Latest news with #cruises
The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The 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 Barcelona have been revealed. 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 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. 3
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Yahoo
The new river cruises from Southend Pier taking passengers to 'Dickens country'
NEW day-trip cruises are setting sail from Southend Pier this summer taking passengers back in time to "Dickens country". New for 2025, Jetstream Tours is offering trips to Rochester in Kent, allowing daytrippers to walk in the cobbled street of historic Rochester, visit the best kept example of Norman architecture at Rochester's historic castle, pop into Rochester's Cathedral or have a spot of lunch. "This day out visiting Rochester will allow you to discover the historic relevance of the River Medway, sailing past Chatham Dockyard and Upnor Castle," the boat tour company explains. "Our commentary along the way will point out more than just what you can see but allow you uncover relics of the deep, stories of battles and rebuilding. "Hop into history with one of our most exciting tours yet." This month, cruises are setting of from the end of the pier on Sunday, July 13, and Sunday, July 27. Cruises are scheduled next month on Sunday, August 10, and Sunday, August 24, as well as the first Sunday of September. For tickets, visit Ticket prices include access on to the pier and use of the pier train. Onboard facilities include a bar, selling soft drinks and light snacks. The duration of the cruise totals five hours, at a cost of £28 per adult, £26 for OAPs, and £22 for a child ticket. It also offers family tickets for £85. Children under three can board for free but must have a ticket.
Daily Mail
24-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
It's full-steam ahead as cruise industry thrives amid bumper demand for tours around the British Isles
Demand for cruises is booming as holidaymakers take to the high seas in ever-increasing numbers. Over-50s specialist Saga cheered a 'strong start' to the year for its cruise business while also revealing it is close to launching new savings products in a tie-up with NatWest. Saga shares surged 2.3 per cent, or 4p, to 175.6p yesterday. Shares in FTSE 250 rival Carnival – which owns P&O Cruises, Cunard and Princess Cruises – soared 11.8 per cent after it hiked its annual profit forecast thanks to bumper demand. The twin updates suggest demand for cruises remains strong despite geopolitical tensions and economic concerns around the world. Saga said its ocean and river cruise division has proved popular so far this year. Profit ahoy: Over-50s specialist Saga cheered a 'strong start' to the year for its cruise business while rival Carnival has hiked its annual profit forecast thanks to bumper demand Its load factor – how well it fills its cruises – is up year-on-year at 95pc for ocean trips and 93 per cent for river cruises. Saga's two flagship vessels, Spirit of Adventure and Spirit of Discovery, run cruises around the British Isles, the Mediterranean, the Nordics and the Caribbean, with prices ranging from £1,300 to £15,000. This summer, tours around the British Isles have been a particular sweet spot, and cruises to the Canary Islands are increasingly popular. The business has been so inundated with holiday goers wanting to stick closer to home that it is considering doing more trips around the UK and Ireland in 2026 and 2027. Saga also said it is close to signing a deal to start launching savings products with NatWest. The partnership would see Saga launch a range of personal banking products. A Saga spokesman said a savings offering would be the first product to launch under the partnership.
Travel Weekly
28-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Weekly
Norway considers cruise tax
Norway is moving toward authorizing a tax on cruise ships as a part of a larger effort to introduce a tourism tax, according to The Local Norway. Though the legislation previously targeted hotels, campsites and short-term rentals, the country's ruling Labour Party now intends to include cruises and campervans in the tax, the English-language outlet reported. The Labour Party has not yet determined a desired tax rate, and the Centre Party is not on board with the change, according to the report. The tax would not apply nationwide but would rather be one that municipalities could opt into. A version of the bill submitted last month would have set the rate at 3% for overnight stays, according to Forbes.
