Among the cruise callers to Killybegs Harbour this season has been the maiden visit of the Nautica to the port in the west of Co. Donegal, writes Jehan Ashmore.
During the inaugural call, the locally based 30 bollard ton pull (btp) tug SMS Cian of Sinbad Marine Services was in attendance of the 30,277 gross registered tonnage (grt) cruise ship.
The recent call of Oceania Cruises 803 passenger capacity Nautica at the harbour on the Wild Atlantic Way also involved a traditional exchange of plaques to mark the occasion. This saw the Master of the 1999 built cruise ship and Jason O'Boyle of Killybegs Tourism present each other with the plaques and among the guests was Christine Cunningham, the Mayor of Killybegs.
Nautica, with a crew of 372, represents the 17th call this season in what has been busy season for the port, which this year is scheduled to have a total of 25 visits. Today, Fred Olsen Cruise Lines is the 23rd caller as their Bolette arrived with up to 1,656 passengers visiting the region before they return to the 615 crewed cruise ship. The much larger cruise ship of 62,735 grt is to depart this evening at 1830hrs.
The final visitor this season is to take place on the 17th September, with the expedition cruise ship, Le Dumont D’Urville with 112 guests and a crew of 264 employed by operator Ponant.
