#RepeatRecord- Galway Harbour Company are to repeat this year's record of 8 cruise callers for the 2015 season, though the total passenger capacity will be down by more than 1,600 visitors, writes Jehan Ashmore.

Afloat.ie has calculated that the passenger capacity for this year was 6,032 passengers . If all 8 cruiseships are booked to full capacity for the 2015 season, the combined total would reach 4,381 passengers.

Galway Bay will see seven operators in 2015 as Companie du Ponant will be bringing two cruiseships out of the eight cruiseships scheduled in total to visit the mid-west city.

The French operators 264 guest Le Boreal will open the season in May. In design terms she resembles an ultra large megayacht like cruiseship.

Likewise Le Soleal, a sistership is to make an anchorage appearance off the City of the Tribes also that same month, albeit preceded by an interim call by the 264-passenger Amadea.

The Japanese built vessel is marketed for German clientele by operator Phoenix-Reisen.

A fourth and final caller during May will be the visit of Portuguese veteran, Funchal operated by Empresa Insulana de Navegaca.

The remaining four callers are scheduled to visit throughout the season which runs to August.

#EndofSeason - Amadea, Phoenix Reisen's Japanese built cruiseship launched in 1991 marks the final cruise call visitor to Cork Harbour this season, having berthed alongside Cobh today, writes Jehan Ashmore.

Its been a busy season with 54 cruise ships calling to the Port of Cork, bringing around 108,000 passengers and 30,000 crew.

Under the command of Captain Morten Hansen, the 29,000 tonnes vessel run by the German operator, had involved a last port of call to Falmouth before she made an Irish landfall.

A view to east side of Cork Harbour can be seen from overlooking her bow by clicking her on board web-cam here. Tomorrow the web-cam will bring another view of the Cork coastline when she is to lay anchor off the secluded surroundings of Glengariff.

Like her fleetmates, Artania and Albratros, they are all vessels which has had previous careers with Amadea having begun cruising as Asuka.

Artania which was in Portsmouth last week started her career as the Royal Princess for Princess Cruises. The same name is given to last year's newbuild (of the same operator) which is to make her debut call of Dun Laoghaire Harbour in May 2015.

The Albratros (to visit Rosslare Harbour in 2015) was formerly an original member of a trio built for Royal Viking Line. As for Amadea she was launched for Japanese interests as their Asuka.

#RoyalPrincess – Following the maiden call of Royal Princess to Belfast, Royal Princess also made a first time visit to Cork Harbour today with the Princess Cruises giant of 141,000 tonnes berthing alongside in Cobh, writes Jehan Ashmore.

She is the third cruise ship making a maiden call this season to Cobh.

At 19 decks high, Royal Princess can carry 3,500 passengers and 1,500 crew. The Italian built vessel launched last year is 330m in length and is over 3 times the length of Thomond Park.

This is the size and style of ship that the Port of Cork Company intend to continue attracting to Cobh's deepwater cruise berth.

Of Cobh's cruiseship customers, the newcomer despite her impressive size is not the largest as Independence of the Seas is some 154,000 tonnes and handles even more cruise-goers totalling 4,300.

The Royal Caribbean International (RCI) 'Freedom' class ship has been a regular caller in recent years.

Around 108,000 passengers on board 54 cruiseships and some 30,000 crew are to generate this season an economic windfall of around €15m to the local economy.

Cobh has been visited by increasingly larger and efficient vessels. Already scheduled for the 2015 season are 15 vessels of a similar size to Royal Princess.

Another trend is the developing demand for turn-around calls and overnight stays. Combine these factors and this has led to the port to commit plans to invest with an upgrading of the current facilities.

#Cruise&FerryRosslare – Phoenix Reisen's Albratros is to become the first cruiseship caller in more than two decades to visit Rosslare Europort, when she visits in August 2015 bringing new tourists to the south east region.

