The Port of Cork marked the graduation of its annual cruise season with the docking of the cruise ship, Ambition, kick-starting what’s anticipated to be a file yr for the trade within the area.
A Promising Outlook for 2024
On April 4, the Port of Cork in Cobh, Eire, celebrated the inaugural voyage of Ambition, operated by Ambassador Cruise Line, because it graced Cork Harbour, initiating the 2024 season.
The vessel’s arrival, on its 12-day “Easter British Isles Discovery” journey, is the primary of what the Port of Cork anticipates might be its largest season thus far. This yr, the Irish port is about to welcome over 100 cruise ships between April and November, reflecting a ten% enhance over 2023.
“The official begin of the 2024 cruise season marks an thrilling time for Cork,” stated Conor Mowlds, chief business officer on the Port of Cork Firm (PoCC) and chairperson of Cruise Eire. “We’re thrilled to welcome Ambition for the primary time to the port and look ahead to many different maiden calls this yr.”
Cruise tourism stays a significant part of the native economic system, producing an estimated €17 million. The Irish Maritime Growth Workplace reported the typical onshore spending by passengers and crew is €81 per passenger and €29 per crewperson.
Throughout Ambition’s name, PoCC held a conventional plague alternate to welcome the brand new ship. With 680 cabins and the capability to host 1,200 company, Ambition highlights the dimensions the Port of Cork can deal with in Cobh’s deep-water quay.
Cork’s Upcoming Cruise Season
The Port of Cork’s 2024 cruise season is off to a promising begin with Ambition’s arrival, and the ship will return once more on the finish of the month throughout its “Eire Discovery” voyage. April may even witness the arrival of two ships concurrently on April 10 as Holland America Line’s ms Nieuw Statendam and Saga’s Spirit of Discovery name collectively.
Princess Cruises arrives with its Regal Princess on April 22, and each Superstar Cruises and Oceania Cruises deliver ships to name on April 30. Regal Princess arrives on its 12-night “British Isles” journey, as Sirena calls throughout its “Seafarer’s Inspiration Miami to Rome” voyage, respectively.
Added Mowlds, “The surge in cruise calls this yr displays the collaborative efforts between the Port of Cork and our native companions, demonstrating our dedication to delivering distinctive companies and experiences for native guests, passengers, and crew.”
In Could, Norwegian Cruise Line brings Norwegian Pearl on Could 5 and Norwegian Star on Could 14, as Princess returns with Regal Princess and introduces Caribbean Princess to the lineup. Holland America additionally provides extra ships, arriving on Could 18 with ms Zuiderdam and Could 21 with ms Rotterdam. Superstar Cruises additionally provides Superstar Silhouette to the Irish port, as MSC Cruises arrives on the finish of the month with MSC Virtuosa.
Princess returns in June as Coral Princess makes her means from a Cape City to London world cruise. Oceania Cruises additionally arrives from a Cape City to Paris voyage, calling on Cork on June 18 with Nautica.
Different cruise traces dropping anchor in Cork via the top of October embrace Regent Seven Seas, Cunard, Carnival Cruise Line, Seabourn, P&O Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Azamara, Silversea, and Disney Cruise Line.
The final arrival slated for the yr is British cruise line operator Fred Olsen Cruise Traces. It’s Borealis name on October 27 throughout its “Canada within the Fall” roundtrip cruise from Southampton. Ambassador’s Ambition would be the first ship to return in 2025.
