#dublinport – Dublin Port Company marked the end of a successful cruise season for 2014 as the final cruise liner to visit Dublin this year, the "Boudicca", docked in Dublin Port early on Saturday morning. Cruise liners carrying over 135,000 passengers and crew to Ireland's capital city generated a major economic boost of €50 million during 2014.
"Boudicca" sailed in to Dublin Port at 9.30am having departed Liverpool the previous evening. Carrying over 1,200 passengers and crew, this was the 205 metre ship's fourth 'mini cruise' to Dublin this month. Her arrival in December highlights how Dublin Port's cruise season has been extended by an additional two months, bringing high-spend visitors and revenue to the city at a key trading period. The "Boudicca" passengers represent a more independent cruise traveller looking to experience the sights and sounds of the capital in the run up to Christmas.
Passengers were welcomed by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Christy Burke, amidst a Winter Wonderland scene created on the quayside, before departing for the city's sights, shops and eateries.
Lord Mayor of Dublin, Christy Burke, said: "I am honoured to welcome the 1,200 cruise passengers who arrived in Dublin Port full of eager anticipation about their visit to the city. Dublin is a truly vibrant destination with a wealth of culture and cuisine, attractions and entertainment to offer passengers. I congratulate Dublin Port Company on its tremendous work to promote and cater for cruise tourism to Dublin. I am confident that Dublin has great potential to grow as a cruise destination and benefit the city's businesses even further."
Mr. Pat Ward, Head of Corporate Services, Dublin Port Company said: "This ship brings over 1,200 passengers and a welcome boost to Dublin just before Christmas, marking the end of a thriving cruise season at Dublin Port. Cruise is an important part of Dublin's tourism product and Dublin Port Company has worked hard to attract this valuable business to the city. The arrival of Winter cruises is a clear example of changing passenger patterns and demand for Dublin as Ireland's top cruise destination."
"It is essential that Dublin Port Company continues to facilitate passenger demand so that Dublin remains the port of choice for cruise. We are committed to investing in the necessary port infrastructure to achieve this, such as longer, deeper berths envisaged under our ABR Project. This type of investment will allow Dublin to flourish, giving larger ships, including cruise liners, the modern facilities they need to dock within striking distance of the city."
