Cruise ships visiting the south-east Port of Waterford will total 28 scheduled calls this season, with arrivals to take place in Belview and Dunmore East, which represents a 33% increase on last year.

More than 27,000 cruise-goers this season will add a considerable boost to the local and regional economy, which is estimated at over €2 million.

Afloat highlights that among the cruise ships is Seabourn Ovation (see photo) which is to visit albeit with a single visit in May, when the 604 guest capacity vessel operating at the high-end of the market, is to berth at Belview.

Waterford’s harbour is widely and rightly considered very picturesque and a great place to visit great locations in a compact welcoming region.

Among the highlights are Waterford Crystal, the Mount Congreve Gardens, Waterford’s Copper Coast, the Dunbrody Famine ship (New Ross) and the Hook Lighthouse and the Rock of Cashel.

The team at the Port of Waterford and stakeholders are to attract and manage these cruise calls, and look forward to welcoming visitors to the region during the season, click here for cruise list.

When cruise ships berth at Belview Port, the main terminal for the Port is located 8 kms from Waterford City and is ideally located for excursions to the city and nearby Kilkenny and Wexford.

At the mouth of Waterford estuary is Dunmore East where larger cruise vessels will anchor offshore and operate tenders to the harbour which is managed by Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

The fishing harbour is within easy access to Waterford, city and coast, Kilkenny and beyond.

#southamptonboatshow – The PSP Southampton Boat Show has almost 150 boats on display and accompanied by larger visiting vessels, among them the attraction of the tallship Phoenix.

The two-masted brig Pheonix welcomes those on board during the show which continues to next Sunday 21 September.

Phoenix has starred in countless shows and films including: Alice In Wonderland, Clash of the Titans, Cloud Atlas, Dr. Who and the Count Of Monte Cristo.

She is berthed in one of Europe's largest purpose-built marinas with over 2km of pontoons. So make sure you get on board the 112ft brig and explore the three decks of this vessel that could be straight out of the times of Blackbeard and his pirates!