Foyle Port Anticipates 21% Growth in Cruise Tourism for 2025

20/10/2025

Strong 2025 Cruise Season Highlights Foyle Port’s Rising International Profile

Foyle Port has wrapped up a highly successful 2025 cruise season, welcoming 19 cruise ship calls – a 46% increase on the previous year, and attracting a diverse range of international visitors to the North West region. This year’s cruise calendar featured ships from 11 different cruise lines, including world-leading luxury operators Regent Seven Seas, Azamara, Silversea, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, and Phoenix Reisen, alongside renowned expedition lines such as Mystic Cruises, AE Expeditions, Exploris Expeditions and Noble Caledonia. The season included five inaugural calls and a first-ever visit from luxury line Windstar Cruises, whose ship Star Legend made its debut at the port. In total, the 2025 season brought 6,930 passengers and crew to the region. Of the 3,940 passengers, nearly half were from the United States (48%), followed by Germany (20%), the United Kingdom (13%), France (5%) and Canada (4%). Depending on ship size and tidal conditions, vessels were welcomed either at the tender port in Greencastle or the commercial port at Lisahally. Bill McCann, Harbour Master and Operations Director at Foyle Port commented, “We are delighted with how the season has gone this year. The increase in calls and the range of visitors highlight Foyle Port’s growing reputation as a key gateway for cruise tourism in the North West. We look forward to building on this success and continuing to showcase our region’s unique location as the gateway to the historic city of Derry-Londonderry and two of the world’s most iconic coastal routes, the Wild Atlantic Way and the Causeway Coast.” The success of the 2025 season underscores Foyle Port’s commitment to strengthening the region’s tourism profile and supporting local economic growth through the cruise industry. As part of its long-term strategy to grow this sector, Foyle Port actively engages with the global cruise market, attending major trade shows in Miami and Hamburg to meet with both existing and prospective cruise clients. The Port is also an active member of Cruise Ireland, a marketing organisation dedicated to promoting the island on a global scale. In September, Cruise Ireland and Cruise Britain jointly won “Destination of the Year” at the prestigious Seatrade Cruise Awards. Further cementing its reputation, the Port hosted a high-profile familiarisation trip in September for 12 cruise line representatives from the US and Europe. The visit included tours of the commercial port at Lisahally and the tender port at Greencastle, along with a tailored itinerary designed to showcase the destination and the range of tourism products available to visiting cruise guests. The trip formed part of a wider tour of Ireland hosted by Cruise Ireland in partnership with Excursions Ireland. Niamh McCarthy, Managing Director of Excursions Ireland said, “Working with Foyle Port and the wider North West region has been an absolute pleasure and this past season was no different. This progressive, forward-thinking port is not only strategically located on the stunning North West coast, but also acts as a gateway to a region steeped in incredible history, culture, and natural beauty.” She added, “The recent showcase proved to be a tremendous success. Visiting cruise line executives were thoroughly impressed with Derry and the surrounding areas — so much so that several have already committed to increasing cruise calls to the region in upcoming seasons. It was especially rewarding for our valued clients to explore this area in depth, as it’s not always first to paper when planning itineraries. That perception is changing. This region deserves more footfall, and it's clear they are both eager and ready to welcome more visitors.”

12/05/2025

Adventure Sets Sail at Foyle Port as the 2025 Cruise Season Begins

Foyle Port welcomed its first cruise ship of the 2025 season yesterday, Sunday 11th May, as the state-of-the-art expedition vessel World Explorer arrived at Lisahally. Her visit marks the start of what is set to be a positive and exciting cruise season for the region. Visiting as part of a 10-day “All Ireland Cruise” itinerary, World Explorer is circumnavigating the island, having departed from Nantes, France and concluding her journey in Zeebrugge, Belgium. Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) reports that expedition and exploration are the fastest-growing sectors of cruise tourism, a trend that is clearly reflected in the calls to Foyle Port with 65% of visiting cruise ships classed as luxury expedition vessels. “These expedition calls are a strong endorsement of the unique experiences our region provides,” said Captain Bill McCann, Harbour Master & Operations Director at Foyle Port. “We are seeing growing interest from luxury operators who are seeking authentic, immersive experiences for their guests — something our destination delivers in abundance. From breathtaking coastal scenery to UNESCO world heritage sites, we are proud to be a gateway to some of the most iconic places to visit on the island of Ireland.” Expedition ships are typically smaller, more agile vessels designed to access remote locations. They offer adventure-rich itineraries, educational programming with regional experts, and often carry Zodiac landing craft for off-ship exploration. They combine luxury and learning, with an increasing focus on sustainability. World Explorer, chartered from Mystic Cruises by Belgium-based tour operators Rivages du Monde, is a leading example — powered by two cutting-edge Rolls Royce hybrid-electric engines that significantly reduce emissions and environmental impact. The five-star vessel docked at Lisahally while her 111 guests maximised their time in the destination by exploring Counties Derry-Londonderry, Antrim and Donegal. Excursions included visits to the oldest distillery in the world, Old Bushmills Distillery, a guided walk of Derry’s famous City Walls, and journeyed to the ancient stone fort, Grianán of Aileach in Donegal. Nick Robshaw, Director of Shore Excursions at European Cruise Services, said “It’s such a delight to be working with World Explorer and Foyle Port once again in 2025. The fact that the ship returns every year just shows the warmth of the welcome and quality of passenger experiences on offer. Our local suppliers have made every effort to ensure that the passengers have had a great time on their excursions to Derry City Centre and Walls, Grianán of Aileach as well as the Causeway Coast and Bushmills Distillery.” Following World Explorer’s call, Foyle Port will welcome two additional luxury expedition ships making their inaugural visits to the region this month. On 19th May, Silversea Cruise’s Silver Endeavour will dock at Lisahally and deploy Zodiacs to transfer guests directly to the city centre via the river — a unique and immersive arrival experience. Then, on 24th May, Exploris One from the French operator, Exploris Expeditions will tender guests ashore at Magilligan Point, offering another distinctive entry point to the region.

16/04/2025

Foyle Port Anticipates 21% Growth in Cruise Tourism for 2025

The North West region is set for a significant surge in cruise tourism this year, 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 calls are scheduled between May and September, including maiden visits from five vessels. 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 combined visiting passenger and crew spend will generate over £0.5 million for the local economy in 2025. As members of Cruise Ireland, a strategic network of Irish port authorities and stakeholders, the Port is 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. Since 1996, representatives from the Port have attended this annual event, continuously promoting Foyle Port as the gateway to Derry-Londonderry and the wider North West region for cruise tourism. Captain Bill McCann, Harbour Master & Operations Director, Foyle Port 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.” According to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), over 60% of cruise passengers revisit a destination they first discovered via a cruise. At Foyle Port, visitor surveys reinforce this trend, with 100% 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. She explained, “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. Visitors can enjoy world-class events such as the City of Derry Jazz Festival, Foyle Maritime Festival, and Europe’s largest Halloween festival. 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, featuring the UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway. 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, World Explorer, is set to dock on 11th May. To view the full cruise schedule, visit www.foyleport.com/cruise-and-leisure