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The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Spanish city introduces strict new limits on tourists and it affects thousands a day
THE popular Spanish city destination of Barcelona is due to limit the number of cruises entering the city. New plans to demolish two terminals at the Port of Advertisement 3 Barcelona is reducing the number of cruise terminals in its port Credit: Reuters Two terminals will be completely demolished - A and B - with terminal C also being demolished to make way for a new terminal on the site. In total, the number of terminals will be reduced from seven to five. As part of the €185million (£160.95million) scheme, the new terminal will serve around 7,000 passengers "at any given time". However, the changes will mean that Barcelona's maximum cruise capacity will reduce from 37,000 passengers to 31,000 per day. Advertisement Read more on travel tips The reduction in cruise terminals follows increasing local backlash against The cruise hub is one of the key hubs in the According to history , a limit is being placed on the growth of cruises in the city." Cruise passengers increased by 20 per cent between 2018 and 2024, without any capacity limits. Advertisement Most read in News Travel The Mayor added: "The current management of tourism involves setting limits and managing better." In a statement, the The ultimate cruising experience - From Universal Studios to Florida's Everglades onboard the Icon of the Seas "This agreement consolidates the joint commitment of both the Port and the City Council to move towards a more orderly and efficient maritime tourism model that respects the urban and environmental setting of Barcelona." The plans also include a regular shuttle service for passengers. Advertisement Information screens will be installed in the terminals too, providing real-time information to help better spread out visitors and reduce crowds in the Work on getting rid of terminals A and B will start by the end of 2026 and the entire project is set to be completed in 2030. Additionally, there is a €50million (£43million) plan to overhaul the area where terminals A and B currently are - eventually offer travellers improved services. And there will be a €90million (£77.9million) expansion to the Porta d'Europa bridge which links the wharf with the city. Advertisement Once complete, the bridge will have bike and walking routes. 3 Overall, the port will reduce from seven terminals to five Credit: Getty In 2024, Spanish ports received 12.8million cruise passengers - 3.7million of whom were to Barcelona port. Barcelona first started to scale back cruise operations to the city in 2018, when it moved most operations from the city centre to Adossat Wharf. Advertisement By 2023, the city had closed the North Terminal - which is located at the end of the famous And in the past years, Barcelona has more widely battled against issues of overtourism with many locals taking to protesting about the number of holidaymakers in the city. Last year, the city also announced that by 2029 it would ban all short-term rentals in an attempt to ease the current housing crisis. Exploring Las Ramblas in Barcelona TRAVEL reporter Cyann Fielding shares her thoughts on one of the biggest tourist traps in the world, that happens to be in Barcelona. According to Nomad - an international eSim company, Las Ramblas is the second worst tourist trap in the world and the top in Europe - based on 826 reviews. But the spot actually holds so much history and is one of the most fascinating destinations to explore - and it has come a long way from it's origins. As you wander down the street, make sure to stop off at Casa Beethoven - essentially Harry Potter's Ollivanders but for sheet music not wands. Just down from Casa Beethoven is La Boqueria market - one of Europe's largest and most famous food markets. Heading on from the market, make sure to look out on the floor for a mosaic by artist Joan Miró, who lived in Barcelona. Carrying on, make sure to take a detour down Carrer Nou de La Rambla to see Palau Güell - which people often miss not knowing it is there. I think part of the reason why so many people walk away from Las Ramblas either overwhelmed or disappointed, is because they don't know its history or the top places to explore. And there are pickpockets, so you just need to be wary. But by taking your time and exploring the routes different sections and side streets, it makes a great day out immersing yourself in Spanish - and more specifically - Barcelonan culture. More widely, Advertisement Plus, the 3 This comes as the city tries to mitigate the negative impacts of overtourism Credit: Getty
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Spanish city introduces strict new limits on tourists and it affects thousands a day
