The Borealis from Fred. Olsen was the last cruise ship to call at Port of Cork for the 2022 cruise season last week, capping off a successful restart for the port that saw over 115,000 passengers and 90 vessels visit, according to a press release.
The cruise industry is estimated to contribute €70 million to the national economy and €14 million to local economies such as Cork annually. This year, 90 cruise ships docked in the Port of Cork and Bantry Bay Port, returning to pre-pandemic levels, according to the port.
“We made many strides in rebuilding the sector to pre-pandemic levels and the outlook for 2023 is even more positive – with in excess of 100 vessels scheduled to call to the Port of Cork so far,” said Conor Mowlds, chief commercial officer, Port of Cork Company.
Some COVID precautions and practices were still in place this season, with many ships operating at 75 per cent capacity. Prior to the pandemic, the Port of Cork had planned for 100 cruise ships per year, while in 2022 it received 12 first-time calls, bringing the total number of calls to 81.
“The atmosphere in the town when a ship is in is just electric – not only from the influx of passengers on board visiting Cobh but from the many people who visit from all over the country to see these ships up close. It has been especially beneficial for Cobh tourism and trade,” added Johanna Murphy, president of, the Cobh and Harbour Chamber.
The docking of the MSC Virtuosa, which made its maiden call on September 29, was one of the season’s highlights, as it became the largest vessel to dock in Cork this year.
MSC Cruise has revealed the name of its second World Class ship MSC World America.
MSC World America is slated to enter service in 2025, where it will begin a series of sailings in North America, making it the fourth new flagship to be deployed in the continent.
The announcement comes just weeks before the launch of World Europa, which will be one of the world’s “largest liquefied natural gas-powered cruise ships” and one of the first to incorporate fuel cell technology.
The vessel – which was delivered to the line by shipbuilders Chantiers de l’Atlantique on Monday (24 October) – has also been designed with an “innovative” hull shape to minimise resistance through the water.
World Europa incorporates a range of equipment to optimise energy use throughout the ship, including smart ventilation and advanced air conditioning systems and LED lighting, controlled by smart management systems to further enhance the energy-saving profile.
The vessel features a Y-shaped aft structure that leads to a 104-metre-long half-open half-covered Europa Promenade with ocean views. New balcony cabins overlook the promenade, which features an architectural centrepiece in the form of The Venom Drop – an 11-deck-high slide.
MSC World Europa’s firsts include a micro-brewery, gin bar, healthy juice bar, coffee emporium and tea house. The ship has 13 different dining options including two new speciality restaurants; La Pescaderia, which will offer fresh seafood; and Chef’s Garden Kitchen, which will dish up seasonal farm-to-ocean cooking.
Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of the cruise division of MSC Group, said: “We are proud to welcome MSC World Europa to our fleet, our 20th ship and the first to be LNG-powered. This groundbreaking vessel represents the next phase in our journey toward net zero and sustainable cruising and a symbol of our unwavering commitment to both.”
Seven new cruise ships are set to debut in U.S. market by the end of 2022.
While some of the newbuilds are leaving the shipyard and heading straight to North America, other vessels have initially entered service in Europe before arriving in the U.S. for the winter season.
Here’s the list of new ships:
Carnival Celebration Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line Delivery Date: October 2022 Capacity: 5,200 guests Tonnage: 183,000 U.S. Arrival: November 20 U.S. Homeport: Miami
Following a transatlantic crossing, the new Carnival Celebration is launching service in the Caribbean this November. Joining the Mardi Gras, the Excel-Class ship will become Carnival’s second LNG-powered vessel while offering week-long cruises departing from PortMiami year-round.
Norwegian Prima Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line Delivery Date: July 2022 Capacity: 3,215 guests Tonnage: 142,500 U.S. Arrival: October 5 U.S. Homeports: New York City, Miami, Galveston and Port Canaveral
After debuting recently in Iceland, the Norwegian Prima is arriving in New York City on October 5. First in a new series of ships known as Prima-Class, the 3,125-guest ship will sail an “inaugural tour” during the winter season, offering itineraries from four different U.S. homeports.
Celebrity Beyond Cruise Line: Celebrity Cruises Delivery Date: April 2022 Capacity: 3,260 guests Tonnage: 140,600 U.S. Arrival: October 24 U.S. Homeport: New York City and Fort Lauderdale
The Celebrity Beyond is set to debut in North America this winter. After entering service in Europe back in April, the third Edge-Class vessel will arrive in New York City on October 24, ahead of a season of Caribbean cruises departing from the Port Everglades.
MSC Seascape Cruise Line: MSC Cruises Delivery Date: November 2022 Capacity: 4,560 guests Tonnage: 169,000 U.S. Arrival: December 5 U.S. Homeport: Miami
A sister to the 2021-built MSC Seashore, the MSC Seascape is debuting in North America with a series of cruises departing from Miami. The newest MSC Cruises vessel is heading to the United States soon after leaving the shipyard and arrives in New York City – where it will be christened – on December 5.
Viking Neptune Cruise Line: Viking Delivery Date: Q4 2022 Capacity: 930 guests Tonnage: 47,000 U.S. Arrival: December 22 U.S. Homeport: Fort Lauderdale
The newest Viking ship is heading to the United States this December. After debuting in the Mediterranean in November, the Viking Neptune will cross the Atlantic on its way to Fort Lauderdale. The luxury ship is then set to kick off a 137-night world cruise – which will also visit Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and two ports in Hawaii.
Valiant Lady Cruise Line: Virgin Voyages Delivery Date: July 2021 Capacity: 2,770 guests Tonnage: 110,000 U.S. Arrival: October 30 U.S. Homeport: Miami
Silver Dawn Cruise Line: Silversea Cruises Delivery Date: November 2021 Capacity: 596 guests Tonnage: 40,700 U.S. Arrival: December 16 U.S. Homeport: Fort Lauderdale
The new Silver Dawn is debuting in North America in December. After launching service earlier this year in Europe, the 2021-built ship will be based in Fort Lauderdale for most of the winter, offering a series of Caribbean itineraries.
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