By
Kasturi Datta |
Foyle Port in North West Ireland expects to host a record 22 calls from 15 cruise lines in the 2026 season, which will be more than one month longer than in 2025. This year, ships will call between April and September, bringing an estimated 15,800 passengers to the port.
Ponant’s La Laperouse will open the season with an anchorage call in Greencastle on 16 April, marking the first time the brand has visited Foyle. The ship is one of eight making inaugural calls at the port in 2026 – another vessel making its Foyle debut is Explora Journeys’ new luxury ship, Explora III. Nicko Cruises will also make a maiden call.
Nieuw Statendam, operated by Holland America Line, is the largest ship scheduled to visit Lough Foyle and will bring the highest volume of passengers the region has ever handled in one day.
The port will also host a double-ship call on 28 August, welcoming frequent visitor Hebridean Sky, operated by Nobel Caledonia, as well as return visitor Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Voyager.
“The increase in cruise calls reinforces the region’s growing appeal among itinerary planners, which we have been actively promoting over the years,” said Captain Bill McCann, harbour master and operations director at Foyle Port. “The destination makes for a key stop among itineraries particularly around Ireland, Britain and Scandinavia.”
Most ships will anchor at the tender port of Greencastle, while smaller vessels will berth at Lisahally and Fort George in the city centre.
These calls will contribute generate economic benefits for local businesses, including hospitality providers, visitor attractions, retail and transport companies.
“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,” said Louise Denvir, cruise marketing executive at Foyle Port.