42 | CRUISE NEWS
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Cruising Solo: The New Trend Making Waves Throughout the Cruise Industry
Construction Starts on Next Icon-Class Ship for Royal Caribbean
ROYAL Caribbean has celebrated an iconic milestone within its newest class of ship. The keel-laying ceremony for the fourth addition to the Icon Class lineup took place at the Finnish shipyard Meyer Turku to mark the start of the ship’s physical construction. The new ship is officially underway and will continue to take shape over the next two years for its 2027 debut. At the celebration, the very first building block was put into the dry dock, where construction of
As the thirst for solo travel continues to surge, how is the cruise industry adapting to the needs of solo passengers?
BY ERIN ENGLISH
erin@nitravelnews.com
RECENT statistics has indicated that 34% of travellers long to embark on their own solo adventure within the next year. Solo Travel is clearly a trend which is beginning to make waves within the cruise industry. According to the Cruise Lines International
Association's
(CLIA) 2024 State of the Cruise Industry Report, which indicates that 8-13% of cruise passengers are opting to embark on a solo cruise. Millennials and Gen Z make up the biggest demographic of travellers who are setting their sights on a solo cruise within the next year, understandably so. By embarking on a solo cruise, travellers are guaranteed to experience the independence and freedom of solo travel partnered with the convenience and security of a cruise holiday. Recognising the increased interest in the niche market of solo cruising, a majority of cruise-lines have made changes to their solo occupancy offering, on both new and existing ships. Changes in the solo cruise market sector include upgraded amenities within cabins, the creation of extra solo occupancy cabins, and a range of newly allocated dedicated solo spaces. The increase in dedicated solo spaces can be reflected onboard NCL, where ships are accommodated with dedicated solo lounges and bar areas, allowing a space for solo travellers to meet with like-minded cruisers, or enjoy a more secluded experience. A world of opportunity has opened up with a
majority of cruise lines now offering excursions and activities specifically for solo cruisers. Celebrity Cruises
Royal Caribbean’s Chartered Flight from Belfast to Bologna Returns for Summer 2026
ROYAL Caribbean has announced the return of the popular charter flight from Belfast to Bologna for Summer 2026! The chartered flight will run exclusively
for Royal Caribbean guests from May until October 2026.
In partnership with Belfast City Airport and British Airways, this charter route means that guests can easily experience an Explorer of the Seas holiday, sailing from Ravenna to exciting destinations across Greece, Italy, Croatia and The Adriatic, by flying into Bologna Airport directly from Belfast City.
and Holland America Line are considered particularly solo-friendly with dedicated itineraries and onboard activities on offer, including wine-tasting and cocktail- making.
Some frequent solo travellers select smaller-ships, such as luxury-liners and river-cruises, for their getaway opting from the increased space within the ship’s communal spaces, and lower passenger numbers to relax and unwind on their holiday. For those new to solo travel, opting for a cruise as your first solo getaway offers safety, an abundance of amenities, and flexibility. Concerns regarding safety are a pivotal discussion when it comes to solo travel, with a majority of travellers reporting increased
awareness of their surroundings and alert to immediate danger when travelling solo.
While it is
always important to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings and safety while
travelling, cruising offers an extra touch of comfort when embarking on a solo holiday. Primarily due to the structured environment of a cruise, with your accommodation, dining and entertainment all onboard. When travelling, solo cruisers also have the option to adapt their own schedule. You can opt to get involved in specific solo traveller events onboard and mingle with fellow passengers, or choose to explore new destinations and unwind in the comfort of your own company. Furthermore,
as 2025
progresses and the trend of solo travel surges, cruise lines are adapting their offering by incorporating flexible itineraries, upgraded solo amenities, and tailor-
made excursions. Solo Cruising no longer means skimping on flexibility and freedom, in fact it is quite the contrary, a world of potential awaits.
the ship will take place. The teams at Royal Caribbean and Meyer Turku sealed the deal – and good fortune – by placing a layer of freshly minted coins before an enormous steel block, known as the keel, was lifted and placed.
