Steel Cut For Second Icon-Class Ship
Royal Caribbean marked the first construction milestone for its second Icon-class ship at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland on Tuesday. During a ceremony, the first piece of steel was cut for the not-yet-named vessel, which is scheduled to launch in 2025.
This ship will follow Icon of the Seas, which is set to debut in January 2024 and be the largest cruise ship in the world. A third Icon-class ship is scheduled to join the fleet in 2026.
STORY: Construction Begins On Second Royal Caribbean Icon Class Ship
Monterey Bay Doesn’t Want Cruise Ships
The city council in Monterey Bay, California has voted to terminate city services to passengers visiting from cruise ships.
The decision is to discourage cruise lines from calling in Monterey due to concerns over accidental discharge into the bay. City manager Hans Uslar said “It is my hope that this step will signal to the cruise ship industry that they are no longer welcomed by our city.”
Since the city can’t ban cruise ships from the Bay, they will still be allowed to drop anchor and tender guests to shore, but they’ll have to hire their own staff at the port.
Typically, Monterey has 7-12 cruise ship visits per year. Seven cruise lines have calls to Monterey scheduled for 2023.
STORY: Monterey Bay: Cruise Ships Are ‘No Longer Welcomed By Our City’
MSC Cruises Announces 2025 World Cruise
MSC Cruises has announced its 2025 world cruise aboard MSC Magnifica.
The 116-night voyage is scheduled to visit 50 destinations in 21 countries, taking passengers across five continents and three of the world’s largest oceans. The ship will start in the Mediterranean before heading to South America, the South Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia.
Perks of the world cruise include a dining and drink package, 15 shore excursions, and a 30 percent laundry discount. Fare for the 2025 world cruise start at $13,199 per person.
STORY: Have 116 Days? This Might Be Your Ultimate World Cruise in 2025
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