Cruises to Belfast

251 Reviews
Belfast (Photo:Mcimage/Shutterstock)

About Cruising to Belfast

There was a time when the name Belfast raised an immediate red flag to visitors, but these days, the town's highly publicized political unrest has greatly subsided. Curiosity-seekers can still find elaborate murals and other relics from turbulent times lingering in certain neighborhoods, but for the most part, Belfast is now safer than many other European capitals, and its new image is one of both progress and hospitality.

If you've been to Dublin, the differences between that city and Belfast may seem striking. Belfast, of course, is part of Northern Ireland, which itself is part of the United Kingdom; the Republic of Ireland is part of... just the Republic of Ireland.

So British influence seems to have coated Belfast with a more polished veneer and a Victorian elegance that's evident in the town's shops, restaurants and even its pubs. The omnipresent Irish charm still exists, but Belfast also projects a cosmopolitan flair that's rarely seen elsewhere on the Emerald Isle. The glittering row of boutiques lining the Golden Mile, Belfast's premier shopping district, is more reminiscent of Paris or Milan, while a new wave of trendy restaurants now offers visitors haute cuisine in addition to local favorites. The city has come a long way since the days of security checkpoints and armored patrols, and Belfast now appears poised to shed its unfortunate past and take its place among Europe's new hot spots.

  • More about Belfast

  • Why Cruise to Belfast?

  • Belfast Cruise Port Facilities?

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Norwegian Pearl
Norwegian Pearl

14 Night
Repo - Transatlantic

2,401 Reviews
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Norwegian Getaway
Norwegian Getaway

14 Night
Repo - Transatlantic

3,266 Reviews
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Norwegian Star
Norwegian Star

10 Night
Europe - Other

2,583 Reviews
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Norwegian Dawn
Norwegian Dawn

11 Night
Europe - British Isles

3,018 Reviews
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10 Night
Europe - British Isles

3,018 Reviews
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10 Night
Europe - Northern Cruise

282 Reviews
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14 Night
Europe - Other

2,401 Reviews
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11 Night
British Isles Cruise

2,100 Reviews
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11 Night
Europe - British Isles

2,583 Reviews
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11 Night
The Emerald Isle & Scottish Highlands 11d Ams-le1

127 Reviews
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14 Night
Europe - Western Cruise

2,769 Reviews
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Cruise Critic Favorite

35 Night
Voyage Of The Vikings

1,028 Reviews
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Cruise Critic Favorite

35 Night
Voyage Of The Vikings

1,028 Reviews
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33 Night
Transatlantic Cruise

1,788 Reviews
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12 Night
Europe - Western Cruise

1,788 Reviews
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More about Belfast

Why Cruise to Belfast?

Pros:

Belfast has a cosmopolitan flair that most other places in Ireland lack

Cons:

The city's unsavory past has given it a stigma that it's still overcoming

Bottom Line:

Victorian elegance mixes with Irish charm in this city

Belfast Cruise Port Facilities?

Unfortunately, the amenities at the port itself are scarce, and there's very little of interest within walking distance. Visitors are better off taking one of the free shuttles that run between the harbor and the city center every 15 minutes.

Good to Know?

As you would in any city, keep unnecessary valuables onboard in your cabin's safe.

Getting Around?

On Foot: Belfast is one of those small, intimate cities that caters to pedestrians, so walking here is a pleasure. Many attractions are within a short stroll of each other and there are plenty of pubs for those who need to stop along the way and refortify themselves.

By Bus:> Belfast's Metro bus system is quick, easy and fairly inexpensive. You can purchase one-way trips or all-day passes.

By Taxi: Cabs in Belfast are plentiful but expensive. Look for the classic black London-style taxis, and avoid the non-official varieties that may not have a meter and can sometimes charge outrageous fares.

By Rental Car: Avis, Budget and a host of other rental car companies have offices in Belfast. Trying to drive and park in the downtown area can be quite a chore, though, so it's better to rent a car only if you're planning to explore the surrounding countryside.

Currency & Best Way to Get Money?

Belfast, like the rest of Northern Ireland, uses the British pound. Many large stores will accept euros as well, although a service charge may apply.

Most banks are open Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and a few are open on Saturday mornings. ATM machines are commonplace, and you'll find one on practically every corner. Currency exchange booths are plentiful, too. You'll find one located inside the Belfast Welcome Centre on Donegall Place.

For up-to-the-minute conversion rates, be sure to check www.xe.com.

Language?

The language spoken is English. Unlike in the Republic of Ireland, you'll rarely find Gaelic signage in the north.

Where You're Docked?

You'll dock at the Port of Belfast, roughly two miles northeast of the city center.


Belfast Cruise Reviews
Did a food tour in Belfast. Food and Irish Coffees were great.Read More
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GICNJC
Belfast is a booming town! It was also our most organized port; by the time the ship was cleared, the tour buses, shuttle buses, "hop-on-hop off" buses and taxis were all lines up and just waiting for us to disembarkRead More
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MostlyLegal
Took a bus tour of Belfast and then had free time. Saw the castle, churches and the city. Lots to see in Belfast.Read More
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Ron and Bonnie
Did the Belfast/Titanic tour from the ship. If you're in Belfast, the Titanic museum is a must.Read More
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NorthSeasCruising

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