Independence of the Seas sails back into Cobh

THE world’s second largest luxury cruise liner has returned to Cork Harbour.

The Royal Caribbean line’s Independence of the Seas berthed yesterday at the deepwater quay in Cobh and will remain in port until this evening.

To mark the visit, Iarnród Éireann is putting on extra trains today between Cork and Cobh, running them every half hour up to 6pm.

The 15-deck, 237ft high monster is wider than the White House and has a theatre onboard which can accommodate 1,350 people – equivalent to the capacity of three Boeing 747s and more than the capacity of the world-famous Piccadilly Theatre in London’s West End.

The 160,000 tonne vessel, launched two years ago, has capacity for 4,375 guests and 1,360 crew. She has three main dining rooms, one of which can seat 2,101 people.

The ship’s central promenade on deck 5 measures 445ft – longer than the Wembley Stadium pitch.

Port of Cork commercial manager, Captain Michael McCarthy said the third visit was worth a lot to the regional economy.

“She came to Cobh with 4,000 passengers on board and it has been calculated each passenger getting off a cruise ship will spend up to €100 onshore,” said Capt McCarthy.