The Port of Cork has announced that its 2026 cruise season is expected to conclude with approximately 160,000 passenger visits across 95 cruise calls, as the MSC Virtuosa arrives at Cobh Cruise Terminal on Friday, October 16.

The season included six maiden calls, with cruise vessels visiting Cobh, Ringaskiddy and Cork City Quays.

The 2026 season began on April 13 with the maiden call of AIDAluna, and the schedule featured visits from the Majestic Princess, Ambience, Seabourn Ovation, Celebrity Eclipse, Nieuw Statendam, MSC Preziosa, Spirit of Adventure, and Le Laperouse.

The MSC Virtuosa’s arrival will mark the final scheduled call of the season at Ireland’s only dedicated cruise berth in Cobh.

Bantry Bay also welcomed nine cruise vessels in 2026.

Paul Hegarty, chief commercial officer at the Port of Cork Company, said: “This season reflects the continued appeal of Cork as a premium cruise destination and the importance of the welcome provided by our communities and tourism partners.”

“Three partial turnaround calls scheduled for this year highlight an opportunity to build on our established cruise business. Our ambition is to attract more activity that encourages visitors to stay longer and experience more of what Cork and the wider southern region have to offer,” added Hegarty.

“Realizing this ambition will require investment in terminal facilities to deliver modern infrastructure and transport connectivity through further collaboration with Irish Rail and Cork Airport.”

Colin Morehead, president of Cobh and Harbour Chamber, said: “2026 has been another exceptional year for Cobh… Cobh and Cork Harbour are Ireland’s national gateway for cruise tourism, with passengers and crew stepping directly into a town rich in character, heritage and visitor appeal.”

“We are proud of the experience we offer international visitors and look forward to welcoming an even more diverse range of cruise passengers to Cobh in 2027,” added Morehead.

The port said that this year’s positive performance reflects continued demand from international cruise lines. Cobh continued to attract the highest volume of cruise arrivals this year, hosting 76 calls, with Ringaskiddy hosting 13 calls and Cork City hosting six calls.

According to the press release, Cork’s development as a turnaround cruise port aligns with the Government’s tourism policy objective of extending the tourism season from St Brigid’s Day through to Halloween.

The Port of Cork will announce its 2027 cruise schedule early next year.