MSC Cruises says that for the first time it will be adding Cork and Dublin to four new itineraries next August and September as turnaround ports for Irish passengers.

With no fly cruising becoming increasingly popular, Irish passengers will now be able to enjoy a cruise on board the luxurious MSC Lirica without the hassle and additional expense of having to fly to their embarkation port. Customers can embark and disembark in Cork.  They will also be able to visit Dublin for excursions, while ship visits will be available for local residents and visitors alike.

Commented Lorenzo Diamantini, MSC Cruises Director of Sales for Ireland and Northern Ireland, “ The company is featuring the two ports due to the incredible growth it has experienced in the Irish market over the last three years. By positioning one of our ships in Cork , we can give many more local passengers the opportunity to experience the superb itineraries on offer.” The new itineraries that will sail to Northern Europe are as follows: (please note passengers can embark/disembark in Cork only, with day excursions and ship visits on offer in Dublin):

7-15 August 2012: Hamburg, Helgoland, South Queensferry, Invergordon, Stornoway, Kirkwall, Oban, Dublin, Cork

15-26 August 2012: Cork, Amsterdam, Hamburg, Helgoland, South Queensferry, Invergordon, Stornoway, Kirkwall, Oban, Dublin, Cork

26 August – 5 September 2012: Cork, Amsterdam, Hamburg, Helgoland, South Queensferry, Invergordon, Stornoway, Kirkwall, Oban, Dublin, Cork

5 September – 8 September 2012: Cork, Amsterdam, Hamburg