Celebrity Eclipse & Independence Of The Seas to Create A Visual Spectacle In Cork Harbour

Two of the largest liners to visit an Irish Port are expected into the Port of Cork this May bank holiday weekend, both on overnight stays in Cobh, Ireland’s only dedicated cruse berth.

MV Celebrity Eclipse is expected to arrive on Saturda 30^th April and depart on Sunday 1^st May, while MV Independence of the Seas is expected on Sunday 1^st May. As the MV Celebrity Eclipse departs the MV Independence of the Seas will arrive, creating a visual spectacle in the harbour, as these two large liners pass each other. MV Independence of the Seas will depart on Monday 2nd May at 6pm.

Port of Cork Commercial Manager, Captain Micheal McCarthy said: “On Sunday 1^st May MV Independence of the Seas is due to arrive into Cobh at 4pm and MV Celebrity Eclipse will prepare to depart from Cobh at 4pm. Weather permitting these two incredible cruise liners will be maneuvering  in the Port of Cork swinging basin, between Haulbowline and Cobh.”

He continued: “Two such large cruise liners, have never before been in Cork Harbour at the same time, let alone pass each other creating a magnificent sight. An excellent viewing point for anyone planning on visiting Cobh on Sunday 1^st May would be the High Road or Whitepoint in Cobh.”

With a total gross tonnage of both liners at nearly 300,000 tonnes, Royal Caribbean’s MV Celebrity Eclipse and MV Independence of the Seas will bring a staggering 10,000 passengers and crew into the Cork region this weekend alone. Such high volumes of passengers arriving in one weekend will provide a welcome boost to the local tourism economy, with many passengers taking shore excursions to see the beautiful sites of Cork and the surrounding region. Extra trains, provided by Irish Rail, will operate every half hour from Cobh to Cork City.

Other viewing points around Cork Harbour to see these cruise liners arrive or depart would be Roches Point, Whitegate, Weavers Point, Camden or Cobh.