Foyle Port concluded its 2024 cruise season on September 15, with the departure of the Hebridean Princess, marking the end of a successful season, according to a press release. The port welcomed over 10,000 passengers and crew during the cruise season. More than half of the visitors were from the United States, followed by the UK (22 percent), Germany (8 percent), Canada (6 percent), and Australia (5 percent). The season, which ran from May to September, saw ships docking at both Lisahally and the tender port of Greencastle. The largest vessel was the 294-meter Norwegian Dawn, with a gross tonnage of 92,250, setting a record along with the Norwegian Star as the largest ships to enter Lough Foyle. Captain Bill McCann, harbor master and operations director at Foyle Port, said: “The Port’s unique position as a gateway to both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, linking popular tourist routes such as the Causeway Coastal Route and the Wild Atlantic Way makes it a highly appealing cruise destination. “Cruise is one of the fastest growing sectors of tourism and we are committed to being part of that expansion. We are projecting a 50 percent rise in cruise calls in 2025 from pre-pandemic levels.” Foyle Port also saw six maiden calls, including visits from Saga’s Spirit of Adventure, Azamara’s Onward and Quest, Silversea’s Silver Spirit, Norwegian Cruise Lines’ Norwegian Dawn and Phoenix Reisen’s Amadea. John G. McLaughlin, chief executive at 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.” 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.” ## A Boom in Cruise Tourism The 2024 cruise season at Foyle Port wrapped up earlier this month, marking the end of a successful period in the Port's 170th year of operations. The last ship to depart 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. ### International Appeal Foyle Port, located in Derry, benefits from the increasing popularity of cruises to the British Isles. Over half of the visitors arriving at Foyle Port were from the United States. The remainder included visitors from the United Kingdom (22%), Germany (8%), Canada (6%) and Australia (5%), highlighting the destination’s international appeal. ### A Busy Season 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. ### Record-Breaking Arrivals 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. ### A Surge in Maiden Calls Foyle Port experienced a surge in maiden calls during the season, welcoming six ships for their first visits, including: Saga’s Spirit of Adventure, Azamara Onward, Silversea’s Silver Spirit, Norwegian Dawn from Norwegian Cruise Lines, Phoenix Reisen’s Amadea, and Azamara Quest. ### Looking Ahead Captain Bill McCann, Harbour Master & Operations Director at Foyle Port, expressed great satisfaction with the season's success. He said: “The Port’s unique position as a gateway to both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, linking popular tourist routes such as the Causeway Coastal Route and the Wild Atlantic Way makes it a highly appealing cruise destination. “Cruise is one of the fastest growing sectors of tourism and we are committed to being part of that expansion. We are projecting a 50% rise in cruise calls in 2025 from pre-pandemic levels.” ### A Success for the Region 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.” ## A Gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way Foyle Port can accommodate vessels up to 71,650 gross tons and a maximum length of 705 feet. Its within walking distance of the town’s center, which is filled with shops, restaurants, and bars. Londonderry is also a gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way, a 1,500-mile-long western coastal road stretching from the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal in the north to County Cork’s Kinsale in the south. Its 2024 season launched with Seabourn’s Ovation arriving on May 14, 2024, with 600 passengers.