PRESS RELEASE

Sailing by: next stop North America!

11th September 2003

Cunard’s luxury cruise liner, The Seabourn Pride, will berth in the city this Saturday, September 13th, bringing this year’s cruise season to a close.

The six-star luxury cruise liner, carrying approximately 160 passengers, will call in to the city en route to North America, cruising the waters of the Atlantic before stopping at Newfoundland and Nova Scotia in Canada before arrival at its final destination, New York.

The Seabourn Pride will tie-up at Queen’s Quay, which was refurbished in 1998, to offer a city centre berth for the small cruise liner. The refurbished Queen’s Quay site has been a great success, allowing small cruise ships to sail right into the city centre, providing a convenient and picturesque location.

Aideen Corr, Officer for the Cruise Initiative said:
“The Seabourn first visited the city in August 1997 and we are delighted to welcome the ship back on its tenth call. Seabourn is a six star luxury ship and we have always received very positive feedback from the passengers after each call. They like being so close to the city centre where they can walk on the historic walls, visit our museums and attractions and take in a bit of retail therapy too!”

Speaking of the cruise season, Chair of City Marketing, Barney O’Hagan said:
“It’s been encouraging to have these luxury liners visit the city and we are very pleased that the Cruise Initiative continues to secure calls from new operators. Derry is considered an attractive port of call because of the warm welcome, the first class port facilities and the range of tour options it can offer. With the addition of the new Foyle Pontoon, the city now has the facility to welcome marine leisure visitors as well as cruise passengers, and this will help create new activity on the River.”

Aideen Corr added:
“We plan to continue to promote the city and region to this specialist sector and, we already have bookings from new operators for 2004 and 2005. We will also be promoting the new Foyle Pontoon to the marine leisure sector and look forward to building on the success of the Foyle Regatta, which took place in July.”

The Seabourn passengers will enjoy local entertainment including traditional song and dance prior to their departure and will be bade farewell by local piper Brian Hasson, an enjoyable experience for the passengers and city people alike.

The ship will arrive at 08.30 am on Saturday morning and will depart from Queen’s Quay at 8pm, also on the 13th.

ENDS

For additional information contact:

Press Office

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