#CruiseLiners– On the same day of L.E. Samuel Beckett's historic inaugural call to Dublin Port, two large cruiseships also visited the capital with mid-morning berthing taking place within Alexandra Basin, writes Jehan Ashmore.
A large crowd of cruise-goers gathered along the stern decks of the striking signature script liveried Mein Schiff I, to watch Celebrity Infinity edge effortlessly astern and yet cautiously with the assistance of a pair of tugs to an adjoining berth.
The TUI Cruises 78,998 gross registered tonnes Mein Shiff I which translates to 'My Ship' arrived from Belfast while in the opposite direction, Celebrity Cruise larger 90,940grt Celebrity Infinity had called from Le Havre.
Ships of this size and much larger are planned to berth two at a time at a dedicated cruise terminal which is proposed for a site nearby along the North Wall Quay extension and next to the East-Link bridge.
As both cruise callers arrived in late morning as compared to a dawn arrival as is generally the norm, the pair will depart Dublin Port tonight. Celebrity Infinity is scheduled to vacate her berth at 22.15hrs and Mein Schiff I is expected to follow suit at midnight.
