Bantry's 'standout' destination for cruise ships was highlighted this week with the visit of two fine ships, one brand new and one almost 100 years old, to the deep-water port.
The biggest West Cork coastal inlet is establishing itself as a cruise ship base, and its Harbour Master is delighted with the arrival of the first of 14 scheduled visitors for the year.
The World Explorer in Bantry Bay. The ship is operated by Quark Expeditions, launched in 2019 and holds up to 172 passengers Photo: Andy Gibson
It is a specialised part of the cruise market which Cork Port Company has been successfully targeting.
The 1933-built Danmark (foreground) and the World Explorer in Bantry Bay Photo: Andy Gibson
As Afloat reported earlier, the first arrival is the World Explorer, operated by Quark Expeditions, launched in 2019 and holds up to 172 passengers. This modern and fast cruise ship was designed for polar cruises, especially Antarctica, but it will be anchored in Bantry Inner for the duration of its stay. Its arrival adds to the vibrancy of the harbour, with passengers set to enjoy the town and its scenic surroundings during their visit.
Passengers disembark the World Explorer bound for Bantry town via tenders Photo: Andy Gibson
Michael Murphy, Bantry Harbour Master, says this year will be "another strong season that will bring a real boost to local tourism and businesses. Each arrival is an opportunity to showcase the region.”
Conor Mowlds, Chairperson of Cruise Ireland and Chief Commercial Officer at the Port of Cork Company, of which Bantry is a subsidiary, says the West Cork port is "building cruise tourism across the region. 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 ship list."
Sailors from the sail training vessel Danmark relax around the town on Bantry and below, rowing back to their ship moored in Bantry Bay Photo: Andy Gibson
Adding to the early summer scene in Bantry was the 65 metre Danish sailing vessel Danmark at anchor in the Port of Bantry. The 1933-built training ship makes an old and new statement on the progress of ship travel compared to today's ultra-modern Explorer moored close by.
Sailors from the sail training vessel Danmark relax around the town on Bantry and below, heading back to their ship moored in Bantry Bay Photo: Andy Gibson
The fully rigged ship offers training voyages, not only to Danes but also to those of any nation interested in learning the basics of seamanship on a large sailing vessel.
The Danmark ship was one of seven used in filming the classic 1970s British BBC TV series Onedin Line.
