Galway in cruise control!

One of the biggest cruise companies in the world could play a role in the development of an expanded Galway port.

Harbour Master Captain Brian Sheridan said he had a “very fruitful and productive meeting” with a senior director of Royal Caribbean International last week.

And the possibility of the cruise giant investing in infrastructure at an expanded harbour in Galway is to be discussed again at a further meeting.

Ben Bouldin, Royal Caribbean’s Sales Director for UK and Ireland, was in Galway to take part in a cruise promotion on the Aran Islands, organised by Fahy Travel Worldchoice.

Mr Bouldin also had talks with Captain Sheridan in a meeting that largely centred on the planned port expansion and placing Galway as a port of call for Royal Caribbean ships.

“Many areas of mutual benefit were explored and novel ways to ensure that their cruise passengers would receive unique experiences at Galway rose to the surface,” said the Port Captain

And he added: “Royal Caribbean is no stranger to investing in Port infrastructure and this agenda item is to be further expanded at a follow-on meeting.”

Mr Bouldin had attended the cruise promotion hosted by Cruise Worldwide, the cruise arm of Fahy Travel, at Joe Watty’s bar in Kilronan, Inis Mór, last Thursday, following a tour of the island on which he saw many of the features  that make it a tourist attraction.

“It was something different for us to go to the Aran Islands on a promotional trip and we had a very successful evening, with lots of interest shown in what is on offer in terms of cruises all over the world,” said Caroline OToole, Manager at Fahy Travel Worldchoice.