Last cruise liner berths in Cork at end of bumper €70m season for port

MORE than 180,000 passengers travelled on 94 cruise ships which docked in Cork during this year’s cruise season the Port of Cork Company(PoCC) has disclosed as the last cruiser of 2023 docked by the quays.

The number of passengers visiting in 2023 was up by 60,000 on last year’s figure, thanks in the main to an increase of 16%, or 9 ships, in the number of luxury vessels to berth in the port.

The MSC Virtuosa docked at Cobh Cruise Terminal on Wednesday morning with a capacity of 6,300 passengers, and departed that evening. The ship, one of the world’s largest cruise liners, spans 331m in length and weighs 181,541 tonnes. As the 94th liner to dock in Cork this season, it brought the number of passengers who visited the port to over 180,000, bringing with them an estimated €70m in revenue for local pubs, restaurants and shops.

PoCC Chief Commercial Officer Conor Mowlds expressed his delight at the success of the 2023 Cruise Season and said the port city was delighted to have hosted so many cruise liners. “The cruise industry continues to contribute a major part in the success of the Irish tourism and hospitality sectors,” he said.

“This year, we have had a 16% increase in the number of cruise liners docking in Cork, with nine ships making their maiden call. As a result, we have welcomed an additional 60,000 passengers compared to 2022. This considerable increase in visitors demonstrates the strength of Cork as a highly desirable tourist destination.”

Toddy Staffford, the president of Cobh and Harbour Chamber, said the cruise season was always a ‘key highlight’ of the year for the town of Cobh and the wider local harbour community. “Throughout the season, the series of impressive vessels attracts a large number of visitors to Cobh and brings a vibrant atmosphere to the town.

“This year’s increase in footfall has been beneficial to businesses and traders, providing a solid boost to our local economy.”

A highlight of the 2023 cruise season was the visit of the Disney Dream. The Disney cruise liner was the largest vessel to dock in Cobh.