12 August 2026
By Tom Collins
tom@TheCork.ie.ie
Bantry Bay Port Company welcomed the Insignia as its final cruise ship of 2026 today, 12th August, marking the close of a vibrant season that saw 9 cruise liners call to Bantry Bay.
From April to August, these vessels brought more than 6,000 passengers and crew from around the world to Bantry and West Cork, providing a valuable boost to local tourism, hospitality, and businesses. The 2026 season has once again showcased Bantry Bay as a stand-out cruise destination along the Wild Atlantic Way.
The Insignia concluded the 2026 cruise season at Bantry with its first visit of the year. Operated by Oceania Cruises, the vessel carries over 1,000 passengers and crew, with a length of 593.7 feet and 340 suits and rooms.
It was a busy end to the cruise season this week as Tuesday, 11th August, saw the arrival of two vessels with the capacity to carry over 1,000 guests and crew each. The Azamara Quest was docked at Bantry Outer, while the Europa was at Bantry Inner.
The sight of two cruise vessels in Bantry Bay at the same time was both unusual and welcoming, demonstrating the Bay’s capacity to accommodate multiple cruise calls and its potential to serve as a key gateway for cruise visitors to Bantry and the wider West Cork region.
This year’s season opened in April with the arrival of Le Lapérouse, a modern expedition ship operated by Ponant, which set the tone for a diverse and exciting schedule of cruise calls to Bantry Bay.
Ann Doherty, CEO at the Port of Cork Company, added: “The visit of the Insignia marks the close of a wonderful cruise season at Bantry Bay. I’d like to thank our partners, local businesses, and especially the people of Bantry for their incredible support and hospitality throughout the season. As we look forward to 2027, we remain committed to ensuring Bantry Bay is a must-visit destination for cruise visitors from around the world.”
Capt. Michael Murphy, Assistant Harbour Master at Bantry Bay Port, stated: “2026 has been another very positive year for cruise tourism in Bantry Bay. Welcoming 9 ships and over 6,000 passengers and crew is a great achievement for the port and the wider community. Each visit is a chance to showcase the beauty and character of Bantry and West Cork.”
To further promote Bantry Bay as a premier maritime destination, the Port of Cork Company has been showcasing Bantry Bay as an ideal arrival point for superyachts visiting Ireland for high-profile events such as the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor in Limerick. This included attending Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami earlier this year, the cruise industry’s largest international gathering.
For those seeking a luxury golf and superyacht experience, Bantry Bay offers both a practical and scenic gateway, with Adare Manor, the chosen venue for the Ryder Cup 2027, just a short 25-minute helicopter transfer away. Guests can take in the spectacular views of Ireland’s coastline along the journey.
Across the wider port network, the Port of Cork is set to welcome over 90 cruise calls to Cork Harbour in 2026, with the season drawing to a close in Cork on 16th October, when the MSC Virtuosa makes the final call.