Latest news with #AllureoftheSeas
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Cruise ship blow as Spain tears down three terminals amid tourism row
The Port of Barcelona currently has nine terminals, seven of which are cruise ship terminals - but the three oldest are set to be demolished amid pressure from locals Three cruise ship terminals are to be ripped down in Barcelona following mounting pressure from locals. Officials in the beloved Spanish destination have decided to scale back the port's cruise ship capacity after years of campaigners arguing that boatloads of passengers are adding unbearable strain to the city. Barcelona's port currently boasts nine terminals, with seven dedicated to cruise ships. Catalonian governing authorities have now chosen to act, with proposals to demolish the three most dated terminals (A, B, and C). A cutting-edge terminal will be constructed at Terminal C's existing site, due to launch by the decade's close. The replacement facility will accommodate approximately 7,000 passengers simultaneously. Nevertheless, the port's overall daily capacity will fall from roughly 37,000 to 31,000 under the €185m (£160m) scheme, according to EuroWeekly News. The revelation comes after this week's agreement between the port authority and the city council. Barcelona mayor Jaume Collboni declared: "For the first time in history, limits are being placed on the growth of cruise ships in the city." Officials anticipate the measure will also improve public access to the port facilities. The city is also reportedly investing €50 million in constructing fresh amenities where terminals A and B currently stand." According to EU Today, under the new strategy, cruise lines that begin and conclude their journeys in the city will receive preference over those making brief stopovers. The aim is to alleviate overcrowding in particularly affected areas of Barcelona and encourage tourists to extend their stay, thereby boosting per capita spending within the city's economy. Official figures reveal that the travel hotspot experienced a 21% increase in cruise ship visits and a 20% rise in passengers to 1.2 million people from January to May this year, compared to the same period last year. Residents have long expressed concerns about the impact of cruises on both the city and its environment. Responsible Travel recently explained why Barcelona, in particular, has suffered from cruise ship tourism. READ MORE: Husband and wife have been on holiday to same seaside town every year since 1970 "Barcelona has the Mediterranean's largest port, for example, which makes it a prime spot for huge cruise ships. In 1990, just 115,000 cruise passengers arrived in Barcelona. By 2017, that figure stood at 2.7 million, arriving into one of nine cruise terminals. The city was the home port for Allure of the Seas in 2015, at the time the world's largest cruise ship with a maximum capacity of just under 6,500 passengers. And in 2019, Barcelona (along with Palma) earned the unwanted title of most polluted port in Europe," the publication wrote. "Overtourism is not just about too many people, however. When it comes to Barcelona, the issue is that they are all arriving at once. Of the 32 million annual visitors, around half are day trippers; this will include most of the cruise passengers. Spending just a few hours in the city, visitors have a limited radius and will tick off the same few places: La Rambla, the Sagrada Familia, Parc Güell, La Boqueria market." In his 2016 paper on Managing Tourism in Barcelona, Dr Harold Goodwin described the arrival of cruise ship passengers as feeling like 'a tidal wave.' Last month, there was another tranche of anti-overtourism protests in Barcelona, with demonstrators continuing to organise marches against what they perceive as excessive numbers of foreign visitors. They argue this is having an unsustainable effect on living costs and housing. In response to these concerns, authorities have introduced various measures, including plans to prohibit short-term apartment rentals to tourists by the end of 2028.
