Cobh Cruise Terminal in Ireland Marks the Thrilling End of an Exceptional 2025 Season as MS Ambition Delivers Unprecedented Economic Impact and 90th Vessel

Published on November 19, 2025

The 2025 cruise season in Ireland has been nothing short of extraordinary, with Cork emerging as a standout destination for international cruise tourism. As the season comes to a spectacular close with the arrival of the MS Ambition on November 1st, the Port of Cork celebrates a record-breaking year. This milestone marks the culmination of a season that welcomed a total of 90 vessels and 170,000 passengers, contributing an estimated €17 million to the local economy. The MS Ambition’s final docking at Cobh Cruise Terminal symbolizes the immense growth and success of the region’s cruise tourism, solidifying Cork’s reputation as a key player in the global cruise industry. With expanding ports and new destinations, Ireland’s Cork is poised for even greater success in the years to come, positioning itself as a must-visit stop for cruise enthusiasts worldwide.

The Port of Cork Company celebrated the final vessel of the 2025 cruise season on November 1st with the arrival of the MS Ambition, marking the close of another bustling year for Ireland’s cruise tourism. The 2025 season saw an impressive total of 90 vessels dock at both the Port of Cork and Bantry Bay, welcoming a remarkable 170,000 passengers throughout the year.

The MS Ambition, operated by Ambassador Cruise Lines, made its final call to Ireland’s only dedicated cruise berth, Cobh Cruise Terminal. This terminal, capable of accommodating vessels up to 350 meters in length, was home to the majority of the year’s cruise arrivals. In addition to Cobh, Ringaskiddy and the quays of Cork City also offered safe and reliable berths for numerous cruise ships during the season.

The arrival of the MS Ambition on November 1st effectively bookended the 2025 cruise season, which commenced back in April. The Ambition itself is a 709-foot-long vessel with a draft of 23 feet and has the capacity to carry up to 1,200 guests in its 680 cabins. Its size and luxury make it a perfect fit for Cork’s cruise facilities, providing an exceptional experience for guests and contributing to the local economy.

Cruise tourism continues to be a significant economic driver for the region, generating an estimated €17 million in revenue for the local economy. Passengers typically spend an average of €81 onshore, while crew members contribute €29 each, underscoring the importance of the sector to the region’s tourism landscape.

The 2025 season has been exceptional for the Cobh and harbour economy, with local businesses and the community creating a welcoming atmosphere for visitors. The cruise arrivals provided guests with the opportunity to experience the beauty of Cobh and the wider harbour region, while enjoying the unique culture and hospitality that Cork and Ireland are renowned for.

In addition to the established destinations, Youghal has become the latest Cork coastal town to join the list of cruise stops. This charming town now welcomes small expedition ships, joining Baltimore, Kinsale, and Ballycotton on the itinerary for these smaller vessels. One such ship, Le Bellot, operated by French cruise line Ponant, made a recent visit to Youghal. This luxury liner can carry 184 passengers and 110 crew members, providing an intimate and exclusive cruising experience for those seeking to explore the scenic beauty of Cork’s coastline.

With the 2025 season now concluded, the Port of Cork continues to solidify its reputation as a premier destination for cruise tourism, drawing visitors from around the world to experience the charm and hospitality of Ireland’s southern shores. As the cruise industry looks forward to the 2026 season, the Port of Cork remains an essential contributor to the region’s tourism economy, poised to welcome even more cruise arrivals in the years to come.