Belfast, Northern Ireland
The city that built Titanic, a lively Victorian center and the Giant’s Causeway up the coast. Here’s how to make one day ashore count.
A British Isles favorite
Belfast sits at the head of Belfast Lough on Northern Ireland’s east coast. It’s the city where Titanic was designed, built and launched, and the old shipyard is now the Titanic Quarter, home to one of the best maritime museums anywhere. The center is compact and handsome, with grand Victorian buildings, a busy market and a famously warm welcome.
The big decision is how far to go. You can spend the whole day in the city with Titanic Belfast, City Hall and the Cathedral Quarter, or head up the Causeway Coast to the Giant’s Causeway, a long but spectacular trip. Below are the cruise line favorites, the highlights to know if you’d rather explore at your own pace and the details that keep the day easy.
Which pier you’ll dock at
Most ships use the main cruise terminal, but smaller ships can be assigned elsewhere in the harbor. Confirm yours on your itinerary a few days before you arrive.
Belfast Cruise Terminal
The main cruise berth at Stormont Wharf, in the working harbor about three miles from the city center. It’s an industrial area with little to see on foot, so plan to head into the city or out on a tour. Visit Belfast staff meet ships with maps and advice, and your cruise line will explain the options for getting into town.
Used by: Celebrity, Cunard, Holland America, MSC, Norwegian, Oceania, Princess, Regent, Silversea, Viking and Virgin Voyages.
Other harbor berths
Small luxury and expedition ships are sometimes assigned a different berth in the harbor. Arrangements on the day are similar: you’ll still want a plan for getting into the city, and ship-sold tours leave from the quayside.
Used by: Azamara, Ponant, Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and Windstar.
Cruise line favorites
Book these in your cruise planner. Ship-sold tours cost a bit more, but the ship waits for you if the tour runs late, and on a long Causeway day that matters.
- Giant’s Causeway. About 40,000 basalt columns stepping into the sea on the north coast, Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s roughly 60 miles from the port, so this is a full day, often with Dunluce Castle or the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. Guests often ask us to pair it with Titanic Belfast; that works on a long port day, but not on a short one.
- Titanic Belfast. The award-winning museum on the slipways where Titanic was built, often paired with a city drive or the SS Nomadic, the last White Star Line ship still afloat. Admission costs extra if you go on your own.
- City & murals tour. A guided drive past City Hall, Queen’s University and the political murals and peace walls of west Belfast, with local context on the city’s recent history. It’s one of the Belfast tours we’re asked about most.
- Game of Thrones Studio Tour. The original sets, costumes and props at the studio where the series was filmed, about an hour from the port. A favorite for fans; book early.
Exploring without a tour
Prefer to explore at your own pace? These are the highlights to know, wherever your day takes you. Keep an eye on the clock.
The Titanic Quarter
Titanic Belfast, the SS Nomadic and the Titanic slipways sit together on the old Harland & Wolff shipyard, with the famous yellow cranes, Samson and Goliath, rising beyond. Allow at least two hours for the museum.
City Hall & the center
Belfast City Hall anchors the center, with free guided tours on most days and the Titanic Memorial Garden on its grounds. Nearby are the Linen Hall Library, Victoria Square’s glass dome and the ornate Crown Liquor Saloon.
The Cathedral Quarter
Cobbled lanes, street art and some of the city’s best pubs and restaurants around St Anne’s Cathedral. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, the Victorian St George’s Market is full of local food and crafts.
Before you go ashore
- All-aboard is firm. If you book independently, plan to be back at the ship an hour before all-aboard. Ships do leave without late guests.
- Check your entry paperwork. Northern Ireland is part of the UK, so most visitors, including U.S. and Canadian citizens, need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before a British Isles cruise. Your advisor can confirm what you need for your sailing.
- Causeway days are long. The Giant’s Causeway is about 60 miles from the port, and the round-trip drive alone takes about three hours. We’ve seen shorter port calls where there simply isn’t time, so check your hours ashore first, then book through your cruise line.
- Dress in layers. Weather changes fast on the coast, even in summer. Bring a rain jacket and comfortable shoes; the Causeway stones are uneven and can be slippery.
- Coming soon. Belfast Harbour has approved plans for a new cruise berth and a larger terminal building at the current site. Opening dates aren’t set, so ask your advisor for the latest.
- Mobility needs? Traveling with mobility needs? Tell your advisor when you book. Our accessibility specialist can help arrange the right support.
Sailing to Belfast
British Isles and Northern Europe itineraries call here from May to September, often round trip from Southampton, Dover or Amsterdam, plus some transatlantic sailings.Find a cruisePlan with Harr Travel
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