cruise ship stopping in belfast

Belfast Cruise Port Guide | 10 Best Things To Do In Port

Welcome to Belfast cruise port, Northern Ireland’s capital and its largest city, one of the most popular stops in the British Isles cruise itineraries! Belfast Harbour lies on the banks of the River Lagan on the country’s east coast and is famous for being  the birthplace of the Titanic. The port of Belfast is Northern Ireland’s largest cruise port and consists of three cruise terminals, located within a short drive from Belfast downtown. In this article, read about:

• Belfast cruise port (Belfast cruise terminal, getting around, helpful info)
• Top 10 things to do in Belfast Northern Ireland

Visit also our cruise port guides to Greenock (Glasgow) , Cork (Cobh) , Dover , Dublin , Invergordon (Inverness)

Belfast Cruise Port

Port Belfast is Northern Ireland’s largest cruise port and consists of three main docking locations: Stormont Wharf, Pollock Dock, and New Belfast Cruise Ship Terminal. See the Belfast cruise schedule

• Stormont Wharf  is dedicated to larger cruise liners and is located on Stormont Road approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) from the Belfast city center.
• Pollock Dock can accommodate smaller cruise vessels and is located closer to the city center, around 1.5 miles (2.5 km) from the downtown.

These terminals have facilities that include basic passenger assistance, a tourist information center, a gift shop, and parking for taxis/tour buses.

Since 2019, there has been a new cruise terminal D3 ( Cruise Ship Terminal Belfast ) located on Airport Road on the outskirts of the harbour, close to the George Best Belfast City Airport, approximately 3.5 miles (5.6 km) from the city center.

With its 340-meter-long quay, this terminal is designed to accommodate the world’s largest cruise ships. When there are no passenger ships in port and off-season, this terminal is used for cargo and container ships. There is a small terminal building housing a tourist information center where you can get city maps and brochures. A taxi rank, tour buses, and parking are available outside the terminal.

The port of Belfast is also one of the largest ferry ports serving the routes to Douglas (Isle of Man), Liverpool (England), Birkenhead (England), Cairnryan (Scotland), and a few other ports depending on the season. The majority of ferries are operated by Stena Line, one of the largest ferry companies in the world.

Getting Around & Local Transportation

• Belfast city center is small and can be easily explored on foot.
• The cruise lines normally offer a convenient shuttle service to the Belfast Welcome Center (visitor information centre) on Donegall Square North, located opposite the Belfast City Hall. Tickets should be purchased onboard the ship. A 5-minute walk from there is Victoria Square Shopping Centre, one of the best places for shopping in the city.
• The taxi station is located next to the terminal building. A ride to Belfast city center takes 10 minutes.
• As for public transport , it is available however I will not encourage you to use it as the buses don’t run very often and the closest stop is at the port gate, which is quite a fair walking distance from the dock.
• Belfast’s main railway station is Lanyon Place Train Station (formerly Belfast Central), located near the city center, approximately a 10-minute drive from the cruise terminal. You’ll find the timetables and fares at https://www.translink.co.uk/
• Hiring a bicycle is a fast and cheap way to get around the city since the city is not very big. Belfast Bikes rental has more than 40 pick-up and drop-off points throughout the city. You can rent them for the hour or the day.
• If you want to go sightseeing, Belfast Hop on Hop off bus runs from City Hall and covers stops at the major city highlights including Titanic Dock and Visitor Center, St George’s Market, Ulster Museum, Botanic Gardens, Belfast Castle, and others. Book Belfast Hop on Hop off bus tour on Viator and Get Your Guide
• Northern Ireland’s official currency is the pound sterling (£). Local currency and major credit cards are widely accepted.
• Belfast International Airport is located approximately 17 miles/27 km (a 30-minute drive) northwest of the Belfast cruise port.
• Driving in Northern Ireland is on the left-hand side of the road.
• Explore Belfast tours and activities
• Find hotels near Belfast cruise port

10 Best Things to Do in Belfast Cruise Port

The neighborhoods of Belfast boast a rich cultural offer and the city’s turbulent and interesting history is displayed through its art and architecture.

1. Belfast City Hall

The imposing City Hall is perhaps the best-known and most representative building in the city. It was built in 1906 to celebrate the appointment of Belfast as a “City” by Queen Victoria in 1888.

Belfast City Hall offers free 1-hour public tours every day led by a knowledgeable guide who provides information on the history of Belfast City Hall and its finest features. Tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis and visitors must register 10-15 minutes before the tour. Guests with disabilities and limited mobility are welcome.

Check out Belfast City Hall tours and activities

2. Saint Anne’s Cathedral (Belfast Cathedral)

One of Belfast’s most treasured buildings, a beautiful Romanesque cathedral was built in 1899. It boasts magnificent architecture, stone carvings, huge stained-glass windows depicting characters from the Old Testament, and a huge historic significance. The cathedral is located around a 10-minute walk north of the City Hall. It is fully wheelchair accessible.

3. Belfast Castle

Built in the late 12th century by the Normans, the castle was located within the city of Belfast, but after suffering a fire in 1708, only the names of some streets remained that indicate that it was there before. Instead of rebuilding it in the same place, its owners preferred to go to the outskirts of the city and built the new Belfast Castle on the slopes of Cavehill Country Park. The new castle was completed in 1870.

Today the magnificent castle is a private center where banquets, weddings, meetings, and other large events are held. On the castle’s grounds, you can find a beautiful garden and park, an adventure playground, a gift shop, a restaurant, and a visitor center.

The castle is located a 15-minute drive from the port Belfast. To get to Belfast Castle, you can take public bus #1 from Upper Queen Street (located one block away from the City Hall) to Newtownabbey Serpentine Road and from there you need to walk 10 minutes to Belfast Castle.

Check out Belfast Castle tours and activities

4. Titanic Museum

Located in the Titanic Quarter, the same place where the Titanic was built in 1912, this museum is one of the icons of Belfast and one of the main tourist attractions of the city. This gigantic museum opened its doors in 2012 and is completely dedicated to the history of the ship. In 2016, the museum was crowned the best world tourist attraction by the World Travel Awards.

The tour of the museum is an authentic experience that allows you to access over nine galleries where you get to learn about Titanic myths and reality, its launch, Maiden Voyage, and tragic destiny. Enjoy the exploration of the re-created cabins and decks, the Shipyard Ride, and the underwater exploration theater! Belfast Titanic Museum is fully wheelchair accessible.

The driving distance between any of the Belfast cruise terminals and the Titanic Museum is approximately 7 – 10 minutes. If you are coming from the city center to the museum, the distance is approximately 2 miles and takes about 25 minutes on foot.

You can also take bus #94 from Wellington Place in the city center to Odyssey Pavilion, and then a 10-minute walk to the Titanic Museum. It is strongly recommended to purchase tickets in advance as you need to select specific times for the visit.

Check out the Titanic Museum tours and activities

5. Belfast Mural Tour

If you are visiting Belfast, don’t miss the opportunity to visit its famous murals. These mainly represent the history of Northern Ireland during the last decades of the 20th century, a period known as “The Troubles”, one of the most tragic periods in European history at the turn of the century.

The tradition of political murals in Belfast dates back to 1908 when images of King William III began to be painted. This king is highly acclaimed by Protestants due to his victory over the Catholics at the Battle of Boyne in 1690. The murals were not usually permanent and they changed over time, reflecting the political problems of the moment. This is still the case today.

There are about 2000 murals scattered throughout Belfast, but it is in the Falls and Shankill neighborhoods that the most famous are found.

You can tour the murals on foot, but you will need time and desire to walk since the murals are separated from each other. Hiring a taxi is probably the most comfortable and quickest way to do it. A local taxi driver will take you around the main points of these neighborhoods and explain to you the symbols of the murals and what the different murals represent. The Belfast Hop on Hop off buses also stop at some areas where these famous murals are located.

Check out Belfast Mural tours and activities

6. St George’s Market

If your ship docks in Belfast on the weekend, then this is the place to visit if you want to enjoy local cuisine and crafts. Among the stalls of this colorful 19th-century indoor market, you can find practically everything – from fresh fruit and fish to antique items, handmade gifts, and original works by local artists.

The market has numerous places where you can enjoy delicious street food, fresh smoothies, local sweets and so much more. On Sundays, they have live music by local bands. St George’s Market is located in the heart of the city, less than a 10-minute walk from the City Hall and the shuttle bus drop-off point. Hop on Hop off buses also stops at the market.

7. Botanic Gardens

The elaborate public garden was born as a private Royal Belfast Botanical Garden in 1828 and was opened to the public in 1895. It covers 28 acres, and its main feature is an elegant domed conservatory known as “The Palm House”, a greenhouse that can be visited and where you can see various types of tropical plants.

The Botanical Gardens is located around 1.2 miles away from the city center and its City Hall, approximately 25 minutes on foot. A taxi ride from City Hall lasts 5 minutes. Gardens are wheelchair accessible and there are benches all around for visitors will walking difficulties.

Check out Belfast Botanic Gardens tours and activities

8. The Ulster Museum

Situated in the same park as the Botanical Gardens, the Ulster Museum is the largest in Northern Ireland featuring rich collections of art, archeological findings, scientific artifacts, and the treasures of the Spanish Invincible Armada.

Here, visitors can explore 9000 years of Irish culture and history and learn about its turbulent history, traditions and ethnography. Within the museum, there are also zoological, geological, and botanical collections. The entrance is free of charge and provides easy access and exploration for wheelchair users.

9. Giant’s Causeway

You cannot leave Northern Ireland without having visited this natural wonder and one of the biggest tourist attractions in Northern Ireland.

According to the legend, the origin of the Giant’s Causeway is due to two giants, an Irish one named Finn MacCool and a Scottish giant named Bennandoner. They fought each other throwing stones until so many of them were thrown that they formed a path between Ireland and the island of Staffa. Bennandoner crossed it intending to kill Finn, but his wife had the idea of ​​dressing him as a baby. So when Bennandoner arrived and saw such a big baby, he imagined that the baby’s father would be much bigger, so he ran back stomping so hard that he destroyed the stone path they had created leaving only what we can see today.

