Dublin Port has announced its biggest cruise season on record with some 113 cruise calls confirmed for this year.
In total, over 180,000 visitors will arrive on cruise ships to experience the city’s sights and attractions.
The busy season kicks off this month with the arrival of the MSC Splendida on Tuesday May 3rd.
Her inaugural call made maritime history last summer when she became the longest vessel to visit Dublin Port.
At 333m, she is also the 11th longest cruise ship in the world.
One of the highlights will be the arrival of the 300m long Disney Magic on May 26th.
Dublin is the first Irish port to welcome one of Disney Cruise Line’s signature vessels, bringing over 3,650 passengers, cast and crew to the capital.
At the end of May, Dublin is also hosting the Cruise Europe Conference for the first time.
This three day even will bring 200 delegates from leading cruise destinations to the capital in an effort to market Dublin as a “Home Port” to the cruise industry.
Pat Ward, Head of Corporate Services, Dublin Port Company, says: “Dublin is rapidly developing a reputation among the international cruise lines as a marquee destination that offers passengers easy access to a vibrant European city”.
“With the ABR Project largely complete in the next four years, Dublin Port will have the enhanced infrastructure and capacity to meet market demand for future years”.
Dublin Port’s current operational limit on ship length is 300m, meaning larger ships cannot turn in the Liffey and must either reverse in or out.
The €230m ABR project will expand the capacity so that larger ships will be able to routinely call at Dublin Port.
