Photographs © John H. Luxton 2006

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line's JEWEL OF THE SEAS at Cóbh Cruise Terminal on July 28, 2006. Following improvements to the Deepwater Quay berth during 2005 the largest cruise ships are  now able to berth at the historic Cork town. In the past the larger ships over 80,000 grt had to berth at Ringaskiddy across the harbour. It took over 20 minutes for the JEWEL OF THE SEAS to be secured along side. The rope handling tugs SALEEN (bow) and TURBOT BANK (stern) buzzed around busily bringing the ropes ashore to the various mooring bollards. She departed at 17:30, however, traffic delays meant that your web master was only able to secure one parting shot!