Viking launches Viking Vela Viking Cruises ’ latest ship , Viking Vela , is set to sail in December 2024 . With capacity for 998 guests , it will be the largest of all Viking ’ s ships . |
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EXPLORA II coin Explora II has kept up the tradition of blessing a journey ( in the hope of good fortune ) by placing a commemorative coin inside the ship — a lucky charm for maritime laborers in olden days . |
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image : Royal Caribbean International . words : sj armstrong |
Launched in January 2024 , Icon of the Seas is the biggest cruise ship ever to set sail — its maiden voyage being a roundtrip from Miami to the Caribbean . Akin to a city on the sea , the gargantuan vessel can accommodate almost 10,000 passengers and crew , and boasts a huge array of activities including a full-scale water park , 20 decks with seven pools and many dining and evening entertainment
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options . The ship has been divided into eight ‘ neighborhoods ,’ each with its own character and dining choices .
Utopia of the Seas is also set to arrive in summer 2024 — with impressive facilities including 21 dining options , five pools and 23 bars , to name a few . It will offer travelers shorter itineraries including three-night weekend voyages and four-night weekday trips out of Port Canaveral in Florida .
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Above : Icon of the Seas
completing a sea trial in
Turku , Finland
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spring 2024 • 11 |