The luxury cruise liner, the 68,000-ton Crystal Serenity, yesterday became the 200th cruise ship to visit Waterford when it made its maiden call to the port.
With capacity for 1,080 guests and 655 crew members, the six-star vessel has 93,500-sq ft of public space across 14 decks.
Actress Dame Julie Andrews had christened the new ship - the largest in the Crystal Cruises' fleet - at Southampton on July 3rd, and the European Embrace cruise, which includes the Waterford call, is only the vessel's second voyage in service.
Capt Reidulf Maalen, the Norwegian master of Crystal Serenity, guided the ship to the anchorage off Dunmore East, Co Waterford, at midday yesterday, from where it is due to sail for La Rochelle in France en route to Barcelona via Lisbon, Cádiz, Gibraltar and Palma de Mallorca.
Welcoming the ship's maiden call to the port, the Mayor of Waterford, Ald Tom Cunningham, said great credit was due to the individuals and organisations who have developed Waterford as a cruise destination.
"I understand that there will be 17 cruise ships berthing here this year, and Crystal Serenity is the 200th luxury liner to visit the port.
"While the average daily spend by overseas visitors to the south-east is estimated at €70-€75, visitors who come in on cruise liners spend an average of €260-€300 during what are generally day-long visits.
"Attracting a ship of this calibre on what is only its second cruise is a huge achievement, and builds on the strong working relationship that has built up over 10 years between our port city and Crystal Cruises. Crystal Symphony and Crystal Harmony have already visited Waterford, and the latter vessel is due back here in July 2004," said Mr Cunningham.
Mr Sean Power, of Waterford Cruise Developments, said they were also delighted to welcome Crystal Serenity.
"The cruise business is very important to Waterford and this will become more and more apparent between now and July 2005, when the city hosts the Tall Ships Race."