Belfast (Northern Ireland UK) can expect a GBP 20 million boost to its economy in 2023 as it pulls in a total of 170 cruise ship calls over a record year.
According to Cruise Belfast, the number of cruises slated for a Belfast call during 2023, bringing ~250,000 tourists, was up 20% on the previous record back in 2019.
That was before the travel industry took a hit during the COVID crisis.
In contrast, between March-October 2023, 62 ships from 36 cruise companies will dock at the port carrying 350,000+ passengers and crew members. In total, the 62 ships will make 170 calls.
There will also be 6 voyages leaving from Belfast with Ambassador Cruise Lines, where residents can start/finish their journey from the city.
15 ships will make maiden calls to Port Belfast, including Ambassador Ambition, Disney Dream, NCL Norwegian Prima, and MSC Preziosa.
Cruise Belfast revealed that the number of first-time visitors demonstrated the increasing popularity of Northern Ireland as a cruise destination.
Image: Port of Belfast (Northern Ireland)
Michael Robinson, port director at Belfast Harbour, said that with 170 vessels due to dock in Belfast in 2023, it was clear that cruise tourism was 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% 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."