Queen Victoria Marks End of British Cruise Season in Palma Amid New Ship Caps
Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain — The iconic Cunard superliner Queen Victoria will make her final port call in Palma, Mallorca, on Saturday, September 6, 2025, marking the close of the British cruise season in the Balearic Islands.
This year, the season concludes earlier than usual, even after a busy summer season that saw major British liners, including the popular P&O Arvia, docking at Palma’s port. The Queen Victoria’s visit represents both the end of an era and the start of new policies reshaping how cruise tourism operates in Mallorca.
The Final Arrival: Queen Victoria
The Queen Victoria, stretching nearly 964 feet (293 m) in length, stands as a symbol of luxury cruising. Known for its traditional elegance and British charm, the ship boasts a theatre with private boxes, an extensive library, multiple fine-dining options, and formal evening dress codes that add a refined touch to the voyage. Passengers onboard enjoy a world-class experience, from gourmet dining and Broadway-style entertainment to rejuvenating spa treatments, reflecting the signature opulence of Cunard cruises.
P&O Arvia: The “Sunshine Ship” of the Season
Earlier in the summer, P&O’s Arvia, dubbed the “Sunshine Ship,” captivated visitors in Palma. Built to thrive in warmer climates, the Arvia features innovative amenities, including a retractable-roof Sky Dome, a high ropes course, mini-golf, and even the first rum distillery at sea. With a capacity of 5,200 passengers and 1,800 crew members, it offered guests a unique mix of entertainment, dining, and leisure experiences that drew considerable attention throughout the season.
Palma’s Controversial Cruise Ship Limits
This year, the Balearic government implemented a strict limit of three cruise ships per day, with only one permitted to be a mega-ship carrying over 5,000 passengers. These restrictions were introduced to reduce the environmental footprint and ease the strain of overtourism on Palma’s historic city center.
While many locals support these sustainability efforts, citing reduced congestion and improved quality of life, the policy has also sparked criticism from Palma’s business community. Shop owners, tour operators, and hospitality venues have reported a noticeable decline in revenue, particularly during the latter part of the summer when fewer ships docked. The debate continues over how best to balance economic growth with the need for sustainable tourism management.
In early August, the port briefly exceeded the agreed passenger limits when four ships, including two mega-liners, docked simultaneously. Although this was attributed to scheduling technicalities, it fueled ongoing discussions about enforcing and refining the regulations.
Queen Victoria’s Mediterranean Tour
Queen Victoria’s recent 14-night Mediterranean cruise, which began on August 25, 2025, departed from Trieste, Italy, and visited some of the region’s most iconic ports before its final call in Palma. The voyage combined cultural discovery with luxury travel, allowing passengers to explore diverse destinations across Europe.
Itinerary Highlights:
- August 27: Dubrovnik, Croatia
- August 28: Kotor, Montenegro
- August 29–30: Corfu and Kefalonia, Greece
- September 1: Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy
- September 2: Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy
- September 4: Toulon, France
- September 6: Palma de Mallorca, Spain
- September 8: Barcelona, Spain
This itinerary has been celebrated for offering a perfect blend of culture, scenic beauty, and luxury at sea.
Upcoming Cruises
Following the Palma visit and a brief stop in Barcelona, Queen Victoria will embark on a 7-night Western Mediterranean cruise, beginning September 8, 2025. Destinations on this journey include Alghero in Sardinia, Ajaccio in Corsica, Messina and Naples in Italy, and finally Civitavecchia, the gateway to Rome.
Later in September, the ship will continue to operate longer itineraries, including:
- September 15–22: A 14-night Italy and Adriatic cruise from Rome to Barcelona
- September 22–29: A 21-night Mediterranean and Greek Islands cruise, traveling from Trieste to Barcelona and including stops in Palma, Athens, and Istanbul
These upcoming routes highlight Queen Victoria’s versatility, offering passengers a mix of cultural exploration, historic sightseeing, and luxury experiences across the Mediterranean.
Balancing Cruise Tourism and Sustainability
The early conclusion of the British cruise season, signaled by Queen Victoria’s departure, reflects a shift in Mallorca’s tourism dynamics. The new regulations limiting the number of cruise ships aim to foster sustainable tourism, ensuring that Palma retains its cultural charm while reducing overcrowding and environmental stress.
Local sentiment is divided. While some residents welcome the quieter streets and cleaner environment, others — particularly those in the retail and hospitality sectors — express concern over reduced income and foot traffic. Earlier this summer, thousands of residents took to the streets in peaceful demonstrations, calling for stricter limits on mass tourism and urging authorities to prioritize quality over quantity when managing visitors.
A New Chapter for Mallorca’s Cruise Tourism
As the 2025 cruise season winds down, Mallorca faces the challenge of redefining its relationship with the cruise industry. Luxury liners like the Queen Victoria and P&O Arvia will continue to make Palma a coveted stop on Mediterranean itineraries, but the city is clearly shifting toward a more measured approach.
The Balearic Islands are positioning themselves as leaders in sustainable tourism, balancing their economic dependence on the industry with a growing commitment to protecting their cultural heritage and fragile ecosystems. For travelers, this means more thoughtful itineraries, a less crowded Palma, and a chance to experience the island in a more authentic and sustainable way.
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