Holland America Line’s Nieuw Statendam became the largest cruise ship in history to visit Lough Foyle.
The ship, weighing just under 100,000 gross tonnes and 300 metres in length, brought the largest ever single day number of crew and passengers to the region.
The visit was part of Holland America Line’s 28 day “Arctic Circle & British Isles Collectors’ Voyage.”
This latest call marks Holland America Line’s first return to Lough Foyle since the Prinsendam visited in 2018, and the operator has already confirmed scheduled return visits in 2027, 2028 and 2029.
To commemorate the inaugural call, a traditional plaque exchange was held on board between the ship’s Captain and local representatives from Foyle Port.
Foyle Port’s Harbour Master and Operations Director, Captain Bill McCann said:
“Welcoming the Nieuw Statendam — the largest cruise ship ever to call to Lough Foyle — is a landmark moment for Foyle Port and for the wider North West region, and a reflection of the significant work that has gone into developing this destination for major international operators.
“Bringing close to 3,700 passengers and crew to the region in a single visit is a record for us, and the fact that Holland America Line has already committed to returning for the next three years tells its own story about the confidence that leading cruise lines now have in our Port facilities and local tourism offering.
“The North West has a great deal to showcase, and we look forward to welcoming many more vessels of this calibre in the years ahead.”
Karen Farndell, associate vice president for sales and marketing for Holland America Line, Operator of Nieuw Statendam, said:
“Calling at Foyle Port offers a wonderful opportunity for our guests to experience the history, culture, and landscapes that make Northern Ireland so special.
“We are committed to connecting guests more deeply with the destinations we visit, while caring for the local communities and natural environments that make these journeys so meaningful”.
Driving the demand for visitors to the region is also its leading tourism offering, with passengers from Nieuw Statendam able to access to a range of shore excursions across the North West, taking in the region’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, museums, and more. New to this season’s offering is Celtic Grá, a live production of Celtic music and dance which has been performed to audiences worldwide on land and at sea.
Niamh McCarthy, Managing Director, Excursions Ireland, said:
“The Foyle region is a shining example of what can be achieved when a remarkable destination is supported by a truly progressive Port. Rich in history, surrounded by stunning scenery, and packed with diverse experiences, it continues to grow as a must-visit cruise destination.
“Working alongside Foyle Port is always a pleasure for us in Excursions Ireland – their proactive, innovative approach and commitment to partnership make them a driving force for the region’s success. 2026 is a busy season in Foyle Port and we look forward to being a part of the impressive growth this region is seeing.”
