Bantry Bay concludes 2026 cruise season with final ship arrival

Bantry Bay Port Company has concluded its 2026 cruise season with the arrival of the Insignia, operated by Oceania Cruises, on August 12. The vessel marks the final cruise call of the season for the port.

Throughout the season, which ran from April to August, nine cruise liners visited Bantry Bay. These visits brought more than 6,000 passengers and crew to the Bantry and West Cork regions, providing a significant boost to local tourism, hospitality, and businesses. The season began in April with the arrival of the expedition ship Le Lapérouse, operated by Ponant.

The final week of the season was particularly active, with the Azamara Quest and the Europa both docking on August 11. The ability to host two large vessels simultaneously demonstrated the bay's capacity to serve as a major gateway for visitors along the Wild Atlantic Way.