Increase in cruise ships visiting Lough Foyle this year
It is estimated that luxury liners will boost local economy by an estimated €600,000 this year
Summer just wouldn’t be summer along the east coast of Inishowen without the arrival on the horizon of some of the world’s most spectacular cruise ships.
This year the North-West region is set for a significant upsurge in cruise tourism, with cruise calls increasing by 21% compared to 2019, reinforcing its growing appeal as a key destination for international visitors.
A total of 17 cruise liners, including almost 9,000 passengers and crew, are scheduled to arrive in Lough Foyle between May and September, including maiden visits from five vessels.
Four of the largest cruise ships will anchor at Greencastle, including the first one set to dock off the village, the behemoth Europa, on July 23 next.The biggest vessel of the entire 2025 season, the Crystal Serenity, is a massive 250 metres long and can accommodate more than 1,000 passengers alone.
It is expected to arrive at Greencastle on September 9, two weeks after the departure of the 224-metre Seven Seas Grandeur.For the first time this summer, a ship, the Exploris One, will also dock at Magilligan just across the water from Greencastle.
Renowned cruise lines returning to the region include Silversea, Azamara, Mystic Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, Noble Caledonia, AE Expeditions, and German-based operators Phoenix Reisen and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.Foyle Port estimates that combined visiting passenger and crew spend will generate more than €600,000 for the local economy this year. Disembarking passengers typically go on arranged bus tours across Inishowen, Glenveagh, Derry city and the Giant’s Causeway, which is a Unesco World Heritage Site.
‘Feedback overwhelmingly positive’
As members of Cruise Ireland, a strategic network of Irish port authorities and stakeholders, Foyle Port says it’s committed to growing cruise tourism to the region.
The cruise team recently returned from the world’s largest cruise trade show, Seatrade Cruise Global, in Miami, Florida.
Foyle Port Harbourmaster, Captain Bill McCann, from Greencastle, said the consistent return of cruise lines year after year speaks volumes about the reputation of our destination.
“The feedback we received from cruise lines in Miami was overwhelmingly positive, with particular interest in the port’s strategic location, allowing visitors to experience both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in one day.”
He added: “We look forward to working with our strategic partners to collectively welcome over 5,000 passengers and 3,700 crew from all over the world this season.”
Meanwhile, according to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), over 60 per cent of passengers revisit a destination they first discovered via a cruise. At Foyle Port, visitor surveys reinforce this trend, with 100 per cent of guests indicating they would return to the region for a longer stay.
Louise Denvir, cruise marketing executive at Foyle Port, highlighted what makes the destination so appealing to visitors.
“When travelling to new countries, guests love to immerse themselves in the history and culture of each destination. Derry offers a truly unique experience, as Ireland’s only completely intact historic walled city, home to award-winning museums and a vibrant cultural scene.”
Louise added: “Beyond the city, the port serves as a gateway to some of Ireland’s most breathtaking natural landscapes. Guests can explore the start of the iconic Wild Atlantic Way in County Donegal, or journey along County Antrim’s Causeway Coastal Route. With the perfect blend of rich history, lively culture, and stunning scenery, the North-West offers an unforgettable experience for cruise visitors.”
The first cruise ship of the summer, World Explorer, is set to dock at Lisahally on May 11.