This cruise excursion was heavy | Belfast

[@3679Litlwhiteline]

As an southern Irish woman married (for 40 years) to a man from Belfast, I’d like to thank you for the respect you paid to our history. My only regret is that you didn’t stay longer to enjoy some of the craic - it is not all doom, gloom and sadness - there is much fun to be had.

[@kevinsargent6282]

My wife and I (from Canada 🇨🇦 ) visited Ireland from Dublin to Belfast in 2017 and had an amazing time.❤ The Titanic museum was incredible, our only regret is we were in a tour group which was not clear on how much time we had for our visit, and we moved too slowly on the early stuff, so we ended up having to cut our visit short 😢 and missing the end of the story (even if we all know how it ends 😕), there is SO MUCH to see! We definitely plan to visit the Emerald Isle again one day and get back to the museum! A British Isles cruise sounds like a great idea. 😉. Thanks for bringing back those memories Tony! PS - fun fact, we were supposed to be on the Regal in November, but we were one of those canceled sailings, so we went on the new Sun instead (the week before US Thanksgiving) and had a great time! 😃

[@_echobravo]

Nice summary. I like the format of reflecting back on travels and encourage more like this. You're clearly quite good at it.

[@fadedlogic1]

Bravo; would love to see more videos like this. Really great snapshot without editorializing. Belfast is definitely one of those places where you can physically feel the heaviness of its history.

[@pickypants9696]

You did a beautiful and really moving job narrating this vlog and the history of human conflict of Belfast! ❤

[@wewonderandexplore]

We also experienced a lot of reflections on our trip to Belfast. You did an excellent job of expressing it.

[@grainnet2861]

Thank you for reflecting on our history. We live in the south of the city. We see a lot of tourists. I often wonder if they get the gravity of the impact of our troubles, or it is just a photo opportunity. I’m glad you see it. Thankfully my kids are are teens now and they have never known violence or bombs. They live in peace, sometimes it is fragile peace, but it is peace. Love your videos, got me back into cruising again… started back in 2023 after having 4 cruises before 2009. And back to back cruise booked again for July 🙌🏼

[@JohnandCaraRetiredTravellers]

What a beautiful respectful recap of your visit and the troubled times of Belfast. Great job Tony! ~Cara 😊

[@enda511]

Absolutely beautiful, Tony! I am Irish, living in the Republic of Ireland and that brought a tear to my eye! Thank you so much! God bless you. I LOVED it!

[@joepasquale4877]

This has got to be one of the best videos you've ever done. It was the right length, the video work was stable, the narration wasn't repetitive, and it was just plain interesting. Loved it. Looking forward to more like this from you...

[@roxannearmfield7476]

Poetic, lyrical and thoughtful, nicely done sir 👏 👏👏Tony

[@nman3345]

I am glad you visited my home town Tony, and yes, we have quite a chequered history indeed. I still live here in Belfast, and was born here, and believe it or not when growing up with the troubles on your doorstep, it was a way of life and you didn't know any different, I guess a lot of people from my generation just accepted that was just how it was. Your tour guide was right, the walls are still there, but things are much much better now. And I have to say that we here are one of the friendliest bunch of folks you will ever meet, regardless of what foot they kick with LOL. (That was just a local colloquialism that we use here to refer to what side of the fence you live on). Cheers Tony, another great video!

[@JayneWorkman]

Good video Tony, I’m from Northern Ireland, and appreciate everyone getting to see a bit of our wee island. There’s lots more to see that isn’t so heavy, but I’m glad you appreciated it all the same!

[@valzig59]

As a youngster, one of the first books that I read was A Night to Remember. I was fascinated by the descriptions of the giant cruise ship and that was when my desire to cruise started. I dreamt about cruising until 2 1/2 years ago when my new husband and I did my first cruise, and it was a British Isles cruise on the Emerald Princess. We visited Belfast as well, did the hop on hop off as you did and a highlight for me was the Titanic museum. I want to return and spend more time. Side Note: I am a tour bus driver, and on one of my trips to Branson Missouri, I had the honour of playing Nearer My God To Thee on the grand piano which is part of the TItanic museum there. I attracted quite a crowd as I was playing, and it was very emotional for everyone there. I received a certificate that I had played the piano there.

[@mjb9176]

That is the best Titanic museum in the world, the one in Branson. I also went there in 2023. I would have loved experiencing all the ‘feels’ listening to your playing the piano in that moving space.

[@junedunne]

Excellent Tony. Not embarrassed to say I teared up.

[@joes4247]

Tony this was amazing, keep up the great work and do more like this if you can.