According to Iarnród Éireann who are the port authority of the ferryport, they say that the cruise ship will call at Rosslare as part of a cruise of Ireland and Britain, which begins from Bremerhaven, Germany.

Other destinations include those in Scotland, Belfast Northern Ireland, the south coast of England and Amsterdam.

A Working Group led by the General Manager Rosslare Europort John Lynch, including representatives of Wexford County Council and Fáilte Ireland and supported by Visit Wexford, have been working on developing the cruise business at Rosslare.

It is hoped that this will be the first of many cruises that will call at the port.

Albatros has a capacity for 850 guests, the majority of whom will be German. The vessel will anchor off Rosslare Harbour with tenders bringing guests ashore.

Attractions that may be part of the land excursion possibly include: the Irish National Heritage Park, the Hook Head Peninsula, the Emigrants' Trail, Wells House & Garden, Wexford Town Walking Tour including the Opera House and many other amenities.

General Manager of Rosslare Europort John Lynch said: "We are delighted to welcome the MS Albatros to Rosslare next year. We are fortunate at Rosslare that not only do we have the capacity to operate as a busy commercial port, but we are also situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty and rich cultural heritage and I believe that there will be many more Cruise Ships that will want to explore the wonders of Wexford and the South East."

#RoyalPrincess - Belfast Harbour's booming cruise season reached a highlight today as the largest ever cruiseship to visit the northern port docked, the 141,000 tonnes giant Royal Princess, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The 19 decks of the 3,560 passengers/1,500 crew cruiseship towers above Stormont Wharf where she berthed having sailed from Greenock in Scotland.

She is 330m (1,087ft) long by 44m (217ft) wide and was built by Fincantieri in, Monfalcone, Italy. Last year her she was christened by the Duchess of Cambridge at a ceremony held in Southampton.

The cruiseship has 1,780 cabins in which 1,438 with balcony (all outside staterooms feature a balcony).

Amongst her many luxurious facilities, she features the largest top deck pool ever with a Princess Watercolor Fantasy, an enhanced Movies Under the Stars screen, and a SeaWalk with vertigo inducing views for some, involving a drop of 128 foot looking straight down!

Compared to other fleetmates, she has a larger and expanded atrium with additional entertainment and casual dining options.

The visit of Royal Princess is one of more than 60 cruiseship callers this season in which Cruise Belfast, a marketing partnership between Visit Belfast and Belfast Harbour are promoting the sector which expects a total of 110,000 passengers by the end of October.

Asides todays call of Princess Cruises other large cruiseship operators have made Belfast a port of destination on their itinerary this season attracted by what the city and province has to offer. Leading operators have been Royal Caribbean International, MSC Cruises and Holland America Line.

A sister, Regal Princess entered service in May of this year and a third newbuild, Britannia which will operate for owners Carnival Corporation, through their UK brand P&O Cruises will be launched into service in 2015.

As previously reported, Britannia is to make her debut season with an anchorage call off Dun Laoghaire Harbour next July. She will be the largest ever cruiseship built exclusively to serve the UK market.

#CruiseEurope- The European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) gathered with the relevant European cruise port organisations in Barcelona yesterday and decided to enhance the cooperation between the different organisations representing cruise ports.

Following the strategic cooperation agreement signed by ESPO, Cruise Baltic, Cruise Europe, Cruise Norway and MedCruise today, the organisations decided that:

• ESPO will intensify its efforts as the official voice of the European Cruise and Ferry Port sector towards the European institutions.
• A Cruise and Passenger port network would be set up within ESPO that would bring together Cruise Baltic, Cruise Europe, Cruise Norway and MedCruise and representatives of Cruise and Ferry port authorities. The network is to be seen as the continuation of the ESPO passenger committee. This network will meet regularly to discuss the latest developments at EU policy level relevant to the Cruise and Ferry Port sector and will define which interests should be defended.
• ESPO will engage when needed in a constructive debate with the associations representing cruise lines and other stakeholders involved in the cruise or ferry sector and investigate potential collaborative synergies.
• ESPO will develop a Code of Good Practice for EU cruise and ferry ports together with Cruise Baltic, Cruise Europe, Cruise Norway and MedCruise. The network will build on the work of the ESPO passenger committee towards this direction and will bring this a step further using the expertise of the participating cruise associations.

