Over 100 cruise ships to be welcomed by Port of Cork Company in 2026
The MSC Virtuosa at Cobh which will close the season in mid-October. The 16-deck ship has a maximum capacity of over 6,300 passengers and 1,700 crew onboard.
More than 100 cruise ships are set to be welcomed by the Port of Cork Company (PoCC) this year, a 14% increase from 2025.
This year is the biggest cruise schedule in the Republic of Ireland. It includes six maiden calls — the first visit of a specific ship to a particular port or destination — during the season, which runs from April to October.
The Cork cruise season begins with the arrival of the AIDAluna, making the first of those maiden calls to Cork Harbour on April 13. The 2,500-passenger capacity Sphinx-class ship was built in 2009, refurbished in 2025, and features 1,025 cabins and a 635-strong international crew.
Cruise tourism is estimated to contribute €17m to the local economy each year, with onshore spending averaging €81 per passenger and €29 per crewperson.
The MSC Virtuosa will close the season in mid-October. The 16-deck ship has a maximum capacity of over 6,300 passengers and 1,700 crew onboard.
PoCC chief executive and Chair of Cruise Ireland Ann Doherty said: “We are delighted to announce our 2026 cruise season schedule, which promises to be another strong year for the Port of Cork.
“Opening the season with a maiden call from AIDAluna is a particular highlight, reflecting the port’s growing reputation as a welcoming, efficient and high-quality destination for cruise lines and their guests.”
Cobh and Harbour Chamber president Colin Morehead said: “Each cruise season delivers a significant and immediate economic benefit for our local economy, with passenger and crew spend flowing directly into local shops, cafés, restaurants, tour operators, and visitor attractions.
“With a busy schedule of cruise liners anticipated this year, the season will provide a welcome boost for local trade and support jobs and livelihoods right across the region.”
Of the 103 cruise vessels scheduled to visit Cork Harbour, 81 will berth at Ireland’s only dedicated cruise terminal in Cobh, with a further 16 calling at Ringaskiddy and six docking at Cork City quays.
In West Cork, the Bantry cruise season starts on April 26, with the arrival of the luxury cruise ship Le Laperouse. In total, 12 vessels are scheduled to call throughout the year with the final vessel set for August 12.
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