Visits by cruise ships to Dublin rose by a third in 2005 contributing €45 million to the economy, according to figures released today by Dublin Port.
Dublin Port said 70 cruise ships docked in Dublin in 2005 carrying 88,000 high-spending passengers and crew.
The international cruise industry has experienced huge growth over the past five years, with 2.8 million Europeans taking cruises in 2004.
Mr Enda Connellan, chief executive, of Dublin Port Company said much work has been undertaken by Dublin Port Company in conjunction with Cruise Ireland in making Dublin an attractive destination for cruise liners.
"As a key facilitator in Ireland's tourism industry, Dublin Port Company would like to see continued growth in the cruise sector, which provides important revenue for the local tourism industry, " he said.
However, Mr Connellan warned that further growth will be curtailed as Dublin Port will reach full capacity by 2007.