"I am very pleased with the decisions taken today. Cruise and ferry traffic is an increasingly important market segment for European ports and faces port authorities with specific challenges. Cruise and ferry activities in ports can however not be isolated from the freight business. It is therefore important that ESPO looks at both and make it possible to have an integrated approach when defining common positions of the port authorities on relevant policy issues," says Isabelle Ryckbost, Secretary General ESPO.

"On behalf of our 115 member ports, I am confident that this strategic cooperation agreement will advance the collaboration with cruise lines and the association representing them and will contribute in a sustainable and mutually beneficial manner to the continued successful growth of the cruise industry," says Captain Michael McCarthy, Chairman Cruise Europe.

"All organizations should focus on their "core business" and rather seek strategic alliances/partnerships with other organizations with complementary focus and expertise. By entering into this strategic cooperation agreement, ESPO shall be focusing on policy matters concerning the cruise- and ferry business from the ports perspective on a European level which will enable Cruise Norway to focus on being the marketing company we are supposed to be for the benefit of our shareholders. This agreement will minimize duplication of work, save resources in form of both time and money and should provide better results," says Ingvar M. Mathisen, Chairman Cruise Norway.

"This initiative is a clear mark of cruise ports commitment and investment in effective alliances. It is also a major step for improving the representation of cruise ports. Sharing knowledge and expertise port associations will advance cruise ports interests and best practices the finest way possible. They will also provide meaningful input in discussions with policy makers and stakeholders. MedCruise is looking forward to a strategic collaboration serving the prospects and the sustainable growth of the cruise sector," says Stavros Hatzakos, MedCruise President.
The participating organisations are:

ESPO

The European Sea Ports Organisation represents the port authorities, port associations and port administrations of the seaports of the Member States of the European Union and Norway. ESPO has also observer members in several neighbouring countries to the EU. 90 % of Europe's cargo trade in goods passes through the more than 1200 seaports existing in the 23 maritime Member States of the EU and nearly 400 million passengers pass through Europe's ports every year using ferry and cruise services. ESPO ensures that seaports have a clear voice in the European Union. The organisation promotes the common interests of its members throughout Europe and is also engaged in dialogue with European stakeholders in the Port and Maritime sector.

Cruise Baltic

Cruise Baltic is a close cooperation between 28 destinations - in the Baltic Sea Region. Our aim is to integrate the region's international cruise tourism industry by exchange of knowledge and information. Through Cruise Baltic, all the participating countries are able to offer the same service, high standards and full integration between ports and cities for cruise lines that want to discover the unique possibilities of the Baltic Sea Region. The number of cruise tourists visiting Cruise Baltic destinations has risen from 1.7 million passengers in 2004 to approximately 4.4 million passengers in 2014.

Cruise Europe

Cruise Europe was the first cruise port association, founded in 1991. We are now representing 115 members in Northern and Atlantic Europe. Our members host 7000 calls from ocean going cruise ships, and 10 million passenger movements.

Cruise Norway

Cruise Norway is a B2B Marketing Organization with 40 member ports in additions to associate members from attractions, tourist boards and ship/port agents. Cruise Norway's vision: Norway - the world's best nature-based cruise destination. In 2013 Cruise Norway members hosted approx. 3.1 million passenger movements and 2.300 calls.

MedCruise

MedCruise is the Association of cruise Ports in the Mediterranean and its adjoining seas. Established in 1996 MedCruise has today 70 members representing more than 100 ports, plus 32 associate members, representing associations, tourist boards and ship/port agents. Its member ports host over 27 million passengers and 14.000 cruise calls per year.