[@wendylane585]

I visited Belfast around 2002 and even then, there was still tension, violence, and peace marches. I was stuck at the airport, unable to get a shuttle to the city center because of a peace march happening for a recently killed postal worker (from one religion) delivering mail in the other religion's area. It immediately brought home how the situation is called "resolved" by others but it's not. Just a few days later, on my way out, we heard about a bar brawl somewhere where things had gotten bad. These events bookended my stay there but the people I met (and have met since) from there have stayed friends and are amazing people. Beautiful video!

[@johnglowinski1321]

Fantastic vid Tony. I, too, was moved by my visit to Belfast in 2023 aboard Carnival Pride. We did a guided walking tour of The Troubles visiting many of the key sites and learning the history. Like you I believe, we got the sense that the tensions still lie just beneath the surface in what is truly a divided community. We learned that Brexit has re-opened some old wounds. And we're certainly old enough to remember the actual war. Honestly, we travel in our retirement years to expand our horizons and learn new things. Caribbean beaches are great but visiting Belfast was truly a blessing in that regard. Thanks for taking me back there for a few minutes. It should be on everyone's bucket list if opening one's eyes is a reason for travel. See you on Lido.

[@BirdsNNVA]

This is also what i think about the purpose for travel. I enjoy my backyard, which i created for my own pleasure, more than any souvenir shop or beach. I travel to learn more about the world. I was in Ireland and Northern Ireland in October 2015 and had the same impression. But ours was a land tour, and i was able to spend the evening in a cool Belfast pub with great music. We also visited the Giant’s Causeway (? Extremely scenic) and a whiskey distillery.

[@johnglowinski1321]

@@BirdsNNVA we've been to Giant's Causeway too during the Iceland leg of that trip.

[@BirdsNNVA]

@ i’ve been to Iceland too - they have similar hexagonal-cross-section lava pillars - but i didn’t think they were also called the Giant’s Causeway.

[@johnglowinski1321]

@@BirdsNNVA Agreed. We stopped in N. Ireland on the way. We're talking about same place. :)

[@JulieinMaine]

I went to university in Dublin 1991-1992 and with my classmates visited fellow students in Belfast. It was one of my most memorable experiences. Guards in full combat gear and weapons patrolled the streets. So glad that the violence has subsided, even if tensions in the city remain. Wonderful video, love the tone and music!

[@Ellie-1776]

❤That was an awesome video! Thank you, Tony!! Happy New Year ✨️

[@terrifromm5085]

My son and I visited Titanic museum on our British Isles cruise in 2015. I actually stood where Titanic was built and it was absolutely thrilling. Right now I’m reading A Night To Remember by Walter Lord and I am trying to picture the horror and terror of Titanic’s passengers and what they experienced that fateful morning in 1912. Thank you for posting this as all of us were touched by our visit to the best Titanic museum.

[@billyfranquiz3910]

That was very thoughtful and well done. It’s appreciated.

[@carolechalifour5255]

That was lovely! Thank you Tony!!

[@amyc-tex]

Great video, Tony.

[@tamarawatters5179]

I watch every day and this is probably within my top 3 vlogs from you. Very well done, thank you for sharing

[@roberthamilton1301]

Nice format change up. Thanks for the Entertainment Mate

[@fbslas]

Great video, Tony. Educational, Informative and well written. Thank you !

[@rebeccaryser680]

This was a great way to report your trip and feelings of gratitude. Thank you

[@TwoKeen4U]

Great narration. Good history lesson. Thanks

[@dylanmorrison8516]

When disembarking in Northern Ireland it is the cruise director’s responsibility to remind everyone to turn their watches back 300 years .

[@ThemePro24]

Thanks for the tour!

[@simonbayford9681]

Hi Tony. As a Brit I must say how impressed I was with your vlog. You captured the mood my wife and I felt when visiting in 2023. The Titanic museum is a must to visit and like you travelling around the Loyalist and Nationalist areas brought back many memories usually tragic from the 70’s and 80’s

[@Melissa-vp2wz]

Thank you, Tony. This was such a reflective and balanced view of the city, its history and our culture. I was emotional by the end. Much appreciated.

[@servalkat2784]

Thank you Tony! I think that this video shows how cruise ship passenger visits to cities with complex histories are both valuable for the city and thought provoking for the visitor. I think this video made the world a little better.

[@janiceweisberg1725]

❤. Just lovely and respectful. Thanks Tony.

[@markeaston7353]

What an awesome video thanks Tony! Belfast is still on our list of places to visit. We remember The Troubles all too well and having visited Halifax in Canada and seen the graves and relics of the Titanic victims I have a need to visit Belfast to complete the picture in my mind.

