Cruiseship traffic according to the Port of Cork will exceed pre-pandemic levels next year, with more than 100 of the world's most luxurious such ships due to call.

This year's cruise season drew to a close today when Fred Olsen Cruise Lines MS Borealis represented the final ship to berth at Cobh. The call brings to a total 115,000 cruise visitors to Cork in 2022.

Following two years of quiet streets and an even quieter harbour, Bantry Bay (see related story) and the Port of Cork Company (PoCC) have reported a significant recovery in cruise traffic this year.

Despite some Covid-19 precautions still in place — cruise ships operated at 75% capacity —in the 2022 season has welcomed 90 cruise ships to Cork, nearing pre-pandemic levels of 100 each year.

PoCC chief commercial officer Conor Mowlds, said the sector plays a crucial role in the country’s tourism and hospitality sectors.

More reports the Irish Examiner on the cruise industry sector calling to the southern city port.