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
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
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