques, pubs with traditional Irish music as well as museums and galleries.

Day 8 Belfast, Northern Ireland

Sail with Oceania Cruises from Belfast to British Isles on board Riviera cruise ship. Discover the best of Northern Ireland, Ireland on this British Isles cruise and discover amazing Belfast, Dublin, Waterford, Cork, Bantry Bay, Galway, Killybegs, Londonderry, Belfast. Riviera leaving Belfast, Northern Ireland for 8 days from June 21, 2023.

British Isles cruise June 2023

British Isles cruise from Belfast June 2023

Please note that port orders, dates, and itinerary details, including content, are subject to change. Verify specific details for your chosen sailing date on the Oceania Cruises website.

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City Quays is Belfast’s newest and most modern mixed-use regeneration project, providing commercial offices in City Quays 1 and City Quays 2, shops, cafes, restaurants and other local services and the AC Hotel by Marriott Belfast right on Belfast’s waterfront.

The origins of Belfast Port can be traced back to 1613, when, during the reign of James I, the town was incorporated as a borough by royal charter, with provision for the establishment of a wharf or quay.

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Belfast Harbour has opened applications for the 2023 Belfast Harbour Community Awards, with an increased pot of £80,000 available for grass-roots organisations across Northern Ireland.

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Belfast Harbour to Welcome a Record 170 Cruise Ship Call in 2023

Belfast Harbour To Welcome 170 Cruise Calls in 2023

As the cruise industry in Northern Ireland continues to provide a welcome boost to the economy, the number of ships expected this season represents a 20% increase on the previous record set in 2019.

Between March and October this year, 62 different vessels from 36 different cruise lines will dock at the port carrying more than 350,000 passengers and crew.

This season will feature six embarkation cruises departing from Belfast with Ambassador Cruise Lines, where local residents can start and finish their cruise from Belfast

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

Michael Robinson, Port Director for Belfast Harbour said:

“With 170 vessels due to dock in Belfast this year, it’s clear that cruise tourism is back on track in 2023. Last year, we had 141 calls to the Port as we transitioned from the 2021 cruise season, which was still partially curtailed by the pandemic, but this year we are on course to surpass our previous record year in 2019 as the global industry returns to full capacity.

“Cruise visitors make an important contribution to Northern Ireland’s tourism mix, attracting visitors from across the globe on day trips to attractions all across the region. We’re expecting a quarter of a million passengers to arrive to Belfast Harbour this season, which will provide an estimated £20m boost to the local economy.”

Mary Jo McCanny, Director of Visitor Servicing at Visit Belfast, added:

“The outlook for the cruise industry in 2023 is extremely positive with figures suggesting we will break the record for cruise calls that was set in 2019, demonstrating the strong partnerships that Cruise Belfast has formed with global cruise operators. This is an exciting year for the city as the tourism offering is going from strength to strength with more visitor experiences such as the Titanic Belfast multimillion pound refresh, the launch of Titanic Distilleries and McConnell’s Distilleries and the reopening of HMS Caroline. The quality of our visitor attractions throughout the region continue to draw visitors from across the world and the Visitor Services team are excited to welcome them shore-side this season.”

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I sold everything to live on £265k cruise but was thrown off over texts… now I’m being forced to live out my suitcase

• Henry Martin , Freelance Reporter
• Published : 19:52, 18 Sep 2024
• Updated : 23:28, 18 Sep 2024
• Published : Invalid Date,

A WOMAN who sold all her belongings for a £265,000 trip around the world claims she was booted off - over her private text messages.

Jenny Phenix, 68, liquidated her business and sold everything while living out of a suitcase ahead of the three-year Villa Vie Odyssey's maiden voyage .

But Jenny, from Florida , vented frustration with her fellow customers in a Whatsapp group amid ongoing delays, which meant the vessel would not be docking at Miami.

The cruise company disputes her version of events.

She had planned to pick up some items for the cruise at that location, The Telegraph reports.

She was also concerned that work to refurbish the vessel might carry on after it left Belfast , which might mean having to use a temporary cabin because hers was being used by crew.