Plus, what exploring one of the city's top destinations is like SI-YA Spanish city introduces strict new limits on tourists and it affects thousands a day Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE popular Spanish city destination of Barcelona is due to limit the number of cruises entering the city. New plans to demolish two terminals at the Port of Barcelona have been revealed. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Barcelona is reducing the number of cruise terminals in its port Credit: Reuters Two terminals will be completely demolished - A and B - with terminal C also being demolished to make way for a new terminal on the site. In total, the number of terminals will be reduced from seven to five. As part of the €185million (£160.95million) scheme, the new terminal will serve around 7,000 passengers "at any given time". However, the changes will mean that Barcelona's maximum cruise capacity will reduce from 37,000 passengers to 31,000 per day. The reduction in cruise terminals follows increasing local backlash against overtourism impacting the city. The cruise hub is one of the key hubs in the Mediterranean. According to Travel Weekly, Barcelona mayor Jaume Collboni said: "For the first time in history, a limit is being placed on the growth of cruises in the city." Cruise passengers increased by 20 per cent between 2018 and 2024, without any capacity limits. The Mayor added: "The current management of tourism involves setting limits and managing better." In a statement, the Port of Barcelona said: "The agreement signed today acknowledges that maritime tourism is an economic sector with a significant weight in the city, but specifies that it requires planning and management measures, just as is already happening in other tourism sectors such as accommodation, mobility, public spatial planning or taxation. The ultimate cruising experience - From Universal Studios to Florida's Everglades onboard the Icon of the Seas "This agreement consolidates the joint commitment of both the Port and the City Council to move towards a more orderly and efficient maritime tourism model that respects the urban and environmental setting of Barcelona." The plans also include a regular shuttle service for passengers. Information screens will be installed in the terminals too, providing real-time information to help better spread out visitors and reduce crowds in the busiest areas of the city. Work on getting rid of terminals A and B will start by the end of 2026 and the entire project is set to be completed in 2030. Additionally, there is a €50million (£43million) plan to overhaul the area where terminals A and B currently are - eventually offer travellers improved services. And there will be a €90million (£77.9million) expansion to the Porta d'Europa bridge which links the wharf with the city. Once complete, the bridge will have bike and walking routes. 3 Overall, the port will reduce from seven terminals to five Credit: Getty In 2024, Spanish ports received 12.8million cruise passengers - 3.7million of whom were to Barcelona port. Barcelona first started to scale back cruise operations to the city in 2018, when it moved most operations from the city centre to Adossat Wharf. By 2023, the city had closed the North Terminal - which is located at the end of the famous Las Ramblas. And in the past years, Barcelona has more widely battled against issues of overtourism with many locals taking to protesting about the number of holidaymakers in the city. Last year, the city also announced that by 2029 it would ban all short-term rentals in an attempt to ease the current housing crisis. Exploring Las Ramblas in Barcelona TRAVEL reporter Cyann Fielding shares her thoughts on one of the biggest tourist traps in the world, that happens to be in Barcelona. According to Nomad - an international eSim company, Las Ramblas is the second worst tourist trap in the world and the top in Europe - based on 826 reviews. But the spot actually holds so much history and is one of the most fascinating destinations to explore - and it has come a long way from it's origins. As you wander down the street, make sure to stop off at Casa Beethoven - essentially Harry Potter's Ollivanders but for sheet music not wands. Just down from Casa Beethoven is La Boqueria market - one of Europe's largest and most famous food markets. Heading on from the market, make sure to look out on the floor for a mosaic by artist Joan Miró, who lived in Barcelona. Carrying on, make sure to take a detour down Carrer Nou de La Rambla to see Palau Güell - which people often miss not knowing it is there. I think part of the reason why so many people walk away from Las Ramblas either overwhelmed or disappointed, is because they don't know its history or the top places to explore. And there are pickpockets, so you just need to be wary. But by taking your time and exploring the routes different sections and side streets, it makes a great day out immersing yourself in Spanish - and more specifically - Barcelonan culture. More widely, Spain has also just introduced rules that can cost Brits £5,992 at the border – it's an easy mistake that thousands could make. Plus, the little-known way to travel across Spain by train for free this summer.
