Grand Princess is the first of the grand cruise liners that will form part of the 85 cruise visits that Dublin Port Company has secured for Dublin following its marketing efforts to attract this valuable business. The arrival of these ships will generate a major boost to the city of up to €50 million for the local economy, as the liners will carry almost 130,000 high-spend passengers to the capital this year along with significant numbers of crew who can experience the city during their shore leave.
The Grand Princess is 290 metres long, the equivalent in length of three football pitches and carries almost 3,000 high spend passengers and over 1,000 crew members. The $450 million vessel offers the latest in cruise luxury with over 710 staterooms, on-board shopping mall, cinema, a range of restaurant facilities, casino, swimming pools and even a nine hole golf putting course.
The cruise sector has become a hugely important part of the city's tourism product since Dublin Port Company first targeted this trade in the mid 1990s. It is estimated that cruise liners have contributed over €350 million to the city in the last decade alone so Dublin Port Company is pleased to have played its role in attracting this business for the city.
Mr. Eamonn O'Reilly, Chief Executive, Dublin Port Company said, "Dublin is a great city and a really fantastic destination for visitors. Having the port so close to the centre of Dublin makes it an attractive destination for cruise liner operators who can bring their passengers right to the heart Dublin allowing them to get to its visitor attractions as quickly as possible. We're delighted that Dublin Port Company can play such a major role in bringing this very valuable trade to Dublin."
Ms. Gina Quin, Chief Executive, Dublin Chamber of Commerce said; "The cruise industry has emerged as a significant contributor to the capital's tourism business. Dublin Port Company's ongoing work in attracting the cruise liners to the city provides a welcome boost of up to €50 million annually to Dublin's retailers and other businesses in the city. The 130,000 passengers and crew will no doubt experience the legendary Irish welcome as they visit the city's fabulous tourist attractions as well as the capital's bars and restaurants."