Miami Herald
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Royal Caribbean reveals huge upgrades coming to three cruise ships
Royal Caribbean is kicking its Royal Amplified program into high gear in 2026 following the successful amplification of Allure of the Seas in spring 2025. The cruise line invested more than $100 million into a transformation of Allure of the Seas ahead of its summer season in Europe. The revamped ship is now sailing western Mediterranean cruises offering new experiences and enhancements on board, including a reimagined resort-style pool deck, thrilling new slides, and popular new restaurants and bars. Related: Royal Caribbean gives casino gamblers a gift that benefits all cruisers Now, three more Royal Caribbean ships will get their own makeovers in 2026 as part of Royal Caribbean's Royal Amplified fleet modernization program, which was first introduced in 2018. To develop the Royal Amplified program, Royal Caribbean examined years of guest satisfaction ratings, venue utilization data and crew interviews to center its ship upgrades around key features and experiences that matter most to its passengers. Following this next wave of amplifications, three fan-favorite Royal Caribbean ships will debut revamped pool decks and new nightlife, bars, and dining venues, as well as new accommodations to enhance passengers' onboard experiences. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise. Through the Royal Amplified program, elevated cruise experiences will come to Ovation, Harmony, and Liberty of the Seas in 2026. The amplification of Ovation of the Seas will bring a refreshed pool deck with private casitas and a new whirlpool, plus enhanced nightlife including new venue Sound Cellar and an expanded Casino Royale. Fan-favorite tiki bar Pesky Parrot will come to a Quantum Class ship for the first time on Ovation of the Seas through the modernization project. The ship's overhaul will also add new accommodations like the Ultimate Family Suite and Panoramic Suite. Related: Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises announce new reward benefits Following its amplification, Ovation of the Seas will take vacationers to the Last Frontier on seven- to 13-night Alaskan adventures beginning in May 2026. After completing its 2026 Alaska cruise season, Ovation of the Seas will reposition to Los Angeles to sail Mexican Riviera cruises. Like Ovation, Harmony and Liberty of the Seas will also debut their new enhancements just in time for the summer 2026 cruise season. Be the first to see the best deals on cruises, special sailings, and more. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter. As Allure of the Seas did this year, both Harmony and Liberty of the Seas will bring new onboard experiences to Europe cruise adventures in summer 2026. Harmony of the Seas will sail from Barcelona with upgrades including a new Caribbean-inspired pool deck, refreshed Solarium, and new dining options The Lime & Coconut, El Loco Fresh, Samba Grill Brazilian Steakhouse, and Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade. Additionally, an expansion of the ship's Casino Royale will give Harmony of the Seas the largest casino in the fleet. Related: Royal Caribbean cruisers sound off on reckless cruise port stunt Following its summer in Europe, Harmony of the Seas will sail cruises to The Bahamas and Caribbean from Port Canaveral, Florida, offering visits to Royal Caribbean's private island in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay. On cruises to Nassau, passengers will also have the opportunity to purchase day passes to Royal Caribbean's new all-inclusive Royal Beach Club Paradise Island. Related: Royal Caribbean cruisers sound the alarm on a major ship problem The amplified Liberty of the Seas will sail European cruises from Southampton, England in summer 2026, offering refreshed onboard spaces. The ship will also feature new experiences, including a transformed pool deck with The Lime & Coconut and new casitas, as well as a brand-new Royal Escape Room concept. Liberty of the Seas' passengers will also enjoy new dining options including Mexican flavors at El Loco Fresh and Japanese cuisine and hibachi at Izumi Teppanyaki. The ship's refresh will also add a new Starbucks café on board. For the winter 2026-2027 season, Liberty of the Seas will sail western Caribbean cruises from Galveston, Texas, featuring opportunities to visit Royal Caribbean's new Royal Beach Club Cozumel in Mexico. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@ or call or text her at 386-383-2472. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Cision Canada
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Cision Canada
ROYAL CARIBBEAN WILL AMP UP MEMORY-MAKING ON OVATION, HARMONY AND LIBERTY OF THE SEAS IN 2026
