‘Golden opportunity’ for Cork to be cruise destination par excellence

The Cork region stands on the cusp of a golden opportunity to showcase itself as a cruise destination par excellence, the Port of Cork has said as the first cruise liner in almost 30 years sailed into Bantry Bay.

Port of Cork commercial manager Captain Michael McCarthy said a burgeoning global cruise industry along with security fears in the Mediterranean and Middle East meant there was huge opportunity for Cork to firmly establish itself among the elite cruise destinations of the world.

The MS Prinsendam owned by Holland America Lines made its maiden call to Bantry Bay, Co Cork, yesterday for the first visit of a cruise liner to Bantry in almost 30 years.