Declared a World Natural Heritage by UNESCO and a national nature reserve, Giant’s Causeway is one of the strangest geological phenomena on the planet and a unique landscape that you cannot miss. There are two ways to experience the Giant’s Causeway: visit the stones or take a stunning 5-mile (2.5 hours) hike along the thrilling clifftop path.

Clifftop Experience Walk departs from the ruins of Dunseverick Castle along the coastline to the Giant’s Causeway. This experience is recommended for visitors in good health conditions and fitness levels. Wear non-slippery shoes and bring a light jacket .

How to Get to Giant’s Causeway from Belfast Cruise Port?

• Distance from the port of Belfast to the Giant’s Causeway is approximately 62 miles (100 km), about a 1h 30-minute drive each way. The best way to get there is definitely on an organized shore excursion considering the distance and your time in port. I strongly suggest you book this tour in advance because it sells out quickly.
• If you decide to get there on your own, will need to take train 3 from Lanyon Place train station to Coleraine train station, and then hop on bus 402 or 172 to Giant’s Causeway. The journey by train itself takes 1.5 hours, but overall (with a bus and a walking portion included), it can take up to 3 hours each way. Therefore, it’s not recommended for cruise passengers.
• You can also hire a taxi from the port of Belfast, or book a private round-trip transfer which might be a cheaper option.

10. The Crown Liquor Saloon

This gastropub is one of the oldest pubs in Belfast and is worth stopping by for a pint or a succulent meal. The building was built in the Victorian style and is known for its rustic wooden interior decoration featuring carved mahogany booths, etched glass, and gas lamps from the 1800s. It is the most famous pub in Belfast and today it has become one of the symbols of the city because it’s the only pub in the country to be declared a national monument. The pub is located in the heart of the city, only 5 minutes walking distance from the City Hall.

Visit also our cruise port guide to Greenock (Glasgow) , Cork (Cobh) , Holyhead , Dover , Dublin , Invergordon (Inverness) , Amsterdam , Copenhagen , Le Havre

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The origins of Belfast Port can be traced back to 1613, when, during the reign of James I, the town was incorporated as a borough by royal charter, with provision for the establishment of a wharf or quay.

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Belfast Harbour has opened applications for the 2023 Belfast Harbour Community Awards, with an increased pot of £80,000 available for grass-roots organisations across Northern Ireland.

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Belfast cruise port

Ireland - uk - british isles.

• Coordinates 54.628, -5.893
• LOCODE GBBEL
• Local Time 2024-04-27 12:41

Belfast cruise ship schedule

• Temperature

• Oceania Sirena 803 passengers 28 Apr 2024 - 08:00
• Ambition 1.428 passengers 30 Apr 2024 - 12:00
• Norwegian Pearl 2.873 passengers 05 May 2024 - 12:00
• Mein Schiff 3 2.700 passengers 06 May 2024 - 07:15
• Regal Princess 4.272 passengers 07 May 2024 - 07:00
• Norwegian Getaway 4.819 passengers 07 May 2024 - 08:00
• Viking Saturn 930 passengers 08 May 2024 - 00:00
• Norwegian Prima 3.950 passengers 08 May 2024 - 12:00
• Borealis 1.685 passengers 09 May 2024 - 00:00
• Norwegian Star 2.813 passengers 10 May 2024 - 08:00
• Ambience 1.915 passengers 11 May 2024 - 07:00
• Viking Sky 930 passengers 12 May 2024 - 00:00
• Deutschland 636 passengers 12 May 2024 - 08:00
• Viking Sky 930 passengers 13 May 2024 - 00:00
• Spirit of Adventure 1.000 passengers 14 May 2024 - 08:00
• Mein Schiff 3 2.700 passengers 15 May 2024 - 07:00
• Viking Neptune 930 passengers 16 May 2024 - 00:00
• ms Rotterdam 3.210 passengers 18 May 2024 - 07:00
• Silver Dawn 691 passengers 18 May 2024 - 08:00
• Regal Princess 4.272 passengers 19 May 2024 - 07:00
• Celebrity Silhouette 3.463 passengers 20 May 2024 - 09:00
• Amadea 624 passengers 24 May 2024 - 08:00
• Jewel Of The Seas 2.573 passengers 26 May 2024 - 08:00
• Costa Favolosa 3.617 passengers 30 May 2024 - 08:00
• Spirit of Discovery 1.000 passengers 01 Jun 2024 - 08:00
• Queen Anne 3.353 passengers 02 Jun 2024 - 00:00
• Regal Princess 4.272 passengers 02 Jun 2024 - 07:00
• Star Pride 312 passengers 06 Jun 2024 - 08:00
• Mein Schiff 3 2.700 passengers 08 Jun 2024 - 04:45
• Ambition 1.428 passengers 12 Jun 2024 - 07:00
• Regal Princess 4.272 passengers 12 Jun 2024 - 07:00
• Celebrity Silhouette 3.463 passengers 14 Jun 2024 - 09:00
• Oceania Sirena 803 passengers 15 Jun 2024 - 07:00
• Silver Spirit 648 passengers 15 Jun 2024 - 08:00
• Jewel Of The Seas 2.573 passengers 16 Jun 2024 - 08:00
• Seven Seas Splendor 829 passengers 17 Jun 2024 - 08:00
• Carnival Legend 2.549 passengers 19 Jun 2024 - 07:00
• Mein Schiff 3 2.700 passengers 19 Jun 2024 - 07:00
• Arcadia 1.904 passengers 23 Jun 2024 - 00:00
• Star Legend 312 passengers 23 Jun 2024 - 07:00
• Oceania Insignia 803 passengers 24 Jun 2024 - 06:00
• Ambition 1.428 passengers 24 Jun 2024 - 07:00
• Viking Neptune 930 passengers 27 Jun 2024 - 00:00
• Celebrity Silhouette 3.463 passengers 30 Jun 2024 - 07:00
• Norwegian Dawn 2.808 passengers 01 Jul 2024 - 12:00
• Carnival Legend 2.549 passengers 03 Jul 2024 - 08:00
• Ambition 1.428 passengers 05 Jul 2024 - 07:00
• Ambience 1.915 passengers 06 Jul 2024 - 08:00
• Azamara Onward 781 passengers 08 Jul 2024 - 08:00
• Oceania Nautica 803 passengers 09 Jul 2024 - 08:00

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Belfast United Kingdom

The port of Belfast is located almost 3km from the centre of Belfast. Most of the large ships dock at Stormont pier. Services at the port are minimal.

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Useful Information

5% to 10% will be appreciated in restaurants and taxis.

GBP British pound

Time difference

from New York: +5h

from San Francisco: +7h

from London: None

Travelling around the Belfast Cruise Port

A free shuttle bus is offered by the municipality every 15 minutes to the centre of the city. A tourist office is located in front of the shuttle stop, near City Hall.

Once in Belfast, it is easy to visit the city on foot. Otherwise, the Metro-bus is efficient and inexpensive.

Activities in Belfast

In the centre of the city, you will find two monuments in memory of the Titanic and its victims.

Belfast Castle

Built in the 1860s, this castle is one of Belfast’s most beautiful landmarks and offers a viewpoint on the city. This castle is set back from the city.

Belfast Cathedral

Impressive both on the outside and inside. See its stained glass windows and mosaic ceiling.

Historical sites

Downpatrick.

The town where St Patrick built its first church and began the conversion of Ireland.

Carrickfergus Castle

Medieval fortress

Titanic Belfast

Opened in 2012, this museum traces the tragic fate of the Titanic.

Antrim Coast

A bus tour will allow you to admire breathtaking scenery. Some trips to Giant Causeway may also include the Antrim Coast

Giant Causeway

UNESCO site on the Nordic coast 2 hours from Belfast. This rock formation consists of some 40,000 hexagonal columns that emerge from the sea and can reach up to 40 feet.

Botanical Garden

Founded in 1827, you will find, among other things, a rose garden and a greenhouse of tropical plants.

Family activities

Belfast zoo.

Red pandas, gorillas, elephants and tigers are waiting for you.

Londonderry

A two-hour bus ride will take you through the scenery, small villages and peaceful fields en route to the walled city of Londonderry.

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Useful References

• Tourism Board - Belfast !
• Tourism Board - United Kingdom
• Belfast on Wikipedia
• United Kingdom on Wikipedia
• Travel Advice and Advisories (Government of Canada)
• Port Website

For details or to book an excursion, visit our page:

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Belfast, Northern Ireland

Get to know what it’s like to visit this destination.

Getting To Know Belfast – Cruise Port Guide

Our Belfast cruise port guide is an introduction to one of the most popular stops on a British Isles cruise itinerary. Belfast is Northern Ireland’s capital and the birthplace of RMS Titanic, among many other ships. It’s a hugely popular cruise port and quite frequently features on British Isles sailings. It is a vibrant city steeped in history and there are many things to see and do. First-time visitors should absolutely embrace the city centre and what it has to offer, including Belfast City Hall which is located opposite the shuttle bus drop-off point.

One of Belfast’s most popular attractions is undoubtedly Titanic Belfast, the world’s largest Titanic visitor experience. It sits beside the Titanic Slipways, Harland and Wolff Drawing Offices and Hamilton Graving Dock, where Titanic was designed, built and launched in 1912. The experience walks you through Titanic’s conception all the way to her final resting place in history.

Discover more exciting destinations you can explore on a no fly cruise by browsing other areas of our website and don’t forget to stop by our cruise blog for updates on Belfast cruises.

Travel Tips

There is usually a shuttle bus service offered from the port to the heart of the city centre.

Ulster Museum, Botanic Gardens and the Dome at Victoria Square can all be enjoyed FREE of charge. The Titanic Trail walking tour is a free self-guided tour that begins at the Titanic Memorial Garden at Belfast City Hall.

Key highlights of Belfast

• Titanic Belfast & SS Nomadic
• Belfast City Hall
• Ulster Museum
• Botanic Gardens
• Belfast Zoological Gardens
• Giant’s Causeway
• Belfast Castle
• HMS Caroline
• Crumlin Road Gaol
• Titanic Trail

Regular cruise line visitors

• P&O Cruises
• Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
• Princess Cruises
• Celebrity Cruises
• Oceania Cruises
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Cruise Expert Insider  🔎  Belfast Cruise Port by Lesley Bellew

Welcome to Belfast.