[@karenprice8476]

Thanks for this video, Tony. There are 14 of us taking this cruise in June because we watched your trip there and knew we wanted to experience it as well. We truly appreciate your reviews to keep us all informed.

[@57danna]

I did a bus trip thru Ireland last year and got to see those sights also plus many more. Probably one of the best trips ever. It does make you thankful for what we have.

[@museumghost]

I visited Belfast and my partner’s cousins who live there (he’s first generation American, his parents are Irish immigrants) a few years ago and it was one of the most fascinating places I’ve ever been. We took a black cab tour from a former IRA man, and the stories he had to tell…I’ll never forget it! The murals (depending on what part of town you’re in) are something to behold, it really reminds you that history isn’t too far behind us. Glad to have found your channel, Tony, have a great 2025!

[@BirdsNNVA]

I’m pretty sure my mother’s mother’s ancestors emigrated from Northern Ireland to western Pennsylvania in the 1800’s, well before the Civil War. They were “Scots-Irish” - Scottish people (I think) whom England transported (?) to Northern Ireland to populate that piece of land they wanted to claim. Things were (and still are) so complicated!

[@geniebeaulieu4829]

A different style and I really liked it. Hope you use it again from time to time.

[@sandycallin9367]

Wow! That gave me goosebumps. Thank you.

[@aguptill1]

THANK YOU for doing such a thoughtful, thought provoking video Tony. We too felt the heaviness as we travelled through Belfast with the walls still up and locking of the gates at night. This is my grandfather’s home town and I felt emotional watching your video more so than when I was there. Take care , Grammy G.

[@GayesyJ]

Thanks so much for sharing Tony! This is exactly the sort of thing my husband and I like to do on shore days. History is so important!

[@nicza460]

Great video! We visited the city in 2018. Spent time at the Titanic museum and met a very interesting cab driver that lived thru the times. He provided us with a lot of history and took us around the area visiting the peace wall and areas of the troubles. I came away with much of the same feelings you expressed.

[@suemcdaniel4778]

We are going to Belfast in June. Thank you for this video! Very interesting!

[@annedavis3746]

Next time visit The Irish American Folk Museum near Omagh, NI. We visited the area near Omagh for a month, then returned for 2 more months. It has so much to offer.

[@Judythe1]

The walls are still up and locked, but at least they’re no longer killing each other.

[@DeborahMcShane]

Been there too Tony. I feel the same way. Very Heavy. Saw the college grounds there, the walls, then the Titanic museum. As much as I wanted to view the museum… it was very somber. Very hard. It certainly felt like hallowed ground. Thanks for sharing.

[@kryssc604]

Well done, Tony, thank you.

[@katepm56]

Thanks for showing us a glimpse of Belfast. Appreciate your perspective.

[@shelley1699]

Well done on your respectful comments. Belfast and indeed all of Ireland hold a special place in my heart. My father in law was born just outside Belfast and came to Australia as a very young man. My husband and I have been fortunate enough to visit on several occasions to catch up with cousins who live there and have fallen in love with the amazing natural beauty and wonderful people of the country. Hopefully you are able to visit again and see all that this beautiful place has to offer

[@jameswinstead747]

Thank you. It is a great overview of this excursion. You give a great narrative and definitely have made me want to add this trip to my bucket list.

[@hshort2319]

Enjoyed your commentary on your trip...good job Happy New Year.Hubert.

[@jeanninewenner7210]

We went to Giants Causeway on what locals told us was the brightest day in Northern Ireland with sunshine and visits two 2 small towns. We ended with a driveby of the wall which was amazing to see. The gates are still locked at night, as you said. I now see how gloomy the sky can be and am so happy we had sun!!

[@jackieaudus9829]

What a Beautiful tribute to Belfast Tony… growing up in England and remembering all the bombings and the troubles… Ireland felt unsafe… though I have been to Dublin about 20 years ago!!

[@dvandkq]

Today, on a very special La Lido Loca... Well done, Tony!

[@DJ_Andreas]

Happy New Year Tony! This video was different than your others, but still a great summary of your day.

[@cindylynch9266]

Great job!!! I didn’t know this about Belfast!!

[@odettelobao2081]

That was beautiful Tony

[@Cruisetravelers]

Thank you for sharing this. I now want to visit here. I have so much respect for history and for the stories to be told regardless if they are good or bad. I will make this a place that I must visit.

[@akdreaming]

Wow,…this actually brought me to tears. Well done 👍

[@sharonh2172]

Just wow!

