Irish port expects to host 65 ship calls and around 160,000 passengers and crew – more than in 2016
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Saga Cruises’ Saga Pearl II is to call in Cobh on 20 March, officially opening the Port of Cork’s 2017 cruise season.
Between March and November, the Irish port expects to host 65 ship calls and around 160,000 passengers and crew – more than in 2016. Season highlights will include 14 calls from Princess Cruises’ Caribbean Princess and maiden visits from seven new cruise vessels.
“It’s very encouraging to see cruise lines bringing their newest vessels to Cork on maiden calls and choosing Cobh as part of their cruising route,” said Captain Michael McCarthy, commercial manager at the Port of Cork. “It is our ambition as a port company to attract larger cruise ships and increase our cruise calls to 75 per year. Already in 2018, the bookings are indicating we will achieve this goal, if not exceed it.”
The Port of Cork also operates Bantry Bay Port Company, which will host eight smaller cruise ships in West Cork this summer.