Cruise passengers know they have arrived at the Port of Belfast when they see Samson and Goliath, the two bright yellow Harland & Wolff gantry cranes emblazoned with the initials H&W.

Every tour guide insists H&W means ‘Hello and Welcome’ to Belfast – and what a warm introduction to this lively, cultural city which has a fascinating ancient and modern history as well as being surrounded stunning countryside and coastal landscapes.

It’s no wonder that in 2019 Belfast saw a record number of cruise ships sailing in through the Belfast Lough and, when cruising restarts, Belfast is ready with three dedicated berths including a new welcome point on Airport Road West which gives passengers access to the city centre on 10 to 15-minute journeys by taxi or shuttle bus.

The new terminal can accommodate ships with up to 6,000 passengers and crew and it has a smart cruise visitor information centre, a gift shop, plenty of seating and free wifi plus a large coach parking area and space for shuttle buses and taxis. 

If more than one ship is sailing in, smaller ships can moor at Pollock Dock, a 15-20 minute walk into the city, while larger vessels dock at Stormont, that’s more like a 10-minute drive.

The only headache about visiting Belfast by cruise ship is working out how much you can see in one day, or perhaps two, if you are lucky enough to have an overnighter.

It’s best to make a call: The city or the coastline.

Time in the city

A black cab tour of the city can be a smart way of seeing the six quarters! It’s true, Belfast doesn’t have the obvious four – and that rather sums up it’s unique vibe.

The Troubles’ tour ( touringaroundbelfast.com ) focuses on the city’s recent turbulent history and a local driver takes passengers on ‘a journey of war and peace’ including the Shankhill Road and the Falls Road areas, with a few stops including the Peace Wall where you can add your message alongside that of former US president Bill Clinton and spiritual leader the Dalai Llama.

It’s a fascinating, but heavy few hours, so arrange to be dropped off in the Cathedral Quarter to find one the welcoming pubs for lunch and a decent pint of Guinness. There are plenty of watering holes to choose from including 17th century Whites Tavern which has open fires and oak beams while on a warm day there’s plenty of outdoor seating in the courtyard. The Crown Liquor Saloon, in Great Victoria Street, feels like a real gin palace with carved-mahogany booths and old-fashioned lamps or for a smaller traditional pub, call into Kelly’s Cellars in Bank Street.

There should still be time to head over to the Titanic Quarter – and you’ll be back closer to the ship –where Titanic Belfast, the world’s largest Titanic experience, is a glistening monument to Belfast’s maritime heritage.

The Titanic Hotel, opposite, was once the H&W shipyard’s drawing office where RMS Titanic was designed. This gorgeous barrel-vaulted room is now a bar-cum-restaurant so call in for a drink or book afternoon tea as your end of the day treat.

Coast and country

If you choose to head out to the countryside, most cruise tours include a drive along the stunning Causeway Coastal Route to the UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway.  It makes for a full day out, with a stop at the world’s oldest Irish whiskey distillery, Bushmills.

The Giant’s Causeway, with its 40,000-plus hexagonal-shaped basalt stones, was created 60 million years ago, and tumbles down into the Atlantic Ocean – it’s an extra extraordinary sight and a bracing walk along the clifftop makes for a memorable day.

Another option, with drive through the rolling countryside, is a call to Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, Northern Ireland’s historic royal house and political residence. It’s been newly refurbished with tasteful décor and contemporary art. It was here, about 15 years ago, that The Queen met the President of Ireland Mary Macaleese; it was a landmark in history ­­–  the first time a British monarch had met a head of an independent Ireland leader on the island.

Picture postcard Hillsborough town was built around the castle so round off your visit with a toast to the Queen with a drink in The Hillside pub, followed by another to salute former Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Mo Mowlam (September 18, 1949 –August 19, 2005) who would frequent the pub after a day in the castle(hrp.org.uk/hillsborough-castle).

Garden lovers can to head to Mount Stewart, one of Northern Ireland’s most-visited gardens, in an eye-wateringly beautiful spot overlooking Strangford Lough. Look out for the red squirrels as you walk around this garden where Edith, Lady Londonderry, created one of the few late compartmentalised Arts and Crafts-style gardens (nationaltrust.org.uk/mount-stewart).

On the opposite shore is Castle Espie, a tranquil reserve run by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust which was  founded by Sir Peter Scott. Almost the entire world population of Brent Geese live here during the winter as well as thousands more ducks, geese and swans. Birdwatchers will be in their element with recent sightings including cattle egret, greenshank, redshank and curlew (wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/castle-espie).

At nearby Castle Ward, there is plenty of family fun – it’s where much of the TV series Game of Thrones was filmed. Book ahead for an hour’s axe throwing or an archery movie set experience with Lord of Winterfell, Willard of Stark. It’s a real ‘Thronies’ delight! (gameofthrones-winterfelltours.com).

So how do you solve this problem of having so much to see? Book another cruise!

Cruise Journalist

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Belfast and Giant’s Causeway: Practical Tips for Cruise Ship Passengers

Are you on a British Isles cruise? Is your cruise ship stopping at Belfast and you are wondering where to go? Maybe you are debating whether to book a shore excursion in Belfast or is it okay to explore Belfast on your own? And is the Giant’s Causeway worth a visit?

I had these exact questions when I embarked on a British Isles Cruise with my husband and our two kids. 

Here, I’ll share our experiences exploring Belfast City and our unforgettable visit to the Giant’s Causeway. I will also give tips for families visiting the Giant’s Causeway- what to pack, how to dress, etc.- trust me, you will want to learn from my mistakes!

Should You Book a Shore Excursion in Belfast? 

Yes, you should book a shore excursion in Belfast. Belfast is not the type of cruise port, where you can wing it and go on your own. 

I honestly don’t feel safe in Belfast. I find Belfast to be not as safe as other cruise ports in the British Isles. 

The city feels rough, with graffiti everywhere, reminders of the past conflict remain and there is litter everywhere. 

I don’t recommend exploring Belfast on your own without a guide. I suggest you plan ahead and book a tour when you are in Belfast. 

What type of Tour or Shore Excursion should You book in Belfast?

I suggest booking a shore excursion that will take you to the Giants Causeway, drive you around the seaside towns as well as give you a tour of Belfast.

We joined a full-day Giant’s Causeway with Belfast City tour and it was great. We got to see the Giant’s Causeway, had lunch at a small seaside town, took in scenic sights, and got a tour of Belfast! 

Is the Giant’s Causeway Worth a Stop?

Yes, the Giant’s Causeway is worth a stop. In my opinion, Giant’s Causeway is one of the best tourist attractions in the British Isles! 

In fact, my kids loved Giant’s Causeway so much that they think it beats other kid-friendly British Isles destinations. If you ask them, they think, the Giant’s Causeway is better than the Tower of London and the Blarney Castle !  

What’s So Great about the Giant’s Causeway?

The Giant’s Causeway is a natural geological wonder on the coast of Northern Ireland. Imagine a place with giant hexagonal stone formations by the sea.

These massive hexagonal stone columns are like giant stepping stones. The experience feels otherworldly- you will feel in awe of the natural beauty of the Giant’s Causeway.

The best part about visiting the Giant’s Causeway is that visitors are allowed to explore the giant stone columns. 

My kids had so much fun climbing up the stone formations. It’s like a giant Instagram-worthy playground! Definitely, a great place for kids to burn off energy! 

How much are Tickets to the Giant’s Causeway?

It’s actually free to visit the Giant’s Causeway. They only charge for parking.

But if you plan to visit the Giant’s Causeway visitors center, you do have to pay an entrance fee.

Our tour did not include the Giant’s Causeway visitor’s center so we had to pay extra to get in the visitor’s center.

Is it Worth it to Visit the Giant’s Causeway Visitors Center? 

I don’t think it’s worth it to pay the entrance fee to visit the Giant’s Causeway visitor center. It costs 35 pounds for a family of four or 13.50 pounds for adults and 6.50 pounds per child. 

The ticket gets you access to the visitor’s center and toilets. The entrance fee for the Giant’s Causeway Visitor’s Center also included the audio guide.

The only reason why we paid the entrance fee to go into the Giant’s Causeway visitors center was because it was pouring rain outside and my son really needed to go to the bathroom!

It was raining too hard for us to walk to the free restroom so I just decided to pay the entrance fee to use the bathroom and also to stay dry! Having access to clean toilets was really the only reason why we paid the hefty entrance fee! Otherwise, I wouldn’t go into the Giant’s Causeway Visitor’s Center. You are better off spending your time exploring the rock formations at the Giant’s Causeway!

What’s in the Giant’s Causeway Visitors Center?

The Giant’s Causeway visitors center is a large, airy building with toilets, a cafe, a souvenir shop and interactive kid-friendly activities. Imagine a hands-on children’s museum with a cafe and souvenir shop! 

It’s a great place to go for a snack and to use the toilets. 

The Giant’s Causeway visitors center had a lot of hands-on kid-friendly educational activities. My kids really enjoyed doing the art activity at the Susan Drury station. 

If you have the time, it’s nice to go to the visitors center but if you are going with a tour group, you will most likely not have time to fully explore the activities in the visitors center since you’re better off spending your time at the Giant’s Causeway instead.

Are there Free Toilets at the Giant’s Causeway?

Yes, there are free toilets at the Giant’s Causeway. The toilets are located next to the Giant’s Causeway hotel which is literally just around the corner from the Giant’s Causeway visitors center. 

So you’re probably wondering why I paid the entrance fee for the Giant’s Causeway visitors center when there is a free toilet right around the corner. 

When we were there it was pouring rain, we would have gotten soaked just to walk to the free toilet. We didn’t want to get soaked so I reluctantly paid the entrance fee to stay dry and to use the toilets!

Should you wear Rain Boots to the Giant’s Causeway?

You don’t have to wear rain boots to the Giant’s Causeway. I recommend wearing sneakers or hiking boots with good grip to the Giant’s Causeway instead of rain boots. The weather is unpredictable and if it rains, the rocks will get slippery.

Sneakers or Hiking Boots will be more comfortable and safer because the grip is better than rain boots. 

How Do You Get to the Giant’s Causeway?

The best way to get to the Giant’s Causeway if you are coming in as a cruise ship passenger is to book a tour or shore excursion. 

