A MARBLE whirlpool tub, king size bed, queen size sofa and a baby grand piano are just a few of the modest "royal suite" fillings aboard the Splendour Of The Seas, the £225 million cruise liner which arrived in Dublin port yesterday on its maiden voyage.
Built for 1,800 passengers and 700 crew, it is the largest and longest cruise liner to visit the port, and the fastest of its type. The 866 foot craft has an 18 hole miniature golf course, with water hazards and bunkers. It has a 2,000 piece art collection, a theatre, and one in four cabins has a private balcony. It costs £5,639 sterling for 12 nights in the "royal" quarters.
The ship is one of 42 liners to steam up the Liffey this year. Cruises are a "growth area" and Dublin, Waterford, Cobh, Cork and Glengariff, Co Cork, are expecting to welcome increasing numbers. The Dublin Chamber of Commerce expects passengers will spend up to £6 million in the capital this year.