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It is understood her messages were shared with cruise operators Villa Vie Residences, and her contract was cancelled due to "behaviour impacting community morale".

Kathy Villalba, chief operating officer, told her: "We have received over a dozen formal complaints from residents regarding your continuous complaints and negativity.

"This behaviour has significantly impacted the morale and well-being of other passengers.

“Given the overwhelming feedback, we must cancel your contract permanently to uphold the well-being and satisfaction of our community.”

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Jenny, a mum-of-two, said she was "never rude or disrespectful" and did not participate in any personal attacks.

They were private messages and were not posted on social media, she said.

The Villa Vie Odyssey is set to visit 425 destinations in 147 countries.

It begins as soon as next week.

Jenny said that over the past year and a half she had been liquidating her belongings while "eagerly awaiting" her new life cruising the world, "living out of a suitcase" since December 2023.

She says she had flown to Southampton originally to embark on the journey on May 15.

But the first major change came when the ship's departure was moved to May 30, but new problems found during dry dock kept pushing the date back, reports say.

Safety and other types of inspection had to be carried out, causing additional setbacks for the ship - which had been laid up since the Covid pandemic.

Jenny has returned to Florida after joining the final leg of a different world cruise.

Mike Petterson, the chief executive of Villa Vie Residences, told The Telegraph: “Ms Phenix broke multiple terms and conditions and signed a non-disclosure agreement.

"The founding residents voted and agreed to uphold her suspension and we plan on respecting that decision. We have nothing else to comment on the ongoing dispute."

CEO Mikael Petterson told The Sun there were 'inaccurate reports' about Jenny, claiming that she herself cancelled the trip.

He added: "She didn't just complain in the chats but created a very hostile and toxic environment amongst residents.

"After receiving dozens of complaints and multiple cancellations directly related to the mayhem she created, we decided to suspend her contract entirely.

"This was subsequently voted on by the residents who overwhelmingly decided to uphold her suspension."

In August, The Sun reported on how world cruise passengers sold their homes for a £27,000-a-month trip - but the ship still hadn't left Belfast.

The Odyssey was supposed to take passengers on an epic three-year tour of Europe, Asia and the Americas

But the ship was stuck in Belfast for months after crew discovered problems with its rudders and gearbox.

Some of The Odyssey's passengers had sold all their possessions to pay between £75,000 and £700,000 for a cabin.

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David Austin, from the US state of Georgia, said: "I was committed, having sold my house right before my arrival.

"I've stayed committed to this adventure with every delay."

Cancelled cruises - know your rights

Heading on a cruise? Here's what to do if it gets cancelled and your rights for refunds and compensation.

How do I find out if my cruise has been cancelled?

Cruise liners should let you know as soon as possible if your cruise has been cancelled.

If it's cancelled on the day of the trip, you should be informed no later than 30minutes after the time you're scheduled to leave.

P& O is contacting all passengers who were due to visit the area.

What if my cruise is cancelled and I'm at the port?

If your trip has been cancelled and you're already at the port then the operator should provide you with free snacks, meals and refreshments, even if the reason it's been cancelled is due to bad weather.

What you're entitled to depends on how long the delay is.

The Department for Transport recommends that tea and water are appropriate refreshments for a delay of over four hours, followed by a snack or light meal.

If the delay goes over eight hours then a hot meal should be provided.

But food and drink will only be provided if the operator can get them to you reasonably, says ABTA.

This will depend on the facilities available at the port terminal or on board the ship, the time of day and how close the port is to local amenities.

The operator should also offer you free accommodation if the cancellation means you need to stay somewhere overnight, either on board the ship or ashore.

But it's also free to look at other options, such as paying for your trip home or asking you to make your own arrangements and offering to reimburse expenses.

The only time the ship does not have to offer this service is when the cruise has been cancelled due to bad weather, where the conditions might endanger the safety of the ship.

Can I get a refund or compensation if my trip doesn't go ahead?

If your cruise has been cancelled the operator should offer you the choice of either an alternative trip or a refund.

Unlike EU regulations that protect passengers from airline cancellations, there is no fixed amount of compensation owed to you in these kinds of situations.

