*Update*
Dublin Port has stated it will increase cruise calls again in 2024-2025.
After major construction works have been completed on a 400-metre quay wall, cruise calls will increase to 150 and then to 200 after further works in 2026.
The port has insisted the original decision to cut the number of cruise calls in half was to accommodate the site’s booming cargo business post-Brexit.
Martyn Griffiths, Clia Europe’s director of public affairs, said: “A lot of work is going on by the cruise lines and by Clia and we are happy to see things moving in the right direction.
We are talking with the port on a daily basis.”
Cruisers can now expect Dublin Port to cut the number of cruise calls in half and stop turnaround cruises altogether.
The cuts will take place from 2021 where only 80 cruise ships will call at the port in two years’ time compared to 160 vessels this year.
Dublin Port plans to spend around €1 billion over the next decade on berths for cargo ships, which account for nearly 8,000 arrivals every year.
Andy Harmer, Cruise Line International Association’s (CLIA) UK and Ireland Director, said: “The Dublin Port Authority’s decision to reduce their presence in the Irish cruise sector is very disappointing.
The number of cruise calls will dramatically drop across all Irish ports as a result of the Port of Dublin’s plans.
We urge the port to reconsider its decision and to work with the Irish Government and the cruise industry to build cruise tourism sustainably across Ireland moving forward.”
CLIA stated that the changes will effectively limit the number of cruise ship calls per week, to:
-2 large cruise ships in the summer season
-1 per week in the winter
-Zero turnarounds (a stop where passengers first join or finally leave the ship)
Other cities have introduced tourist taxes or updated tourist taxes to target cruise visitors.
Amsterdam recently introduced a tax of €8 per person for anyone staying up to 24 hours.
What do you think of Dublin Port cutting calls for cruise ships? Have you ever sailed to Dublin? Do you agree with tourist tax for cruise passengers? Let us know below…
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