The arrival of the first ever cruise ship, mv Funchal, to Larne is a welcome boost to the Port of Larne and to the local area.
Nearly 400 passengers joined the MV Funchal at the Port of Larne on 20th April to embark on an 11-night cruise visiting Portugal, Spain, Gibraltar and Morocco before returning to Larne on 1st May.
This is the first time that the Port of Larne has acted as host for a cruise ship but as Mr Gardiner explains, it is hoped that this will be the first of many. "The Port of Larne is the ideal port to facilitate cruise ships like mv Funchal. We are fully equipped to meet the needs of these ships and can provide a full check-in and baggage handling facility passengers. There are a number of ships similar to mv Funchal offering a range of cruises to and from North European ports and we are very keen to develop this market for the Port of Larne."
Mr Colm McGarry, Chief Executive of Larne Borough Council, adds: "The Port of Larne is a vital transport link between Ireland, Britain and the continent with its well-established ferry services which see over 800,000 people travelling through Larne each year. The arrival of the first ever cruise ship is a very significant development. It is encouraging that Larne is the start and finish point for such an exciting cruise and I would like to pay tribute to the Port of Larne who has been able to facilitate the mv Funchal. Larne is the gateway to one of the most beautiful parts of Ireland and we would hope that in time, we will see Larne become a stop-off point for cruises when we can welcome more foreign tourists to our shores."
Described as a classic cruise liner, mv Funchal is a vessel with charming interiors and a yacht-like atmosphere served by a 155-strong Portuguese crew.
Mr Alastair Gardiner, Managing Director, Port of Larne comments: "It has been a privilege to welcome the first ever cruise ship to the port and we wish all her passengers and crew an enjoyable cruise."
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Notes to Editors: For further information contact Sharon Toner, 028 2887 2182