[@travelingon7458]

I read a book a fictional book in high school about two teenagers on opposite religious sides of Belfast. You did a beautiful job of reminding me of that book and its struggles.

[@monadking2761]

Belfast is an amazing port of history. We were there in 2019 and went to the Titanic Museum on the car booth ride inside. What place to remember.

[@truepeacenik]

Beautiful, Tony. I sat in a contemplative quiet through it all. From the last home of Molly Brown, peace to you and yours, and may it spread worldwide.

[@petreymom]

Wow, that left me with chills. I would love to visit that. I have always wanted to see Ireland.

[@beachbum333]

I loved this style of video, well done!! (Thats from a guy who likes it medium rare!). Peace. Happy New Year.

[@BirdsNNVA]

Thank you, Tony. I had a few hours in the Titanic Museum in Belfast in October 2015. I could easily have spent two days. In the Nomadic, I went down to look in the window to see the engine room - forgot about the hard steel shelf above my head - and banged my head hard into that shelf when i got up. I think it was almost a concussion. Those painted walls separating the two parts of the city speak volumes. I appreciate your summary of your excursion!

[@andrewevelynsphilippinestr8651]

Great video and commentary Tony. Looking forward to your next video and adventure.

[@patevans3709]

Wonderful summary of your excursion, Tony! Music very appropriate as well. Thank you!

[@patf.3776]

Your regular tour vlogs are great but this is a nice edition too.

[@kellyssong]

Thank you, Tony.

[@lindaohia6938]

I have to agree Tony this was a nice format. I enjoyed it very much.

[@BTimmer]

Well done Tony! We did the same tour a few years before you and it was also a somber tone.

[@JandB-TCB]

Well done Tony. Thankyou for sharing.

[@joelwasinger]

Thanks for your sober and thoughtful reflections, Tony..

[@rickintexas7826]

Wow! Thank you for this video review. I especially love to learn the history of places I go. I haven’t been here (around the British Isles or Europe) but this video makes me long to do this cruise. Thank you.

[@lambiottea1]

Thank you. I was astounded and moved by your video.

[@RichieWilliams.]

Best one yet, Tony. Thank You

[@patriciareynolds1800]

Great commentary on your tour!

[@bdrennon3663]

Wonderful vblog Tony thank you for all you do.

[@brendasims7797]

Nice review of Belfast Looks like you captured it all

[@greyosprey4096]

Enoyed the video, Tony. We're doing a #bucketlist cruise out of London in '26 and Belfast is one of our stops. Would love to see the Titanic museum and the Nomadic. Definitely going to try. :)

[@jenfurmckinky]

Please do…like many in Belfast I was told my great grandad worked in the titanic… may be he did, maybe he didn’t but I’ll always remember growing up in the early 1980’s with the army on the street and even today my dad struggles with fireworks and unexpected loud noises. Awful times in a beautiful place x

[@beckduer8355]

A wonderful commentary! Thank you.

[@gregsamson4348]

Tony, The Titanic museum was fantastic, we were there in August this year 24 on our cruise with HAL. I found a photograph of my grandfather who was on the Mackie Bennett out of Halifax contacted by White Star to pick up the bodies 3 days after the sinking. We didn't even know these photos existed and my grandfather or father never spoke of this. He was first mate on the ship, what a shock to see his photo on the display.

[@LaLidoLoca]

Wow thats wild.

[@monarusch4087]

I've been to the Titanic Museum and did the Hop On Hop Off - it was a great day and very moving.

[@lindyduree2229]

What a wonderful review. Hank you for sharing.

[@randallc6232]

We on this Cruise last year and really loved it!

[@tonycioffi3038]

Thank you Tony, great video.

[@jeffross5424]

well done...being a liner buff, i love belfast

[@darryld_009]

Thanks Tony. We may be lost but we can find our way.

[@ladyj6641]

Good stuff, Tony. Thank you.

[@brendapolk1723]

Thanks Tony.

[@nakas999]

Thank you for the GREAT COMMENTARY!

[@kevincaulfield9736]

Very well put to try to describe a complicated history to people who aren't familiar with the history

[@theresamm21]

Excellent footage and the narration was soooo good! ❤

[@cynthiareifsnider5794]

Great commentary! Thanks

[@terryanderson849]

Wonderful post. Felt like I was on the tour . Loved it.

[@GrahamMacFadyen]

Beautifully narrated Tony great video 😊

[@jfminton54]

I will be in Belfast in a couple of months... thanks for the video 😀

[@christinaniehuser4488]

Thank You Tony , Very Moving / interesting Video .. Well Said..