Queen Anne to visit Cork twice this year

The Queen Anne, which berthed in Cork Harbour on its maiden voyage last year, is one of 93 cruise liners set to visit Cork this year, according to the 2025 cruise schedule, which has just been announced by the Port of Cork Company.

The latest addition to the Cunard line, the Queen Anne is one of the newest and largest cruise ships in the world at 113,000 tonnes, with 14 decks and accommodating 3,000 passengers, will be in Cork in May and August.

Last year, 103 cruise liners berthed in Cork — 10 more than this year — and those vessels brought with them an estimated 190,000 passengers to Cobh, home of Ireland’s only dedicated cruise berth.

One of the highlights of last year was the visit of the Virtuosa, one of the largest cruise ships in the world — which spans 331m in length, weighs 181,541 tonnes, and can carry 6,300 passengers. Its visit in November brought the 2024 season to a close.

The chief commercial officer of the Port of Cork Company, Conor Mowlds, expressed the excitement of the company as it looked forward to the 2025 season.

“Our continued collaboration with local stakeholders ensures we provide an exceptional experience for cruise liners, passengers, and crew,” he said, adding that the company remained committed to enhancing Cork’s reputation as a top cruise destination.

“The Port of Cork is proud to welcome visitors from around the globe, showcasing the best of what Ireland has to offer.”

The president of Cobh and Harbour Chamber, Toddy Stafford, is also anticipating a bumper cruise season this year.

“We’re looking forward to once again welcoming cruise passengers and crew back to Cork,” said Mr Stafford.

“The cruise season always offers a huge lift for everyone in the community, and we look forward to what is anticipated to be a busy year of cruise liners which will boost local trade in the region.”

As well as two return visits from the Queen Anne, the Port of Cork will also welcome the MS Ambition — which will launch the season in Cork this April before ending its voyages for this year’s season back in Cork on November 1.

With a length exceeding 216m and a capacity to carry nearly 1,250 passengers, the MS Ambition looks like it will launch another successful cruise season in the South-West.