The three game-changing ships will be decked out with bolder thrills, unmatched chill and more ways to dine and drink MIAMI, June 18, 2025 /CNW/ -- Royal Caribbean is tripling the adventure in 2026 when it debuts three newly amplified vacations on Ovation, Harmony and Liberty of the Seas. The fan-favorite ships are set to be reimagined with bold new experiences while visiting must-see destinations across Alaska, Europe and the Caribbean. Vacationers have more choices than ever before for all-out adventures starting spring 2026 and can book the vacations now on Royal Caribbean's website. "Royal Caribbean continues to raise the bar on delivering the best of every vacation with revolutionary ships and top-rated exclusive destinations. The Royal Amplified program gives our guests the best of Royal Caribbean with new-to-class culinary options and experiences, entertainment and thrilling adventures, paired with the hospitality and service Royal Caribbean is known for," said Jay Schneider, chief product innovation officer, Royal Caribbean. "After seeing incredible success and guest satisfaction with the amplification of Allure of the Seas, we're excited to bring three new amplifications to our fleet in 2026." With new thrills and laidback chill, bolder ways to dine and drink, leveled-up nightlife, and more ways to stay, families and adventurers can max out memories on a lineup of unmatched experiences: Ovation of the Seas Vacationers can go all out with amplified experiences on Ovation, including a revamped pool deck with private casitas and a new whirlpool. To refuel, there's a variety of international cuisine to indulge in from Tuscan favorites at Giovanni's Italian Kitchen to hibachi at Izumi Teppanyaki. The celebrations continue with tropical cocktails at the Pesky Parrot tiki bar, making its Quantum Class debut; dancing at the brand-new Sound Cellar; and more slots and games at the expanded Casino Royale. Along with new accommodations like the Ultimate Family Suite and Panoramic Suite, the upcoming experiences join a lineup of returning Quantum Class favorites like the Ripcord by iFly skydiving simulator and SeaPlex, the largest indoor activity space at sea. Ovation will take adventure to the next level at sea and on land with getaways to Alaska, where vacationers can take in the wonders of the Last Frontier on 7- to 13-night Alaskan adventures starting spring 2026. Plus, Ovation returns to the region as the first in the action-packed Quantum Class lineup to deliver immersive adventures on land with multi-night Cruisetour experiences. Harmony of the Seas Making its way to Harmony is a new Caribbean-inspired pool deck with tropical sips at the new The Lime & Coconut, as well as a refreshed adults-only Solarium. Adventurers can dive into bold bites at more than 20 venues, including Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade for gameday favorites, El Loco Fresh for Mexican delights and the new Samba Grill Brazilian Steakhouse. Plus, new ways to stay like the Ultimate Family Suite and even bigger nightlife at the largest Casino Royale in Royal Caribbean's fleet create more ways for all kinds of vacationers to make memories. Harmony will kick off its summer glow-up in Europe before the Oasis Class vacation calls Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, home. Starting winter 2026, vacationers can get away to the Caribbean on 5- and 7-night vacations to locations like Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, and Falmouth, Jamaica. Adventurers can also visit the vacation brand's top-rated Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas and purchase their day passes to the all-inclusive Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, debuting December 2025. Liberty of the Seas Families are in for all-new experiences for all ages with unmatched chill at the completely reimagined pool deck with The Lime & Coconut and new casitas, and thrills at an all-new Royal Escape Room concept coming to Liberty. There are flavors for all tastebuds from Japanese cuisine and hibachi at Izumi Teppanyaki to tacos and more at El Loco Fresh, along with a new-to-ship Starbucks. It's all combined with returning favorites on deck, like The Perfect Storm waterslides, crave-worthy restaurants and show-stopping entertainment. Sailing from Southampton in summer 2026, vacationers on Liberty can explore European hot spots with 7-night adventures to places like the awe-inspiring Norwegian fjords, the medieval streets of Bruges, Belgium, and the rich culture of Copenhagen, Denmark. Then, Liberty will head to Galveston, Texas, for the winter season, unlocking more ways for vacationers to explore the Western Caribbean at spots like the vacation brand's Royal Beach Club Cozumel, delivering the ultimate beach day in Mexico when it opens in 2026. Following the newly reimagined Allure of the Seas, the three soon-to-be-amplified vacations are the latest in the award-winning fleet to be transformed as part of Royal Caribbean's Royal Amplified program, first introduced in 2018. Royal Caribbean continues to deliver the best vacations to more than seven million people annually with visits to 300-plus destinations across 28 ships, with four more on order. Plus, the vacation brand will continue to expand its destination lineup in the next three years with the addition of four exclusive experiences, including the next bold adventure in Perfect Day Mexico in fall 2027. Joining the lineup are Royal Caribbean's new Royal Beach Clubs in Paradise Island in The Bahamas and