SHIP LAUNCH Icon of the Seas: Cruise bosses, UK agents and guests watch as


Agents hail Royal’s Icon for multigenerational holidays


S


enior UK travel agents who sailed on Icon of the Seas’ inaugural cruise have described


it as “absolutely fantastic”, with “something for everyone”. They said the Royal


Caribbean ship was “the ultimate multigenerational holiday” and predicted it would be “very easy” to sell when they share their experiences with colleagues and customers back in the UK. As well as exploring the ship,


the agents spent time on Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas. Jacqueline Dobson, Barrhead


Travel Group president, said: “There is something for everyone on the ship, it is absolutely fantastic. “My favourite bit is the Royal


Promenade, spread over two levels on decks five and six.” The highlight for Dobson’s


I love the Suite


Neighbourhood and family staterooms – I’ve never seen anything like this on a cruise ship


colleague, Caroline Donaldson, product and commercial director at Barrhead Travel Group, was the production of Wizard of Oz in the ship’s main theatre, which she said “rivalled any West End show I’ve seen”. The production was also a


standout feature for Anthony Blackmore, founder and director at Cruise365, who added: “Icon of the Seas is the ultimate multigeneration holiday on land and sea.” Particularly impressive, he


felt, were kids’ facilities such as the water slides, mini golf and


children’s club, which boasts its own production theatre. Sandra Corkin, Oasis Travel


managing director, and her colleague Alison Hamilton highlighted the facilities and accommodation for families on board. “I absolutely love the Suite


Neighbourhood and the family staterooms – I’ve never seen anything quite like this on a cruise ship,” said Corkin. “I think it’s absolutely fantastic.” Paul Hunter, head of product


at Cruise1st, agreed, saying he had been “blown away” by the facilities, especially those for families, such as the water park, pools and entertainment. “It is completely different to what


everybody else is doing,” he said. “It is bigger and better and


sets the platform for everybody else to try and meet. “It is very easy to sell.”


Icon of the Seas


Royal chief ‘not worried’ about supply outstripping demand


Royal Caribbean Group chief executive Jason Liberty said he was “not worried about supply outpacing demand”. Liberty said that operating


three brands – Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises – for different markets meant the group has a “unique ability to generate quality demand”. “Having three brands and a diverse


destination portfolio translates to a wave of quality demand that outpaces supply,” he said. Liberty went on to say he believes there has been a shift among consumers away from material goods


10 1 FEBRUARY 2024


to experiences, such as cruises. “Appreciation for family and


friends is at a totally different level post-pandemic and not abating,” he said. “A cruise, particularly with close friends and family, has moved up in the consideration level of consumers.” Commenting on the group’s drive


Jason Liberty


to net zero, Liberty said: “Icon is 24% more fuel-efficient than the previous class of ship, and that class was 20% more efficient than the one before that.


“We are going to keep working on improvements


and solutions to ensure we meet our goal of becoming net zero by 2035.”


Messi officially names the ship alongside Michael Bayley, Jason Liberty and captain Henrik Loy


Bayley unveils new dining con


Royal Caribbean’s next ship, Utopia of the Seas, which is due to launch this July, will feature a new dining concept called The Royal Railway. Speaking during a press conference


on Icon of the Seas, president and chief executive Michael Bayley revealed the new attraction would be in the style of a train and said it’s “knock your socks off stuff”. Describing the attraction, he


Michael Bayley


travelweekly.co.uk


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