Joining the ranks of Icon, Star and Legend of the
Seas, the yet-to-be-named fourth Icon Class vacation will deliver similar vacations to its sister ships. More details about the fourth Icon Class vacation are
to come.
Over Land And SeA - Explore the world
BY SARAH PICKERING
sarah@nitravelnews.com
READY to experience some of the very wonders of this world? Many see this as
out of their reach and
unachievable, by why? This is where Expedition cruising becomes the fun way to travel. With exploration, solo travel and bucket-list-ticking at the forefront of travel, Expedition cruise blends all of the above into one. It’s time to check off the list and get exploring. We’ve put together a list of our recommended destinations to visit on your next expedition cruise… Antarctica A
mysterious wonder sitting
softly at the bottom pole of the earth. A land which is full of wonder, wildlife and wacky findings. The glistening southern ocean dotted with icy masses as you sail throughout this desert is something of imagination and adventure. Whilst sailing in Antarctica, expect to experience emperor penguins and leopard seals in their natural habitat. Be sure to bring that camera to capture some of the world’s most isolated phenomena and indulge in some of the most breathtaking views you will ever witness. Whilst onboard your expedition cruise, guides will navigate your way through the icy land via zodiac, where you can get up close and personal with the lay of the land, and come face-to-face with wildlife previously mentioned. There is also ample opportunity to trek the rugged land and really indulge in life here- a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Take the plunge and endure the cool temperatures offer the ultimate bragging right and photo opt! Artic
On the opposite end of the spectrum, experience life
surrounding the arctic and its golden circle. Situated at the northern pole, you’ll discover a land similar in looks, yet different in nature. Here, witness whales and other marine life gliding through
her dark
no other and memories to last a lifetime. The Galapagos Islands Warmer climates and ancient creatures; this is the Galapagos Islands. Located on the
archipelago of waters.
Polar Bears roam across the landscape, with snow-filled areas meeting with rocky surfaces, creating a picture- perfect backdrop. Have the chance to explore, not only the waters below, but the sky above as you search for the Aurora Borealis. The Northern Lights sprinkle colour across the night sky in a fast fluffy. Unexpected for the added thrill of discovery. Especially within the golden circle, relax in natural thermal springs- a stark contrast to the cold
Ecuador, The Galapagos Islands highlights one of the world’s best locations for discovering a multitude of wildlife. Tortoise, infamous iguanas, excotic birds and the like can be found at each inch of these islands, making it the perfect destination to sail through on your next expedition. Discover volcanic rock formations across the area (there’s a reason it’s labelled one of the most volcanically active islands in the world) and explore the vast array of plants and unique species this environment has created over the years. The island has an interesting history, becoming a home from home for Charles Darwin during his exploration years - mass conservation still happens here to this day thanks to his discoveries and research. This is definitely a top bucket list destination. The australian Outback Many UK and Irish citizens have flocked down under over many years - how about seeing it from a different perspective? There’s so much more to this popular country than the shores of Sydney and the Melbourne heat. Remote landscapes within Kimberley make for the perfect exploration date. Zodiacs take guests to remote areas to witness some of the world’s most beautiful waterfalls and reefs. Enjoy the heat of the warm sun as you venture through wildlife hotspots- whales, crocodiles, exotic fish and birds of prey all roam in this land. Not to mention unique animals such as snakes, scorpions and spiders. A phenomenon for most western visitors.
Sailing here opens the opportunity to explore from
the sea, land and air. Helicopter rides promote the beauty of the landscapes, whilst snorkelling amongst the reefs open a brand new world to all. These expedition ships take you to lands far from the tourist hotspots and highlight the world’s untouched beauty. It’s time to discover it.
water of the south. In the same way, discover life here and embed in the daily lives of those who reside here. Enjoy unique culinary foods such as reindeer and whale and learn of
cultural celebrations of the locals. A love for a land like
September/October 2025
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