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2 'N 5 55'W Belfast, a must see city... don t just take our word for it, read what the world s travel experts and opinion makers are saying! Get here early and enjoy it before the rest of the world arrives Belfast one of the 15 places to visit this decade. One of the top 10 European destinations on the rise. Happiest city in the UK. Cruise Belfast is a marketing partnership between Belfast Harbour and Visit Belfast. Since 1996 Belfast has welcomed over 430 ships carrying over half a million visitors.

3 Explore a world of... Titanic/Music/ Culture/Castles/ Gardens/History/ Literature/ Golf/Shopping/ Christian Heritage/ Legend & Myth/ Only in Belfast As Belfast uncovers another momentous year packed with events, festivals and unique visitor attractions, it s the ideal time to discover why Northern Ireland s capital city is becoming such a popular cruise destination. There is so much for your guests to explore in the incredible city whose innovation, passion and pride gave birth to Titanic and many other great ships. From castles towering high above the lough from which she departed to tranquil canal towpaths by beautiful parks, Belfast has a myriad of wonderful experiences to enthral visitors. There are so many ways to discover the city s remarkable heritage and buzzing cultural life, including authentic taxi tours of Belfast s world famous political murals and tours by foot, bike, boat, bus and car of the Titanic story and the many historic landmarks of the city. Belfast s literary heritage includes the childhood haunts of Narnia s creator CS Lewis, while visitors can follow in the footsteps of St Patrick to trace a Christian heritage that includes beautiful cathedrals and unique sailors churches. In an hour s drive your guests can explore the rugged coast lines, historic castles and breath taking scenery featured in the popular medieval fantasy series Game of Thrones. A fabulous entertainment scene features worldclass musical acts in great arenas and concert halls, scintillating traditional music in intimate pubs, pulsating drama in state-of-the-art theatres and a buzzing arts scene throughout the city. You can add to that atmospheric traditional pubs, restaurants famous for quality and value and some of the best shopping in the UK or Ireland. VISIT-BELFAST.COM/CRUISE 3

4 Cruise Facilities Belfast Harbour has announced plans to invest $15m to develop the first purpose built cruise facility in any port on the island of Ireland. Building upon increases in cruise calls in recent years Belfast Harbour has committed to providing world class facilities for cruise ships which will see the ships berthing away from the cargo handling side of the port. The new facility will be designed to accommodate all vessels currently operating in the UK and Ireland as well as the next generation ships which carry over 5,000 passengers and crew. An appropriate meeting area and welcome facility shall be provided to cater for all shore side operations. The new facility will benefit from being one of the most accessible berths on the island and will be very easily accessed via the deepwater Victoria Channel. The location of the new cruise facility will also provide easy access by coach transfer to the city centre as well as providing an easy link onto the motorway network to enable coaches to enjoy seamless transition time to popular Shore Excursion destinations outside the city. Plans are also underway to further enhance the maritime heritage district of Belfast through the renovation of HMS Caroline, the sole surviving vessel from the 1916 Battle of Jutland. It is intended that following a $25m refurbishment HMS Caroline will open to the public as a visitor attraction in May 2016 in time for the centenary of the Battle of Jutland. 4 VISIT-BELFAST.COM/CRUISE

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7 Steeped in history When Titanic sailed out of Belfast Lough in April 1912, the world s largest and most luxurious ship symbolised a city at the height of its powers. Edwardian Belfast was where one could find the World s biggest weaving and tobacco factories, the most extensive rope-works ever built as well as the World s greatest shipyard. Now, in the dynamic new Belfast that has emerged in recent years, your guests will find endless ways to explore and enjoy that remarkable heritage. VISIT-BELFAST.COM/CRUISE 7

