Is this hell on earth?

This, believe it or not, is a promotional pic of new cruise ship Icon of the Seas.

To me it looks like hell on earth. An American theme park but with less taste and decorum.

It accompanied the news that Royal Caribbean has taken delivery of Icon of the Seas.

The 250,800-tonne ship, boasting 20 decks, becomes the largest cruise ship in the world.

It has capacity for 7,600 guests and with crew members aboard that adds up to nearly 10,000 people on the high seas.

What a horrendous thought.

But don’t expect any negativity in the glossy magazines and travel supplements. They would’t exist without cruise industry advertising, so have to remain positive

“We are celebrating more than a new ship; it’s also the celebration of the culmination of more than 50 years of innovation to create the ultimate vacation experience,” said Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty.

Icon of the Seas will sail to Cadiz, Spain, for some finishing touches before a transatlantic voyage to its new home in Miami, Travel Mole reports.

The maiden voyage, a week-long Caribbean cruise, is scheduled to depart on January 27, 2024.

The ship features 40 bars and restaurants, seven pools, a FlowRider wave simulator and a mini golf course.

There are 28 different stateroom categories including the three-level Family Townhouse.

Not for me thanks.

Enjoy Tasmania's east coast on a stylish mini cruise

Fancy exploring the east coast of Tasmania in style? 

Tasmanian Boat Charters have just launched a East Coast Expedition Cruise to start operation in October. 

The five-day voyage is the first of its kind for the region; on board the custom-built 20-metre Odalisque, which can explore small coves bigger ships cannot reach. 

The new cruise departs from Hobart’s waterfront and hits all the east coast icons and a number of secret spots.

Guests are invited to enjoy this journey at their own pace; they can opt to stay aboard their floating home or venture out for tender excursions, bushwalks and shore explorations. 

The cruise will visit Port Arthur Historic Site, dramatic Cape Hauy, Maria Island and its wildlife wildlife, and the famed arc of Wineglass Bay. 

Each cruise will have an expert skipper and guides, while a chef will prepare meals of the finest Tasmanian produce, paired with East Coast wines and local brews. The menu is designed to celebrate regional fare, and connect guests with winemakers, producers and growers dotted along the coastline.

“As a lover of fresh, sustainable dining, I can't wait to use locally supplied and foraged ingredients from our beautiful island state, says chef Courtney Drew. So think fresh seafood and artisan cheeses 

With capacity limited to just six guests (10 via a private charter), the skipper is able to shape the cruise to meet guests' interests. 

Though weather might dictate some decisions, the proposed five-day itinerary is set to include Port Arthur access, cruising below the Southern Hemisphere’s tallest sea cliffs, a Cape Hauy bushwalk, Maria Island on-foot exploration and highlights of the Freycinet Peninsula including Schouten Island, Wineglass Bay and a three-hour kayaking experience. 

What’s more, with three departure dates set for October, it’s an ideal time to observe the southern migration of Humpback and Southern Right Whales.

Having established a strong reputation through their Port Davey Expedition Cruises in the far south west, the team are excited to invite guests east. 

Come 2022, Tasmanian Boat Charters will offer their Port Davey trips from January until May, including a specialist photography cruise in April. And a new, locally-built tender vessel will soon join the fleet. 

 

For more information see www.tasmanianboatcharters.com.au