Prices are down, capacity is up, and Ireland is poised to grow as a port of call. Pól Ó Conghaile on why there’s never been a better time to cruise.

BUNRATTY WINTER MUSIC STRIKES A CHORD

Miami: Carnival, the biggest cruise-line operator, reported fourth-quarter profit fell 48% after it cut ticket prices, and forecast earnings for the current quarter below analysts’ estimates.

PANORAMA Holidays is offering May departure specials from Cork to Majorca. The largest of the Balearic Islands caters for all tastes, offering lively, family-friendly resorts, as well as relaxed, low-key resorts, cultural excursions, golf courses and countless beaches.

A luxury cruise liner has been detained in Waterford after Marine Inspectors found it had breached a string of safety rules, it was confirmed today.