No fees for cruise ships in Rosslare
ROSSLARE EUROPORT will waive charges for cruise ships over the next three years in an effort to establish the south east as a key cruise destination.
In recent days, shipping lines have been notified that the port will not charge ships that dock in Rosslare in 2017, 2018 and 2019. The news comes several months after the arrival of the Fred Olsen Lines MS Braemar, which was the first cruise ship to call to Rosslare in 20 years.
Rosslare Europort general manager John Lynch said that waiving the charges is one step towards developing new cruise business for the port.
He said: ‘We are fortunate at Rosslare that not only do we have the capacity to operate as a busy commercial port, but we are also situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty and rich cultural heritage and I believe that there will be many more cruise ships that will want to explore the wonders of Wexford and the south east.’
According to John, waiving the charges is the first step. Through several other moves, the port hopes to establish long-term relationships with the many cruise line companies operating in Europe.
The MS Braemar was welcomed to Rosslare in July as part of an 11-day UK and Ireland tour, carrying 780 passengers and 380 crew. Customers availed of pre-arranged excursions throughout the Wexford Region including scenic drives and walks and visits to Tintern Abbey, Wells House, Kilmore Quay, the Irish National Heritage Park and the Dunbrody Famine Ship in New Ross.
An estimated 400,000 tourists visit Ireland on cruises every year and this figure is expected to grow in the coming years.