The Port of Cork Company (PoCC) announced it looked forward to welcoming the return of cruise ships this spring, as it introduced its schedule for 2023.
Anticipating a strong year, PoCC sees bookings return to pre-pandemic levels, with 113 vessels expected in 2023, compared to 100 vessels in 2019.
The first cruise ship of the season, Ambassador Cruise Line's ship Ambience, is scheduled to dock in Cobh-Cork (Ireland) on Monday, April 10th.
Speaking about the Port's 2023 cruise schedule, Port's CEO Conor Mowlds said that in 2022, they had been delighted to welcome 115,000+ passengers on a total of 90 ship calls to Cork following a 2-year pause due to the COVID crisis.
"Now, we look forward to what is expected to be a thriving year in the cruise liner industry, as bookings return to pre-pandemic levels, which will have a really positive impact on the local region’s tourism and trade.”
Johanna Murphy, President of Cobh and Harbour Chamber said they were looking forward to once again welcoming passengers and crew back to Cobh.
"The cruise season is always a huge lift for everyone in Cobh and the local harbour community, so we look forward to what is anticipated to be a busy year of cruise liners which will boost local trade in the town.”
MS Ambience is scheduled to dock quayside in Cobh Cruise Terminal at 12-noon and to depart at 19 pm on April 10th, 2023.
The Port of Cork is the 2nd-largest natural harbour in the world as well as a key international trade gateway. It is also the key seaport in the south of Ireland and one of the 3 Ports of National Significance as designated by National Ports Policy.
The PoCC-Port of Cork Company is a commercial semi-state company responsible for the commercial running of Cork harbour and the navigation/berthage in the port.