Arrival of AIDAluna liner signals start of busy cruise season in Cork

Tue, 14 Apr, 2026 - 07:00

Rachel Lysaght

The Port of Cork Company (PoCC) announced the official start of the busy 2026 cruise season with the arrival of AIDAluna to Cork Harbour yesterday.

The ship, which arrived in Cork on its maiden voyage, is the first of 93 vessels — with more than 175,000 passengers — scheduled to visit the city between April and November. A further 11 cruise liners are expected at Bantry Bay Harbour from April 26.

AIDAluna, which carries more than 2,000 guests and more than 600 crew, is one of six vessels making their maiden call to Cork this year, with the 2026 schedule featuring a diverse mix of luxury, expedition, and large scale ships from the US, Canada, Germany, and across Europe.

Cruise tourism continues to play an important role in the regional economy, generating an estimated €17m annually through passenger and crew spending.

Visitors spend an average of €81 per passenger and €29 per crew member during their time ashore, supporting a wide range of local businesses.

Important moment

PoCC chief executive Ann Doherty said the launch of the 2026 season is “an important moment” for the organisation.

“We are pleased to welcome a strong schedule of vessels again this year, and we continue to see the positive impact cruise tourism has on local businesses, suppliers, and communities,” said Ms Doherty.

“As the only Irish port with a dedicated cruise terminal, we are laser-focused at showcasing our facilities to cruise lines and the wider cruise sector to promote Cork as a must-visit destination for cruise goers.

“The success we have experienced so far is a testament to the collaborative network we have built up with partners and stakeholders both at home and abroad.”

The Port of Cork recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Belfast Harbour across a range of initiatives, including cruise tourism.

The MoU will see the two ports, the two largest across the island, collaborate on marketing initiatives, with the aim of improving cruise facilities and passenger experiences to drive regional tourism spending.