The 2025 cruise season officially started this weekend with the arrival of the first cruise ship, the MS Ambition - operated by Ambassador Cruise Line - to Cork.
The Port of Cork Company said that the MS Ambition is the the first of 107 cruise ships expected this year.
Cork will host the largest number of cruise visits across Irish ports this year. There are 93 cruise vessels scheduled to dock at the Port of Cork between April to November.
14 cruise liners are also expected to visit Bantry Bay Harbour this year, beginning in May.
Cruise tourism continues to be a significant contributor to our local economy, estimated to generate €17 million in revenue. With onshore spending averages at €81 per passenger and €29 per crewperson. The big ships also draw plenty of sightseers to Cobh, and the town will have a very busy summer with cafes and ice cream shops doing a roaring trade, especially if the weather plays ball.
The Ambition will make four calls to the Port of Cork during the 2025 cruise season, including its final visit in November, which will officially mark the close of the season. With 680 cabins and capacity for 1,200 guests, the Ambition stretches 709 feet in length and has a draft of 23 feet, a striking example of the scale and elegance of modern cruise ships.
Conor Mowlds, Chief Commercial Officer at the Port of Cork Company and Chairperson of Cruise Ireland, said that as Ireland's busiest cruise port, the Port of Cork is proud to welcome an exceptional lineup of vessels this year.
"This year's schedule features ships arriving in Cork from a diverse range of countries, including the US, Canada, and various destinations across Europe. We are committed to working closely with our partners to provide world-class facilities and a truly memorable experience for passengers and crew alike," he added.
See the full cruise schedule here - https://www.portofcork.ie/cruise-schedule/