The 126m ship World Explorer has anchored off Bantry, marking the start of the West Cork port’s cruise season.
Bantry Bay Port Company says a total of 14 cruise liners are scheduled to call throughout the 2025 season, with vessels arriving from a range of international destinations.
“Over the coming months, these liners will bring more than 6,000 passengers and crew from all over the world to Bantry Bay, providing a major boost for tourism and businesses in the surrounding area,”it says.
Operated by Quark Expeditions, the World Explorer was launched in 2019 and holds up to 172 passengers.
Designed for polar cruises, especially Antarctica, the ship will be anchored on Bantry Inner for the duration of its stay.
Port of Bantry harbourmaster Michael Murphy welcomed the ship and said each arrival provides an opportunity to exhibit “the beauty and hospitality of this region”
“We look forward to giving every visitor a warm West Cork welcome,” he said.
Conor Mowlds, Chairperson of Cruise Ireland and Chief Commercial Officer at the Port of Cork Company, of which Bantry Bay Port is a subsidiary, said that with 14 cruise calls scheduled for Bantry in 2025 and 93 to the Port of Cork, the economic and cultural benefits of cruise tourism are felt throughout the county.
“ It’s fantastic to see Bantry establishing itself as a standout destination on Ireland’s cruise map,” he said.
The cruise season schedule for Bantry Bay Port can be found here
