The first cruise ship of 2023 arrived into Lough Foyle this morning, marking the first of 15 cruise calls to the North West this year.
Guests and crew of the luxurious Seabourn Ovation were warmly welcomed as they discover all that the stunning North West has to offer as a tourist destination.
Foyle Port has more than doubled cruise calls this year with 15 ships and a total of 10,600 passengers from now until October.
The luxurious 210m Ovation has a capacity of 600 guests and 450 crew members. Guests onboard the Ovation explored the North West as part of a 14-day round trip from Dover, England.
Guests this morning enjoyed one of the most scenic cruises in the world sailing into Lough Foyle before anchoring at Greencastle.
They were met with panoramic views of Donegal’s Wild Atlantic Way, the steep scenic hills of Binevenagh and the iconic Causeway Coast and Glens. Northern Ireland’s second largest city, Derry-Londonderry is nestled between both coastal routes making this the perfect destination for international visitors to explore.
Foyle Port’s Chief Executive, Brian McGrath said, “We are thrilled to begin our 2023 cruise season with the welcome arrival of the Seabourn Ovation. We are delighted to have doubled our cruise calls this year with 15 ships and a total of 10,600 passengers from now until October. It’s fantastic to see the demand in leisure vessels returning following what has been a very challenging time for the industry and we look forward to welcoming international visitors to our beautiful North West shores.”
The port will receive maiden calls from eight ships this year, including the newly refurbished Renaissance making her inaugural voyage under French cruise company, Compagnie Française de Croisières.
The Sylvia Earle will be the next to berth at Greencastle / Magilligan on 25th May.
Luxury cruise line Explora Journeys is set to launch a brand-new cruise ship, Explora I, on 17th July 2023 and will visit Foyle Port in its second ever week of cruising.
Other prestigious cruise lines scheduled to call at the port include Azamara Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, Crystal Cruises and Silversea Cruises.