I don’t recommend winging it and trying to get to the Giant’s Causeway on your own. If you happen to get a taxi to the Giant’s Causeway there is a high likelihood you will get stranded there unless you pay your taxi driver to wait for you. 

Instead of stressing over logistics, I suggest booking a Giant’s Causeway tour in advance.

How far is the Giant’s Causeway from the Belfast Cruise Port?

The drive from the Belfast Cruise Port to Giant’s Causeway is approximately one hour and 20 minutes. It’s a far drive. 

When we were there, there was a road diversion that made the drive to the Giant’s Causeway from the Belfast Cruise terminal even longer.

Where can you get Lunch When You visit the Giant’s Causeway?

There are two places to grab lunch at the Giant’s Causeway. You can eat at the Giant’s Causeway visitors center cafe or you can have lunch at the Giant’s Causeway hotel. Do keep in mind, in order to eat at the Giant’s Causeway Visitor’s Center, you will have to pay the entrance fee to get into the Visitor’s Center. 

An alternative is to have lunch at the nearby town of Bushmills. We ate at Bushmills Inn in Bushmills and had traditional pub food like Fish and Chips. The wings are delicious at Bushmills Inn. 

Tips for Visiting the Giant’s Causeway with Kids

Wear a raincoat and bring an umbrella.

The weather in Northern Ireland is unpredictable and can change in an instant! When visiting the Giant’s Causeway, you will be 100% outdoors. If it rains all of a sudden, there is nowhere to go to keep you dry unless you are near the Visitor’s Center.

But the Giant’s Causeway Visitor’s Center is a good 15 to 20 minute walk to the Giant’s Causeway. 

When we visited the Giant’s Causeway, it started to rain so we had to run back to the visitor’s center. We were soaking wet! 

We weren’t prepared and I only had one umbrella to share with my husband and two kids. Nevertheless, we all got soaked. We also weren’t wearing waterproof raincoats. 

Learn from my mistake, dress everyone in waterproof raincoats and bring umbrellas. 

Although there’s a shuttle bus that can take you back and forth from the visitor center to the Giants Causeway, when it was raining hard the bus got so full and the line was so long to get on the bus. We decided to just head back on foot instead of waiting for the next shuttle bus.

Bring Cash (Euros)

Bring cash if you plan to take the shuttle bus from the visitor’s center to the Giant’s Causeway. They only accept cash and it costs 1 euro per person each way. 

Wear Sneakers or Hiking Boots with Good Grip

Wear sneakers or hiking books with good grip when you visit the Giant’s Causeway. You’ll be doing a lot of walking. 

Just to get to the Giant’s Causeway you will have to walk 15-20 minutes from the parking lot and then at the Giant’s Causeway, you will want to climb and explore the massive stones! 

The stones can get wet and become slippery if it rains, be safe and make sure your footwear has good grip. Definitely don’t wear sandals or heels, it’s not practical and not safe!

Bring your Camera 

Bring your camera because you’ll be taking a lot of pictures at the Giant’s Causeway. With the mesmerizing natural stone formations as your subject, it’s nearly impossible not to take any photos of the epic stone formations.

Every photo and video of the Giant’s Causeway has the potential to go viral on social media! It’s really hard to take a bad picture at the Giant’s Causeway. 

Be Prepared to Walk a Lot at the Giant’s Causeway 

You will be doing a lot of walking at the Giant’s Causeway. Be prepared to walk 15-20 minutes each way (30-40 minutes round trip!) 

If you are traveling with little kids, I suggest taking the shuttle bus because it will be hard to bring the stroller. I saw a few parents carry their babies in their baby sling which I find rather risky because the ground can be uneven when you climb on the Giant’s Causeway. 

If your kids are old enough to do the walk, do keep in mind that they might get tired and cranky especially if it’s a hot day. 

Bring Cold Drinks and a Snack

It’s a good idea to pack snacks and cool drinks in your backpack when you’re planning a trip to the Giant’s Causeway.

Your kids will likely be climbing all over the rocks, burning a lot of energy. They’ll definitely appreciate a quick snack and a refreshing drink before heading back to the bus.

Wear Sunscreen and a Hat

Definitely apply sunblock on everyone and pop a baseball cap on everyone. When visiting the Giant’s Causeway, you will be outdoors 100 percent of the time (unless you visit the Visitor’s Center).

The sun can get intense at times, you will want to make sure everyone is protected from the harmful UV rays!

Use the Bathroom First Before Walking to the Giant’s Causeway 

Before you hit the trail to the Giant’s Causeway, it’s a good idea to have everyone make a quick bathroom stop. It can take an hour and a half or longer to visit the Giant’s Causeway. 

Just the walk there and back can take 30-40 minutes! The last thing you want is a potty emergency while exploring the Giant’s Causeway – there aren’t any bathrooms in the immediate vicinity. 

Before heading out to the Giant’s Causeway, stop by the toilets next to the Giant’s Causeway hotel or if your tour comes with tickets to the visitors center, use the toilets at the visitors center before heading out to the Giant’s Causeway. 

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* D1 Belfast Cruise Terminal is used for all "cruise calls" - cruise ships just visiting. This new terminal (2019) can accommodate ships with up to 6,000 passengers and crew and it has a smart cruise visitor information centre, a gift shop, plenty of seating and free wifi plus a large coach parking area and space for shuttle buses and taxis. *  Stormont Wharf is used for smaller ships. *  Pollock Dock is used only for "turnarounds" ships starting or ending their cruise in Belfast.

Most of the time there are shuttles that run between the harbor and the city center, close to the tourist office, every 15 minutes.

This is only announced the night before, so not to jeopardize the excursion sales. The usual rate is $12 per person.

A taxi only costs £7 one way per taxi, and thus is a much better deal especially if traveling with more persons.

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Sightseeing:

The center of Belfast is small enough to be explored by foot.

To make the most of your time in the city your first point of contact should be the centrally located Belfast Welcome center (Tourist Office) at 9 Donegall Sq North, opposite of City Hall. The staff can provide maps, book tours, recommend itineraries and places of interest. There is also a useful left luggage facility. See gotobelfast.com for more information.

If you are interested in going to the Titanic Belfast museum, buy your tickets online at www.titanicbelfast.com . The museum is only a few years old but it’s still popular enough that it sells out.

Tours Excursions Transportation:

At the cruise dock taxi tours of 90 minutes can be booked to see the World Famous Catholic & Protestant Murals that paint a picture of Belfast colorful history while your personal tour guide gives you the inside info. £35 per taxi. A very highly rated tour.

If your time is limited, the open-top ' Belfast Sightseeing ' bus tours are recommended, costing about £13 per person for a 2-hour journey. You will be shown the sights in the city center and suburbs including famous murals painted on the ends of terraced houses during 'The Troubles' in the Falls Road area, the Harland and Wolff shipyards where the Titanic was built and Queens University. The guides are friendly, well informed and interesting. As guides are "real": only English spoken and no earphones.

It pays to compare your cruise line tours here

Nearby Places:

The top visitor attraction in Northern Ireland is the Giants Causeway . Considered by many to be the eighth wonder of the world, the Giants Causeway is well worth the effort to get to it.

Shopping and Food

St. George's Market , on May Street, is situated near Belfast Central Station, It is Northern Ireland's largest indoor market and one of Belfast's major attractions for visitors and locals alike. Farmers markets are held on Saturdays, and variety markets are held on Sundays and Fridays. It sells a fascinating range of foods, clothing and crafts. You can pick up some real bargains here, and the market itself provides a fascinating glimpse into Belfast life both past and present.

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Shore Excursions for Cruise Ship Visitors

We are delighted to offer shore excursions for cruise ship passengers direct from Belfast Port for visitors arriving in 2020. These shore excursions are brought to you by Belfast City Sightseeing in conjunction with our partners Irish Tour Tickets.

Realising time is limited and the importance of arriving back to Belfast Port on time for departure we use smaller coaches making the tour more personal and easily managed.

We have years of experience in showing you some of the most beautiful parts of planet Earth in our modern, luxury coaches. Every tour is guided by a fully qualified and passionate guide who will ensure that you are enriched and engaged by your visit.

We adjust our times to suit the ships arrival and your bus will be waiting at the port. It is important you leave the ship as soon as it docks.

Our cruise ship passenger guarantee

• We will pick you up from Belfast Port upon your ships arrival
• We will return you to your ship at least one hour before scheduled departure time
• Should your coach experience mechanical issues or breakdowns we have pre-made arrangements to ensure your return to the ship before departure
• You will receive a full refund if your ship cannot dock in Belfast for whatever reason

Option 1 - Giant's Causeway, Carrick-A-Rede & Belfast City Tour from Cruise Ships in Belfast

Full day coach tour includes stops at the giants causeway, carrick-a-rede rope bridge, dunluce castle, belfast city, wall murals, peace walls, international wall and more..., tour itinerary.

• Report to coach after your ship docks (Our drivers and guides will be there to meet you) (Please note, if your ship docks before, or at 8:00am the tour will depart at 8:30am)
• Depart from Belfast Port
• Dunluce Castle (Photo stop)
• Giant’s Causeway
• Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge (Photo stop at viewing point, you will not be able to cross the bridge due to time constraints)
• Famous Antrim Coast Road (Travel through the 9 Glens of Antrim)
• Lunch stop at Cushendall (Time allowing)
• Carrickfergus Castle (Photo stop)
• Return to Belfast City Centre
• Belfast City Tour. (Includes wall murals, peace walls, Falls Road, Shankill Road and more) (Due to time constraints this is not a Hop-on/Hop-off service)
• Return to Belfast Port (Approx. 1 hour before departure)

Giant's Causeway & Belfast City Tour

Option 2 - game of thrones & belfast city tour from cruise ships in belfast, full day coach tour includes taking in the stunning scenery featured as the backdrop in the hbo’s series when you join us for an unforgettable day visiting some of northern ireland's main game of thrones filming locations..

