Record number of cruises - Dublin Port

A record number of cruise ships are set to sail into Dublin this year, Dublin Port said today.

This year a record 82 luxury liners - up by 17 per cent on last year - will dock in the city bringing with them 75,000 tourists.

Dublin Port has estimated the visits will bring between €35 million and €50 million into the economy.

In a further boost for the tourism sector, there are plans for the first international cruise to start its voyage in Dublin next year.

The luxury Tahitian Princess will set off from the city next year to Scotland, Britain, Norway, Denmark, Estonia, Russia, Finland and Sweden.

The majority of the 700 passengers will fly into Ireland to board the ship in a development seen as a milestone for Ireland’s fledgling cruise-liner business.

Next year will also see the grand Crown Princess  - the largest cruise liner to visit Dublin - making four trips to the city and bringing in 12,000 visitors.


PA

© 2008 ireland.com