Viking Venus' arrival in Dublin signals return of cruising in Republic of Ireland

The ship’s arrival at Dún Laoghaire Harbour on March 29 followed discussion between authorities and cruise industry stakeholders to develop COVID-19 protocols. Explained Conor Mowlds, chairperson of Cruise Ireland and CCO at Port of Cork Company which has a cruise berth in Cobh, Cork. ‘Today’s announcement follows weeks and months of intense collaboration with stakeholders such as the Department of Transport and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to ensure we have robust protocols in place to protect and ensure confidence for not only passengers but our receiving harbour communities.

‘We are looking forward very much to the return of cruise activities, to rebuilding and growing the cruise line sector, which has such a crucial role to play for the country’s tourism and the hospitality industries.’

Economic impact

The cruise industry is estimated to contribute €70m to the country's national economy and €14m per year to local economies such as Cork, which pre-pandemic typically received 100 cruise ships per year.

‘We've been waiting a long time for this announcement, which is hugely significant for the positive impact it will have on local tourism,’ commented Joanna Murphy, president, Cobh Chamber. 'We’re looking forward to, once again, welcoming cruise passengers back to Cobh, which has been such a hugely important part of our town’s heritage for hundreds of years.’ 

2022 outlook

Some 90 cruise ships are scheduled to arrive in Cork between April and November starting with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Borealis, departing from Liverpool and docking in Cobh April 15.