Foyle Port Set for a Record-Breaking Cruise Season

09/06/2026

Nieuw Statendam Makes Landmark Visit as the Largest Cruise Ship in Foyle History

A major milestone was reached as Nieuw Statendam became the largest cruise ship ever to visit Lough Foyle, marking a landmark moment for Foyle Port and the wider North West region. At just under 100,000 gross tonnes and measuring 300 metres in length, the vessel operated by Holland America Line brings its highest ever single day volume of passengers and crew to the destination, underscoring the region’s growing appeal to major international cruise operators. The Nieuw Statendam, capable of accommodating up to 2,666 guests and 1,053 crew, called to Lough Foyle as part of Holland America Line's 28-day "Arctic Circle & British Isles Collectors' Voyage" — an itinerary that places the North West firmly alongside some of the most sought-after destinations in the region. This latest call marks Holland America Line's first return to Lough Foyle since the Prinsendam visited in 2018, and the operator has already confirmed scheduled return visits in 2027, 2028 and 2029. To commemorate the inaugural call, a traditional plaque exchange was held on board between the ship’s Captain and local representatives from Foyle Port. Foyle Port’s Harbour Master and Operations Director, Captain Bill McCann said: “Welcoming the Nieuw Statendam — the largest cruise ship ever to call to Lough Foyle — is a landmark moment for Foyle Port and for the wider North West region, and a reflection of the significant work that has gone into developing this destination for major international operators. “Bringing close to 3,700 passengers and crew to the region in a single visit is a record for us, and the fact that Holland America Line has already committed to returning for the next three years tells its own story about the confidence that leading cruise lines now have in our Port facilities and local tourism offering. “The North West has a great deal to showcase, and we look forward to welcoming many more vessels of this calibre in the years ahead." Karen Farndell, associate vice president for sales and marketing for Holland America Line, Operator of Nieuw Statendam, said: “Calling at Foyle Port offers a wonderful opportunity for our guests to experience the history, culture, and landscapes that make Northern Ireland so special. “We are committed to connecting guests more deeply with the destinations we visit, while caring for the local communities and natural environments that make these journeys so meaningful”. Driving the demand for visitors to the region is also its leading tourism offering, with passengers from Nieuw Statendam able to access to a range of shore excursions across the North West, taking in the region's Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, museums, and more. New to this season's offering is Celtic Grá, a live production of Celtic music and dance which has been performed to audiences worldwide on land and at sea. Niamh McCarthy, Managing Director, Excursions Ireland, said: “The Foyle region is a shining example of what can be achieved when a remarkable destination is supported by a truly progressive Port. Rich in history, surrounded by stunning scenery, and packed with diverse experiences, it continues to grow as a must-visit cruise destination. “Working alongside Foyle Port is always a pleasure for us in Excursions Ireland – their proactive, innovative approach and commitment to partnership make them a driving force for the region’s success. 2026 is a busy season in Foyle Port and we look forward to being a part of the impressive growth this region is seeing.”

24/04/2026

Cruise Season Officially Underway at Foyle Port with Debut Visit from Cruise Line

The 2026 cruise season has officially commenced at Foyle Port with the arrival of its first passenger vessel of the year, an inaugural visit from leading French luxury cruise line, Ponant. The ice-class rated expedition vessel, Le Lapérouse, anchored in Greencastle on Thursday 16th April, marking the beginning of what is set to be a record year for cruise tourism for the Port. The ship is calling as part of a 10-day “Celtic Secrets & Landscapes” cruise, sailing from Greenock to Cobh, with stops across Scotland, Wales and Ireland. This marks the earliest cruise call ever to the region and with the final call scheduled for 19th September, this is set to be the longest season on record for Foyle Port. To commemorate the inaugural call, a traditional plaque exchange was held on board between the ship’s Captain Adrien Eyssautier and local representatives from Foyle Port, Fáilte Ireland, Donegal County Council, Go Visit Inishowen and Hamilton Shipping Services. Foyle Port’s Harbour Master and Operations Director, Captain Bill McCann said, “We are delighted to welcome Ponant to the North West for the first time. The arrival of a prestigious luxury expedition cruise line of this calibre is a strong endorsement of the region’s offering and its growing reputation on the global cruise stage. Ponant guests typically seek out culturally rich and off-the-beaten-track destinations, making the North West an ideal fit and creating valuable opportunities for local tourism businesses.” He added, “This is the first of eight inaugural calls scheduled for 2026, alongside a strong return rate, with 87% of the cruise lines choosing to revisit the region. This year is set to be a record, with the highest volume of calls and almost 16,000 passengers, the most we have ever welcomed.” Expedition vessels continue to play a significant role in the 2026 season, accounting for 36% of all cruise calls, most of which are scheduled during April and May. Le Lapérouse is due to return on Sunday 3rd May, followed by another inaugural visit from Douglas Mawson, operated by Aurora Expeditions, on Saturday 16th May. To view the full list of cruise calls to Foyle Port in 2026, visit www.foyleport.com/cruise-and-leisure

30/03/2026

Foyle Port Set for a Record-Breaking Cruise Season

Foyle Port is preparing to welcome its largest ever cruise programme with 22 calls from 15 cruise lines scheduled to visit Ireland’s North West in 2026. The record season is expected to bring an estimated 15,800 international visitors to the region, delivering significant economic benefits to local visitor attractions, hospitality providers, retail and transport companies. This year’s scheduled calls are expected to run from April until September, more than a month longer than the 2025 cruise season. Among the visiting vessels will be first-time visits from Ponant and Nicko Cruises, alongside several returning cruise partners who continue to include Foyle Port in their itineraries. One of the highlights of the season will be the scheduled arrival of Nieuw Statendam, operated by Holland America Line. She will be the largest ship to ever visit Lough Foyle and will bring the highest volume of passengers and crew the port has welcomed in a single day. On 28 August, the port will also host a double ship day, with frequent caller Hebridean Sky joined by a return visit from Seven Seas Voyager. The majority of the liners will anchor at the tender port of Greencastle, with some smaller vessels scheduled for berthing alongside at Lisahally and Fort George in the city centre. Captain Bill McCann, Harbour Master & Operations Director, Foyle Port said, “We are very much looking forward to welcoming both new and returning cruise lines this year in what is set to be our busiest season to date. We expect eight first-time calls, including the brand-new luxury ship from Explora Journeys, Explora III, which is scheduled to make its debut visit to the island of Ireland here in the North West on 6th June. The increase in cruise calls reinforces the region’s growing appeal among itinerary planners, which we have been actively promoting over the years. The destination makes for a key stop among itineraries particularly around Ireland, Britain and Scandinavia.” Louise Denvir, Cruise Marketing Executive, Foyle Port added, “We have been working closely with strategic partners, including local tourism organisations, shore excursion companies and councils across both jurisdictions to ensure visitors experience the very best of the region. Cruise visitors have a unique opportunity to discover the blend of historic city culture in Derry-Londonderry, alongside the chance to explore the stunning rural highlights in counties Donegal, Antrim and Tyrone, creating a well-rounded and memorable experience for international visitors. Our hope is that cruise guests leave with a real taste of the region and are inspired to return in the future for longer, overnight stays.” The first cruise ship, Le Lapérouse, is scheduled to anchor in Greencastle on 16th April. To view the full cruise schedule, visit www.foyleport.com/cruise-and-leisure