• Report to coach after your ship docks (Our drivers and guides will be there to meet you) (Please note, if your ship docks before 8:00am the tour will depart at 8:30am)
• Depart from Belfast Port (Coach departs 30 minutes after docking)
• Carnlough Village
• Cushendun Caves
• Lunch stop (time allowing)
• Giant’s Causeway (Stay approx. 1 hour)
• Dunluce Castle (Photo Stop)
• The Dark Hedges (The Kings Road)

Game Of Thrones & Belfast City Tour

Option 3 - hillsborough castle & belfast city tour from cruise ships in belfast, managed by historic royal palaces, hillsborough castle is the official residence in northern ireland of her majesty queen elizabeth ll and other members of the royal family when they visit the region. explore the late georgian mansion which was built in the 1770's & take in 96 acres of beautiful gardens developed from the 1760's onwards..

• Report to coach after your ship docks (Our drivers and guides will be there to meet you).
• Depart Belfast Port at 9:15am
• Hillsborough Castle
• Tour of The House
• 1 Hour free time for Castle Gardens
• Belfast City Tour
• Return to ship for approximately 2:00pm
• We can leave passengers at the city centre for free time before the ship sails. Passengers will need to get the ship shuttle or a taxi to return them to the ship.

Hillsborough Castle & Belfast City Tour

Option 3 - giants causeway express & belfast tour, a fully guided, all day tour taking in the giant’s causeway including a belfast city tour specifically tailored to suit individuals, couples and small family groups. it is fully guided and takes in the best of the north antrim coast; in addition, you will experience a belfast city tour, giving you a wonderful overview of our diverse city.

• Report to coach for check-in (Our drivers and guides will be there to meet you)
• Depart from Belfast Port 10.30am
• Giant’s Causeway (Stay approx. 2 hours)

Giants Causeway Express & Belfast City Tour

For any further enquiries email our customer services on [email protected] or give us a call on +44 (0)28 90 321321 .

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5 Things to See During a Port Stop in Belfast, Northern Ireland

Doug Parker

• January 25, 2021

Belfast is the second-largest city in Ireland, and is also the capital of Northern Ireland. You can enjoy excellent facilities in this modern city. The serene view of the flowing river Lagan looks beautiful as it goes from Central Belfast towards the North Channel.

River Lagan is an essential source of wealth for the shipping industry of this state. It is an integral part of Belfast.

Belfast is known for the famous ship Titanic which was built in 1911 within the shipyards of the city. While traveling to the Belfast port, you can enjoy exploring the amazing excursions in the area.  There are many areas of Belfast which are highly developed with new shopping areas, restaurants, and hotels that have been opened in the past several years. Belfast is immersed in history, full of award-winning architecture from the twentieth century.

Victoria Square and Titanic Quarter are unique places to visit within the city. The town offers excellent museums like the Transport museum and Ulster Folk. These are the best places with showcases of carriages, cars, fighter planes, and motorbikes along with complete knowledge of the Titanic along with some real artifacts from the vessel.

The top 5 things to do in Belfast:

1. giant’s causeway.

Start exploring the shore early in the morning with a drive down towards the coast. The next place to explore is the spectacular northern side of the country reaching the Giant’s Causeway. This causeway in the Irish language is also termed as “Clochan an Afir.”

Due to the volcanic eruptions in ancient times, it created over 40,000 interlocked types of basalt columns.  According to history, it shows that columns of this causeway are remains which were created by Fin McCool, the Giant that had to fight against the Scottish giant named Benandonner.

UNESCO declared this area as a World Heritage Site in 1986. Now, this causeway is a National Nature reserve which is owned by the National Trust.

2. Belfast Castle

After visiting the Giant’s Causeway, you can explore Belfast Castle and take lots of photographs. This castle is a medieval structure, located over the slopes of Cave Hill Country Park in Northern Ireland.

This majestic castle dates back to the 1870s and is prominently located 400 feet above sea level. The cave hill is famous for its five caves that surround the side of the cliffs.

The hill that the castle estate resides on also features the famous Napoleon’s nose basaltic outcrop, which served as inspiration for Gulliver’s travels from Jonathan Swift’s novel.

Landscaped gardens surround the castle with a mixed woodland offering the viewers superb scenic views. After exploring the Cave Hill Country Park, you can fill your appetite at the famous Cellar Restaurant. 

READ MORE:  9 Things to Do in Gibraltar During a Cruise

3. Titanic Belfast

Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of Titanic when visiting the Titanic Belfast. After paying the entrance fee, you are free to explore the world’s largest exhibition of Titanic artifacts.  The exhibits include the famous documents about the ship regarding the tragic voyage and the legacy of the vessel.

This intriguing museum is built over the original site where the Titanic ship was constructed. Gaze at the amazing interactive exhibits in the atrium and hear the heartbreaking story of Titanic.  Learn all about the ship’s connections to Belfast and the industrial prosperity that followed the construction of Titanic at nine state-of-the-art galleries.

After perusing the exhibits, explore the Shipyard Ride, a simulator that offers special effects and surprises, immersing you in the story of shipbuilding in the 20 th century.

After exploring Titanic Belfast, the entrance ticket can be used to visit the Ocean Exploration Centre which focuses on marine research and oceanography. 

4. Ulster Museum

At the Ulster Museum, enjoy learning about dinosaurs, see an Egyptian mummy, and view modern masterpieces.  This museum is a collection of history, art, and natural sciences featuring the impressive galleries with interactive discovery zones.

Ranging from the South Pacific to Ireland, both ancient and modern pieces are available for everyone to enjoy at Ulster Museum.  The art collections at the Ulster Museum have some of the most exquisite art pieces from all around the world. These include sculpture, paperwork, fashion, ceramics, contemporary art, silver, glass, and furniture.

The engaging historic galleries within the Ulster museum tell the stories of different people from Ireland from their first day of arrival until today. The galleries within this museum are a must-see for any history buff.

READ MORE:  5 Things To Do in Dublin, Ireland

5. Peace Walls

The Peace Walls or Peace Lines are in Northern Ireland. They are 18-foot high walls that are mostly in Belfast, but can also be found in Derry, Portadown, and Lurgan.

The Peace Walls are defined as a sequence of parting barriers that mainly separates Nationalist Catholic neighborhoods and Republicans from the Loyalist and Unionist protestant neighborhoods.  The purpose of the peace walls was to minimize the chances of inter-communal violence between Protestants and Catholics. The walls were constructed with brick, iron, and steel. The gates are open for passageway during the daytime but remain closed at night.

The artwork painted on the peace walls on both sides, promote the message of harmony along with the dangers of oppression and revenge. One of the famous peace walls is known for dividing Shankill Road and Fall Road.

Visit the peace walls today and you can still see the Union Jack Flags hung over the poles and houses over the street on Shankill Road. These flags display the British colors with images of the Queen emblazoned on them.  On the other side of the open gates, you can see the Irish flags and more of the Palestinian flags with images displaying Spain’s Basque state.

Visit the peace wall in Belfast and loop around to see the murals on each side and get a sense of the different points of view.

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130 Cruise Ships to Berth in Belfast During 2022

Belfast is expecting to welcome 130 cruise ships during the 2022 season, including 18 first time visitors.

Cruise Belfast, the partnership between Belfast Harbour and Visit Belfast which markets Belfast as a leading cruise ship destination, has announced that more than 50 different vessels from 33 cruise lines are booked to dock in the city throughout 2022, with up to 340,000 visitors expected to come ashore to experience Northern Ireland’s award-winning tourist attractions.

The cruise season, which will run from April to November this year, will see 18 new ships calling to the shores of Belfast for the first time, including ‘Ambassador Ambience,’ from new British cruise line, Ambassador, and Princess Cruises calling with its ships Enchanted Princess & Island Princess.

Michael Robinson, Belfast Harbour’s Port Director, said:

“ Following two challenging years for tourism, the team at Belfast Harbour is thrilled to have 130 cruise vessels booked for arrival at our Port in 2022.  This busy cruise schedule signals an increase in customer confidence in travel and will be a welcome economic boost to the local tourism industry.

“ The team is also looking forward to welcoming 18 ships for their inaugural call to these shores, which will further enhance Belfast’s and the wider region’s reputation as a must-visit cruise destination.

“ Following the safe and successful resumption of cruise tourism last year, we continue to work with public health agencies and the cruise lines to implement safety protocols to ensure the wellbeing of all visitors and staff. As restrictions are eased, the team will review our procedures in line with government guidelines, with safety remaining our highest priority .”

Mary Jo McCanny, Director of Visitor Servicing at Visit Belfast, added:

“ The tourism investment that brought an increasing number of international and first-time visitors here before Covid, placed Belfast in a really good position to safely welcome cruise visitors back to Northern Ireland last summer. We expect to exceed our 2019 cruise passenger numbers this season, which is a testament to the quality of our visitor experiences, the strong working relationships Cruise Belfast has with global cruise operators and the warmth of the visitor services teams.

“ The partnership between Belfast Harbour and Visit Belfast and on-going support from Tourism NI enables us to provide both shore-side and on-board visitor information services, ensuring a first-class welcome is available to passengers as soon as they arrive in Belfast.  The Visitor Services team is looking forward to a busy cruise season welcoming visitors from around the world and we will continue to work with our tourism partners and cruise ground handlers in driving much needed business to visitor attractions and experience providers right across Northern Ireland and support the rebuilding of our tourism economy. ”

To see the latest cruise schudule click here .

NOTES TO EDITORS

Set up in 1999, Cruise Belfast is a marketing and visitor servicing partnership between Belfast Harbour and Visit Belfast to attract cruise visitors to Belfast and Northern Ireland.

Visit Belfast is a public/private sector partnership funded and supported by Belfast City Council, Tourism Northern Ireland and the private sector. It is the official tourism marketing agency for the Belfast City Region, dedicated to promoting Belfast as a city break, conference and cruise ship destination. It is also responsible for the operation of three gateway visitor information centres.

Visit Belfast represents more than 500 tourism businesses and services across the industry including accommodation providers, attractions, conference venues and services, tour operators, transport providers, entertainment venues, restaurants and cafes, pubs and clubs and event organisers.

Belfast Harbour is Northern Ireland’s leading gateway for trade, services and tourism, handling more than two thirds of the imports and exports that come into and out of the region by sea. The Port is essential to the smooth running of day-to-day life in the region and a major contributor to Northern Ireland’s economy. The Harbour estate is also home to a vibrant community of people and businesses, including commercial and residential real estate, film studios and leading companies in sectors such as IT, R&D, engineering and aerospace who employ over 27,000 people.

