Waterford is set to welcome more than 4,390 cruise ship passengers from July 14th to July 17th. The Summer cruise ship call programme to Waterford will see over 24,000 international visitors arrive to our shores in 2018.
The July programme begins with the Seabourne Quest docking in Belview, carrying 450 passengers, on Saturday next, July 14th and concludes with the Amadea arriving to Dunmore East on July 19th with 600 on board. Waterford also welcomes the Crystal Celebrity on its third trip to Waterford in 2018 on July 17th with 2,850 passengers on board.
According to David McCoy, Chair of Visit Waterford: “It’s great to see Waterford is a key destination for international visitors travelling on leisure cruises. The city has always provided a warm welcome to visitors from all around the world. Visit Waterford, through Waterford Chamber will be issuing posters to retailers and businesses throughout the city to welcome passengers.
Cruise travel provides the city with a welcome addition in footfall. While we are very aware that not all passengers disembark on a port call, we have seen a marked increase in footfall. The port calls often generate repeat business, as visitors return on long stay vacations touring Waterford and its surrounding counties.”
The visitors on board are welcomed to Waterford by Lauren Traynor, Executive Project Director, Waterford Viking Triangle and Caroline Acheson, House of Waterford Crystal, will board the ships with City Guide Maps and brochures promoting the city and county attractions, shops and hospitality businesses. “Many visitors require information around practical services available in Waterford City such as pharmacies, hairdressers etc., while others wanted to know the best Irish Pub Experience to enjoy a pint of Guinness, an Irish Coffee or a gift from Ireland, setting off exploring the city on their own.
The positive impact on the city speaks for itself,” says McCoy. Visit Waterford is a representative body that will promote Waterford city and county to the domestic and international tourism markets and influence the long-term strategic development of Tourism in Waterford City and County. The aim of the group is that Waterford becomes the number one premium tourism destination in the South East and Ireland by marketing and promoting the city and county to the domestic and international markets.
