22 MARKETWATCH Foyle Port celebrates 170 years of operations The 2024 cruise season at Foyle Port in Derry-Londonderry on the island of Ireland wrapped up on 15 September, marking the end of the port’s 170th year of operations. Six ships were welcomed at the port for maiden calls during the season: Saga’s Spirit of Adventure, Azamara Cruises’ Azamara Onward and Azamara Quest, Silversea’s Silver Spirit, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Dawn and Phoenix Reisen’s Amadea. The last ship to depart was Hebridean Island Cruises’ Hebridean Princess, concluding a season with over 10,000 passengers and crew visits to the region. Douglas Mawson, the newest ship from AE Expeditions (part of Aurora Expeditions), is scheduled to launch in December 2025. The ship will spend its inaugural season in east Antarctica, marking the cruise line’s first return to the region in 13 years. Itineraries will include a semi-circumnavigation of Antarctica and explorations of the Subantarctic Islands. Following the winter season, Douglas Mawson will venture north for voyages in the Atlantic Coast, British Isles and Mediterranean. AE Expeditions to return to east Antarctica for the first time in 13 years Royal Caribbean International’s new private destination, Perfect Day Mexico, will open in 2027 in Mahahual on Mexico’s Caribbean coast. The destination will feature a locally inspired design and will include a waterpark, pools and beaches, restaurants, bars and music venues. Perfect Day Mexico joins Royal Caribbean’s other private destinations, which include Perfect Day at CocoCay and Beach Club Paradise Island – both in The Bahamas – and Royal Beach Club Cozumel. The latter two destinations will open in 2025 and 2027 respectively. Perfect Day Mexico to open in 2027 Photo: Foyle Port Photo: AE Expeditions
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