November/December 2025
www.nitravelnews.com
CRUISE NEWS | 61
UK Government Launches Strategic Plan to Grow Cruise Industry
IN a landmark move to strengthen the UK’s maritime and tourism sectors, the UK Government, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), and the UK Chamber of Shipping have jointly launched the UK Cruise Growth Plan. This strategic framework outlines shared commitments between government and industry to support the continued growth of the UK cruise sector benefiting the national economy, UK ports, and coastal communities. The commitments are designed to encourage sustained private investment
between Government departments, including
the Devolved
and increased collaboration within
Administrations, to help responsibly grow the cruise sector. The cruise industry already contributes £5.8 billion annually to the UK economy and supports 60,000 jobs across the country. The Cruise Growth Plan recognises this vital role and sets out a roadmap for long-term growth, enhanced infrastructure, and global leadership in sustainable and digital maritime practices. The Plan focuses on key areas including workforce development, safety, security, accessibility, and sustainable growth – positioning the UK as a premier destination for cruise tourism and maritime innovation. The Value of Cruise to the UK: £5.8 billion annual contribution to the UK economy
Scenic Group Announces Launch of Newest Ultra- Luxury Yacht
SCENIC Group has announced the launch of Scenic Ikon.
It is set to join the Scenic Discovery Yacht Fleet for its inaugural season from April 2028. This new vessel is expected to offer travellers unique access to some of the world’s most amazing destinations. At 26,500 gross tonnes, 205 metres long and spanning a 24-metre beam, it will cater for up to 270 guests in 135 all-verandah suites ranging from 34 to 250 square metres over five decks. The Scenic Discovery Yacht will be purpose-built
to explore both polar regions and warm water destinations. Scenic Ikon will be equipped with two Airbus helicopters, a custom-designed Triton AVA submersible, Zodiacs, and superyacht Fassmer tenders. Glen Moroney, Founder & Chairman of Scenic
Group, said: “Scenic Ikon has been conceived, engineered and built with our in-house ship building division at MKM Yachts and will be operated entirely by our own dedicated Scenic crew. This remarkable vessel
60,000 jobs supported nationwide Over 50 UK ports visited by cruise ships each year More than 2 million UK residents take cruises annually Over 2 million day visits by cruise guests to UK ports every
year
60% of cruise guests return to destinations they visited Maritime Minister, Keir Mather said: “The cruise industry is vital to the UK economy, bringing in £5.8 billion and supporting thousands of jobs across the country.” Mather continued, “That’s why we’ve launched our Cruise Growth Plan to continue driving private investment into the sector, creating jobs and opening up
new opportunities for coastal
communities.” Andy Harmer OBE, Managing
Director, CLIA United Kingdom & Ireland, highlighted “The forward- looking plan provides a clear roadmap for the future of cruising in the UK. Its shared commitments will enhance safety, security,
and accessibility in the industry, while its focus on investment and future skills will allow the UK to
remain a leader in the international
cruise market in the years to come.” “This agreement reflects years of partnership between
industry and Government, with a joint ambition: a thriving UK cruise sector that drives economic growth and benefits coastal communities in all four nations.”
Royal Caribbean Set To Bring Exclusive Beach Club to Europe
ROYAL Caribbean Group is bringing an
exclusive beach club to Santorini! Set to open in summer 2026, Royal Beach Club Santorini will welcome vacationers from Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises and combine the iconic Greek island with the company's signature experiences. The beach club will be part of an Ultimate Santorini Day that will include a day of exploring the gems of the island, from the white-washed buildings and blue-domed churches in Oia, to a stroll through the shops, cafes and art galleries in Fira. "Expanding our Royal Beach Club Collection to
include Santorini - one of the world’s most popular and beautiful locations - is a bold step forward in growing our vacation portfolio from two to eight by 2028, giving guests more ways to have unforgettable experiences with us," said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. "We're thrilled to connect guests with Santorini's
gems - from its iconic villages to the Aegean Sea's famous beach club culture - creating a balanced, authentic island experience." "Santorini is an incredible destination that our
is the result of more than three years of passion, innovation and development by our team, and we are delighted to share the Discovery Yacht with our valued guests, travel agents and partners. Every element of Scenic Ikon’s design has been optimised to deliver unrivalled experiences across diverse destinations and environments, from its primary base The Mediterranean to the wilds of Antarctica.” Construction of Scenic Ikon is well underway, following a steel-cutting ceremony in February 2025 attended by Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, and the keel laying in May 2025. The Discovery Yacht is due for delivery at the end of 2027, ahead of final testing and entry into service.
guests love to explore, and with this new beach club, we are able to bring the best of what the island has to offer with the signature service Royal Caribbean is known for," said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean.
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