'Ambition on the Horizon' Port of Cork Company welcomes the first cruise liner of the 2025 season
The Port of Cork Company is delighted to announce the official start of the 2025 cruise season with the arrival of the first cruise ship, the M.S. Ambition, operated by Ambassador Cruise Line, today, April 13th, 2025. As the first of 107 ships expected this year, the Ambition’s visit underscores Cork’s prominence as a premier destination for international cruise passengers.
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 2025. Additionally, 14 cruise liners are expected to visit Bantry Bay Harbour this year, beginning in May.
Cruise tourism continues to be a significant contributor to the local economy, estimated to generate €17 million in revenue. With onshore spending averages at €81 per passenger and €29 per crewperson, highlighting the substantial economic benefits for the region.
Notably, 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, shared his excitement about the upcoming season, stating: “The official start of the 2025 cruise season marks another exciting year of cruises for the Port of Cork. As Ireland’s busiest cruise port, we are 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.”
Toddy Stafford, President of Cobh and Harbour Chamber, shared his anticipation for the bustling year ahead: “Cobh has a long and proud maritime tradition, and each cruise ship arrival brings a vibrant energy to the town. The cruise season is always a time of excitement, drawing visitors and locals alike to marvel at the impressive ships docked at the deepwater quay. It’s a major boost for local tourism, retail, and employment, as thousands of guests arrive to experience the very best that Cobh and Cork have to offer, from delicious food and drink to live music, unforgettable tours, and unique local experiences. We’re excited to welcome everyone this season.”
The Port of Cork’s cruise schedule is available to view at www.portofcork.ie/cruise-schedule
About Port of Cork Company
The Port of Cork is the world’s second-largest natural harbour and a key international trade gateway. It is the key seaport in the south of Ireland and is one of the three Ports of National Significance (Tier 1) as designated by National Ports Policy.
The National Ports Policy mandates Tier 1 Ports to lead the response in meeting Ireland’s future port capacity requirements. In this capacity, the port is also central to the national economic growth given that national ports handle approximately 90% of all imported and exported tonnage in Ireland.
As a multi-model port it is only one of two ports in Ireland to service all six shipping modes – lift on/ lift off, roll-on/ roll-off, liquid bulk, dry bulk, break bulk and cruise.
The Port of Cork Company (PoCC) is a commercial semi-state company responsible for the broad range of commercial running of Cork harbour as well as the navigation and berthage in the port.
In 2022, the Ports of Cork and Bantry reported a total consolidated traffic throughput of 10.2 million tonnes. The PoCC’s direct workforce is 170 staff, however, it supports thousands of jobs through indirect employment through warehouses, hauliers and shipping agents.
PoCC is a hugely important catalyst for trade and employment, offering direct connectivity to a global supply chain, particularly for FDI. 35 of its top customers are from industries such as Med-Tec, Pharma, IT, chemical and Agri-Food accounting for €145 billion of manufacturing and supporting over 45,000 jobs directly in the southwest region.
