WATCH: World's largest private cruise line docks in Belfast for first time

by Gráinne Connolly

The world's largest privately owned cruise line has arrived in Northern Ireland for the first time ever. 

MSC Cruises' ship the MSC Meraviglia docked at Belfast Harbour this morning, during a stop off from a 17-day transatlantic trip from Germany to New York. 

At 315 metres long and 43 metres wide, the ship can host nearly 6,000 guests across 19 decks. 

It hosts 12 distinct dining venues, multiple bars, restaurants and shops and the longest LED Sky Screen at Sea. 

The Meraviglia also features the popular Cirque du Soleil at Sea shows. 

Managing Director of MSC Cruises UK and Ireland, Antonio Paradiso says it is a historic day for the company and Northern Ireland. 

🎥 MSC Meraviglia, the world’s largest privately owned cruise line has arrived in Northern Ireland for the first time ever. The ship, which can hold over 6,000 people, docked in Belfast this morning. Here’s @AntonyParadiso managing director at MSC: pic.twitter.com/fWXeMlZn5A

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) September 26, 2019

During the stop at Belfast, guests spent the day visiting city attractions including Belfast City Hall, the Botanic Gardens and Belfast Castle and others will venture further afield to Divis and the Black Mountain. 

Meanwhile, on board the traditional crest exchange took place between representatives from Belfast Harbour and Belfast City and the ship Captain Roberto Leotta. 

🎥 Belfast’s Sheriff Alderman Tommy Sandford and ship Captain Roberto Leotta carry out the traditional crest exchange, following the MSC Meraviglia’s dock at Belfast Harbour. pic.twitter.com/wdVgmWImhm

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) September 26, 2019

Belfast's High Sheriff, Alderman Tommy Sandford was among those taking part in the exchange. 

🎥 Belfast’s High Sheriff, Alderman Tommy Sandford carried out the traditional crest exchange on board the MSC Meraviglia with the ship captain. He says it’s an exciting day for Belfast: pic.twitter.com/p3BRLFYq8F

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) September 26, 2019

🎥WATCH: We had a look around MSC Meraviglia, the world’s largest privately owned cruise line, which docked at Belfast Harbour earlier for the first time. It hosts around 6,000 guests and features 12 restaurants, a theatre, swimming pool and the famous cirque de soleil show. pic.twitter.com/vsu8DOTz1Y

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) September 26, 2019