Cruise ships net £250K for local economy 03.09.07

Ports in Derry and Inishowen had one of their biggest cruise liner seasons this year - estimated to be worth more than £250,000 to the local economy. Eight cruise ships berthed in Greencastle and Derry Port during 2007, carrying a total of more than 3,550 tourists to the region.
Harbour Master, Captain Bill McCann told InishowenNews.com the figures were estimates only and did not reflect the actual spend. “These figures take account of spending on the more easily

predictable items such as tours and meals on shore, but would not cover all of the passengers' total spending on shore," he said. He confirmed that the number of visits during 2007 was above the annual average of five to six cruise ship calls. Of the eight cruise visits this year, four berthed in the city while four anchored at Greencastle using tenders to take passengers ashore. “We have two facilities to offer cruise ships visiting the Foyle: a berth in Derry city itself for vessels up to 135m long, which suits the smaller more exclusive liners. Medium to large vessels are now catered for at the anchorage at Greencastle, as the Lisahally quays are too busy to take them," added Captain McCann. According to the local figures, cruise passengers choosing to disembark during the 12-hour visits, are most interested in visiting the Giants Causeway, Derry city and the Inishowen 100 using tour buses to bring them to these locations. So far this year Greencastle has played host to three Fred Olsen liners - the Black Prince, Braemar and Boudicca. The most recent ship to sail into the local harbour was the Saga Ruby on Friday, August 31st. Carrying more than 800 British passengers, the ship dropped anchor on a tour of Ireland that also took in Cork, Galway, Killybegs, Belfast and Dublin. For more photos of the visit, click here .

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