8 It may be in guided tours through the city s history, unique outdoor living history museums, a tour of the political murals, or just absorbing the city s glorious architecture. That heritage is all around, from the magnificent City Hall to the iconic Crumlin Road Gaol, a Victorian jail, to chic restaurants, hotels and bars housed in converted linen warehouses, right around the historic cobblestoned Cathedral Quarter with its unique atmosphere and in beautiful Victorian pubs renowned around the world. 1 Belfast Castle 2 Belfast City Hall 3 Stormont 4 Culturlann 5 Queen s University Belfast 6 Crumlin Road Gaol 7 Crumlin Road Gaol interior 8 Assembly Buildings 9 Our famous murals 10 The MAC VISIT-BELFAST.COM/CRUISE

9 Guided tours of the Belfast Distillery, located within the historic 170 year old Crumlin Road Gaol, reveal a fascinating story of Belfast s 250 year history as a centre of whiskey production and the mysteries behind the making of Irish whiskey. HMS Caroline is the last remaining floating survivor of the 1916 Battle of Jutland. It has been based in Northern Ireland for over 90 years and is currently being restored as a world class heritage visitor attraction in time for the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Jutland in VISIT-BELFAST.COM/CRUISE 9

10 1 Titanic Belfast, Titanic Quarter 2 Titanic Memorial Gardens 3 Titanic slipways 4 Titanica, Ulster Folk & Transport Museum 5 Titanic pump-house 6 SS Nomadic exhibition 7 Titanic Belfast gallery 8 SS Nomadic 9 Thompson dry dock tour 1 10 VISIT-BELFAST.COM/CRUISE

11 Titanic Trail There are over 300 museums and attractions around the world dedicated to the story of Titanic, but only in Belfast can visitors see the locations where she was designed, built and launched. Since 1997, James Cameron s Titanic, still the second most popular movie of all time, has inspired hundreds of thousands of people to trace the romance, passion and tragedy of the Titanic story to its source, Belfast! In Titanic Quarter by the River Lagan, your guests can see the beautiful Harland & Wolff drawing offices where Titanic and her sister ships were designed, the slipways from which she was launched, the vast Thompson Dry Dock where her superstructure was added and the original pump-house that operated it. You can also visit the SS Nomadic - tender to the Titanic and the last remaining White Star Line ship in the world! But that is just the start. By boat, bus, taxi, foot, cycle and car a range of enthralling tours take visitors to the many sites throughout Belfast that are associated with the famous liner. That includes unique exhibitions showcasing hundreds of Titanic artefacts and atmospheric living history outdoor museums where visitors can wander through streets of Titanic era Belfast. The jewel in the Quarter s crown is the state-of-the-art Titanic Belfast building which represents an architectural triumph for the city and is the world s largest Titanic visitor experience. Housed in an iconic, 6-floor, 9-gallery building, the hulls of which are the exact height of Titanic when she sat on the slipways, Titanic Belfast truly is an unmissable experience which brings history to life in an unforgettable way. Visitors can travel through the Titanic story from her creation to her tragic sinking and the discovery of her wreck 4km below sea level. Visitors can enjoy the stunning special effects, thrilling rides, full-scale reconstructions and innovative interactive features of this fantastic attraction. So whether you re interested in the architecture, the history and heritage or the unique visitor experience, we d love your guests to come and share the legend of Titanic with us! VISIT-BELFAST.COM/CRUISE 11

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13 Christian heritage 1 St Anne s Cathedral 2 Sinclair Seamen s 3 Clonard Monastery 4 St George s 5 St Malachy s ceiling Belfast s remarkable Christian heritage begins with St Patrick himself, who is believed to have built a 5th century church here as part of his crusade to convert the Irish to Christianity. But that s just part of the story. Some of the most beautiful and distinctive churches and cathedrals in the UK or Ireland can be visited in the city. These include an ancient church where Thomas Andrews, designer of Titanic, worshipped, St. Anne s Cathedral with one of the largest Celtic crosses in Ireland, a unique nautically themed church in the historic Sailortown down by the harbour and churches and cathedrals famed for their art and stained glass windows. There s even one beautifully restored church whose famous ceiling has been likened to an upside down wedding cake! VISIT-BELFAST.COM/CRUISE 13

