Port of Cork to host three cruise ships

HISTORY will be made tomorrow when the Port of Cork hosts three cruise ships for the first time, bringing with them an estimated 7,000 visitors.

The MV Rotterdam will dock at Cobh Cruise Terminal, MV Azura at Ringaskiddy Deepwater Berth and MV Spirit of Adventure at North Custom House Quay, all arriving at 8am and departing at 6pm.

Port of Cork commercial manager Captain Michael McCarthy said that being capable of accommodating three liners together on the one day showed the excellent cruise facilities Cork has and the services it can offer to cruise line companies.

“While Cobh and Ringaskiddy can accommodate the larger liners, Cork City quays is ideal for the smaller size liners with direct access into the heart of the city,” he added.

A total of 54 cruise liners are expected into the Port of Cork this year, including Cunard’s MV Queen Elizabeth in September.

Cruise bookings for the Port of Cork in 2012 are already exceeding this year’s number.