Disney Magic’s guests will be able to explore the Giant’s Causeway and the Antrim Coast
By
Elizabeth Robinson |
Disney Cruise Line is to visit Belfast Harbour in Northern Ireland for the first time in autumn 2019.
Disney Magic will visit Belfast as part of a seven-night British Isles cruise, which was scheduled after months of cooperation between the cruise line, the port and other tourism organisations.
“Bringing Disney Cruise Line to Belfast is the result of more than a year’s work with Excursions Ireland and Hamilton Shipping,” said Tony McAuley, associate director of business development at Belfast Harbour. “This working relationship ensured that the logistics, facilities and on-shore excursions met the high standard expected by Disney Cruise Line, and evidence of the working relationship gave the company confidence in our ability to deliver. We continue to be committed to bringing cruise ships and tourists to Northern Ireland and adding Disney Cruise Line to the global brands which already call in Belfast is a testament to the tourism offer and the facilities we have in Belfast Harbour.”
Disney Cruise Line’s call to Belfast comes after two successful calls in Dublin, capital of the Republic of Ireland, in 2016 and 2017.
“We have worked with Disney Cruise Line in recent years, particularly on its inaugural call to Dublin, and knew that Belfast was a great option on the island with excellent port facilities and infrastructure to meet the requirements of such a vessel,” said Leo McParland, managing director of Hamilton Shipping.
Guests who are visiting the region will be able to choose from multiple different shore excursions, including the chance to explore the Giant’s Causeway, the Antrim Coast, and the cliff-side ruins of the medieval Dunluce Castle.
“The quality of the tourism offer available in Belfast is well documented and fits well with the Disney Cruise Line’s ethos of family-friendly days and shore activities,” said Niamh McCarthy, managing director of Excursions Ireland. “Disney Cruise Line had a tremendously successful visit to Dublin in 2016 and 2017, and we have no doubt this landmark visit will be equally popular with its passengers.”