The 2024 cruise season at Foyle Port wrapped up on Sunday 15th September, marking the end of a successful period in the Port's 170th year of operations. The last ship to depart Derry-Londonderry was Hebridean Princess, concluding a season that saw over 10,000 passengers and crew visit the region, bringing significant financial benefits to the local community.
Over half of the cruise guests arriving were from the United States with the remainder including visitors from the United Kingdom (22%), Germany (8%), Canada (6%) and Australia (5%), highlighting the destination’s international appeal.
Running from May to September, the season saw cruise ships divided between the berth at Lisahally and the tender port of Greencastle, where larger vessels anchor. The largest ship of the season was the 294-meter-long Norwegian Dawn, with a gross tonnage of 92,250. This vessel, along with the Norwegian Star, now holds the record for the largest ships to enter Lough Foyle.
The Port experienced a surge in maiden calls this year, welcoming six ships for their first visits, including ships from Saga, Phoenix Reisen, Silversea, Norwegian Cruise Line and two ships from Azamara.
Captain Bill McCann, Harbour Master & Operations Director at Foyle Port, expressed his satisfaction with the success of the cruise season, noting the Port’s commitment to fostering growth. He said, “Cruise is one of the fastest growing sectors of tourism and we are committed to being part of that expansion. Cruises to the British Isles are increasing in demand and we are projecting a 50% rise in cruise calls in 2025 from pre-pandemic levels.”
Visit Derry’s Chief Executive, Odhran Dunne said, “The feedback from international cruise passengers on their visit to the city and North West region has been fantastic over the course of the cruise season. The range of visitor excursions and experiences on offer ensure the destination continues to grow its reputation within the cruise industry as a must-see destination. We look forward to supporting Foyle Port in servicing this growing sector of our tourism market over the coming years.”
John G. McLaughlin, Chief Executive of Donegal County Council added, “I am delighted to congratulate Foyle Port on their success in attracting cruise tourism to the North West region in 2024. The cruise industry is continuing to generate significant income and create a range of job opportunities with the benefits of these cruise visits extending beyond the immediate tourism sector.
We were delighted to personally welcome a number of these ships on their inaugural visits, giving us an opportunity to showcase Donegal and the North West region’s outstanding natural, unspoilt beauty and look forward to many of the visitors returning to our region in the future. With such a successful 2024 cruise season for Foyle Port, I have no doubt they will continue to build on their success for the years ahead.”