14 1 Royal County Down - Home to the Irish Open Darren Clarke, European Ryder Cup Captain Our famous trio; Rory McIlroy, Graeme McDowell and Darren Clarke Golfing greats What would you expect in the city that has given the world its most exciting young golfer in decades, Rory McIlroy, but a fabulous choice of superb courses in the most beautiful and relaxing surroundings? What better way for your guests to relax and unwind than by teeing off at a historic golf club by the banks of beautiful Belfast Lough or in acres of sublime parkland just minutes from the harbour. In all Belfast boasts 14 excellent golf courses and golf centres and if that isn t enough, there are world famous links courses within an hour s drive or so VISIT-BELFAST.COM/CRUISE

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16 1 State of the art Already renowned for its buzzing cultural vibe, Belfast s art scene is even better. The Metropolitan Arts Centre (MAC), in the heart of the historic Cathedral Quarter, features two world-class gallery spaces, two theatres, dance studios, a children s den area, a restaurant and more. That s in addition to the magnificent collections of Irish and British art at the Ulster Museum and Naughton Gallery at Queen s and contemporary and traditional art at acclaimed galleries throughout the city. There s also pulsating drama at the state-of-the-art new Lyric Theatre, down by the River Lagan, world-class theatre, opera, ballet and musicals at stunning venues like the Grand Opera House, Belfast Waterfront and Ulster Hall and a unique literary heritage your guests can trace on enthralling tours. As for live music, your visitors can take their pick from cracking evenings of superb Irish traditional music at lively bars, wonderful classical music at historic halls or the superstars of music at world-class venues VISIT-BELFAST.COM/CRUISE

17 3 1 RUA exhibition, Ulster Museum 2 Andy Warhol exhibition, MAC 3 Ulster Folk & Transport Museum 4 Linen Hall Library 5 The MAC atrium 4 5 VISIT-BELFAST.COM/CRUISE 17

18 With so many alluring shops, from the big brands of fashion to innovative boutiques and gifts made by master craftspeople, shopping in Belfast is a joy. Especially when you can indulge yourself in Belfast s renowned café culture en route VISIT-BELFAST.COM/CRUISE

19 Victoria Square 2 Viewing dome at Victoria Square 3 The Crown Liquor Saloon 4 St George s Market 5 Duke of York, traditional music 6 Titanic shopping 6 Visitors can soak up the atmosphere in a charming, award-winning Victorian Market, explore local designer shopping on picturesque, leafy boulevards and finish the day with a well deserved pint of the black stuff or local craft beer in an intimate traditional pub. VISIT-BELFAST.COM/CRUISE 19

20 Walks & gardens From the spectacular views over city and lough, wild country parks and towering castles to its great swathes of parkland, few cities are blessed with such natural splendours as Belfast. In the city that thinks it s the country, your guests can choose from river towpaths that take walkers and cyclists along endless miles of enchanting parkland, a world-famous rose garden and historic castle gardens. Even in the heart of the city, they ll be able to stroll through exotic tropical ravines and enjoy wildly colourful displays of flowers in delightful glass houses. It s all so accessible too. Within an hour s drive of the glorious grounds of Stormont Castle, seat of Northern Ireland s parliament, are some of the most beautiful National Trust gardens in the UK or Ireland. They can even visit Hillsborough Castle, the official residence of Her Majesty the Queen in Northern Ireland. 1 Hillsborough Castle and Gardens 2 Mount Stewart 3 Palm House, Botanic Gardens 4 Seaforde gardens 5 Belfast Castle & Gardens 1 20 VISIT-BELFAST.COM/CRUISE

