Cork port set for record cruise ship growth

LAST year’s record for cruise ship visits to Cork is set to be demolished in a spectacular fashion, with luxury vessels disgorging more than 65,000 passengers into the city in 2008.

The Port of Cork said yesterday 2007 had been a record year with the visit of 40 liners, but it would be nothing compared with 2008, when 51 are expected to dock.

They will provide a multi-million euro tourism boost, not just for Cork, but for the economies of Kerry and Waterford, which also benefit from coach visits organised by the cruise liners.

The port’s marketing director Captain Michael McCarthy said the phenomenal growth in the cruise liner business was reflected in the fact the number of passengers disembarking in Cork had doubled in the past four years.

“This has been accomplished through aggressive international marketing and the successful expansion of the port’s cruise handling facilities.

“The upgrading by the port company of the only dedicated cruise terminal in Ireland and the expenditure of about €4.5 million will ensure the harbour can accommodate most of the largest cruise vessels afloat,” said Capt McCarthy.

Cobh, in particular, enjoyed a massive economic boost this year due to three visits by the spectacular Royal Caribbean Cruise Line’s Navigator of the Seas.

It wasn’t just the spending power of those on board; thousands of people came from all over Munster for a look, further fuelling the town’s coffers.

The whole issue of attractions for the cruise passengers is one of the most important tasks facing the region, said Capt McCarthy.

“Through the membership of Cork Cruise, the Port of Cork will endeavour to expand the whole area of shore attractions to ensure the repeat passengers have an alternative venue to visit.

“We are requesting any tourism-related attraction that wishes to become a member of Cork Cruise to contact us so that a comprehensive list of suitable tours may be promoted,” he said.