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.

Councillor Denis O’Callaghan, Cathaoirleach, Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council said:

"This is a very exciting time for Dún Laoghaire with thousands of visitors arriving in cruise ships and they bring a vibrancy and income to the town and surrounding areas. The continuing success of this initiative has played a huge role in assisting us to restore Dún Laoghaire Harbour, bringing benefits to visitors and locals alike." 

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.

Frank Curran, Chief Executive, Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council highlighted:

"The benefits of these cruises are obvious with job creation in various roles such as tourist cabin, security staff, and Tender escort boats and the influx of visitors to the area is hugely beneficial to commercial enterprises in the county."

Pamela Caldwell Pim, Chief Executive Officer of dlr Chamber added: 

"We are delighted to continue working and collaborating with DLR to promote Dún Laoghaire, and indeed Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown as an attractive centre of culture, historic interest, hospitality, and shopping, and we are all set for the influx of International Cruise Ship tourists, and crews, expected to arrive this year."

Kyron O'Gorman from the local Powerboat School who tender in the passengers from the cruise liners highlighted:

"Cruise liner 24 is almost upon us and the preparation really started earlier this year. Getting boats ready, updating equipment, renewing and fitting some fresh flags and we’re all optimistic that the warmer weather arrives soon. Everyone from the ship to the harbour crew are eagerly awaiting the return of the cruises."

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 Dun Laoghaire 10 times this year. Nine ships will make their inaugural call to Dun Laoghaire.