Cozumel, Mexico, along with exclusive beach destinations in Labadee, Haiti, and Lelepa in the South Pacific to deliver more ways to bask in paradise. More information about Royal Caribbean's leading vacations and growing lineup of ships and destinations can be found on Royal Caribbean's website. About Royal Caribbean Royal Caribbean, part of Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL), has delivered memorable vacations for more than 50 years. The cruise line's game-changing ships and exclusive destinations revolutionize vacations with innovations and an all-encompassing combination of experiences, from thrills to dining and entertainment, for every type of family and vacationer. Voted "Best Cruise Line Overall" for 22 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards, Royal Caribbean makes memories with adventurers across more than 300 destinations in 80 countries on all seven continents, including the line's top-rated exclusive destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas. Media can stay up to date by following @RoyalCaribPR on X and visit For additional information or to book, vacationers can visit call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN or contact their travel advisor. *Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release relating to, among other things, expectations on timing and investments in the Royal Amplified Program, specific entertainment and culinary offerings, and future deployment plans constitute forward-looking statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "anticipate," "will," and similar expressions are intended to help identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements reflect management's current expectations, are based on judgments, are inherently uncertain and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied in those forward-looking statements. Examples of these risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to, those included under the caption "Risk Factors" in the most recent annual report on Form 10-K filed by Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and other SEC filings, copies of which may be obtained by visiting our Investor Relations website at or the SEC's website at Undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements in this release, which are based on information available to us on the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Miami Herald
07-05-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Royal Caribbean makes generous offer to fix overbooking issue
Travel Royal Caribbean makes generous offer to fix overbooking issue CocoCay can accomoadate two of Royal Caribbean's largest source: Daniel Kline/Come Cruise With Me Although overselling flights is common among some airlines to compensate for "no-shows," overselling cruises is not something cruise lines regularly do. Occasionally, it does happen, potentially when the cruise line anticipates receiving some late cancellations. But other factors can contribute to cruise overbookings, too. Related: Royal Caribbean follows Carnival with new island development move When cruise overbookings happen, certain cruisers sometimes get the chance to score big if they're willing to be flexible with their travel plans. One such opportunity was just presented to some Royal Caribbean cruise passengers booked on an upcoming Mediterranean cruise. And in this case, even just being willing to switch to a different stateroom category could reward select flexible cruisers with a nearly free vacation. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise. This Royal Caribbean cruise ship was just upgraded to add new features like the Ultimate Abyss 10-story dry slide. Image source: Royal Caribbean Royal Caribbean offers free cruise to flexible Allure of the Seas passengers Royal Caribbean reached out to some passengers booked in an oversold stateroom category on the May 15 Western Mediterranean cruise aboard Allure of the Seas. They received a very generous offer to entice them to change their booking, according to an unofficial fan blog not affiliated with the cruise line. "If your plans are set in stone, please mark this email as 'Read,' and gear up for your upcoming adventure - although, there are some pretty sweet options below," the cruise line's email suggested. Royal Caribbean outlined two enticing options that could be available to passengers with flexible travel plans, and both options came with a full refund of their cruise fare, even though they'd still get to cruise. Related: Royal Caribbean CEO reveals key trend that's costing cruisers The first option offered a full refund plus a $200 onboard credit to passengers willing to move to an interior stateroom, which suggests that only the higher stateroom category these passengers booked was oversold. The second option also offered a full refund of their cruise fare, but required the passengers to transfer to a different sailing on another ship – the May 18 Greek Isles cruise aboard Odyssey of the Seas that departs from Rome, the same port as their original Allure of the Seas sailing. With this option, passengers would get the same stateroom category, but the complimentary transfer would only cover their cruise fare for the new sailing and exclude taxes, fees, and gratuities (about $280 per person). Be the first to see the best deals on cruises, special sailings, and more. