#CRUISE LINERS - New York based Academic Arrangements Abroad have chartered Zegraham Expeditions Clipper Odyssey which is to call to Belfast Harbour today for an overnight visit, writes Jehan Ashmore.

Academic Arrangements offer more than 50 countries for guests to go cruising and accompanied by renowned scholars on itineraries specific to the nation's visited with tours to pre-eminent museums and alumni associations.

The tours also take a look behind the scenes of major cultural institutions and privileged access to private art collections and impressive gardens.

Guests on-board the 110-passenger adventure-style ship, are accommodated in 64 outside cabins. They have a sitting area with sofa, flat-screen TV and an individually controlled thermostat. Larger sized cabins (beds arranged in twins or queen) are located on Bridge Deck and some have balconies.

Asides fine dining facilities, passengers can avail of amenities including an outdoor pool, gym and library. On the technology front, computers with internet access and Wi-Fi are provided in public areas.

As to be expected of the adventure-cruiseship, a fleet of boats (note Zodiacs on top deck) which allow passengers to access more isolated destinations and the ability to get closer to wildlife and nature.

During her Irish Sea cruising grounds this month, the vessel is scheduled to return to Belfast twice. To view other cruise callers click the LIST.

Currently only small cruiseships can dock within the 'Docklands' quarter quays due to the limitations imposed on dimensions, as vessels transit through the East-Link toll lift-bridge which was built in 1984. The majority of cruiseships, which are considerably larger and can exceed over 100,000 gross tonnes, berth 2kms downriver mostly in Alexandra Basin and adjoining Ocean Pier.

There are proposals to build a dedicated cruise-terminal close to the East-Link bridge on the far side at North Wall Quay Extension, which would allow such larger vessels to dock. This would facilitate easier access for cruise tourists to visit the attractions of the city-centre and indeed the nearby amenities of the O2 Arena, which would be within walking distance of the proposed cruise terminal.