Foyle Port is set to conclude its most successful cruise season to date, with close to 19,000 passengers and crew visiting Ireland’s North West during 2026. The port scheduled a record 22 cruise calls across 15 different cruise lines this year, including six first-time visits, as its cruise season extended by more than a month compared with 2025.
Foyle Port estimates the season will generate an economic impact of more than £1.1 million, while passenger numbers are up 32% on the previous record set in 2023. Visitors during the season have come from across Europe, North America and Asia.
Six Cruise Lines Make First Visits
Among the six cruise lines making inaugural calls were Ponant, Windstar and Oceania Cruises.
One of the season's highlights was the arrival of Holland America Line's Nieuw Statendam, which became the largest ship yet to visit Lough Foyle. The ship also brought the most passengers and crew the port handled in a single day.
Record Arrival: Holland America Line's Nieuw Statendam became the largest cruise ship ever to visit Lough Foyle, also bringing the highest number of passengers and crew welcomed by Foyle Port in a single day
A double-ship call followed on 28 August, when Hebridean Sky berthed at Fort George while Seven Seas Voyager made a return visit to Greencastle Harbour.
Depending on vessel size and tidal conditions, cruise ships have been handled at Foyle Port's tender facility at Greencastle, the commercial port at Lisahally or alongside at Fort George in Derry city centre.
36 Cruise Ships Scheduled For 2027
Foyle Port says further growth is already expected next year, with 36 cruise ships and some 25,000 passengers scheduled to visit during the 2027 season.
Captain Bill McCann, Harbour Master and Operations Director at Foyle Port, said the 2026 season had been the most successful in the port's history.
“Welcoming close to 19,000 international visitors and generating over £1.1m in economic impact is a clear indication of the growing confidence the cruise industry has in this destination and in the port's capacity to accommodate vessels of increasing scale.”
McCann said the port was looking forward to building on that momentum, with the 2027 programme set to bring 36 ships and 25,000 passengers.
Cruise Debut: Explora III passes the Donegal coast during its first-ever call to the island of Ireland, part of Foyle Port's record 22-call cruise programme in 2026
Boost For North West Tourism
John G. McLaughlin, Chief Executive of Donegal County Council, said the cruise season had brought significant benefits to hospitality, retail and tourism businesses across the North West.
“This sustained growth in cruise tourism has a real, measurable impact on the local economy, and it is a testament to the work being done to position the North West as a destination of choice.”
Foyle Port says it will continue working with cruise operators, tourism bodies and local businesses to develop the North West as a cruise destination.