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter. Allure of the Seas is a popular ship that just got major upgrades For most cruisers, especially those set on their itinerary, departure date, and ship, changing stateroom categories would likely be a more attractive option if they want to take advantage of the generous refund offer. The cruise ship and itinerary likely matter most in this specific situation. Although the two cruises both leave from Rome on seven-night itineraries, they visit different ports and sail on ships from different classes. It's likely that many passengers would want to stick with Allure of the Seas due to the fact that Royal Caribbean just completed a highly anticipated $100 million upgrade of the fan-favorite Oasis Class cruise ship. Related: Royal Caribbean adds new onboard WiFi option cruisers will love Highlights of the revamped ship include new bars and restaurants, a reimagined resort-style pool deck, and new thrills like the 10-story dry slide, the Ultimate Abyss. The ship's renovation also added more than 100 additional staterooms across various categories. Allure of the Seas is cruising in Europe this summer for the first time since 2015, sailing seven-night Western Mediterranean cruises from Rome and Barcelona, visiting destinations in Spain, France, and Italy. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@ or call or text her at 386-383-2472. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved This story was originally published May 7, 2025 at 1:48 PM.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Carnival Cruise Line makes surprise move with its first mega-ship
Carnival Cruise Line has been offering short cruises of 3, 4, and 5 days for many years. But it is an area of cruising where it has lagged behind a key competitor in recent years. The short cruise strategy has been a cornerstone of Royal Caribbean's plans, and something that, quite frankly, has been a strength of Carnival's main competitor. Royal Caribbean has been offering short cruises on its massive Oasis-class ships for some time, first on Allure of the Seas. It even launched a brand-new ship (Utopia of the Seas) directly into short sailings last year, and is set to start offering 3- and 4-night cruises on its popular Wonder of the Seas in the cruises appeal to people who either can't get away for an entire week or simply don't want to be on a ship for that long. And from the cruise line's perspective, short cruises often command higher fares on a per-night basis, plus they can be a great way to attract new customers to the cruise line. However, in Carnival's case, one common complaint (among some cruisers) has been that the line typically uses its oldest and smallest ships for short cruises. Not only does it not offer short cruises on its flagship Excel-class ships, but it doesn't offer short sailings on the few classes of ships that came before it. Of course, some people enjoy the smaller ships, finding the newer ones a bit overwhelming. But Royal Caribbean has proven that there's clearly a market for short sailings on the biggest and newest ships, and it appears that Carnival has taken a recent media briefing, Carnival made several major announcements, including the name and homeport of its upcoming fourth Excel-class ship. The Carnival Festivale will debut in Spring 2027 and will call Port Canaveral, Florida home. We also now know that the fifth Excel-class ship will be named Carnival Tropicale, and will debut approximately one year later, although its home port is yet to be revealed. What's particularly significant about this news is that Carnival already has one of its Excel-class ships homeported in Port Canaveral, the first-in-class Mardi Gras. More Carnival cruise news: Mardi Gras will continue to call Port Canaveral home. But once Carnival Festivale is delivered and begins sailing, Mardi Gras will begin offering short cruises. 'With short cruises on Mardi Gras, our guests who may not have the time to take a weeklong vacation can experience all the amazing features of our Excel class," Carnival President Christine Duffy be clear, there are a lot of details yet to be revealed. For starters, we don't have any idea what itineraries Mardi Gras will be sailing once it begins its short cruise schedule. Duffy said that Carnival Festivale's itinerary details will be released this summer, so presumably we'll get a look at Mardi Gras' 2027 schedule as well. Mardi Gras will likely stop at Carnival's new private destination, Celebration Key. That port, a sort of answer to Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at Coco Cay, opens in July. Whatever the particulars end up being, this is likely welcome news for cruisers who prefer short sailings but also like to consider the ship as a destination, not just the vessel taking them from port to port. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) , or email Amy Post at or call or text her at 386-383-2472.