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22 1 Home of Thrones HBO s Game of Thrones is one of the most popular and successful fantasy TV series ever made and it is filmed right here in Northern Ireland! The magical atmosphere captured on film is due to the stunning filming locations chosen by HBO to feature in the show, so now is the time to get out and explore them. Part of the shows appeal and what has made it so popular with millions of fans are the mesmerising fantasy lands of Westeros which of course have been brought to life using Northern Ireland s rugged coastlines, historic castles and breathtaking countryside and forests. Some of the dramatic scenery which forms the backdrop to much of the show s action can be found right here in Northern Ireland. Fans can easily visit many of the locations where a favourite scene was filmed or walk in the footsteps of a much-loved character. Some of the stunning filming locations not to be missed include: Castle Ward which may be more familiar as Winterfell, Tollymore Forest Park which will be recognisable as North of Winterfell, Downhill Beach familiar as the Dragonstone exterior and Murlough Bay in County Antrim aka Stormlands - but there are many more to discover. 1 Castleward (Winterfell) 2-3 Ballintoy Harbour 4 Mussenden Temple, Downhill (Dragonstone) 5 Dark Hedges (The King s Road) 22 VISIT-BELFAST.COM/CRUISE

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24 Gateway to Northern Ireland In little more than an hour s drive from Belfast Harbour, your guests can find themselves at the eighth wonder of the world, the spectacular Giant s Causeway, awestruck by the unforgettable sight of 40,000 black basalt columns jutting out into the sea. This extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage site has been enhanced by a new 19 million state-of-the-art interactive visitor centre where the science and stories about this geological phenomenon come to life. Northern Ireland is famous for the beauty and variety of its unspoilt scenery and nowhere is more than two hours or so from Belfast. Should they wish to explore more, your guests would have plenty of time for day trips to sail on the tranquil lakes of Fermanagh or hike in the beautiful Mourne Mountains of County Down or Tyrone s wild Sperrins, the largest mountain range in Northern Ireland. They could choose between tracing powerful Irish myths to their source around the mystic mountain of Slieve Gullion in South Armagh, discovering Saint Patrick s country through Armagh and County Down and circling the walls of Ireland s only completely walled city, Derry~Londonderry and still be back in time for dinner! For a more unusual adventure your guests could experience The Gobbins. A challenging, dramatic, two-mile-long cliff-face path involving spectacular tubular and suspension bridges and caves and tunnels carved through the rock. The Gobbins excites all the senses and is another jewel on the famous Causeway Coastal Route, voted one of the world s top road trips. 1 UNESCO World Heritage Site Giant s Causeway 2 Mourne Mountains 3 Fermanagh s lakes 4 Bonamargy Friary 5 The Gobbins Visitor Centre 6 Giant s Causeway Visitor Centre 24 VISIT-BELFAST.COM/CRUISE

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26 Antrim Castle Gardens 2 White House, Newtownabbey 3 Hillsborough Castle 4 Bangor Marina 4 HBO 26 VISIT-BELFAST.COM/CRUISE

27 Titanic Trail Tour Best of Belfast Tour Game of Thrones & Causeway Coastal Route Tour Visit the birthplace of the Titanic and witness the rebirth of the legend. A city tour of the major sights and sounds of Belfast. An area of immense beauty and breathtaking scenery. 9.30am Depart from the port and travel by coach to the Titanic Quarter. 9.45am Guided tour of Nomadic Belfast, the last surviving ship of the White Star Line am Explore the site where Titanic last rested on dry ground at Titanic s Dock and Pump-House am Explore the unique heritage of the newly-refurbished HMS Caroline, one of only three surviving Royal Navy warships of the First World War. 2.00pm After lunch immerse yourself in a self-guided tour of the award winning Titanic Belfast. 5.00pm Return to ship. 9.00am Depart from the port and take a coach tour through Titanic Quarter, out to Stormont Parliament Buildings, West Belfast to see the iconic wall murals, the historic Cathedral Quarter and leafy Queen s Quarter pm Continue on to the stunning Belfast Castle, which offers beautiful gardens and panoramic views of the city. 2.00pm Return to the city centre and after lunch visit Belfast City Hall. Explore the grounds, Titanic Memorial Garden and enjoy a free tour of the inside of this stunning building. 3.30pm Take a guided tour of Crumlin Road Gaol, a former prison from the Victorian era, where you can also enjoy a sample of whiskey from the local Belfast Distillery Company. 5.00pm Return to Belfast city centre for shopping and/or a trip to a traditional pub. 6.00pm Return to ship. 9.30am Depart from the port and take a coach tour through the North Antrim coast, stopping off at The Gobbins, a dramatic cliff-face path with its spectacular bridges, tunnel, and staircases am Travel through the village of Glenarm, where Steensons Workshop and Gallery have crafted stunning pieces of jewellery for all 5 seasons of Game of Thrones pm Visit the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, walk in the footsteps of members of the Game of Thrones cast and crew who braved the bridge suspended across a 20-metre chasm. 1.30pm Stop for lunch at the Giant s Causeway Visitor Centre before visiting this fascinating World Heritage Site, famous for its polygonal columns of layered basalt. 4.30pm Drive along the King s Road which led Ned Stark to his death and Arya Stark away from King s Landing. The Dark Hedges is probably one of the most photographed landmarks on the Game of Thrones Map. 6.00pm Return to ship. VISIT-BELFAST.COM/CRUISE 27

