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On the Water
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It’s been a year of records in the cruise industry – from the UK reporting its highest-ever number of passengers to the world’s largest cruise ship launching. Royal Caribbean International’s 7,600-passenger
Icon of the Seas departed on its maiden voyage in January from Miami. Plus, it had a starring role in
Channel 4 documentary The World’s Biggest Cruise Ship in August, putting all eyes on the sector.
SETTING SAIL
Utopia of the Seas followed Icon to the oceans in July, but Royal wasn’t the only cruise line launching vessels. Princess Cruises’ first Sphere Class ship, Sun Princess, entered service in February, Cunard’s much anticipated ship Queen Anne embarked on its inaugural voyage in May and Silversea welcomed Silver Ray to its fleet in June. It was also a year of luxury sequels, as Explora Journeys doubled down on its first foray into the cruise world with Explora II, which began its maiden season in September, the
Bucket-list destination: Antarctica
same month Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s second new-build superyacht, Ilma, took to the water. River cruise lines have also been expanding: Uniworld
added Victoria to its fleet and Viking Hathor began sailing on the Nile. Tui River Cruises, meanwhile, was so pleased with sales of its own Nile debutant Tui Al Horeya, set to launch in winter, that it immediately announced a follow-up, Tui Bahareya, which will join the fleet in 2025. Even more ships are coming next year, with MSC
World America, Norwegian Aqua, Oceania Cruises’ Allura, Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady, Princess Cruises’ Star Princess, Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas, Celebrity Cruises’ last Edge Class ship Celebrity Xcel and Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Destiny set to launch. There is even more to come in the future, with
Disney due to add four ships to its fleet between 2027 and 2031; Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings – parent of NCL, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises – launching eight vessels across its three brands from 2026-36; and Crystal ordering two new ocean ships.
globetravelawards.co.uk
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PICTURE: Shutterstock/Midnight in Summer
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