You may be entitled to compensation through the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangement Act 2018.

You'll only be able to claim the cash if the tour operator is unable to put the trip right again.

And you won't get a payout if the cruise was cancelled due to extraordinary circumstances.

Will I get a refund if I cancel the cruise?

If you cancel your trip then you won't be able to claim compensation and you may have to pay a cancellation fee.

You might be able to claim your travel insurance depending on the policy, so it's worth checking the small print.

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Mum kicked off ‘eternal cruise’ for stoking anger on passenger WhatsApp group

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A woman who ‘lived out of a suitcase’ to fund an around-the-world cruise was banned from the ship before she even set foot on board after her WhatsApp messages were leaked.

Jenny Phenix, from Florida , was messaging fellow passengers in a private group chat to complain that a four-month-delay in sailing meant the Villa Vie Odyssey would no longer call into Miami.

The 68-year-old also said she was worried refurbishment work would mean she would have to use a temporary cabin as the one she had booked was still being used by crew.

After sharing her concerns, she received a notice from the ship owners that her contract had been cancelled for ‘behaviour impacting community morale’.

Villa Vie Residences cancelled her contract, with chief operating officer Kathy Villalba saying: ‘We have received over a dozen formal complaints from residents regarding your continuous complaints and negativity.

‘This behaviour has significantly impacted the morale and well-being of other passengers.

‘Given the overwhelming feedback, we must cancel your contract permanently to uphold the well-being and satisfaction of our community.’

But Ms Phenix insists she was ‘never rude or disrespectful’, saying she was simply engaging in private conversations.

She said: ‘The frustration among the residents grew after every delay. I tended to be one of the more outspoken in asking important questions.

‘Many of the residents thanked me privately for speaking up for the entire group.’

The ship was due to visit 425 destinations across 147 countries.

She said: ‘During the past year and a half I have liquidated businesses and possessions, eagerly awaiting my new life cruising the world. I have been living out of a suitcase since December 2023.

‘Along with many others, I flew to Southampton originally to embark on this journey on May 15.

‘We had been notified of one short delay, but nothing seemed critical and, of course, travel plans and hotel reservations had been made months in advance.’

But the first major change to the schedule was to move the ship’s departure to Belfast on May 30, but the date kept being pushed back as problems at the dock yard arose.

The Odyssey had already been laid up for four years due to Covid, meaning new safety inspections had to be carried out.

It has undergone sea trials but is yet to set sail.

The mum-of-two has returned to Florida after joining the last leg of another world cruise, the Royal Caribbean’s nine-month Serenade of the Seas voyage.

She said: ‘I cannot even begin to explain the emotional devastation and the physical toll this has taken on me. It was weeks before I could talk about the situation and could even explain it to my children.

‘It is still very hard for me to discuss, as I had the same dream everyone else on that ship does, and they took that from me seemingly without a thought.

‘I will have to stay with my daughter until I figure out a whole new plan for my life.’

Meanwhile other passengers waiting to set sail on the Odyssey have been waiting in Belfast.

But Cilla Vie Residences said they would stop covering the cost of their hotel fees as the £382,000 expense was ‘unsustainable’.

One couple from the US, Steve and Angela Theriac, have now flown back home while they wait for the ship to sail.

Others are choosing to remain in Belfast, with Holly Hennessy, 68, who is travelling with her cat Captain, saying: ‘The fact that VVR will no longer cover hotels is no concern to me as I’ve paid most of my own all along.

‘Other residents agree that the expenses couldn’t be covered for ever. I remain positive and optimistic that our ship will sail.’

Villa Vie Residences said: ‘Ms Phenix broke multiple terms and conditions and signed a non-disclosure agreement. The founding residents voted and agreed to uphold her suspension and we plan on respecting that decision. We have nothing else to comment on the ongoing dispute.

‘As for the accommodations, we have paid more than $2 million for people’s living expenses for four months. We have hundreds of residents spread out throughout Europe and are asking people to book their own hotel rooms until we launch next week. Their costs will be compensated with onboard credit of up to $200 a day.’

