Cruise and Ferry Review - Summer/Spring 2020

2 4 4 The Port of Cork and Bantry Bay Port in Ireland are both on course for cruise growth in 2020 L ocated in south-west Ireland, the Port of Cork and Bantry Bay Port are both preparing for another busy cruise season in 2020, expecting to host a total of 113 cruise calls between them. Although the two ports have a very different offering in terms of the type and size of ships they can accommodate, both provide high-quality services to cruise lines and a warm and friendly welcome to their passengers and crew. The Port of Cork, which can handle larger cruise ships up to 360 metres in length, is scheduled to welcome more than 260,000 passengers and crew this year. Highlights of the 2020 season will include more than 10 partial turnaround calls and nine maiden calls. According to research carried out by the port in 2017, the average cruise passenger spends €81 (US$89) during their visit to the Port of Cork, while crew members spend around €29 (US$32). Hence, cruising provides a valuable economic contribution to the region. Bantry welcomes predominantly smaller, expedition-style cruise ships and is a tender port situated in West Cork along the spectacular Wild Atlantic Way tourism trail. This year, Bantry will handle 14 cruise calls, marking an increase from 2019. “Once again our cruise business continues to grow, which we are immensely proud of,” says Brendan Keating, chief executive of the Port of Cork. “We manage and control two very different ports in terms of the offering to the cruise line, however visitors want to explore locations in a sensible and mindful way, and we are conscientious of this in both ports. As a port, we work closely with the cruise lines to minimise any environmental footprints and ensure we operate in a sustainable manner.” Cruising is an attractive and affordable method of travel that gives passengers the chance to explore multiple destinations in one vacation. Cork offers an array of experiences and shore excursions to suit all passenger needs, which is why the city was chosen as one of the world’s best cruise destinations by travellers on a cruise ship review site in 2019. CFR EUROPE: REPORT Two ports, one destination Small cruise ships sail into Bantry Bay Port (left), offering guests the chance to explore the nearby Wild Atlantic Way. The Port of Cork (above) can easily accommodate large cruise ships