Disney Magic to Visit Dublin Port next year

Disney is sailing into Dublin Port next year

By Jack Quinn

The longest ship to ever call at the port arrived today

Dublin Port has cruised into the history books with the arrival of the 333m long MSC Splendida cruise liner today - the longest ship to ever call at the port.

She is one of 83 cruise calls confirmed for the port this year, which will see a total of 140,000 passengers arriving.

Currently ranked as the 11th longest cruise ship in the world, the arrival has pushed the boundaries of the port's operational limits.

The ship's 4,600 passengers and crew were greeted this morning by a Celtic-inspired welcome on the quayside - featuring a live ceili band, Irish drummers, dancers and entertainment - before passengers departed for the city's shops and attractions.

But in a further boost for cruise tourism to the city, Dublin Port Company has confirmed it will become the first Irish port to welcome Disney Cruise Line with 'Disney Magic' calling to Dublin in 2016.

The 300m long Disney Magic will make her maiden call to Dublin Port on May 26th 2016 as part of a transatlantic cruise starting in Port Canaveral, Florida and finishing in Dover, England.

Disney Magic will visit Dublin again on June 13th 2016 as part of a 12-night cruise around Britain - with Dublin selected as the only destination in Ireland.

It will bring 2,700 passengers and a complement of 950 cast and crew to the city each time.

While Dublin Port Company and Dublin City Council will also jointly host the Cruise Europe Conference in Dublin in 2016.

The three-day event attracts over 200 delegates from leading cruise destinations throughout Europe, from all the major cruise lines and service suppliers to the cruise industry worldwide.