By
Rebecca Gibson |
The Port of Cork is to welcome 58 cruise ships at its cruise pier in Cobh this year.
Located in Southern Ireland, the port aims to increase the number of annual calls to 75 over the next five years and is currently exploring the feasibility of developing a second cruise berth in Cobh to accommodate larger ships.
“The Port of Cork’s cruise strategy for the next five years will focus on promoting the region and all it has to offer to potential cruise passengers, as well as expanding our business,” said Captain Michael McCarthy, Port of Cork’s commercial manager.
To promote itself as a cruise destination, the port will exhibit on the Cruise Ireland and Cruise Europe stands at Seatrade Cruise Global in Fort Lauderdale, Florida from 14-17 March.
McCarthy, who is also the current chairman of Cruise Europe, will speak about ‘Seasonality and Deployment’ at the event. Highlighting the opportunities of expanding the cruise season in northern Europe, McCarthy will discuss the summer and winter tourism offerings in the region, as well as the potential for Christmas markets and winter sports and events in Cork and Ireland.
“Our relationship with the cruise lines is excellent and they are very aware of what the port can handle in terms of ship size,” said McCarthy. “Our challenge now is to make sure the cruise companies know exactly what there is to see and do for their passengers while visiting Cork and that is why we will be marketing the Cork City and County region at Seatrade Cruise Global.”