Cruise season closes with a smile and high ambitions for the future
The MS Ambition docked at Ireland's only dedicated cruise berth, Cobh Cruise Terminal. Cruise tourism generates an estimated €17m in revenue for Cork's local economy annually. Photo: Aidan Fleming
The Port of Cork Company welcomed the final vessel of the 2025 cruise season on November 1st with the arrival of the MS Ambition bringing to a close another busy year of cruise business, which saw a total of 90 vessels call to both the Port of Cork and Bantry Bay, welcoming 170,000 passengers in the process.
The Ambition docked at Ireland’s only dedicated cruise berth, Cobh Cruise Terminal, which can accommodate vessels up to 350m in length and which has hosted the vast majority of cruise arrivals this year. Ringaskiddy and Cork City quays also provided a safe berth for cruise ships this season.
Visits from the Ambition bookended the 2025 cruise season, which kicked off in April. Operated by Ambassador Cruise Lines, the Ambition stretches 709 feet in length and has a draft of 23 feet. It has capacity for 1,200 guests, with 680 cabins onboard.
Cruise tourism remains a major driver of the local economy, generating an estimated €17 million in revenue. Average onshore spending is €81 per passenger and €29 per crew member, underscoring the sector’s strong economic impact on the region.
David Browne, commercial manager at the Port of Cork Company, said: “As we conclude the 2025 cruise season, I would like to extend my thanks and appreciation to everyone who contributed to its success. From our dedicated team at the Port of Cork to the local businesses, tourism partners, and community members in Cobh and beyond, your hard work and hospitality have been essential in creating memorable experiences for the thousands of visitors who arrived in Cork this year.”
He added that the cruise industry continues to play a significant role in the growth and success of Ireland’s tourism and hospitality sectors.
“Together, we have once again demonstrated why Cork remains a leading destination on the global cruise map. We look forward to engaging with current and new partners across the cruise sector to strengthen our offering for 2026, bringing a wide range of international visitors to our shores.”
Toddy Stafford, President of Cobh and Harbour Chamber, added: “This year’s cruise season has again been exceptional for the Cobh and harbour economy. The local businesses and community provided a terrific atmosphere to showcase our town as a vibrant and welcoming destination. Each cruise arrival brings renewed energy, offering visitors the opportunity to experience the beauty of Cobh and the wider harbour region, while enjoying the unique culture and warm hospitality that Cork and Ireland are renowned for.”
Youghal is the latest Cork coastal town to join Baltimore, Kinsale and Ballycotton on the itinerary for small expedition ships that can anchor in the harbour and tender passengers ashore. One of the cruise ships was Le Bellot, a luxury liner operated by French cruise line Ponant, which can carry 184 passengers and 110 crew.
Mayor of the County of Cork, Councillor Mary Linehan Foley, said the town pulled out all the stops to welcome the passengers. “The tender boat ferried people in and out all day long. They all visited Youghal, with a number going to Midleton Distillery. There wasn't a seat in a restaurant in the town for people to sit and have a coffee — it was buzzing. We are hoping it will be continuous, that Youghal will be included on cruise itineraries along with Bantry, Kinsale and Ballycotton.”
Managed by the Port of Cork Company, Cobh is the country's only designated cruise terminal with large liners able to berth a stone's throw from the town. In 1991, it registered 7,000 cruise passengers in the town. Last year, it was almost 200,000, with the transatlantic port welcoming 104 liners.
PoCC commercial manager, David Browne, said: “Year on year we are building our business, and that includes Bantry, which comes under our remit, which is for smaller vessels, more boutique, which there is a growing market now for, as well. There is not much competition with regard to the ports in the cruise sector because if one gets a call, it is likely we are going to get one the day before or the day after, so working together in that respect is very positive for attracting cruise vessels.”
Cobh and Harbour Chamber president, Toddy Stafford, said the liners bring a significant boost to the local economy. “We are not just getting the benefit from the cruise passengers immediately, but they are making return visits where they are staying longer, so it is promoting Cork as a tourist destination for longer trips."
Destination of the year award bodes well for future cruise traffic Cruise Ireland, together with Cruise Britain, have been awarded the coveted “Destination of the Year” award at the 2025 Seatrade Cruise Awards, which took place in Hamburg, Germany last month, marking the first time the region has received this internationally recognised honour.
The award was presented at a ceremony celebrating excellence across the global cruise industry. Cruise Ireland is a cooperative formed to promote the island of Ireland as a premier cruise destination. It functions as a collective of port authorities, ship agents, tourism bodies, and other related businesses working together to attract cruise lines and tourists to the island.
The “Destination of the Year” award recognises a location that consistently delivers exceptional experiences to cruise passengers and cruise lines, standing out for its visitor offering, operational excellence, and collaborative approach within the industry.
Speaking about the award, Ann Doherty, Chair of Cruise Ireland and CEO of the Port of Cork Company, said: “I am proud to represent the Port of Cork, Cruise Ireland, and ‘The British Isles’ on the global cruise stage. We are absolutely delighted to be recognised as Destination of the Year at the Seatrade Cruise Awards.”
She added that the award is a testament to the combined efforts of Cruise Ireland, Cruise Britain, tourism partners, and communities in creating a world-class welcome for cruise guests.
“Winning this accolade reinforces our reputation as a must-visit destination and highlights the unique cultural experiences, warm hospitality, and operational excellence that make the region so special. Against the backdrop of our recent partnership with Cruise Britain to promote ‘The British Isles’, this award is further proof of what can be achieved when organisations on both sides of the Irish Sea join forces to deliver exceptional experiences for cruise passengers and lasting benefits for local communities.”
Ian McQuade, chair, Cruise Britain, said: “We are delighted and honoured to receive this award jointly with our valued partners at Cruise Ireland. The British Isles cruising region has seen significant growth over recent years and we firmly believe that our cross-Irish Sea collaboration, recognised by this prestigious award, further fuels this growth to the benefit of all.’’
The recognition follows the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding between Cruise Ireland and Cruise Britain at the annual Seatrade Global Conference in Miami last year. The Memorandum signified a shared commitment to promoting and developing Ireland and the British Isles as a ‘cruising region’ to help bolster cruise tourism and economic growth for both destinations.
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