28 Why cruise to Belfast? Belfast is a city with a unique character and history that sets it apart from other cruise destinations. We combine our heritage with a legendary welcome and a unique sense of humour, which ensures millions of visitors enjoy their stay with us. The City of Belfast is built around different areas, each with its own personality, from the Gaeltacht Quarter to Queens Quarter and from the Cathedral Quarter to Titanic Quarter. All good things come in small packages - little more than five minutes drive will take you to the heart of the city where the main attractions and shops are located, all found within 15 minutes walk of the magnificent Belfast City Hall. Belfast is never more than two hours away from any point in Northern Ireland and with convenient driving routes the Region s most popular attractions are well within reach. Belfast Harbour is located close to the M2 motorway, which leads north towards one of the World s most scenic drives along the Causeway Coast and Glens and onto the historic City of Derry, County Londonderry; south to St. Patrick s Country in Counties Down and Armagh; or west to the beautiful Fermanagh Lakelands. Cruise Belfast can provide a tourist information desk at the quayside (and onboard if required) staffed by multi-lingual Travel Advisors. Maps, brochures and discount vouchers are all available as well as a daily events listing and shuttle bus timetable information. Further information can be sought at Visit Belfast just across from the City Hall. The Visit Belfast Welcome Centre offers a range of services, providing free tourist information and advice, bureau de change, a box office for events and tours, left luggage, free Wi-Fi and a gift shop. Opening hours are extended to accommodate the visit of a cruise ship. Cruise Belfast can also organise musical entertainment at the port either to welcome the ship to Belfast or to bid a fond farewell. 28 VISIT-BELFAST.COM/CRUISE

