The Port of Cork Company (PoCC) has welcomed the first cruise ship of 2023, marking the beginning of an exciting and busy season for the port, local community, and tourism sector. The Ambience, the flagship of the Ambassador Cruise Line, docked quayside in Cobh (Ireland) on Monday, April 10th at 12:00 p.m., with 1792 passengers on board. The luxury boat has traveled extensively around the world and recently underwent an upgrade in 2022.
Earlier this year, the PoCC announced its Cruise Liner Schedule for 2023, which anticipates ~100 vessels visiting the port this year, an increase from 90 calls last year, signaling a steady recovery to pre-COVID levels. The cruise industry is estimated to be worth EUR 70 million to the national economy, with ~EUR 14 million contributed to the local economy in Cork. The PoCC's cruise berth in Cobh is Ireland's only dedicated cruise berth.
Conor Mowlds, Chief Commercial Officer at the Port of Cork Company, expressed his delight at the commencement of the 2023 cruise season, highlighting the significant role of the cruise sector in the growth and development of tourism and hospitality in Ireland, especially in Cork. He also mentioned that the arrival of the first liner in Cobh during the Easter weekend marked the beginning of a busy year for the port and the local cruise liner, tourism, and hospitality industries.
Johanna Murphy, President of Cobh and Harbour Chamber, extended a warm welcome to cruise passengers and crew back to Cobh for the season, highlighting the positive impact of the cruise season on trade and the atmosphere in the town. She expressed anticipation for the arrival of more passengers and crew in the coming months.
The Ambience cruise ship departed at 19:00 p.m. on April 10th, 2023, with the next cruise liner, Celebrity Silhouette, due to arrive on Sunday, April 30th at 08:00 a.m.