Dublin Port Company yesterday reported a 7.5 per cent jump in 2011 cruise passenger numbers. During the 2011 cruise season, some 87 liners brought more than 135,000 passengers and crew to Dublin, delivering an estimated boost of between €35 and €55 million to the capital.

The port operator expects a similar number of cruise passengers next year. “Dublin Port’s cruise season is becoming an increasingly important part of Dublin’s tourism product,” said chief executive Eamonn O’Reilly. “Next year will see consolidation on our growth in recent years, while 2013 will see cruise line companies calling at Dublin for the first time and other operators bringing larger ships,” he said.