Working in partnership with stakeholders, Belfast Harbour’s vision is to become the world’s best regional port by growing economic activity, adopting new technology and upholding the highest environmental standards. Belfast Harbour is also committed to developing an iconic waterfront that is a standout destination for the city’s residents and visitors.

As a Trust Port, all profits from Belfast Harbour are re-invested for the long-term benefit of our customers and wider society.

Significant investment by Belfast Harbour has been made to port-side facilities in recent years, including a new dedicated cruise visitor information and welcome facility, part-funded by Tourism NI and managed by Visit Belfast, that opened in 2019.

To facilitate new Covid health protocols, funding was also secured from the DfE Tourism Recovery Programme in March 2021 (administered through Tourism Northern Ireland) to ensure that full safe-guarding measures are in place ready for the first cruise arrivals, providing as safe an environment as possible for cruise guests, crew, local staff and the wider local population whilst delivering a warm and informative welcome. Further funding was awarded to support cruise marketing and sales activity and develop an industry facing cruise welcome programme.

Cruise Ship Shore Excursions

About This Tour

Even if you are short on time and only have a few limited hours to explore the beauty and charm that Belfast has to offer, our bus tours can offer you an amazing glimpse of our city and its surrounding areas of interest.

Stuck on what to do while you are in town? Don’t worry about making sense of maps or reading through guidebooks to get a feel for the local heritage, history and culture. Instead, spend your brief time in Belfast fully taking in the sights and sounds while our professional driver takes you to the highlights and your local guide explains their significance.

Our Belfast cruise ship shore excursions vary based on the length of time your ship is staying for.

Our local guides are passionate about sharing the culture, history, and astounding natural beauty their country has to offer. With friendly service and strong knowledge of Northern Ireland’s history, our guides offer important information, fun facts, and historical context to help you get the most out of the sites you are visiting. They are prepared to answer your questions and facilitate a truly memorable and enjoyable time for your entire group.

With included transportation and the chance to see the Giant’s Causeway, a truly unique and breathtaking natural wonder, you will be able to maximize your time in Belfast. From castles to local legends, and whiskey to scenic lookout points, our cruise ship shore excursions include everything you need to leave feeling you had a truly Irish time!

Ready to make the most out of your cruise ship stop in Belfast?

Book a cruise ship shore excursion with Allen’s Belfast Bus Tours and take in Northern Ireland’s beauty, from the wonder of the Giant’s Causeway to the charm of Irish coastal towns and castles.

Book your Belfast bus tour online or call us at 0044 2890 915 613.

Where We Stop

• Pick Up at Ship
• Belfast City Murals Tour
• Up Inland to The Dark Hedges
• Dunluce Castle (Photo Stop)
• Giants Causeway
• Back to Ship

Book a cruise ship shore excursion with Allen’s Belfast Bus Tours and take in Northern Ireland’s beauty, from the wonder of the Giant’s Causeway to the charm of Irish coastal towns and castles. Book your Belfast bus tour online or call us at 0044 2890 915 613.

What our customers are saying.

“Our guide was funny and genuinely warm. For a full day of visits and commentary, you couldn’t ask for more. The closest competition wanted £35 for the same tour.” —Sbangsuk, Woking, UK

“Amazing tour! People from the company are very friendly and helpful. The bus driver took us to very beautiful places and explained a bit the history behind each one. I totally recommend!” —Marcus L, Germany

“Loved this tour!! Our driver (Marty?) was wonderful, very friendly and knowledgeable and kept everything on schedule and organised. He told us all about the places we were visiting as well as the history and landmarks of the towns we drove through. He also dropped everyone off at their individual stops and hostels on the way home” — Lisa Hannard, Melbourne, Australia

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Cruise to Belfast, Northern Ireland

Belfast shore excursions, amazing experiences coming soon., sorry, there are no excursions for this port at this moment., things to do in belfast.

A Titanic Legacy

A vintage ship propeller and rudder

Travel back in time to the Titanic Quarter. Titanic Belfast is a must-see — it was named the world's leading tourist attraction in 2016. Step aboard Titanic's little sister, the SS Nomadic, or the HMS Caroline. Finish your visit at McHugh's pub, located in one of Belfast's oldest buildings.

Winter(fell) Is Coming

A man walking down the road at the famous dark hedges in Northern Ireland

Are you a Game of Thrones fan? Belfast's Titanic Studios is where the series is filmed. Take a tour to visit filming locations across Northern Ireland — you'll experience Winterfell, Dragonstone and the Wall like never before.

Political Paths

If you're interested in learning more about Belfast's political history, strike out on Irish Tour Ticket's Belfast Political Walking Tour. Cruise to Ireland and walk the streets where the city's historic political events took place and learn more than any guidebook can tell you.

Local Cuisine

Belfast cuisine is about more than fish and chips (although there's plenty of that, too). It's also about fresh-caught seafood including oysters and small crabs — served alongside a proper pint of ale, of course. Upscale modernist fare more your thing? Head to one of the restaurants that overlook the River Lagan, where you'll find everything from forward-thinking updates on British cuisine to Italian small plates.

Check out the Titanic Store at Titanic Belfast with your Ireland cruise. Souvenirs include vintage posters, food products, collectibles and clothing. On weekends, St. George's Market has a variety of local vendors selling handicrafts. Danielle Morgan's Flax Fox brand specializes in gift ware and limited edition Irish-inspired prints.

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Royal Caribbean International has canceled stops at its private beach in Haiti through September as a result of the violence plaguing the island nation, a private fan blog, citing messages to travelers, reports. AP

• Robert Higgs, cleveland.com

MIAMI – Royal Caribbean has cancelled stops at its private port of Labadee through the summer because of simmering violence in Haiti.

In March, the cruise line canceled stops at the private beach area through May, but this week Royal Caribbean reworked cruise schedules through the summer and into September, a post on the Royal Caribbean Blog said.

“Guests booked on cruises in the summer and early fall are getting notifications from Royal Caribbean that their visits to Labadee have been canceled,” the blog said. “On Tuesday (April 23), cruisers began to share updates they received from Royal Caribbean that their itineraries have been updated to drop Labadee and replace it with another port or a sea day.”

Labadee is a beach area on a peninsula in northern Haiti near Cap-Haitien used exclusively by Royal Caribbean. The cruise line has its own security force at the site, which is walled off from the rest of the country.

The 260-acre site has been leased by Royal Caribbean since the 1980s. It is about a six-hour drive from Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, and thus far has not seen any incidents of violence, the blog said.

More than 2,500 people were killed or injured in gang violence from January to March across Haiti, a more than 50% increase from the same period last year, according to a report Friday by the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti. The vast majority of violence is in Port-au-Prince .

Cap-Haitien, Haiti’s former capital, has been spared much of the violence and is going through a bit of a resurgence, The Associated Press said . Business owners, anxious parents and even historic state ceremonies have been relocating there, and that began even before gangs started attacking key government infrastructure in Port-au-Prince in late February.

Royal Caribbean International had no formal announcements of the changes posted to its website. Royal Caribbean Blog is an unofficial site for fans of the cruise line and is not affiliated with Royal Caribbean International.

But it cited chatter and messages from cruise ticket holders about changes to their itinerary that showed stops at Labadee were being canceled and replaced with either an extra day of cruising at sea or stops in alternate ports.

A notice from the cruise line, reposted on the blog, informed guests about the change in travel plans, without explicitly mentioning the violence.

“Due to the continuing situation in Haiti, we’ll now visit Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos, instead of Labadee, Haiti,” the notice reads. “We’re sorry for the change – your safety is our top priority. Nevertheless, we’re excited to visit a new port with you!”

Grand Turk is the capital island in the Turks and Caicos archipelago north of Haiti.

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The Spinoff

Society April 23, 2024

Why restore passenger rail has set its sights on stopping cruise ships.

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Climate activists are setting their sights on an unpopular target, and hoping to bring lots of the public with them.

It’s hard to miss the Majestic Princess: the enormous cruise ship, docked at Auckland’s Prince’s Wharf, looms over the nearby buildings. The ship, which can fit nearly 6,000 people, is 300 metres long, decorated with bright blue waves vibrating over the bow. The ferries that dart across the harbour, which seem otherwise spacious when they have several dozen people aboard, suddenly look tiny. 

Further down on Princes Wharf, among the Hilton hotel, the shadow of the cruise ship blocks the sun. As a customs announcement echoes across the concrete (“If you are carrying any meat or fresh fruit and vegetables, you may not bring them ashore”), a steady stream of passengers emerge, pulling enormous suitcases, blue stickers on their chests indicating their cabin numbers. One wears a t-shirt reading “Eat. Sleep. Cruise. Repeat.” Various purveyors of experiences – tours, buses, taxi drivers – hover, trying to compel passengers to come with them. 

Among them are several groups of protestors, with big orange signs. “End Luxury Emissions” reads one. Other protesters are greeting the passengers with a big smile. “Welcome to Tāmaki Makaurau, here’s some information.” Most people take a pamphlet, which bears an illustration of a cruise ship in the embrace of a penguin. Others avoid eye contact. One woman opens the pamphlet to see what’s inside: a brief cartoon illustrating how travelling by cruise ships emits three to four times as much as a plane covering the same distance, harms marine life and pollutes the water. “Oh, oh no!” she says, trying to hand it back. 

While only a few people have turned out for this Friday morning protest, there are certainly many more in the country who are unhappy with the frequency of large cruise ships. The Majestic Princess is Auckland’s last cruise ship for the season, but Auckland’s regular commuters have been irked by the hundreds of cancellations of ferry services caused by the slow, ponderous movement of enormous cruise ships through the harbour. 

It’s yet another example of how “luxury” travel is prioritised over everyday, essential travel – and sometimes at the ratepayers’ expense, says James Cockle, spokesperson for Climate Liberation Aotearoa . (If his name sounds familiar, it’s because he was the unsuccessful challenger to James Shaw’s Green Party leadership in 2021.) “People don’t realise how damaging cruise ships are – because no one needs to travel on a cruise ship, it can be one of the first things to tackle.” 

Cockle is wearing a sandwich board on the dock at the bow of the Majestic Princess, strolling around under a banner that reads “You Cruise, We Lose” – CLA’s catchphrase in its anti-cruise ship campaign. The board is a table, collecting poll responses from passersby, who can use Cockle’s pen to tick a box: Are you shitting your pants about the climate crisis? Moderately worried? Don’t care at all?

