Port of Cork bids to attract more cruise liner visits

The Port of Cork has this week embarked on an effort to attract more cruise liner visits to the famed harbour.

It launched a travel brochure showing what the region has to offer during the cruise industry’s premier showcase event in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Officials from the company have attended Seatrade Cruise Global.

A key event in the cruise calendar, it guarantees to bring together every facet of the business including cruise lines, suppliers, travel agents, and others. The Port of Cork attended as an exhibitor on the Cruise Ireland and Cruise Europe stand.

The port’s commercial manager Michael McCarthy said the Fort Lauderdale spectacle was the epicentre of the cruise industry.

He said some of the industry’s most knowledgeable delegates will attend and speak at the conference, so networking opportunities are substantial.

“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 Capt McCarthy.

“Our relationship with the cruise lines is excellent and they are very aware of what the port can handle in terms of ship size. 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.”

This year, the port will welcome 58 cruise liners to Cobh. Over the next five years, it aims to increase cruise visits to 75 per annum.

Capt McCarthy said the company was exploring the feasibility of building a second cruise berth in Cobh, which would greatly enhance Cork’s ability to attract more liners.

“This global cruise event is a key opportunity to further sell Cork as a cruise destination and to interact and liaise with the key decision makers within cruise companies,” he said.

Capt McCarthy, a speaker at the conference, is also the current chairman of Cruise Europe and says having a presence was vital.

“The cruise industry is difficult to enter, but once you do you must work hard at maintaining relationships and keeping informed of the opportunities and threats to the industry.

“It’s important for any port to ensure their cruise offering is kept alive and fresh, as with many cruise companies some passengers are repeat passengers who want to experience something different and new on every cruise.”