One of the most magnificent cruise ships in the world, the Cunard Line’s “Queen Victoria”, will visit Killybegs at the end of May, 2018, it has been confirmed.
The 90,000 tonne vessel, which is just under 300 metres long, will have about 3,000 people on board between passengers and crew and will be the largest vessel ever to berth in Killybegs.
Ann Dorrian of the Killybegs Information Centre said they are “over the moon” at the news.
“We are over the moon. This is great news. It is a tribute to all the volunteers who work so hard in this office to welcome cruise passengers and to the whole community who do so much to present the town at its best.”
News that the ship was confirmed for the 2018 season was broken by Sinbad Marine Services Ltd., ship’s agent in Killybegs.
The company’s Facebook page stated: “We are delighted to announce that the longest vessel ever to berth in Killybegs, cruise ship MS “Queen Victoria”, will arrive on 20th May, 2018. “At 294 metres, this ship is twice the length of Croke Park and carries nearly 3,000 people. A big day to look forward to!”
The vessel is one of the Cunard Line’s fleet of “queens”, with “Queen Elizabeth” and “Queen Mary 2”.
With a draft of eight metres, there should be no problem bringing the “Queen Victoria” alongside in Killybegs. The Smooth Point pier has 300 metres of berthage with a depth of 12 metres and a further 150 metres at 9 metres, making it one of the best berthages in Ireland.
The “Queen Victoria” has a total of 16 decks and rises to 205 ft. She can travel at just under 24 knots and has a capacity for 2,014 passengers and a crew of 900.