Cruise ship tourism, hailed as transformative for the north west economy, is poised for substantial expansion in 2027, with passenger numbers expected to nearly double. Foyle Port anticipates approximately 25,000 visitors across its three landing facilities next year, up from almost 12,000 who arrived between April and September 2026. The growth reflects a broader surge in cruise industry activity, with 36 vessels now confirmed for 2027 compared to 22 ships during the 2026 season.
Foyle Port operates three distinct landing areas: Lisahally outside Londonderry, Fort George in the city centre, and Greencastle in County Donegal. The 2026 cruise season generated £1.1m for the local economy, according to port figures. The 2026 cruise season officially began with the arrival of a Ponant vessel, marking the start of what would become a record-breaking year for the port.
Bill McCann, harbour master at Foyle Port, characterised the expansion as remarkable growth for a facility traditionally focused on bulk cargo.
We are mainly a bulk port for coal, grain, minerals and oil at Foyle Port. But we are also classified for fishing and of course cruise ships which people will have seen more and more of in our waters.
McCann highlighted the diversity of visitors and their spending patterns across the region.
Tourists from all over are coming here and you hear so many different accents. Yes, this is part of their stop over, but thousands are excited to come see this part of the world and spend their cash.
The port's infrastructure strategy reflects the scale of cruise operations. Foyle Port directs the majority of vessels to its tender facility at Greencastle during summer months due to superior infrastructure there. Passengers arrive via smaller boats from anchored ships, then disperse across both sides of the border to spend money in local establishments and on organised excursions.
McCann noted the appeal of cross-border attractions to cruise visitors.
I have to say the majority love crossing the border into Derry and the north coast for all the attractions. Our staff have been busy this season, but we're well used to it now. Next year will be even busier with 36 ships across all harbours.
Many passengers arrange trips and tours weeks or months in advance, booking experiences across both jurisdictions before departure. Notable visits have included the Norwegian Star, which anchored off Greencastle with 3,200 guests and crew on a 10-day Ireland voyage, demonstrating the scale of individual ship visits.
How are local tourism businesses benefiting?
Tourism operators across the region are experiencing significant revenue uplift from cruise passenger spending. David Gilliland, managing partner at the 18th Century Brook Hall Estate and Gardens, described cruise tourism as essential to the site's financial performance since the facility pivoted toward tourism following the pandemic.
Our experiences are pre-booked with tour operators, so we know what numbers to expect from the cruise ships. They come here by bus and they love the history and scenery. Our cruise ship visitors are spending £20 to £30 per person which adds up and is good for our revenue generation. It's a big source of income for us during the summer months.
Gilliland emphasised the importance of retaining cruise passengers within the north west region rather than allowing them to disperse elsewhere.
The cruise ships have been invaluable. We are looking forward to an even busier season next year.
He stressed the cross-border dimension of cruise tourism revenue.
There are so many honey pots throughout the island of Ireland, but it is important to keep tourists in the north west region. People are spending in Donegal and then moving into Derry to spend. The cross-border revenue is vital for our economy. It's a great cash injection.
What is the broader economic impact?
Cruise tourism represents a significant and growing component of Northern Ireland's visitor economy. Tourism Northern Ireland values cruise tourism at approximately £27m annually to the regional economy. During 2026, cruise ships brought an estimated 300,000 visitors to Northern Ireland, with the north west capturing a substantial share of this traffic.
A Tourism Northern Ireland spokesperson commended Foyle Port's performance.
The Port of Foyle achieved a record year bringing passengers and tourism into the north west region. The outlook for cruise tourism in Northern Ireland looks positive, with further growth projected for next year and a new cruise terminal at Belfast Harbour planned to be completed in advance of the 2028 season.
Visit Derry chief executive Odhran Dunne highlighted the positive reception cruise passengers have given to the region.
The positive feedback from international cruise passengers on their visits to the city and north west region has been fantastic over the course of this year's cruise season. The range of visitor excursions and experiences on offer ensure the region continues to grow its reputation within the cruise industry as a must-see destination attracting new and repeat cruise lines each year. We look forward to supporting Foyle Port in servicing this growing sector of our tourism market.
Industry projections had anticipated strong 2026 performance well in advance. Tourism stakeholders had projected 15,800 international visitors from 22 calls across 15 cruise lines for the 2026 season, expectations that were ultimately met or exceeded.
What infrastructure developments are planned?
Foyle Port is pursuing long-term infrastructure improvements to accommodate larger vessels and enhance operational capacity. The port has been developing plans for a dedicated cruise berthing facility at Greencastle Harbour, which would allow larger ships to dock directly rather than requiring passengers to be tendered ashore via smaller boats. This facility is intended to help the port capitalise on the expanding cruise market and improve the passenger experience.
The Greencastle-Londonderry cruise schedule currently extends through 2027 and 2028, with confirmed calls including the MSC Explora 3 scheduled for 11 September 2026, indicating that growth is expected to continue well beyond the immediate 2027 season.
What happens next?
Foyle Port's cruise schedule remains subject to ongoing review, with the port noting that arrival times and cancellations may change at short notice. The confirmed 36 vessels for 2027 represent a 64 per cent increase over 2026 bookings, though final passenger numbers will depend on ship sizes and actual arrivals. The port's tender operations at Greencastle will continue to be the primary hub for cruise traffic during the summer months, with infrastructure development ongoing to support future expansion.
Key Facts
- Foyle Port expects approximately 25,000 cruise passengers in 2027, nearly double the 12,000 who arrived in the April-September 2026 period
- Cruise tourism generated £1.1m for the local economy in 2026 and is valued at £27m annually across Northern Ireland
- Thirty-six cruise vessels are confirmed for 2027, compared to 22 ships during the 2026 season
- Cruise passengers typically spend £20-£30 per person on local attractions and experiences, with many booking excursions weeks in advance
- A new cruise terminal at Belfast Harbour is planned for completion before the 2028 season, alongside ongoing infrastructure development at Greencastle
