Foyle Port welcomed the brand new cruise ship Explora I to Lough Foyle yesterday on her first ever visit to the island of Ireland.
The liner is the pinnacle of luxury travel and is a treat for tourists seeking opulent travel.
Explora I was built and delivered by Fincantieri in the Monfalcone shipyard in Italy and is owned by Explora Journeys, a new luxury division of MSC Cruises.
The cutting-edge ship has been designed with sustainability in mind.
For two people at £1,000 per night, guests can enjoy a stay in one of the 461 ocean-front suites, optional butler service, all-inclusive access to the ship’s nine restaurants, unlimited beverages, and access to the state-of-the-art spa and wellness centre.
Explora I in Lough Foyle
Explora I embarked on her maiden voyage on 1st August from Copenhagen, Denmark on a 14-night journey through seven destinations including a two-night stay in Reykjavik, Iceland.
The ship visited Lough Foyle on Friday as part of her inaugural UK and Ireland voyage. To mark the occasion, delegates from Failte Ireland, Donegal County Council, Go Visit Inishowen, Visit Derry, Hamilton Shipping and Foyle Port exchanged plaques with the ship’s Captain Serena Melani, a long standing maritime tradition.
Plaque Exchange onboard Explora I on 31st August 2023. From left to right: Lisa McLaughlin, Trade Liaison Manager, Go Visit Inishowen; Leo McParland, Managing Director, Hamilton Shipping; Matt Doherty, Business Development Officer, Visit Derry; Catherine Crawley, Visitor Services Officer, Visit Derry; Captain Serena Melani, Explora Journeys; Martin Harley, Cathaoirleach, Donegal County Council; Louise Denvir, Cruise Marketing Executive, Foyle Port; John McLaughlin, Chief Executive, Donegal County Council; David Leonard, Wild Atlantic Way Officer, Fáilte Ireland; Harbour Master Captain Bill McCann, Foyle Port
Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr. Martin Harley said, “I am delighted to welcome this luxury cruise ship Explora I to Donegal today on its inaugural visit. Donegal and the North West region provides a unique experience for the passengers and crew, many of whom are visiting Ireland for the first time. Showcasing Donegal and the North West region’s natural, unspoilt beauty will pay dividends in the future and we look forward to many of today’s visitors returning to our region in the years ahead.”
He added, ”I would like to congratulate everyone involved on making this visit of Explora I such a great success and hope it will be the first of many.”
Foyle Port’s Harbour Master, Captain Bill McCann said, “It is an absolute honour to welcome the guests and crew of this extraordinary ship on her first visit to the island.
“We believe the North West is a cruise destination with an unrivalled offering – guests can visit incredible locations of natural outstanding beauty including the Inishowen Peninsula, UNESCO World Heritage site the Giant’s Causeway and Glenveagh National Park. Visitors also spend the day discovering the sights of Derry-Londonderry and Greencastle village.
“We are thrilled cruise visits to the region doubled in 2023; of 17 ships, seven of these have been inaugural calls, showing the growth of cruise tourism to the North West.”
Explora I on Lough Foyle
Many guests and crew spent time in Greencastle.
Trisha Kealy of Kealy’s Seafood restaurant in Greencastle commented, “We are delighted cruise visits continue to increase and anchor in Lough Foyle. They are hugely beneficial and help showcase Greencastle and the surrounding area. Many thanks to all those involved for making the North West a great tourist destination.”
This week the Port will host six cruise ships, two of which will visit on Saturday. Azamara Journey and Noble Caledonia’s Island Sky and will come alongside in the commercial Port at Lisahally. Two cruise ships in one day will be another first for the Port.
By the end of the 2023 cruise season, Foye Port will have welcomed over 14,000 passengers and crew with visitor nationalities ranging from the US, Australia, France, Brazil, Israel and Germany to name a few.