January 2026
Belfast Harbour Marks End of Successful 2025 Cruise Season
www.nitravelnews.com
CRUISE NEWS | 55
BELFAST Harbour has marked the end of another successful cruise season which saw Belfast welcome 147 cruise ship visits to the city, including the 1,500th call since the first cruise line docked at Belfast Harbour in 1996. This milestone visit was made by the Regal Princess.
Cruise Belfast, the partnership between Belfast Harbour and Visit Belfast which markets the city as a leading cruise tourism destination, reported 60 ships from 31 different cruise lines docked in Belfast in 2025, bringing 310,000 passengers and crew to Northern Ireland and contributing an estimated £20–25 million to the local economy. Ten ships berthed overnight, giving passengers the opportunity to explore Belfast’s vibrant food, and cultural scene. Throughout the season, twelve ships made their
inaugural calls to the Port this year, including the P&O Britannia, which arrived in June as part of a 14-day trip to celebrate the ship’s 10-year anniversary. The Britannia is the flagship of the P&O Cruises fleet at 330 metres long and hosting more than 4000 guests. As well as welcoming new visitors, Belfast facilitated seven cruise turnarounds during the year with Ambassador, which meant that 2,500 local passengers started and ended their journey in Belfast. This year, Belfast Harbour announced a landmark £90m investment in a new dual purpose deepwater cruise terminal. Michael Robinson, Port Director at Belfast Harbour
said, “The tourism industry in Northern Ireland has been instrumental in the ongoing success of cruise in Belfast, and we’d like to thank those working across the sector for their consistent warmth and the positive experience they continue to provide for our cruise
MSC Cruises Announce Major Order For Six New Vessels
visitors. “Construction has begun on our deepwater cruise terminal, which marks a £90m investment, the most Belfast Harbour has ever invested in a single project. This signifies our confidence in the potential for further growth of the industry to boost our tourism sector.” Gerry Lennon, Chief Executive, Visit Belfast, said “The
end of the cruise season offers a valuable moment to reflect on the impact of tourism and the strength of the partnerships that make it possible. Cruise visitors bring vibrancy, international reach and meaningful economic benefit, not just to Belfast, but to towns and attractions right across the city region. Through Cruise Belfast, our long-standing partnership with Belfast Harbour, and with the many organisations that make up our cruise supply chain, we remain focused on delivering exceptional visitor experiences and supporting the sustainable and inclusive growth of cruise tourism into
the future.”
Zuiderdam Returns to Operations Boasting New Refurb
HOLLAND America Line ship Zuiderdam has returned to service following a two-week dry dock in the Bahamas. The
Scenic Cruises Unveil New Wine-Themed River Itineraries
SCENIC Luxury Cruises & Tours has unveiled four wine- themed river cruise itineraries, as part of its new 2026 ‘A Taste of’ series. The sailings include experiences such as private vineyard tours, tastings hosted by experts, and tailored excursions. The itineraries compromise: Eight-day ‘Gems of the Danube’
- highlights include a visit to the Etyek wine region to sample aromatic whites and sparkling wine; the Carpathian wine region; and visits to wineries in the Wachau Valley.
Eight-day ‘Rhine Highlights’ - highlights include
visits to
winemaking villages in the Alsace region, with a tasting in a local wine cellar; a guided tour and tasting at the property of Fritz Ritter, a family owned vineyard; and a visit to the Koblenz Wine Museum. Eight-day ‘Tastes of Bordeaux – A
Wine Cruise’ - highlights include a visit to a château in Saint-Émilion; e-bike ride through the Médoc wine countryside; and a visit to a local estate in the Sauternes region 11-day ‘South of France’ - highlights include learning about the vineyards that produce Provence’s signature rosé; a visit to a local wine estate in Burgundy; and a guided tasting of the Côtes du Rhône wines with a local expert.
MSC Cruises has announced a major new order for four next-generation cruise vessels and two additional
options from MEYER
WERFT in Papenburg marking the launch of its new “New Frontier” platform – a brand- new class of ships. The order will secure full capacity at the shipyard well into the next decade. The announcement was made at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy in Berlin by Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Katherina Reiche and Energy Minister-President Lower Saxony, Olaf Lies, MSC Cruises’ Executive Chairman Pierfrancesco Vago and MEYER WERFT’s CEO Dr. Bernd Eikens. Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC
Cruises, said, “MEYER WERFT’s track record, expertise and proud history make it a true beacon of European shipbuilding. Together, we will create vessels that redefine the cruise experience while preserving the craftsmanship that keeps Germany at the forefront of maritime engineering. The New Frontier class will enable us to design new and exclusive itineraries, offer exceptional guest experience and will feature next-generation environmental technologies that
will advance our net-zero 2050 commitment.” Dr. Bernd Eikens, CEO of MEYER WERFT said:
“This new order marks a significant milestone in the 230-year history of MEYER WERFT. We are delighted to welcome MSC Cruises as a new customer and strategic partner, and we are truly honored by the trust they have placed in us. This long-term partnership with MSC Cruises ensures sustainable growth and job security for many years to come. Today is a truly positive and significant day for everyone at MEYER WERFT—our employees and our partners alike.”
With a maximum passenger capacity of 5,400 and approximately 180,000 gross tons, the “New Frontier” ships will be delivered annually starting in 2030. This order represents a decisive boost for the
regional economy. It secures thousands of jobs in Germany, particularly in Lower Saxony and Papenburg, where MEYER WERFT is a cornerstone employer and sustains work for the shipyard’s extensive
supplier operations. network. More than 3,200
people are directly employed at MEYER WERFT, with over 20,000 jobs in the wider region linked to its
Royal Caribbean Officially Opens Newest Beach Club
Vista-class ship departed Miami on December 6th for a 17- day Eastern & Southern Caribbean cruise, with a range of enhancements including a redesigned Crow’s Nest, new ocean view staterooms and updates throughout public areas and staterooms. The Crow’s Nest lounge now
features a new bandstand stage designed
for more intimate
performances and events. The space also received upgraded lighting and audio systems. In total,
11 additional ocean
view staterooms were installed on decks one and seven. The dry dock also included new carpeting in all verandah staterooms on decks five through to ten, as well as in Neptune, Signature and Pinnacle suites. Verandah staterooms on deck
eight received full bathroom updates, including new mirrors,
bathtubs,
floors and walls. Approximately 300 other staterooms across the ship were also fitted with new bathroom flooring and updated wallpaper. Elsewhere, new carpeting was installed in the Dining Room, Lido Market, Canaletto, guest corridors, stairwells, elevator lobbies and the Greenhouse Spa & Salon. The Atrium also received new carpeting and a fresh coat of paint, while Canaletto and Lido Market now feature updated upholstery on dining chairs and banquettes. Zuiderdam’s onboard Photo Gallery has a redesigned sales counter and retail area, while new furniture is available on the outdoor deck and hydro pool area.
ROYAL Caribbean officially marked the debut of Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in
The
Bahamas with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Royal Caribbean executives and Bahamian government officials gathered at the all-new beach club to celebrate the launch and highlight the collaboration between the
vacation
brand and The Bahamas. More than 150 government officials, VIPs and community members joined the festivities to celebrate the official ribbon cutting and get an exclusive look at the first-of-its-kind destination. Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is aiming to redefine the ideal beach day
with all-inclusive experiences
for every vacationer and mood. From all-day party vibes at Party Cove’s The Floating Flamingo – the world’s largest swim up bar – to Chill Beach and family time at Family Beach, the beach club is expected to elevate guests’ experiences within the islands.
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