MSC Virtuosa sails into the Port of Cork marking the end of a thriving Cruise Season
The Port of Cork Company (PoCC) marked the end of another successful cruise season as it welcomed one of the largest cruise ships in the world, the MSC Virtuosa, to Cork Harbour today October 25th, 2023.
The MSC Virtuosa spans 331 metres in length and weighs 181,541 tonnes and has the capacity to carry over 6,300 passengers. Its visit brought the total number of cruise ships that have docked in the Port of Cork this year to 94, welcoming over 180,000 passengers along the way.
The cruise liner industry is estimated to contribute €70 million to the national economy and on average €14 million per year to local economies such as Cork.
Speaking about this year’s cruise season, Conor Mowlds, Chief Commercial Officer at the Port of Cork Company stated: “We are delighted to have hosted so many cruise liners in the Port of Cork this season. The cruise industry continues to contribute a major part in the success of the Irish tourism and hospitality sectors. This year, we have had a 16% increase in the number of cruise liners docking in Cork, with nine ships making their maiden call. As a result, we have welcomed an additional 60,000 passengers compared to 2022. This considerable increase in visitors demonstrates the strength of Cork as a highly desirable tourist destination.”
Toddy Stafford, President of Cobh and Harbour Chamber added: “The cruise season is always a key highlight of our year for the town of Cobh and the wider local harbour community. Throughout the season, the series of impressive vessels attracts a large number of visitors to Cobh and brings a vibrant atmosphere to the town. This year’s increase in footfall has been beneficial to businesses and traders, providing a solid boost to our local economy.”
A highlight of the 2023 cruise season was the visit of the Disney Dream. The Disney cruise liner was the largest vessel to dock at Ireland’s only dedicated cruise berth in Cobh. At 339.8 metres in length, the Disney Dream has a maximum passenger capacity of 4,000.
The MSC Virtuosa cruise ship docked quayside in Cobh Cruise Terminal at approximately 10:30am and is scheduled to depart at 18:00pm on October 25th, 2023.
Port of Cork Cruise Figures:
● Last Cruise ship of the season – 25th of October (due to arrive in Cork Harbour at 8am)
● Total number of calls in 2022 – 94 (79 in Cobh, 13 in Ringaskiddy, 2 in Cork City)
● Number of Maiden calls – 9
● Number of Passengers to Cork –in excess of 180,000
● Largest Vessel – MSC Virtuosa – 331m. 181,541GT
● Most calls – Regal Princess – 14 calls this year with a max passenger capacity of 3,592.
(MSC Virtuosa sails into the Port of Cork marking the end of a thriving Cruise Season – Port of Cork)
