The picturesque town of Cobh is set to come alive once again in 2025 as the Port of Cork welcomes a dazzling array of cruise liners from around the world. Cobh, with its colourful waterfront, deep natural harbour, and historic charm, has long been a favourite stop for cruise passengers exploring the magic of Ireland’s southern shores. This year, the schedule is more exciting than ever, with ships ranging from intimate expedition vessels to floating resorts carrying thousands of passengers.
The cruise season kicked off on April 13th with the arrival of MS Ambition from Ambassador Cruise Line, which can carry up to 1,200 guests. Over the following months, a procession of famous liners will grace Cobh’s quays, drawing visitors from all over and injecting a vibrant buzz into the town.
Spring Sailings
April set the tone with the Regal Princess (3,560 passengers) visiting on April 20th, followed by Ambience (1,400 passengers) on April 22nd, and the stylish Celebrity Eclipse (2,850 passengers) closing the month on April 29th.
May blossomed with activity: the grand MSC Preziosa (4,345 passengers) called in on May 1st, while smaller, adventure-focused ships like the NG Explorer (148 passengers) made appearances throughout the month. Popular vessels such as the Nieuw Statendam, Norwegian Star, and the brand-new Queen Anne from Cunard (3,000 passengers) all added to a jam-packed schedule.
The star of late May was the visit of the World Traveller on May 31st, a luxurious small ship with just 200 guests, offering a sharp contrast to the larger giants.
Summer Peaks
Summer 2025 is a golden season for Cobh, with cruise liners arriving almost every few days.
June alone features major calls like the AIDASol (2,686 passengers) on June 3rd, the ultra-luxurious Silver Dawn (1,040 passengers) on June 10th, and the majestic Britannia from P&O Cruises (4,324 passengers) on June 18th. Princess Cruises maintains a strong presence with multiple visits by the Regal Princess, consistently bringing over 3,500 passengers at a time.
Smaller but no less elegant visitors include the Seabourn Sojourn (450 passengers), the Sylvia Earl expedition ship, and the stunning Seven Seas Grandeur from Regent Seven Seas, offering ultra-premium experiences to a lucky 750 guests.
July continues the busy streak with the Emerald Princess, Azamara Quest, and Norwegian Dawn all scheduled, while newcomers like the Ilma (448 passengers) from the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection bring new levels of boutique cruising luxury to Irish waters.
Notable mid-summer dates include:
• July 11th: Regal Princess
• July 24th: Celebrity Eclipse
• July 25th: Crown Princess
• July 31st: a dual visit by Norwegian Dawn and Seven Seas Navigator.
The town of Cobh during July promises a festival atmosphere, as thousands of visitors stroll the streets daily, enjoying local hospitality, tours, and attractions.
Autumn Arrivals
As the air turns crisp, the cruise season doesn’t slow down. August sees the return of big names: Nieuw Statendam, Carnival Miracle (2,680 passengers), and Cunard’s regal Queen Anne. Meanwhile, ships like the Seven Seas Mariner and Aurora (P&O Cruises) continue to bring discerning travellers seeking the Irish experience.
September is absolutely packed. It’s one of the busiest months with highlights like:
• September 6th: Emerald Princess
• September 10th: Regal Princess
• September 18th: Double call from Britannia and Island Sky (114 passengers)
Even smaller vessels like the Island Sky offer a more intimate way to experience the Irish coast, docking alongside much larger counterparts, giving Cobh a uniquely diverse waterfront scene on some days.
As September winds down, ships like Celebrity Eclipse, Carnival Miracle, and Seven Seas Mariner bring the summer rush to a close.
A Graceful End to the Season
October sees a final flourish, with the Emerald Princess and Aurora returning early in the month. Later visits from the Norwegian Dawn, Seven Seas Voyager, and another call by MSC Preziosa ensure that even as the autumn leaves fall, Cobh remains full of life.
The season is expected to wrap up in early November, capping off one of the busiest and most varied cruise seasons the Port of Cork has ever hosted.
Ships and Their Capacities at a Glance
Ship Name Capacity
MS Ambition 1,200
Regal Princess 3,560
Celebrity Eclipse 2,850
MSC Preziosa 4,345
Nieuw Statendam 3,391
Norwegian Star 3,024
Queen Anne 3,000
Silver Dawn 1,040
Britannia 4,324
Seabourn Sojourn 450
Ilma (Ritz-Carlton) 448
Seven Seas Grandeur 750
Carnival Miracle 2,680
Aurora 1,946
Emerald Princess 1,200
Why 2025 is Special for Cobh
Beyond the ships themselves, the 2025 season highlights Cobh’s growing reputation as a premier cruise destination. With modern facilities, an unbeatable location close toCork City, and the warm welcome from locals, it’s easy to see why Cobh remains a firm favourite with cruise lines.
The Port of Cork’s investment into upgraded berths and visitor services is clearly paying off. With around 100 cruise calls scheduled, and thousands of passengers expected every week, it’s not just a maritime event — it’s a huge boon to the local economy, tourism industry, and community pride.
As ships continue to sail into Cobh’s deep harbour — with St. Colman’s Cathedral standing proudly above — it’s clear: the 2025 cruise season will be one for the history books.
Whether you’re a local hoping to catch sight of these magnificent liners or a traveller thinking about a visit, Cobh will be the place to be this year.
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