Irish and UK cruise industry representatives have signed a partnership agreement that will prove “transformative” for the sector, according to Cruise Ireland chairman Conor Mowlds.
Representatives from Cruise Ireland and Cruise Britain in April, writes the Irish Examiner, signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Miami at the Seatrade Global Conference, where the major three-day event for the industry celebrated its 40th year.
As Afloat reported this month, the Cork Harbour season is to welcome 93 scheduled vessels, close to Cruise Ireland's expected figure of more than 100 vessels, worth €20m to the local region; the majority, given their size, will berth at Cobh Cruise Terminal, the Port of Cork’s dedicated facility for cruisegoers, along with use of berths at Ringaskiddy, whereas smaller cruise ships head up to Cork City quays.
Mr. Mowlds spoke at a business breakfast held by the Bantry Business Association at the Maritime Hotel on Thursday, where the Cruise Ireland chairman said 14 cruise ships have added Bantry Bay anchorage to their schedule for this year’s season.
He added that the Port of Waterford already has more than 20 cruise ships expected. They are to anchor off Dunmore East, berth at Belview, or head further inland to Waterford’s quays.
Mr. Mowlds, who is also the Port of Cork chief commercial officer, said the MoU is already showing its worth. To learn why, click from the newspaper.
Following April’s Seatrade Conference, Afloat noted more recently in November a Cruise Ireland contingent headed to the US, with those from Port of Cork, Belfast Harbour, Visit Belfast, and Excursions Ireland that embarked on courtesy calls to its top clients.