Newsweek
6 days ago
- Business
- Newsweek
World's Largest Cruise Ship to Make Maiden Voyage From Florida
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The largest cruise ship in the world is set to make its maiden voyage in August. Royal Caribbean welcomed its newest Icon-class vessel, the Star of the Seas, ahead of its inaugural journey from Port Canaveral, Florida, on August 31. Newsweek reached out to Royal Caribbean via email for comment. The Context The Star of the Seas will become the sister ship to the Icon of the Seas, which launched in January last year. They are the same size, at 248,633 gross tonnage, and will share the mantle of the largest cruise ship in the world. Construction on the Star of the Seas began in 2023 and was finished on September 25, 2024. A rendering of the Star of the Seas, which begins its maiden voyage in August this year. A rendering of the Star of the Seas, which begins its maiden voyage in August this year. Royal Caribbean What To Know The 5,610-passenger ship, constructed over nearly two years at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, completed sea trials involving more than 2,000 maritime experts. The ship will commence weeklong eastern and western Caribbean sailings, including stops at Royal Caribbean's private Bahamas resort, Perfect Day at CocoCay. For testing, the ship underwent rigorous 11-day sea trials in Finland, reaching speeds of up to 25 knots while engineers measured propulsion, pressure, and maneuverability. A rendering of the Star of the Seas, which begins its maiden voyage in August this year. A rendering of the Star of the Seas, which begins its maiden voyage in August this year. Royal Caribbean As part of its environmental strategy, Star of the Seas uses LNG fuel, widely regarded as a cleaner maritime alternative. It incorporates systems that recover waste heat and enable shore power connections, reducing emissions while docked. The maiden voyage will depart from Port Canaveral on August 31, 2025, for a seven-night cruise around the western Caribbean. Fares for this sailing start at about $1,731 per person, according to The Independent. In advance, shorter showcase journeys include a three-night round-trip to Perfect Day at CocoCay, beginning August 20, with tickets from about $1,069 per person, the outlet reported. What People Are Saying Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group, said in a July 2025 statement: "The delivery of Star of the Seas marks another bold step forward in Royal Caribbean Group's journey to reimagine the future of vacations. "Star and the Icon class are a symbol of what's possible when innovation, imagination and our relentless focus on delivering exceptional experiences come together, ultimately creating unforgettable memories for millions of families and vacationers. "We're proud to bring this next-generation vacation experience to life with our valued partners at Meyer Turku." Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International, said in July 2025: "We're incredibly proud to welcome Star of the Seas to the Royal Caribbean family as we continue to revolutionize how families and adventurers vacation. "It's a true team effort with so many talented individuals coming together to make the new Icon class vacation a reality, and we're excited to debut this incredible achievement with a star-studded celebration this August." What Happens Next Following final preparations in Cadiz, Spain, Star of the Seas is scheduled to begin regular seven-night cruises from Port Canaveral in August 2025, with additional short showcase cruises planned. Royal Caribbean aims to debut its next Icon-class ship, Legend of the Seas, in 2026.
Daily Mirror
7 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Inside new record-breaking mega cruise ship with ice rink and huge waterpark
A brand new cruise ship is set to sail this August as it becomes one of the biggest in the world. The Star of the Seas will be the same size as it's sister shop - the Icon of the Seas, making them the joint largest ships to date. With a gross tonnage of 248,633, the new Royal Caribbean ship contains many popular features and attractions such as an ice rink, a rock climbing wall, giant waterparks with six record-breaking slides and a surfside neighbourhood. There will also be some brand new food stations available, including the AquaDome Market, serving smoky pulled pork and beef brisket, Southeast Asian regional favourites such as pad thai and panang curry and South American staples including empañadas and arepas. Royal Caribbean's speciality Lincoln Park Supper Club is also being refreshed, serving intimate meals with live entertainment in a 1930s Chicago-inspired setting. Michael Bayley, president and chief executive of Royal Caribbean, said: 'We're incredibly proud to welcome Star of the Seas to the Royal Caribbean family as we continue to revolutionise how families and adventurers vacation. "It's a true team effort with so many talented individuals coming together to make the new Icon Class vacation a reality, and we're excited to debut this incredible achievement with a star-studded celebration this August.' The ship has space for 5,610 passengers in regular rooms and up to 7,600 when fully booked and there are 20 decks, and around 2,350 crew members are expected to work onboard. After almost two years of construction costing two $2billion, the Icon class ship was handed over to Royal Caribbean at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland. It started construction in February 2023 and completed sea trails in May 2025. A ceremony was held at the Finnish shipyard with more than 1,250 crew members and partners to honour the team of engineers, designers and architects who built the ship and helped install key features such as the 327-ton glass-and-steel AquaDome and the six unique waterslides. Star of the Seas will now make its way from Turku to Cadiz, Spain, where Royal Caribbean will add some finishing touches before its August debut in Port Canaveral, Florida, when new godmother Diana Ross will christen it.
