Royal Caribbean reveals Hideaway Beach resort
New adults-only venue on Perfect Day unveiled
Royal Caribbean International has revealed Hideaway Beach, its new adults-only venue on Perfect Day at CoCoCay.
The new beachfront area is due to open in January 2024, debuting on cruises on Icon of the Seas.
The all-day experience includes a private beach and pools, dedicated food and drink areas with exclusive cabanas. There will also be live music.
“Hideaway Beach is a completely new vibe and experience that vacationers are looking for on Perfect Day at CocoCay. Everything from its hidden-like location to the exclusive beach and pools to the private cabanas is designed for adults who want a day just for them,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “There are experiences for everyone on a Royal Caribbean vacation, and that’s at the heart of our private island and its popularity. Whether it’s thrill or chill, family time or time to celebrate, families and friends can create their ‘perfect’ vacation day without compromise, and Hideaway Beach adds to what continues to be an unmatched combination of ways to do just that.”
New bars include the Hideaway Bar, a swim-up bar at the Hideaway pool; Snack Shack, a casual restaurant offering complimentary chicken sandwiches and burgers; and Slice of Paradise, a pizza restaurant.
In 2024, travellers can visit Perfect Day at CocoCay on 22 ships sailing from more than nine different cities including Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida; Cape Liberty (New York), New Jersey; and Galveston, Texas.
Explora Journeys confirms two hydrogen ships
Explora V and VI will be launched in 2027 and 2028
Explora Journeys, the ultra-luxury cruise line that is part of the MSC Group, has confirmed that it has ordered two hydrogen-powered ships.
The two new ships, Explora V and Explora VI, will be launched in 2027 and 2028 and takes the total investment up to €3.5 billion.
Explora V and Explora VI will have new state-of-the-art energy efficiency measures and will also be capable of using alternative fuels such as bio and synthetic gas and methanol. The company will work with Fincantieri to equip the ships with future technologies including carbon capture, and more advanced waste management systems.
Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman – Cruise Division, MSC Group, said, “With Explora Journeys we have created a luxury brand that has been successful at redefining luxury at sea. We are seeing continued growth in the luxury segment and the investment in these two new ships shows our commitment to continue to grow within this sector as well as to invest in ships of the future. Together with Fincantieri we will study the newest technology that the world has to offer and continue with our commitment to introduce these technologies to drive efficiencies across the whole spectrum of ship performance. And of course we will continue to deliver the very best luxury travel experience, immersing our guests in the ocean state of mind with an sustainable soul.”
Michael Ungerer, chief executive officer, Explora Journeys, added, “Sustainability in luxury is the new craftmanship and our new two confirmed orders are testament to our determination to preserve and protect our precious oceans. This is what the discerning traveller of tomorrow expects so it is an absolute imperative that we not only just deliver on that anticipation, but we must and will exceed such aspirations.”
The two new ships will pursue the use of liquid hydrogen with fuel cells for their hotel operations while docked in ports to eliminate carbon emissions with the vessels’ engines switched off. The ships will also feature a new generation of LNG engines that will further tackle the issue of methane slip with the use of containment systems.