Cruise & Ferry Review - Autumn/Winter 2020

2 2 2 Home to Ireland’s only dedicated cruise berth, Cork Harbour offers a wealth of activities for cruise passengers T he second largest natural harbour in the world, Cork Harbour has a lot to offer cruise companies and their passengers. Its maritime history extends as far back as 1838, when the first steamship to cross the Atlantic, Sirius, departed from the harbour for America. Cobh is home to Ireland’s only dedicated cruise berth and since the early 1990s, the Port of Cork’s cruise business has seen significant growth year on year. Cork can handle some of the largest cruise ships afloat today, bringing a high volume of passengers and crew to the region. For cruise passengers, Cork Harbour is not the only attraction. In the historic town of Cobh, passengers can visit the Titanic Experience or the Cobh Heritage Centre, take a boat trip to Spike Island or look out on the views across the harbour from St Coleman’s Cathedral. Plus, there are plenty of pubs where guests can enjoy some ‘local craic’, all only a walking distance from the cruise berth. From Cobh, passengers can get to Cork City by train from the station adjacent to the cruise berth. The city has plenty on offer, from shopping, food markets and pubs to live music, art galleries and kayaking on the River Lee. In the surrounding countryside, Cork offers lush landscaped gardens and historic castles alongside activities for all ages, including golf, horse-riding, and sailing. With unspoilt nature and scenery, the Wild Atlantic Way and world-class restaurants, a visit to Cork is a must for cruise companies and their passengers. CFR EUROPE: REPORT An essential port of call Cork Harbour is the second largest natural harbour in the world