Climate Liberation Aotearoa is the new name of Restore Passenger Rail, the direct-action climate group that sprung out of Extinction Rebellion and made headlines for glueing themselves to roads and unfolding banners demanding – wouldn’t you know it – passenger rail last year. The reason for the pivot to cruise ships is clear: “We felt like under the new government we had little chance of making progress on passenger rail under road-centric leaders,” Cockle says. 

So the group has rebranded, regrouped, and set themselves another transport target: the enormous ships that come to New Zealand each summer, disgorging thousands of passengers. There’s certainly a line of logic from their direct actions last year – if people hate it when their transport is disrupted by visible actors, and cruise ships disrupt daily transport in most New Zealand cities in one way or another, then why not try to rally that energy into a movement that targets cruise ships? The target has shifted too, with the group focusing first on changing council emissions policy instead of focusing mainly on changing central government.

For instance, Cockle asks, why do councils run extra buses for cruise ship passengers when people who live somewhere permanently have to wait for infrequent services? Why are there train services in Dunedin for cruise ship passengers looking to go on a day trip, but no – back to a favourite topic – passenger rail for residents? Why do councils not count the emissions of the cruise ships they entice in their emissions calculations? 

This last point is particularly galling: the Climate Change Commission has said that including international shipping and aviation in climate targets is consistent with fighting climate change  although New Zealand doesn’t currently do this. Councils have climate targets too; after submissions from CLA and others, Christchurch City Council is investigating charging an environmental levy on visiting cruise ships, and potentially changing how emissions are calculated. 

While passenger rail – which Cockle notes is “overwhelmingly popular”, with an inquiry last year gaining more than 1,700 submissions – might not be on the table with the current government, transport remains a major contributor to Aotearoa’s carbon emissions, at around 18% of total emissions and 44% of energy related emissions (i.e., not methane produced by livestock). That’s without counting the carbon produced by shipping, cruises and international air travel. “I used to think that flying was worse than travelling by ship, but now I know it’s not,” says Caril Cowan, a climate activist protesting as part of CLA, here because she’s keen to take action to do something differently.

People who saw Restore Passenger Rail’s actions last year will be familiar with their approach. “We’ve seen that change is not made through marches and rallies, petitions and letters – we support those actions, but there’s a real need for disruption,” Cockle says. Demanding passenger rail looked like disrupting cars and buses, making a stand on motorways and spray-painting buildings; successfully attention raising but necessarily, and purposefully, unsettling for people wanting to go about their days. 

The tactics are similar in targeting cruise ships, but aimed instead at visitors. CLA have paddled in front of the Majestic Princess in Dunedin Harbour , dropped banners reading “cruise ships kill wildlife, nature and our future” in Zealandia when cruise ship visitors were there on a tour and blocked trams carrying cruise visitors in Christchurch . In trying to engage directly with passengers, using the pamphlets and having conversations with those who are interested, the protesters are hoping to change how people think about cruises. Cockle says that some conversations have been revelatory: a woman he spoke to at a Dunedin cruise stop burst into tears when talking to the protesters, describing her love of the natural world and her sadness that her grandchildren don’t want to have kids because of the climate. “It’s sad to see that, but it’s a response that makes sense to the climate crisis,” Cockle says. 

“A lot of people don’t know how many emissions they’re producing by going on a cruise,” says Tamati, a climate campaigner holding a sign. “I feel sad for the passengers – they think they’re on the cruise for their own good but they don’t see how they’re just being treated as cash for whoever owns the cruise company. They’re just captured.” Others handing out flyers express sympathy for the massive suitcases many passengers are hauling along the footpath, and the confusing signage that leads many fresh-off-the-boat passengers to stop in the middle of the dock, trying to figure out where to go.

In choosing to target cruise ships and their passengers, CLA have perhaps picked a cause that more people can get on board with. While cruise ships get lots of credit for being economic stimuli, Cockle notes that research has shown cruise ship visitors spend less than other tourists, making up 3% of tourism spend but about 9% of total visitors . Cruise passengers aren’t paying for accommodation – which is provided by their overseas-owned vessels – and are usually only in each destination for a day. They tend to only spend in select places: good if you’re a Louis Vuitton store on lower Queen Street, not so much if your business is located anywhere else. “Even if a business is relying on cruise ships, relying on something so unsustainable and unpredictable means they probably need to look at their business model again,” Cockle says. 

Cruise ships, many smaller than the Majestic Princess, made over 1,000 port stops around New Zealand throughout the summer, but fewer visits are expected next summer , which CLA is calling a win, even though it’s mostly due to high port costs rather than climate considerations. Overseas, though, the industry is enormous, and hard to change: each large ship costs hundreds of millions of dollars, meaning the industry is incentivised to make money from it as long as possible. The Majestic Princess, for instance, cost 600 million euros – and it’s only the world’s 49th biggest cruise ship . Against the scale of this industry, the 70-metre-long banner CLA has been unfolding on the hillsides of ports when boats have been visiting seems tiny; as do the protesters in Auckland, not much more than a dozen, against the flow of disembarking passengers and the hulk of the ship itself, a skyscraper floating in the water.

Big ships might be hard to turn, but CLA firmly believes that it’s still possible. “We know it’s not enough to solve the problem on its own, but we think of it as the first pebble in an avalanche of destructive action as people stare down the devastating effects of climate change,” Cockle says. Or, to pick a more nautical metaphor: barnacles might be small, but enough of them can damage even the biggest of boats . 

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The protesters are smiling as they hand the leaflets out, exuding the warm confidence of people who know that a problem exists and have chosen to take action to fix it. But what do the passengers think? 

I talk to S.B., a Singaporean man who has been on several cruises but has been particularly blown away by the beauty of Aotearoa. “Cruises are more relaxing than other holidays, you don’t have to haul yourself around.” He hasn’t noticed the protesters at previous cruise stops, although CLA has been following the Majestic Princess and the Ovation of the Seas, the final ships of the season, through the country. “I don’t know much about cruise emissions – aeroplanes are bad also, cruises are bad, you may as well just enjoy,” he says. 

Another couple, Kris and her husband, are waiting for a taxi. “Oh, we’ve done loads of cruising, I like it because I don’t have to lift a finger,” Kris says. The pair flew from London to Sydney to board the cruise. I ask Kris’s husband what he thinks of the protesters, and the emissions and pollution concerns about cruises. He shakes his head. “A lot more countries put in a lot more pollution than we do; if you say you have to reduce, reduce, reduce, then –” But their taxi is here, and Kris is hustling him and their two heaving suitcases away into the car before he can finish his thought. 

More From Forbes

How to see the best of northern europe on a scandinavian cruise.

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Cruise ship passengers enjoy the view of Sweden’s Stockholm archipelago from the Royal Caribbean ... [+] ship ‘Serenade of the Seas.’

If you’ve ever wanted to dive into the culture of the Vikings or explore what makes people in the Nordic region the so-called happiest on earth, you could do a lot worse than book a Scandinavian cruise.

Scandinavia—and Norway in particular—is an expensive place to travel around, so a cruise can make financial sense for those seeking an introduction to the region. For one price, you get your travel, accommodation, meals, and entertainment covered.

Such a trip offers the opportunity to sample various Scandinavian travel highlights , whether you prefer the Scandinavian capitals, the stunning Norwegian fjords, or soaking up the atmosphere of beautiful islands and historic ports in the Baltic Sea.

Popular Scandinavian Cruise Itineraries

Many different types of itinerary can be advertised as Scandinavian cruises. Typically, they focus on the Nordic capital cities. Some may also include the highlights of the Baltic Sea region, including the Baltic countries and ports in the north of Germany and Poland.

With popular Norwegian fjords cruises together with midnight sun and northern lights tours to the north of Norway also available, there is a lot of diversity in Scandinavian cruises.

Scandinavian Capitals : Cruise itineraries starting in the U.K. or Germany and calling in at two or even all three of Oslo, Stockholm, and Copenhagen have long been popular.

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The Nyhavn district of Copenhagen, Denmark, is a popular destination for cruise ship passengers ... [+] visiting Scandinavia.

Helsinki is often included on such itineraries. If you want to explore modern Scandinavia while gaining access to some of the region’s best museums, such an itinerary is a perfect choice.

Such itineraries tend to be shorter, and are a great introduction to both cruising and Scandinavia, with limited sea days and plenty to see and do while in port.

Baltic Sea : Longer Scandinavian itineraries often include stops at Baltic Sea islands and ports. The beautiful Estonian capital city, Tallinn, or the Latvian capital, Riga, are particular highlights, as are ports on the northern coastline of Germany and Poland.

For those interested in Viking history, look out for smaller ship itineraries featuring Visby on the wonderful island of Gotland .

One such trip is this 12-night itinerary from Celebrity Cruises, which includes a visit to both Visby and Tallinn. Other highlights include a visit to Stockholm and Copenhagen, including an overnight stop in the latter.

The old city walls of Visby on Gotland island, a popular cruise port.

Norwegian Fjords : By far the most variety can be found in the Norwegian fjords region , with almost all major cruise lines operating at least some itineraries here. Although port calls in Flåm and Geiranger will soon be severely limited, many alternative ports will still be able to welcome some of the world’s largest cruise ships.

Whether you prefer the action-packed ships of Royal Caribbean or MSC, or the smaller ships that can sail along narrower fjords, there will be a Norwegian fjords itinerary for you.

Following the recent rise in popularity of the region as a cruising destination, the fjords season has extended, with trips available as early as April and as late as September.

British line P&O Cruises operates its relatively new megaship Iona in the fjords region for much of that period, with regular departures from Southampton on a popular 7-day itinerary.

Midnight Sun : Although all summer cruises in the region will experience long summer days, specific midnight sun itineraries set sail for the far north of Norway to let guests experience the thrill of being outside with the sun in the sky at midnight. Many of these trips visit Honningsvåg, which allows guests to travel by bus to the North Cape.

Northern Lights : In recent years, Scandinavia—or more specifically Norway—has become a year-round cruising destination thanks to the growth in popularity of northern lights cruises .

Aurora borealis in the sky seen from a cruise ship in Arctic Norway.

