BANTRY Bay Port Company welcomed the Insignia as its final cruise ship of 2026 on August 12th, marking the close of a vibrant season that saw nine cruise liners visit.

These liners brought more than 6,000 passengers and crew from around the world to Bantry and West Cork from April to August, providing a valuable boost to local tourism, hospitality, and businesses. 

The Insignia, operated by Oceania Cruises, carries over 1,000 passengers and crew on a 594ft vessel with 340 suites and rooms.

Just one day before its arrival on Tuesday August 11th two vessels with the capacity to carry over 1,000 guests and crew each arrived.

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. 

Assistant harbour master at Bantry Bay Port, Captain Michael Murphy, noted: ‘2026 has been another very positive year for cruise tourism in Bantry Bay.

Welcoming nine 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.’

The Port of Cork Company has been showcasing Bantry Bay as an ideal arrival point for superyachts visiting Ireland for high-profile events including 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.

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 October 16th, when the MSC Virtuosa makes the final call.