Royal visitor boosts local economy

THE largest cruise ship to visit Dublin docked in the city’s port yesterday and will contribute €3 million to the local economy during its 36-hour stay.

The luxury 108,806 tonnes Grand Princess, which can accommodate 3,000 people and 1,000 crew, boasts a nine-hole putting course, a casino and a wedding chapel. The €450 million vessel, which was built in Italy in 1998, will leave Dublin again this evening for Scotland en route to New York.

A spokesperson for Dublin Port Company said: “The Grand Princess is the largest cruise ship to visit Dublin in terms of tonnage.”