Port of Cork Opens 2026 Cruise Season With AIDAluna Call
Cork’s packed cruise calendar shows how Ireland’s ports are competing for bigger itineraries, with Cork and Belfast teaming up to market the island and capture tourism spend.
Port of Cork’s 2026 cruise season got underway on April 13 with the arrival of AIDAluna, marking the ship’s first-ever call to Cork Harbour.
The start of the season signals another high-volume year for Ireland’s southern cruise gateway, with the Port of Cork expecting 93 cruise ship visits and more than 175,000 passengers between April and November.
Passenger volumes, ship mix, and maiden calls planned for Cork Harbour
Port of Cork Company (PoCC) said the April-to-November schedule will bring a broad mix of luxury, expedition, and large-scale vessels, with ships arriving from markets that include the United States, Canada, Germany, and other parts of Europe.
PoCC also said six vessels are due to make maiden calls to the Port of Cork during the season, including AIDAluna’s inaugural visit that opened the program.
Ann Doherty, CEO of PoCC and chair of Cruise Ireland, pointed to the local economic ripple effects tied to cruise traffic. “We are pleased to welcome a strong schedule of vessels again this year, and we continue to see the positive impact cruise tourism has on local businesses, suppliers and communities,” Doherty said.
Bantry Bay set to open April 26 with Ponant’s Le Lapérouse
Cruise calls in the wider Port of Cork region also include Bantry Bay Harbour, where the first arrival is scheduled for April 26.
PoCC said Bantry Bay Harbour will welcome 11 cruise ships in 2026 beginning with that April 26 call. Bantry Bay Port Company, in a separate update, described Le Lapérouse as the first of 12 cruise vessels scheduled to visit during the year, with its published schedule running from April to August.
Operated by Ponant, Le Lapérouse is a luxury expedition ship that debuted in 2018 and carries up to 184 guests. During the April 26 visit, the vessel is scheduled to anchor at Bantry Inner.
Michael Pat Murphy, assistant harbour master at Bantry Bay Port, said the season is expected to provide a tourism boost for the region. “We’re delighted to welcome Le Lapérouse to Bantry Bay and officially open the 2026 cruise season,” Murphy said, adding that the season is expected to support tourism in West Cork. In a separate comment, Murphy said, “With 12 ships scheduled to visit this year, we’re expecting another strong season that will support local tourism and the wider West Cork economy.”
Ships cited for Bantry Bay’s 2026 lineup include Azamara Quest, Deutschland, Douglas Mawson, Europa, Hanseatic Nature, Insignia, Le Champlain, Spirit of Discovery, Vasco da Gama, and Vista.
Cork and Belfast ports outline joint cruise development work
Alongside the 2026 schedule, PoCC said it recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Belfast Harbour that covers cruise-related collaboration between Ireland’s two largest cruise ports.
Under the agreement, the ports plan to work on joint marketing as well as improvements to cruise facilities, with the stated goal of enhancing passenger experiences and supporting regional tourism spending linked to cruise calls.
International promotion highlights Bantry Bay and major-event arrivals
PoCC said port representatives attended Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami, where Bantry Bay was promoted both for cruise calls and as a potential arrival point for superyachts tied to major events in Ireland.
Among the events referenced during the international promotion was the 2027 Ryder Cup, scheduled to be held at Adare Manor in County Limerick.
With Cork Harbour’s program running through November and Bantry Bay’s opening call set for April 26, port operators will be watching early-season arrivals as a first indicator of how the 2026 schedule and new collaboration initiatives translate into on-the-ground passenger activity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When does the Port of Cork 2026 cruise season run?
The Port of Cork’s 2026 cruise season runs from April through November, starting with AIDAluna’s April 13 arrival.
How many cruise passengers and ship calls are expected in Cork Harbour in 2026?
Port of Cork is scheduled to receive 93 cruise ships and more than 175,000 passengers during the April-to-November 2026 season.
When does Bantry Bay’s 2026 cruise season start, and where will Le Lapérouse anchor?
Bantry Bay’s season is set to begin April 26 with a call by Ponant’s Le Lapérouse. The ship is scheduled to anchor at Bantry Inner during its visit.
What does the Port of Cork and Belfast Harbour memorandum of understanding cover?
PoCC said the agreement focuses on collaboration around cruise tourism, including joint marketing and improvements to cruise facilities, with an emphasis on passenger experience and supporting tourism spending.
Why was the 2027 Ryder Cup mentioned in cruise-related promotion for Bantry Bay?
PoCC said Bantry Bay was promoted at Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami as a potential arrival point for superyachts visiting Ireland for major events, including the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor in County Limerick.