#RivalSisters – Wind Surf, the one part sailing yacht and one part upscale cruise ship departed Dun Laoghaire Harbour this evening, her rival sister, Club Med 2 is due to call to neighbouring Dublin Port tomorrow, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The largest ship in the Windstar Cruises fleet at 14,746 tonnes represented the final of four cruise callers to Dun Laoghaire this season. Since the harbour re-launched the cruise business in 2011, Wind Surf has been the most regular visitor, today marked her fourth time berthing at Carlisle Pier.

Next year, Dun Laoghaire is to welcome a record 23 cruiseships, including considerably larger callers and as previously reported newbuilds, notably P&O Cruises giant 141,000 tonnes Brittania. Her call in her inaugural season is a major coup for the harbour, as she is the largest ever cruiseship built for the UK market.

Combined these callers are to bring 66,000 passengers to Dun Laoghaire, a figure that surpasses for the first time ever to those visiting Dublin of around 60,000 visitors.

Wind Surf was launched for Club Med at a shipyard in Le Havre as their Club Med 1. This evening the Bahamas flagged vessel is on a course along the eastern Leinster seaboard. She is bound for an anchorage call off Dunmore East tomorrow.

Her former fleetmate sister, Club Med 2, which has a slightly larger tonnage of 14,983 is this evening off the Mull of Kintyre bound for Dublin. She is registered in Mata-Utu, the capital of Wallis and Futuna which is an overseas 'collectivity' of France. She will dock along Ocean Pier.

The 187m (637ft) sisters have five masts each and seven triangular self-furling, computer operated sails, which make for an impressive sight. They are known for luxurious amenities and for reaching to unique ports of call, taking some 310 guests and almost 200 crew.

#CruiseFerryBerths - Brilliance of the Seas departed Cobh in the afternoon followed by Discovery this evening, the latter notably had berthed at Ringaskiddy Ferry Terminal as distinct to docking at the adjacent deep water berth, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The Royal Caribbean Lines 90,000 tonnes 'Radiance' class Brilliance of the Seas had called to Cobh's dedicated 'cruise' terminal before she headed for Klasvik, Norway. As for Discovery she is bound for St. Mary's, the capital of the Scilly Islands.

Normally, when more than one cruise caller arrives the same day, the Ringaskiddy deepwater berth that mostly accommodates large ocean-going cargoships also caters for cruiseships that has included the famous 'Cunarder' QE2.

Discovery of 19,900 tonnes is on charter to Cruise & Maritime Voyages, she had berthed at the Ringaskiddy Ferry Terminal ro-ro berth jetty. It is at this berth that Brittany Ferries cruiseferry, Pont-Aven of 41,700 tonnes, making her twice the size of the cruiseship, calls from Roscoff on Saturdays. She has a capacity for 2,400 passengers and like cruiseships, she features a pool.

The intimate 700 passenger Discovery is a small vessel in today's cruiseship market. She was launched as Island Venture in 1971 and is the surviving sister of a pair of almost 20,000 tonnes vessels built for Norwegian based Flagship Cruises.

The German built sisters were better known during careers for Princess Cruises as the Island Princess and Pacific Princess, which saw them appear in the popular US TV series the 'Love Boat' during the 1970's. The latter sister was scrapped this year.

On completion of this current cruise, Discovery departs Bristol (Avonmouth) on a 14-night cruise to the Azores and Madeira. It is understood that following her final cruise for CMV in October she is due to be sold.

#Seabourn/Windstar – Seabourn Cruises ulta-luxury Seabourn Legend that called to Dun Laoghaire Harbour yesterday, is making her final cruise to Irish and UK ports before her transfer to Windstar Cruises next year, writes Jehan Ashmore.

Her sale along with a pair of sisters to Windstar Cruises, will see the intimate 212 guest superyacht-like vessel renamed Star Legend enter service in April 2015.

By coincidence, the fourth and final caller to Dun Laoghaire this season will be Windstar Cruises sail-assisted five-mast cruiseship, Wind Surf which is due to visit this week. She has become the harbour's most frequent caller since the Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company re-launched in promoting the cruise business in 2011.

