Displaying items by tag: Festive Cruises

17th December 2018

First of Two Festive Cruises Underway from UK to Irish Ports

#CruiseLiners - Classic cruiseship Marco Polo arrived to the Irish capital today as part of a Dublin Festive Mini-Cruise which includes an overnight call, writes Jehan Ashmore.

Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV) are the only operators serving Irish ports with this first of two separate festive themed cruises providing sightseeing and gift shopping opportunities. On completion of this three-night cruise which is to return to Avonmouth, (Port of Bristol) on Wednesday, passengers are to disembark in the port on the Severn Estuary.

Marco Polo dating to 1965, with capacity for 800 passengers which is small by today's standards, however given its classic former Soviet era liner heritage, this partially lends to an intimate atmosphere on board, noting interior lounge areas. In addition, there's plenty of open deck space featuring the classic horseshoe shaped aft decks and notably those forward, affording convenient views when visiting destinations, albeit given this time of the year, it would be the more hardy type to venture outside!

Also this Wednesday, another round of cruise-goers for the second cruise, marketed as the Festive Ireland Party Cruise commences with an afternoon departure. This cruise, again of three-night duration is to call to Cork (Cobh) Harbour on Thursday, where likewise of the Dublin cruise, an overnight will be spent on this occasion in the scenic Munster harbour town.

By overnighting in Cobh, this will enable those to also take in the tourist attractions of Cork City, given Marco Polo does not depart until Friday afternoon. An overnight passage follows across the Celtic Sea with a scheduled arrival back once more in Avonmouth, with an arrival on Saturday at around dawn.

Published in Cruise Liners

Tagged under

About the Loughs Agency

The Loughs Agency is a governmental body established under the 1998 Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of Ireland. The Agency's goal is to provide sustainable social, economic, and environmental benefits by effectively conserving, managing, promoting, and developing the fisheries and marine resources of the Foyle and Carlingford areas.

The Agency's governing legislation confers several specific functions, including the promotion of development of Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough for commercial and recreational purposes in respect of marine, fishery, and aquaculture matters. Moreover, the Agency is responsible for managing, conserving, protecting, improving, and developing the inland fisheries of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Additionally, the Agency has the task of developing and licensing aquaculture, as well as the development of marine tourism.

The Loughs Agency reports to the North South Ministerial Council and its government Sponsor Departments, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland, and the Department of the Environment, Climate, and Communications (DECC) in Ireland. The Departments fund the Agency on an equal basis.

The Loughs Agency's focus on sustainable development is expected to have a positive impact on the economy, environment, and local communities in the Foyle and Carlingford areas. The Agency's efforts to conserve and enhance the region's marine resources, including fisheries and aquaculture, are expected to benefit local communities, promote tourism, and contribute to economic growth.

In conclusion, the Loughs Agency plays a vital role in promoting the sustainable social, economic, and environmental development of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Its work on marine conservation and development is crucial in ensuring the long-term viability of the region's natural resources and in promoting sustainable economic growth.