Bantry Bay Awaits First Cruise Ship of 2026
Bantry Bay Port Company marks the beginning of the 2026 cruise season this Sunday, April 26th, with the arrival of Le Lapérouse, the first of twelve cruise vessels scheduled to call this year.
Across the 2026 season, Bantry Bay will welcome a diverse mix of expedition, luxury and mid‑size cruise ships, bringing visitors from around the world to West Cork.
These calls provide a valuable boost for local tourism and businesses, with passengers and crew set to explore Bantry town and the surrounding Wild Atlantic Way coastline.
Operated by Ponant, Le Lapérouse is a modern expedition vessel launched in 2018, carrying up to 184 guests. The ship will anchor on Bantry Inner during its visit, with guests disembarking to experience the town’s scenery, culture and hospitality.
Speaking about the start of the season, Ann Doherty, CEO of the Port of Cork Company, said: “Bantry Bay continues to strengthen its position as a standout destination on Ireland’s cruise map. The 2026 schedule reflects growing interest from international operators in West Cork’s unique offering, and complements the wider cruise activity across the Port of Cork. Together, these calls deliver real economic and cultural benefits for the region, and we’re pleased to see Bantry playing an increasingly important role in Ireland’s cruise tourism landscape.”
Michael Pat Murphy, Assistant Harbour Master at Bantry Bay Port, added: “We’re delighted to welcome Le Lapérouse to Bantry Bay and officially open the 2026 cruise season. With twelve ships scheduled to visit this year, we’re expecting another strong season that will support local tourism and the wider West Cork economy. Every arrival is an opportunity to showcase the beauty of Bantry and the warmth of the community, and we look forward to giving each visitor a memorable West Cork welcome.”
To further promote Bantry Bay as a premier maritime destination, representatives from the Port of Cork Company recently attended Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami, the cruise industry’s largest international gathering. At the event, Bantry Bay was showcased as an ideal arrival point for superyachts visiting Ireland for high-profile events such as the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor in Limerick.
For those seeking a luxury golf and superyacht experience, Bantry Bay offers both a practical and scenic gateway, with Adare Manor, the chosen venue for the Ryder Cup 2027, just a short 25-minute helicopter transfer away, offering guests the opportunity to take in the spectacular views of Ireland’s coastline along the journey.
This year’s Bantry cruise schedule features calls from Douglas Mawson, Vasco da Gama, Hanseatic Nature, Deutschland, Spirit of Discovery, Le Champlain, Vista, Europa, Azamara Quest and Insignia, with arrivals from April to August.
(Bantry Bay Awaits First Cruise Ship of 2026)
