Cork cruise season sets sail as Shannon Airport marks United Airlines milestone

Eva Osborne

The Port of Cork Company kicked off its 2026 cruise season on the same day that Shannon Airport helped United Airlines celebrate its 100th anniversary.

The arrival of AIDAluna at the Port of Cork saw the 2026 cruise season get underway. It is the first of 93 vessels and over 175,000 passengers scheduled to visit between April and November.

The Port of Cork Company said it highlights Cork’s continued appeal as a leading destination for cruise tourism internationally. Bantry Bay Harbour will also welcome 11 cruise liners this year, beginning on April 26th.

AIDAluna, which carries more than 2,000 guests and over 600 crew, is one of six vessels making their maiden call to Cork this year.

The 2026 schedule features a diverse mix of ships from the United States, Canada, Germany, and across Europe.

Meanwhile, Shannon Airport hosted a special event on Monday recognising its long‑established partnership with United Airlines.

This week the airline celebrated its centenary year, having first taken to the skies in 1926.

Passengers travelling on the nonstop Shannon–Newark/New York service joined the celebration, enjoying refreshments and music at their departure gate.

United Airlines has served Shannon Airport since 1998. The partnership has grown over the years to include seasonal nonstop services to Chicago O’Hare.

More than 2.5 million passengers have travelled on United services to and from Shannon via Newark/New York and Chicago.