CRUISE
Last Call of 2024 Marks End of Successful Cruise Season for Belfast Harbour
BELFAST enjoyed another successful cruise sea- son in 2024, welcoming 145 cruise calls to the city between April and October this year. Cruise Belfast, the partnership between Belfast Harbour and Visit Belfast which markets the city as a leading cruise tourism destination, reported that 60 ships from 35 different cruise lines docked in the port, bringing 260,000 passengers and crew to Northern Ireland. Among them were six ships which made their inaugural calls to Belfast,
including Cunard’s
spectacular new vessel Queen Anne, which made its first visit to Belfast in June as part of its British Isles
Festival Voyage.
In a further indication of the city’s growing status in the cruise industry, Belfast also facilitated six cruise turnarounds during the year with Ambassador. These voyages provided local people with the opportunity to embark on a cruise from Belfast to destinations including the Norwegian Fjords,
Iceland, the
Mediterranean and the Scottish Islands. This year’s season also included one full turnaround
of international passengers, mostly American visitors who flew into Belfast to join a cruise around the UK and Ireland. Michael Robinson, Port Director of Belfast Harbour
said:
“Cruise tourism is now well established in Belfast and this year we continued to receive very positive feedback from passengers, crew and cruise line management about the quality of the region’s tourism offering and the service that the industry provides. “The cruise sector also continues to develop and
expand, with a growing number of cruise turnarounds. We look forward to another busy year in 2025 when we will welcome our 1,500th call – something we could never have imagined when the first cruise ship visited Belfast back in 1996.” Gerry Lennon, CEO of Visit Belfast, also emphasised
the significance of cruise tourism, stating: “Cruise tourism is vital not only for Belfast but
for the entire region. It brings significant numbers of visitors who contribute to local businesses and create jobs. The impact of these visitors resonates throughout our community, supporting a diverse range of sectors and enhancing the overall economic vitality of Northern Ireland.” The largest vessel to call in Belfast in this year’s cruise season was the 333-metre MSC Preziosa, which arrived in September. The final call on October 28th was the Oceania cruise ship ‘Sirena’.
Holland America Line Adjusts 2026 Grand World Voyage
HOLLAND America Line has updated its 2026 Grand World Voyage, departing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale on January 4, 2026, aboard the 1,432-passenger Volendam. The new itinerary replaces a prior route through the Red Sea. Given the evolving situation in the region and in consultation with security experts, Holland America has made the decision to reroute the planned voyage. The now 133-day voyage will take in ports in East and Southeast Asia, Central America, destinations in the US and a transit of the Panama Canal. The changes will impact the last 54 days of the itinerary, which, due to a crossing of the International Dateline, will increase from 132 to 133 days. The amended cruise will now visit 51 ports in 23 countries across five continents, concluding as planned on May 17, 2026, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Beth Bodensteiner, chief commercial officer for Holland America Line, said: “We know immersive experiences in exciting destinations are always a main draw for those choosing a world cruise. The dozen ports we’ve added in Asia will bring that part of the world to life for our guests. From exploring the emerald waters of Halong Bay or snorkelling in Nha Trang, to overnight stays in Hong Kong, Nagasaki and Tokyo, the deep exploration of the region provides guests the opportunity to take in the culture and natural beauty of Asia as part of their world cruise.”
Explora Journeys Opens F1 Paddock Club Bookings for Monaco 2025
EXPLORA Journeys has announced that access to the exclusive Formula 1 Paddock Club is now available to book for guests staying in Ocean Residences and Penthouses on board EXPLORA II during the FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX DE MONACO 2025, taking place from 22nd to 25th May 2025 in Monaco. This exclusive access will enable guests to experience
one of the most prestigious events in motorsports from a truly unique vantage point. EXPLORA II, the latest luxury ship in the Explora Journeys fleet, will be docked in the heart of Monaco’s iconic Port Hercule, placing guests just steps from the electrifying action of the Formula 1 racetrack. Explora Journeys will be the only luxury ocean travel brand with a ship docked in Monaco during race days. From this prime location, only 150 meters from the track, the ship will provide unparalleled access to the racing festivities throughout the weekend. Access to the renowned Paddock Club offers guests a once-in-a-lifetime-experience, where they can immerse
themselves in the race in true luxury. The Paddock Club offers an insider’s view into the world of racing, complete with gourmet dining, premium beverages, and up-close access to teams, drivers, and race cars. The setting provides a front-row seat to all the action and delivers a unique atmosphere that blends high-speed excitement with the finest hospitality. Achille Staiano, Chief Commercial Officer Explora Journeys, commented: “We are delighted to showcase our second luxury ship EXPLORA II for the very first time during the FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX DE MONACO 2025. This is one of the most prestigious sporting events
in the calendar, and it is only fitting that this would be where we offer sporting enthusiasts an unforgettable experience that brings together the world of motor sports with the luxury of ocean travel.” In addition to the Monaco event, Explora Journeys will be present
at upcoming Formula 1 events
worldwide, marking a continuation of the MSC Group’s commitment to the sport since 2022, when MSC Cruises became a Global Partner.
NEWS
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