These itineraries can be found heading north of the Arctic Circle between October and early April.

Planning Tips For Scandinavian Cruises

Cruising in Northern Europe offers a fantastic variety of excursions and experiences, from historical city tours to adrenaline-filled outdoor adventures.

The region’s love of the outdoors lifestyle means active experiences are easy to find, both through cruise line excursions and independent operators.

The high levels of English comprehension across the region means booking your own activities and exploring ports independently is much easier than in many other parts of the world. Even so, look for independent tours that take place earlier in the day to reduce any time-related risk.

No matter when you visit Scandinavia, pack for all weathers. The height of summer can be marred by heavy rainfall, while it’s possible to get sunburnt in the snow-covered conditions of February and March.

Pack a versatile wardrobe. Layered clothing accommodates the region's variable weather, while specialized gear might be necessary for specific excursions.

Cruising And Sustainability

Prospective travelers should be aware of environmental concerns associated with cruising in this pristine region. The industry is moving towards sustainability, with initiatives to introduce zero-emission vessels in sensitive areas, particularly the UNESCO-listed Norwegian fjords .

Some local initiatives protesting against cruise travel have also gathered momentum, so cruisers should be aware of these issues before setting foot ashore.

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Luxury cruise ship where prices start at £7,390 arrives in Liverpool

A luxury cruise ship with an infinity pool, a spa and two cinemas has docked in Liverpool.

The Viking Saturn is currently on its eighth day of a 15-day voyage around the United Kingdom and Ireland. The ship began its journey in Bergen, Norway and has already visited several islands off the coast of Scotland, as well as the capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast.

Its upcoming ports of call include Holyhead, Dublin, Dover, and London-Tilbury, following its current stop in Liverpool.

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Viking Saturn , launched in 2023, is a small ship with a capacity of 930 guests. It is designed to provide a luxurious cruise experience for those interested in exploring regions of Europe where larger ships cannot dock.

Accommodation on board varies, offering three categories of staterooms and three types of suites, all equipped with private verandas and expansive bathrooms.

There are plenty of food options on the Viking Saturn that cater to different tastes. The Restaurant is the main dining venue where guests can enjoy buffet-style breakfasts and evening meals. The menu ranges from regional tasting menus to alternative selections.

Additionally, guests can dine at The Chef's Table for an additional cost. The Chef's Table features a rotating set menu, paired with wines from around the world. Passengers can also indulge in Italian cuisine at Manfredi's or if you are in the mood for lighter fare or snacks throughout the day, there are various onboard eateries available, such as The Living Room, Wintergarden, Mamsen's Deli, and The World Café offering a selection of pasta, pizza, salads, and bagels.

Passengers onboard will never get bored as there are plenty of activities to enjoy, including a grand theatre, two cinema screens, boutique shops, an infinity pool, and a spa. Additionally, cultural experiences such as cooking demonstrations and lectures on upcoming ports of call are available to enhance guests' experience.

There are 16 more sailing trips for the 'British Isles Explorer' this year. Prices for this route in 2024 start at £7,390 per person for a veranda room and go up to £22,890 per person for an owner's suite.

The owner's suite is equipped with a private library, wine and music collections, and an ocean-view dry sauna.

Full itinerary for 'British Isles Explorer' on Viking Saturn:

• Day one - Bergen, Norway
• Day two - Bergen, Norway
• Day three - Shetland Islands (Lerwick), Scotland
• Day four - The Highlands (Invergordon), Scotland
• Day five - Edinburgh (New Haven Harbour), Scotland
• Day six - Orkney Islands (Kirkwall), Scotland
• Day seven - The Highlands (Ullapool), Scotland
• Day eight - Belfast, Northern Ireland
• Day nine - Liverpool, England
• Day 10 - Holyhead, Wales
• Day 11 - Dublin (Dún Laoghaire), Ireland
• Day 12 - Scenic Sailing: English Channel
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I Booked an Independent Shore Excursion Through Viator in Nassau. Here’s What I Learned.

When it comes to taking shore excursions in ports of call, I typically either prefer to book through the cruise line or simply do my own, independent touring. I have rarely booked an independent shore excursion, having only done so twice before: once in Belfast, Northern Ireland and again in Reykjavik, Iceland.

But I was confronted with a list of shore excursions on a recent cruise to Nassau, Bahamas that I wasn’t really excited about. Nothing interested me, and the ones that did were going to cost more money than I was prepared to pay. And I've had some bizarre shore excursion experiences in the past that make me particularly choosy.

I also didn’t want to just get off the ship and explore independently. That’s when I started browsing the independent tour listings on Viator, Cruise Critic’s sister-site that is also part of the Tripadvisor umbrella.

It didn’t take long for me to find a tour that interested me. A few minutes later, and I was booked. Less than two weeks after that, I was on the ground in Nassau. Here’s what I learned from booking my first independent shore excursion in Nassau.

On This Page

• When Booking Your Independent Shore Excursion, Pad Departure and Return Times
• Independent Shore Excursions Can Save Money, But Come with Pratfalls
• My Independent Shore Excursion Showed Me More of Nassau
• Independent Shore Excursions Draw a Wider Variety of Tourists
• Independent Shore Excursions (Can) Support Smaller Businesses
• Would I Book an Independent Shore Excursion Again? What I Learned.

1. When Booking Your Independent Shore Excursion, Pad Departure and Return Times

My sailing to Nassau aboard MSC Cruises’ MSC Magnifica was scheduled to arrive into Nassau at 11 a.m. and depart port at 7 p.m., with an all-aboard time of 6:30 p.m. But that doesn’t mean you can book an independent shore excursion leaving ten minutes after docking.

To play it safe, I chose an excursion departing at 1 p.m., and returning to the dock gates outside the cruise pier at 4:00 p.m. That would give me time to have lunch onboard and to account for any delays upon our arrival. Remember: when you arrive, the ship must tie up, have gangways put in place, and be cleared by the local authorities. Most of the time this happens without a hitch, but sometimes arrival can be delayed by a variety of factors.

I also knew I’d need to walk from my ship across Nassau’s sprawling pier and terminal infrastructure to an area outside the port. I budgeted 15 minutes for that so I wouldn’t be rushed.

Departing the ship at 12:30 p.m. for a 1 p.m. excursion turned out to be a good thing: I took a wrong turn and overshot the meeting point by one block. But because I’d given myself extra time, I arrived on schedule.

The same rules apply for returning to the ship: if it’s all-aboard at 6:30 p.m., don’t plan an excursion that gets back at 6 p.m. Give yourself at least an hour’s worth of cushion to return to the ship because, unlike a ship-sponsored shore excursion, the ship doesn’t know you’re on an independent tour – and doesn’t care. It will leave without you.

2. Independent Shore Excursions Can Save Money, But Come with Pratfalls

My three hour “Feel the Culture” tour operated by Chippies Bahamas ran me a very reasonable $89 Canadian (about $65 USD). That’s miles less expensive than what most shore excursions in Nassau were going for.

But my decision to book an independent shore excursion in Nassau was motivated by other considerations, too: I’ve done most of the cruise line excursions that appealed to me, and was looking for something more. The fact I was able to save some money at the same time was just a bonus.

The biggest pratfall to booking an independent shore excursion – aside from potentially being left shoreside should delays en-route occur – is that it is independent of the cruise. If your ship has to divert for any reason, change itinerary or port times, you may not be entitled to a refund of your pre-booked (and pre-paid) independent shore excursion.

My own tour, booked through Viator, had a 24-hour cancellation policy. That’s early enough for me to decide I just don’t want to do it, but probably not soon enough to matter in the event the ship developed engine issues or was beset by weather.

And don’t expect the cruise line to help or care about your private shore excursion, in the instance of changed itineraries or port times. They didn’t make this booking – you did. You’re on your own.

3. My Independent Shore Excursion Showed Me More of Nassau

My “Feel the Culture” tour showcased more of Nassau than I’ve seen on previous shore excursions, from the wealthy enclave of Atlantis Resort to small backroads where locals sell fresh fruit juices spiked liberally with rum.

Most cruise line shore excursions focus on one place, typically Atlantis Resort, the Blue Lagoon, or a sandy beach. This tour ping-ponged around to some of the most interesting attractions on the island, from a speedy rum cake tasting to a walk through the historic Old Fort of Nassau.

There was also time to spend at Junkanoo Beach with a beer and some sun. We never lingered for long in any one place, but doing so allowed me to see more of Nassau than I had previously.

All of this was done with our two personable guides who live locally and have deep roots in Nassau. That’s a good thing: you’re getting the real deal from the folks who live there.

4. Independent Shore Excursions Draw a Wider Variety of Tourists

On a cruise line sponsored shore excursion, you’re typically paired with other cruise passengers – typically from the same ship.

My “Feel the Culture” tour included myself, sailing aboard MSC Magnifica . A woman travelling solo had come from the nearby Adventure of the Seas , while yet another couple hailed from Carnival Conquest .

During our Atlantis Resort stop, we picked up an American couple who were staying at the Resort. The cruise guests asked them about the resort, and they in turn about the cruise experience.

The result was a better vibe than most cruise line shore excursions: these people meaningfully chose this tour, and everyone was there to have fun.

5. Independent Shore Excursions (Can) Support Smaller Businesses

Our tour operator, Chippies Bahamas, was well-known in Nassau but had not yet been accepted into the cruise line shore excursion departments. However, the tour came with a five-bubble rating on Tripadvisor , and past tourists raved about the quality of the tours and the guides.

Independent tours can be good for supporting smaller businesses. By the time a shore excursion gets to be featured aboard a cruise ship, it tends to be operated by a large company or a group of larger companies.

Booking an independent shore excursion helps small local businesses and entrepreneurial residents, while providing a level of authenticity that may be missing from some big-ship excursion offerings.

6. Would I Book an Independent Shore Excursion Again? What I Learned.

My experience was a positive one: I loved my tour, the price was right, and I felt I got more out of Nassau than I would have if I’d done a cruise line shore excursion or had just elected to stay on the ship.

While I won’t stop booking cruise line shore excursions (some ports just frankly call for a ship-sponsored tour due to time constraints or tendering procedures ), I will certainly be looking to see what new adventures can be had in port by booking an independent shore excursion – as long as it gets back to the ship in time!

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