Thriving Cruise Season at Port of Cork Ends With MSC Virtuosa As Final Caller

25th October 2023

Over 180,000 passengers on 94 cruise ships were welcomed to Cork Harbour (Cobh) this year with the end of season caller today, MSC Virtuosa at 181,541 gross tonnes representing one of the largest ships of its type in the world. The most frequent caller was Regal Princess with 14 visits and a maximum passenger capacity of 3,592 for each visit to the southern cruise terminal. Credit: PoCC

The cruise ship season for the Port of Cork Company (PoCC) has been marked with a successful year as it welcomed one of the largest such ships in the world, the MSC Virtuosa which arrived to Cork Harbour today.

The MSC Virtuosa spans 331 metres in length and weighs 181,541 tonnes and has the capacity to carry over 6,300 passengers. The visit of the cruise ship which Afloat adds is operated by MSC Cruises, has brought the total number of cruise ships that have docked in the Port of Cork this year to 94, welcoming over 180,000 passengers along the way.

The cruise ship industry is estimated to contribute €70 million to the national economy and on average €14 million per year to local economies such as Cork.

Speaking about this year’s cruise season, Conor Mowlds, Chief Commercial Officer at the Port of Cork Company stated: “We are delighted to have hosted so many cruise liners in the Port of Cork this season. The cruise industry continues to contribute a major part in the success of the Irish tourism and hospitality sectors. This year, we have had a 16% increase in the number of cruise liners docking in Cork, with nine ships making their maiden call. As a result, we have welcomed an additional 60,000 passengers compared to 2022. This considerable increase in visitors demonstrates the strength of Cork as a highly desirable tourist destination.”

Toddy Stafford, President of Cobh and Harbour Chamber added: “The cruise season is always a key highlight of our year for the town of Cobh and the wider local harbour community. Throughout the season, the series of impressive vessels attracts a large number of visitors to Cobh and brings a vibrant atmosphere to the town. This year’s increase in footfall has been beneficial to businesses and traders, providing a solid boost to our local economy.”

A highlight of the 2023 cruise season was the visit of the Disney Dream. The visit by Disney Cruise Line to Cork marked the largest vessel to dock at Ireland’s only dedicated cruise berth in Cobh. At 339.8 metres in length, the Disney Dream has a maximum passenger capacity of 4,000.

The MSC Virtuosa berthed at the quayside of the Cobh Cruise Terminal at approximately 10:30am and is scheduled to depart at 18:00hrs this evening.

Published in Cruise Liners

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Jehan Ashmore

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Jehan Ashmore is a marine correspondent, researcher and photographer, specialising in Irish ports, shipping and the ferry sector serving the UK and directly to mainland Europe. Jehan also occasionally writes a column, 'Maritime' Dalkey for the (Dalkey Community Council Newsletter) in addition to contributing to UK marine periodicals.

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