Cruise ships bring tourism bonanza

During the Troubles, no-one would have believed that Belfast would become a port of call on the cruise ship circuit.

But times have changed, and there is now an increased desire among tourists to stop off and see the attractions of Northern Ireland's capital city.

The Grand Princess has previously docked in Belfast

Twenty-three cruise ships will call at the Port of Belfast in the next four months, carrying more than 30,000 passengers and crew.

Well-known cruise companies such as Princess Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Fred Olsen Cruise Lines and Celebrity Cruises will be visiting the city before the end of September.

According to official figures, it means the local economy can expect to receive about £9m in tourism revenue.

The figures were revealed by the Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau (BVCB) and the Port of Belfast.

Lisa McMurray of BVCB said it was excellent news for the tourist industry.

"When you consider that relatively recently there was no cruise programme to speak of in Belfast and this year, high profile companies are making up to four cruise calls here, it is amazing to think how far we have come," she said.

It is encouraging that Belfast is hosting so many cruise visitors this year from all over Europe and America David Giffen Port of Belfast

Lord Mayor of Belfast Wallace Browne said he was looking forward to welcoming the visitors to Belfast.

"We have so much to offer in Belfast, particularly for cruise visitors who perhaps have little time to spend in exploring," he said.

"With a compact city centre and many attractions of interest close by, it is the ideal cruise stop and we can be confident that we have an excellent tourism product to promote."

Port of Belfast Commercial Officer David Giffen said cruise ships were good news for the city.

"It is encouraging that Belfast is hosting so many cruise visitors this year from all over Europe and America, and that the number of vessels docking in the Port of Belfast has increased from 16 in 2005 to 23 this year," he said.

Allison Offor, of Diageo NI which sponsors the visitor centre, said Belfast was a "modern, dynamic European city with lots to offer visitors".

"Our bars, restaurants and eateries for example will appeal to both those searching for something traditional and those seeking out the stylish decor and relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that Belfast is becoming known for," she said.

The first cruise ship to arrive this year was the Black Prince which docked in the Port of Belfast on 24 April.

The season will continue until 28 September 2006 when the Princess Cruises liner Star Princess is expected to bring 2,600 passengers and 1,100 crew to the city.