Cruise season closes with a smile and high ambitions for the future

Maritime and port economy: Average onshore spending from cruise tourists is €81 per passenger and €29 per crew member, underscoring the sector’s strong economic impact

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.