Scottish Sun
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
World's largest cruise ship is finally launching next month with biggest at-sea waterpark and rooftop bars
Plus, inside the new 180-day cruise around the world to launch next year SAIL ON World's largest cruise ship is finally launching next month with biggest at-sea waterpark and rooftop bars THE world's largest cruise ship is finally launching next month and it is set to have a whole array of amazing onboard facilities. Royal Caribbean's mega ship - Star of the Seas - will debut in August at Port Canaveral in Florida, USA. cozy 11 The world's largest cruise ship is finally launching next month Credit: Royal Caribbean 11 Royal Caribbean's mega ship - Star of the Seas - will debut in August at Port Canaveral in Florida Credit: Royal Caribbean 11 The ship will be able to host up to 5,610 passengers on board Credit: Royal Caribbean The ship will be able to host up to 5,610 passengers on board and it is set to feature many world record holding features. For those who love to splash about, the ship will be home to the largest waterpark at sea with six record-breaking slides. For little splashers, there is also Splashaway Bay with water cannons, fountains, pools and whirlpools Passengers can have a go at surfing too, on a 12metre surf simulator. In total, the ship has seven pools - with a mix of family-friendly pools and more adult-orientated pools. For example, for adults-only the Hideaway Pool is suspended in the air eight storeys up - complete with a DJ and a daybed in the middle of the water. For those who prefer to stay dry, there is the Lost Dunes mini golf course to explore or the Adrenaline Peak climbing wall. And for the brave, there is Crown's Edge - a part skywalk, part thrill ride, 154feet above the ocean. For older kids, there are activities exclusively for them, including Social020 - where there is a hidden entrance to a gaming lounge, karaoke venue and movies. When it comes to entertainment, there is also a wealth to choose from onboard. The ultimate cruising experience - From Universal Studios to Florida's Everglades onboard the Icon of the Seas There will be a park in the middle of the ship too, with over 30,500 plants and a 1930s Chicago-inspired restaurant. Deck plans also reveal a music hall, conference centre, royal theatre, casino, expansive fitness centre, a Starbucks, an escape room, 'Central Park', a spa and dry slides. There is an ice arena, aquadome and shows on the ship include Broadway's Back to the Future too. There are more than 40 places to eat or drink onboard, including complimentary dining choices and more premium restaurant options. 11 There will be an array of amenities onboard, including a mini golf course, waterpark and theatres Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk 11 There are more than 40 places to eat or drink onboard, including complimentary dining choices and more premium restaurant options Credit: Royal Caribbean 11 There is also an adults-only hideaway pool Credit: Royal Caribbean The Star of the Seas will also be the first ship in Royal Caribbean's fleet to have a food hall - which is exclusive to Icon Class ships. It will feature five different vendors with new spots for the ship including Pig Out BBQ. The accommodation varies onboard from rooms to suites, but some even include an in-suite slide. Sailings on the Star of the Seas will also go to Perfect Day at CocoCay - a private island destination in the Bahamas. 11 Sailings on the Star of the Seas will also go to Perfect Day at CocoCay - a private island destination in the Bahamas Credit: Royal Caribbean 11 The island features 14 waterslides and seven beaches Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk The island has 14 waterslides, seven beaches, nine restaurants, five pools, daybeds and cabanas, a zipline and 20 bars. A Star of the Seas cruise costs from £2,899 per person. The first voyage will set off on August 31, 2025. Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas is currently the world's largest cruise ship. In total the ship is 365metres long and can carry 5,610 passengers. 11 The Star of the Seas will feature 20 decks, 18 of which are accessible to passengers Credit: Royal Caribbean 11 The Icon of the Seas has had a maximum passenger number of 7,600 and therefore, Star of the Seas is likely to be the same Credit: Royal Caribbean The ship - like the Star of the Seas - has 20 decks, 18 of which are accessible to passengers. The two ships will jointly share the title of the world's largest ship, both measuring 365metres and having a passenger capacity of 5,610. This capacity is based on two people per cabin, but in reality the ship can hold more people. The Icon of the Seas has had a maximum passenger number of 7,600 and therefore, Star of the Seas is likely to be the same. Inside new 180-day cruise around the world to launch in 2026 A LUXURY cruise ship is already taking bookings for 2026 - after its most recent world cruise sold out in 30 minutes. Oceania is set to sail from Miami to 101 ports in 43 countries in a 180-day mega trip, and they're looking for passengers to get on board. The cruise liner is offering an experience like no other on board their new 1,200 passenger ship Vista, with prices starting at £47,377. This premium cruise ship will leave Miami on January 6, and spend the first six weeks sailing along the coast of South America before heading around to Mexico, California, and Hawaii. Yet, the journey of a lifetime hardly stops there - guests will then be treated to South Pacific dream islands like Bora Bora, before sailing to Singapore, Mumbai, and then to the Middle East. Oceania even plans to send the boat through to Europe and, eventually, the British Isles. And the long list of destinations is only heightened by all of the amenities on board the luxury cruise ship. The brand-spanking-new cruise ship boasts comfortable cabins that start at an already large 240 square feet. Passengers can make use of its spa, library, putting green, pickleball court, art classes, restaurants, lounges or pool. There are 10 new cruises launching in 2025 including the world's biggest ship and terrifying rollercoasters. Plus, inside an incredible plan for the world's tallest cruise ship with enormous 164ft sails that will hit the water by 2030.