Returning to Seabourn Legend and under the command of Captain Dvergastein, the 9,975 tonnes vessel took a pilot before entering the embracing harbour arms of Dun Laoghaire (see previous report). She is on a 15 day 'Route of Britannia' cruise which had departed from the Pool of London,  from where the 134m vessel transited through Tower Bridge.

She had visited St. Mary's, Scilly, and as previously reported on Afloat.ie, Waterford City Quays, marking an historic record-breaking total of three callers visiting on the one day. Today, she is in Belfast, where she is reunited with Hamburg which too had formed the trio meeting in the south-eastern city along with Silver Cloud.

The Seabourn Legend has an almost full occupancy booked for this cruise and this evening she is bound for ports along the western isles of Scotland and also a call to Greenock.

Following her Clydeside call, she is to return through the Irish Sea with further calls to the Isle of Man, France and Belgium before terminating her cruise back in London.

As to be expected with an upmarket cruise operator, Seabourn Cruises offers a very high standard in cuisine. They are a member of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, one of the world's most prestigious gastronomic societies devoted to fine dining, in which The Restaurent on Deck 3 is the place to be.

Among the other facilities there is the Veranda Café Lounge and nearby outdoor pool plus a pair of whirlpools. Also on that deck is the beauty salon, spa and gym. There is The Club bar and piano lounge, Casino, Show Lounge, Library / Video, Boutique and Card room.

As for accommodation, there are six categories of suites, in which there are a pair of owner's suites (54sq m) located on Deck 6. Features include living room with semi-circular couch, ocean view, dining area, forward-facing private veranda, bedroom with one queen size bed only, a walk-in closet and alcove closet. There is a bathroom with tub, shower and vanity plus a guest bath.

In addition the Owner Suites come equipped with two flat-screen TVs with DVD players, Bose Wave CD stereo system and there is complimentary Wi-Fi / internet service.

#CruiseControl – The Hollywood blockbuster 'Speed 2: Cruise Control' released in 1997 starring Sandra Bullock and filmed on board Seabourn Legend, is to make her maiden call to Dun Laoghaire Harbour tomorrow, writes Jehan Ashmore.

This will be the first time that Seabourn Cruises, a prestigious operator in the high-end of the cruise market will visit Dun Laoghaire Harbour as part of a 15-day 'Cruise of Britannia'. The five-star 208 capacity cruiseship embarked her guests in London and she has a crew of 164 to pamper their requirements.

Her high-quality suites are renowned for personalized service coupled by award-winning choice of restuarents serving French fries to foie-gras.

Only a year after entering service for Seabourn, she was home for three months to the film production crew and actors including co-stars Willem Defoe and Jason Patric.

In addition to the many on board shoots, those that required high-drama stunts scenes, required construction of a replica of her bow which saw her crashing ashore in the film set in the Caribbean.

As previously reported, Seabourn Legend was one of record three callers to Waterford City Quays today, is currently underway tonight along with two other cruiseships. She was originally launched in 1988 as Royal Viking Queen as one of a trio of intimate yacht-like ships ordered by Royal Viking Line. The sisters were built by German shipyard, Schichau Seebeckwerft in Bremerhaven.

When her current owners took ownership, she was re-christened by Linn Brynestad, the wife of Seabourn founder Atle Brynestad. She retained her name for the film.

Tomorrow's call of the near 10,000 tonnes Seabourn Legend marks the third of four cruiseships due this season. Last year the harbour had 13 callers, there were four in 2012 and in the re-launching of the cruise business in 2011 saw two visits by the same cruiseship.

A record number of cruiseships, totalling 23 are confirmed for the 2015 season according to the Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company.
In addition, the harbour is to welcome another record with 66,867 passengers, which for the first time exceeds those visiting across the bay in Dublin Port where 60,751 passengers are expected to visit the capital.