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected] .

For more stories like this, check our news page .

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Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (Canary Islands)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Western Europe - Azores - Canary Islands

Local Time 2024-09-20 09:52

Port Las Palmas de Gran Canaria cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is a port city and capital of Grand Canaria Island. Las Palmas is also Canary islands' co-capital (together with Santa Cruz de Tenerife ). The city has population around 385,000, ranking it the Canaries' most populous and Spain's 9th-largest metro region.

Port Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (locode ESLPA) is managed by the Las Palmas Port Authority and currently operated under concession by GPCI-Global Ports Canary Islands (80:20 joint venture company between GPH-Global Ports Holding Plc and Groupo Sepcan SL).

• In mid-November 2021, following a public tender process, the Las Palmas Port Authority awarded GPCI a 40-year concession (thru 2062) for the cruise operations on Gran Canaria.
• The company GPCI also won the bidding for Puerto del Rosario on Fuerteventura (20-year concession deal) and Port Arrecife on Lanzarote (20-year concession deal).
• GPH is currently the world's largest cruise port operator, with 24x total ports globally (as of 2022).
• The concession deal included GPCI investing ~EUR 40 million into a new cruise terminal (in Las Palmas) and modular cruise terminal facilities in Arrecife and Puerto del Rosario.

The Canaries are very popular for winter cruising vacations due to the archipelago's mild climate in comparison to other European regions. Las Palmas Ports (Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote) are also cruise destinations with great international flight connections. During the Coronavirus crisis in 2020, unlike other European seaports that closed for passenger shipping traffic, these Canary ports handled 0,5+ million tourists via "bubble cruises" around the Canaries.

The town was established in the late-15th century. Las Palmas is within easy reach from the renowned Playa del Ingles (beach), the desert-like dunes of Maspalomas (tourist town) and Mogan (small resort town). In the island's quieter corners are the old towns Teror and Arucas. Gran Canaria's scenery is marked by volcanic landscapes of craters, gorges, and mountains rising up to 1980 m (6500 ft). Mt Bandama (extinct crater) is reputed as the world's only inhabited crater.

During his discovery voyage in 1492, Christopher Columbus (1451-1506) was forced to anchor at Grand Canaria to make repairs to the "La Pinta" sailship. During three subsequent voyages, he stopped again in the Canaries.

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria cruise terminal

Gran Canaria is the 3rd largest island of the Canaries. Its capital, Las Palmas, is where cruise ships dock at Muelle Santa Catalina. The cruise terminal is located at just a 10-min walk from Parque Santa Catalina - a recreational park with outdoor cafes, restaurants, bars, shops) and Virtual Science Museum. Castle of the Light (built in 1474, now Large department store / Shopping Centre) and Church de la Luz are just outside the cruise port.

The town's main market and shopping area are a bit further and best reached via taxis. Playa de Las Canteras is just 15-min walk from the cruise port. Many of the city's landmarks are in Vegueta and Triana, and best reached via bus or taxi. Here travelers will find the Cathedral, Columbus House, Canarian Museum, Museum of Sacred Art, and Perez Goldaz Theatre.

In November 2023, Global Ports Canary Islands (a subsidiary of Global Ports Holding BV/2003-founded, currently the world's largest cruise port operator) started construction works as part of ~EUR 40 million investment into four new cruise terminals on the islands Gran Canaria (Las Palmas), Lanzarote (Arrecife), Fuerteventura (Puerto del Rosario) and La Palma (Puerto Naos). For the project was contracted Grupo SATOCAN (1985-founded Spanish construction company).

• Las Palmas de Gran Canaria's new cruise terminal (at Santa Catalina Pier) can berth 4x cruise vessels simultaneously and is fitted with 3x PBBs (Passenger Boarding Bridges).
• Arrecife de Lanzarote's terminal serves two cruise piers.
• Puerto Naos' cruise terminal consists of a one-story building.
• Arrecife's Puerto de los Marmoles cruise terminal is designed as a modular facility with max berthing capacity 3 vessels at the same time.
• Puerto del Rosario's cruise terminal is also modular.

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