BELFAST HARBOUR WELCOMES FIRST MAJOR CRUISE CALL OF 2026 AS MAJESTIC PRINCESS MAKES INAUGURAL VISIT
Belfast this year celebrates 30-year anniversary of first cruise ship call to the city
The 2026 cruise season has begun in recent weeks and today marks the arrival of the first major cruise call as the 330-metre long Majestic Princess cruise ship made its inaugural visit to Belfast Harbour.
This year, Belfast will welcome 141 cruise calls, with 10 ships making their inaugural call to the city. It is estimated that the cruise tourism to Belfast will contribute £26m to the Northern Ireland economy during the season.
The Majestic Princess is a 143,700 tonne, 19-deck Royal-class cruise ship which will bring almost 5,000 passengers and crew to Belfast for a full day as part of its cruise which will take in Le Havre in France as well as cities around the UK and Ireland.
Belfast is this year celebrating 30 years of welcoming cruise ships to the city, a major milestone for the region’s tourism industry. Since the first cruise ship docked at Belfast Harbour in 1996, Belfast has transformed into a premier global cruise destination securing its place as the second busiest cruise port in the UK, after Southampton, and the busiest on the island of Ireland.
Cruise Belfast, the strategic partnership between Belfast Harbour and Visit Belfast which markets the city as a leading cruise tourism destination, has confirmed that 13 turnaround cruises are expected this year – where guests both embark and disembark ships in Belfast, resulting in a boost to overnight stays and tourist spend in the city.
Seven cruise ships will be staying in port overnight this year, allowing passengers to spend even more time in the city and region.
Michael Robinson, port director at Belfast Harbour, said: “We’re delighted to welcome the Majestic Princess to Belfast for the first time today and excited that our longstanding partners, Princess Cruises, continue to view Belfast as a must see destination by putting us on the itineraries of a beautiful ship like the Majestic.
“This year we are celebrating 30 years of cruise tourism to Belfast, something that couldn’t have been anticipated when the first two cruise ships visited the city in 1996. Cruise is now a thriving industry that supports jobs and contributes to the region’s tourism offering. Our ongoing investment in port facilities confirms Belfast Harbour’s commitment to ensuring Belfast remains a top-tier destination for cruise tourism for the next 25 years and beyond.”
Gerry Lennon, CEO of Visit Belfast, remarked: “The arrival of the Majestic Princess to Belfast is an impressive way to kick off what promises to be another strong cruise season for our city. As we celebrate 30 years of cruise tourism, this milestone underscores the incredible experiences Belfast has to offer.”
Cruise tourism is vital to our local economy, supporting thousands of jobs and enabling growth across a range of sectors. We remain committed to providing the warmest of welcomes and showcasing our unique hospitality and attractions. With each ship that arrives, we embrace the opportunity to create lasting memories for our visitors and strengthen our community’s connections with the world.”
Over the last three decades, the cruise industry has brought millions of international visitors to these shores, showcasing the region’s hospitality and unique attractions.
Construction is underway on Belfast Harbour’s new £90m deepwater cruise quay at the mouth of the port. Due to enter operation in 2028, the new quay and terminal will accommodate some of the world’s largest cruise vessels, supporting ongoing growth in the sector, while enhancing the visitor experience for guests.