29 Visit Belfast Welcome Centre Our new, state-of-the-art interactive visitor centre is situated in the heart of Belfast city centre, opposite Belfast City Hall. Belfast Harbour Information Useful Information Belfast Harbour can trace its origins back to 1613 and emerged as the most important port in Ulster in the early eighteenth century. Since its formation, the Belfast Harbour Commissioners have developed and improved the Port, reclaiming land to accommodate new quays, new trades and changes in shipping and cargo handling technology giving us the efficient, modern facility that we have today. Stormont Wharf Victoria Channel Maximum length: 1,000 metres Maximum beam: 33 metres Maximum draught: 10.2 metres Pollock Herdman Channel Maximum length: 250 metres Maximum beam: n/a Maximum draught: 8.5 metres Tugs: 24 hour availability, requirement depending on size and equipment Restrictions on arrival/departure times: Tidal only Range of Quay heights: metres Difference between high and low tides: 3.1 metres ETA to whom: Belfast Harbour Radio ETA contents: ETA at No.1 Buoy, Last Port, Max draught, Masters Name Pilotage Compulsory: Yes Pilot VHF: 12 Position of pilot pickup: Fairways Buoy Distance from Port: 6 miles Pilot Working Hours: 24 Hours Prevailing Currents: 2 kts Winds: Prevailing SW Is fresh water available: Yes Number of Hoses: 2 Tonnes per hour guaranteed: 12 tonnes Type of fitting: 10 tonnes Garbage and sewage: 4 Security personnel: Reception facilities available Passengers/crew inspection: Yes Tour buses at quay: Yes Tourist desk: Yes Shuttle service: on quayside/ship Taxis: Yes, 10 minutes to city centre Port location Most ships dock at Stormont Dock or Pollock Dock, located less than 3 miles north or a ten minute drive from Belfast city centre. Tourist Information Visit Belfast Welcome Centre 9 Donegall Square North Belfast BT1 5GJ T: +44 (0) F: +44 (0) E: info@visit-belfast.com October - May opening hours Mon - Sat: 9am pm Sun: 11am - 4pm June - September opening hours Mon - Sat: 9am - 7pm Sun: 11am - 4pm Free tourist information, ticket sales, bureau de change, left luggage, free Wi-Fi and gift shop. Language: English International Dialling Code: area code (without 0) + local number Climate: The weather in Northern Ireland is traditionally changeable but mild. Although the summer months sometimes see periods of sunshine, at any time of year it is advisable to be prepared for rain. Currency and Banking: British pound sterling ( ). Larger stores accept Euro ( ) notes and usually give change back in sterling. Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) dispense cash at hundreds of locations and credit cards are widely accepted. Smoking: A smoking ban has been implemented in all Northern Ireland s workplaces and enclosed public spaces, including pubs, cafés, shopping centres, restaurants, buses and trains. Tipping: It is now a generally accepted practice in restaurants to leave a gratuity of 10-15% for good service. Some restaurants may add on an obligatory 10 or 12.5% service charge on large group bookings. Disability Access: Belfast s buildings are more accessible to wheelchair users than ever. Shopmobility Belfast provides free wheelchairs and scooters to hire from CastleCourt & Victoria Square Shopping Centres and the Shopmobility office at 2 Queen Street, Belfast. For more details contact: +44 (0) or visit VISIT-BELFAST.COM/CRUISE 29

30 Alexandra Dock Stormont Wharf Pollock Dock Titanic Belfast & SS Nomadic Titanic Quarter Cathedral Quarter Belfast City Centre Victoria Square Shopping Belfast City Hall 30 VISIT-BELFAST.COM/CRUISE

31 54 36'N 5 55'W AIDA All Leisure Group Azamara Club Cruise Carnival RCCL Celebrity Club Med Marine Cruise & Maritime Voyages Crystal Cruises Cunard Fred. Olsen Cruise Line FTI Cruises Hapag Lloyd Hansa Kreuzfahrten Hansa Touristik Hebridean Island Holland America Line (Hal) ISE (Institute For Shipboard Education) Island Cruises Island Sky Louis Cruises Majestic MSC Noble Caledonia Norwegian Cruise Line Oceania P&O Cruise Peter Deilmann Phoenix Reisen Plantours Kreuzfahrten Ponant Prestige Cruise Line (Pcl) Princess Cruise Line Pullmantur Regent Seven Seas Residensea Saga Cruises Seabourn Seacloud Cruises Silversea Swan Hellenic Thomson Cruises Transocean TUI V Ships Wind Star Join the growing number of operators who make Belfast their destination. Aerial photography Esler Crawford Photography

32 Rachael McGuickan Director of Business Tourism E rachaelmcguickin@visit-belfast.com Visit Belfast 9 Donegall Square North Belfast BT1 5GJ T +44 (0) Tony McAuley Associate Director Cruise Services E tony.mcauley@belfast-harbour.co.uk Belfast Harbour Commissioners Corporation Square Belfast BT1 3AL T +44 (0) Disclaimer The information contained in this Guide is given in good faith on the basis of the information submitted to Visit Belfast by the promoters of the venues and services listed. Visit Belfast cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this guide and accept no responsibility for any error or misrepresentation. All liability, disappointment, negligence or other damage caused by the reliance on the information contained in this guide, or in any company, individual or firm mentioned, or in the event of any company, individual or firm ceasing to trade, is hereby excluded. Visit Belfast A selection of images supplied courtesy of Tourism NI, National Museums Northern Ireland and Tourism Ireland Limited.