'Strong' cruise season expected in West Cork as Bantry to welcome 6,000 passengers and crew 

Bantry Bay Port Company is expecting a “strong season”, bringing thousands of visitors to West Cork on more than a dozen cruise ships.

The first of these, World Explorer, dropped anchor in the harbour town on Friday. 

It is one of 14 liners from a range of international destinations scheduled to call at Bantry Bay Port during the 2025 season.

Over the coming months the liners will bring more than 6,000 passengers and crew from across the globe to West Cork, giving local businesses and the wider tourism sector a significant financial boost.

A fast and modern ship designed for polar cruises, particularly Antarctica, the 126m World Explorer is powered by two massive Rolls-Royce engines and carries 172 passengers.

Port of Bantry harbour master Michael Murphy welcomed the opening of the cruise season for West Cork.

“We’re very pleased to welcome the World Explorer to Bantry Bay and officially launch the 2025 cruise season,” he said. “With 14 ships due to visit this year, we’re expecting another strong season that will bring a real boost to local tourism and businesses. 

“Each arrival is an opportunity to showcase the beauty and hospitality of this region, and we look forward to giving every visitor a warm West Cork welcome.”

Conor Mowlds is chairman of Cruise Ireland and chief commercial officer at the Port of Cork Company, of which Bantry Bay Port is a subsidiary. He welcomed the continued collaboration between the two ports “in building cruise tourism across the region”.

“With 14 cruise calls scheduled for Bantry in 2025 and 93 to the Port of Cork, the economic and cultural benefits of cruise tourism are felt throughout the county,” said Mr Mowlds. “It’s fantastic to see Bantry establishing itself as a standout destination on Ireland’s cruise map.”

 The cruise season schedule for Bantry Bay Port can be found at w ww.bantrybayport.com/cruise_liner_schedule.