Foyle Port is preparing for its busiest cruise season on record, with 22 calls from 15 cruise lines scheduled for 2026.
The programme is expected to bring an estimated 15,800 international visitors to Ireland’s North West, delivering a boost to tourism, hospitality, retail and transport sectors.
Cruise calls will run from April to September, extending the season by more than a month compared to 2025.
New visitors include Ponant and Nicko Cruises, alongside returning operators who continue to feature the port in regional itineraries.
A key highlight will be the arrival of Nieuw Statendam, operated by Holland America Line, the largest vessel ever to visit Lough Foyle and expected to deliver the port’s highest single-day passenger and crew numbers.
On 28 August, a double ship day will see Hebridean Sky joined by Seven Seas Voyager.
Port call — Silver Endeavour alongside at Lisahally during her inaugural 2025 visit, highlighting Foyle Port’s growing role in handling smaller cruise vessels directly at berth
Most vessels will anchor at the tender port of Greencastle, with smaller ships berthing at Lisahally and Fort George in the city centre.
While the growth is welcomed, the reliance on tendering at Greencastle and scheduled double-ship days will place added demands on port operations at peak times.
Captain Bill McCann, Harbour Master and Operations Director at Foyle Port, said the port is anticipating a landmark year.
“We are very much looking forward to welcoming both new and returning cruise lines this year in what is set to be our busiest season to date,” he said.
“We expect eight first-time calls, including the brand-new luxury ship from Explora Journeys, Explora III, which is scheduled to make its debut visit to the island of Ireland here in the North West on 6 June.”
He added that growing demand reflects the region’s rising profile among itinerary planners across Ireland, Britain and Scandinavia.
Louise Denvir, Cruise Marketing Executive at Foyle Port, said collaboration has been central to preparing for the season.
“We have been working closely with strategic partners, including local tourism organisations, shore excursion companies and councils across both jurisdictions to ensure visitors experience the very best of the region,” she said.
She said visitors can expect a mix of historic city culture in Derry-Londonderry and access to rural destinations across Donegal, Antrim and Tyrone.
“Our hope is that cruise guests leave with a real taste of the region and are inspired to return in the future for longer, overnight stays,” she added.
The season is set to begin with the arrival of Le Lapérouse, scheduled to anchor at Greencastle.
