Ireland's Foyle Port Kicks Off 2024 Cruise Season

Foyle Port began its 2024 cruise season with the arrival of the Seabourn Ovation on Tuesday, May 14. The Ovation is the first of three ship visits scheduled for this week. From now until September, over 10,000 passengers and crew are expected to visit the North West of Ireland.

The Ovation's visit to Foyle Port is part of a 21-day voyage from Lisbon to Hamburg via Scandinavia. This season will also feature Saga’s Spirit of Adventure making its inaugural call on Thursday, May 16, and the World Explorer, chartered by Rivages du Monde, returning to Lisahally on Sunday, May 19.

Foyle Port’s Harbor Master and Operations Director Bill McCann stated, “It’s a pleasure to welcome Seabourn Ovation to Lough Foyle once again following her maiden visit last May. We are seeing return calls from 92% of the cruise lines this year – we believe this speaks volumes to the positive experience received on previous visits and is a real testament to the destination."

He added, “2023 was a record year for the port as we welcomed over 16,000 guests and crew with an estimated direct spend of over €1 million into the local economy, benefiting local restaurants, shops, tourism providers, entertainment, and transport companies. We eagerly anticipate further growth allowing for more international tourists to experience firsthand what a beautiful part of the world this is.”

Niamh McCarthy, managing director of Excursions Ireland, said, “We are delighted to work alongside Foyle Port in bringing this unique part of our island to life through our tours. It is always very refreshing to work with a region that actively welcomes cruise ships, and this port is one of them. The variety of tours we offer from this region is second to none, and the year-on-year feedback is phenomenal. We are looking forward to another busy 2024 season and also look forward to working alongside all at Foyle Port in the future to further promote and showcase this region and all it has to offer.”