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Displaying items by tag: Biggest Cruise Season

#CruiseLiners - The biggest cruise season in Belfast Port took place last year and 2018 is set to be even busier as cruiseships call in several months time, writes Jehan Ashmore. 

A total of 94 cruise ships according to Belfast Harbour Commissioners, had docked with over 156,000 passengers visiting the city and beyond.

The largest and longest cruiseship visitor Regal Princess at 330m as previously reported on Afloat docked alongside Stormont Wharf Extension. The wharf's extension which was completed in recent years is just 20m longer than the cruiseship which demonstrates such large sized cruiseships.

On board were 3,600 passengers who had sailed overnight from Greenock, Scotland as part of a 26 day Copenhagen to New York Cruise. The cruise included visits to locations in Russia, Norway, Germany, Estonia, Finland, Sweden and Denmark.

Other large callers last season included another Princess Cruises giant, the 'Grand Class' Caribbean Princess and rivals Celberity Cruises whose 'Soltice' class Celebrity Eclipse made an appearance. Asides these big brand names, other operators were Silversea, Majestic, Fred Olsen and relative newcomer Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV).

A list of cruise callers visiting Belfast this season will according to the BHC website will be made available soon through this link.

Published in Cruise Liners

About Arklow Shipping

Arklow Shipping Limited, one of Ireland's leading shipping companies, has marked over 50 years of operation following its establishment in 1966.

The company, which began with a fleet of seven ships, has grown steadily over the years and now boasts a fleet of 59 vessels.

The company was founded by Captains James Tyrrell, Michael Tyrrell, and Victor Hall, who collaborated to create an umbrella company to operate their ships. This move allowed them to reduce overheads and strengthen their position in the market. The original fleet comprised seven ships, namely Tyrronall, Murell, Marizell, Valzell, Kilbride, River Avoca, and Avondale, all of varying sizes.

The shipping industry in Ireland underwent a significant transformation in the 1960s, with the replacement of traditional auxiliary schooners with modern crafts.

Arklow Shipping was at the forefront of this change, and the founders recognized the need for a new approach to shipping in Ireland. They built a company that could adapt to the changing market demands, and this has been a key factor in the company's continued growth.

Over the years, Arklow Shipping has bought, sold, and built ships, facing the challenges and opportunities that come with operating in the shipping industry. Despite these challenges, the company has remained committed to meeting market demand and providing high-quality services to its clients.

Today, Arklow Shipping is a leading player in the shipping industry, with a strong reputation for reliability and professionalism. The company's success story is a testament to the vision and dedication of its founders, who laid the foundation for a company that has stood the test of time.