Dún Laoghaire sets sail for another successful Cruise Ship Season
Over 80 cruise ships will call to Dún Laoghaire this year bringing a total of 137,000 passengers and 56,000 crew to the area and providing a significant boost to the local economy. The first ship to arrive this season is the Viking Venus, with many more impressive vessels to follow. Dún Laoghaire Harbour was the second busiest Harbour in Ireland for cruise visits in the last year, only behind Cork/Cobh. The aim is to continue building on this success for the years ahead.
With 43% of passengers who tender ashore visiting Dún Laoghaire Town and the surrounding area, the cruise industry is continuing to generate significant income and create a range of job opportunities. The benefits of these cruise visits extend beyond the immediate tourism sector, contributing to the restoration of the historic Harbour.
Cruise Statistics for 2024
The 2024 cruise season surpasses last year when 78 cruise ships arrived with 127,747 passengers and 58,121 crew.
For the second year running, the longest cruise ship will be ‘MSC Preziosa’ at 333m long and with a capacity of 4,345 passengers 1,313 crew. In a very close second place, is the ‘Regal Princess’ at 330m long. With a capacity of 3,592 passengers 1,205 crew. These ships are operated by MSC Cruises and Princess Cruises respectively. Both call this year, ‘MSC Preziosa’ calling once and ’Regal Princess’ calling 16 times.
Viking Cruises are now top of the schedule with 21 visits this year, sending ships from their ocean going fleet. In second place are Norwegian Cruise Lines, visiting Dún Laoghaire 10 times this year. Nine ships will make their inaugural call to Dún Laoghaire.
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