| NI cruising is strong

THE return of Cruise Belfast’s cruise sector has fared better than expected, offering Northern Ireland’s tourism recovery a welcome boost.

With 72 cruise ship arrivals to Belfast this year, the arrival of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Borealis marked the end of a successful season.

The resumption of cruise tourism began on 17 Jun, with the arrival of MSC Cruises new flagship MSC Virtuosa, and since then, Belfast has welcomed the arrival of more than 55,000 passengers, with 15 cruise lines and a number of world-class ships making inaugural calls to the city.

Virtuosa’s arrival followed months of close partnership between Cruise Belfast, industry operators, the public health agency, and others, to implement a robust COVID-19 Port Management Plan.

Belfast Harbour Port Director Michael Robinson said: “we have been delighted to welcome 72 vessels to Belfast this season, with cruise lines including Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, MSC and Saga visiting our shores.”