Anti-tourism protests against Symphony Of The Seas – the world’s largest cruise ship – planned for when it lands in Mallorca
The world's largest cruise ship Symphony of the Seas docks in Palma on April 8, where it will be met with a demonstration on the quay
ANTI-tourism protesters in Mallorca are planning a big protest when the world's largest cruise ship Symphony of the Seas docks in Palma on April 8.
Passengers will be met with a demonstration on the quay, organised by two environmental groups who are against more cruise arrivals.
The claim that the large ships create pollution and more overcrowding of the "already saturated islands," and that staff on board are being "exploited."
The mega cruise liner, weighing 228,081 tons and capable of carrying 6,680 passengers, is touring the world as part of its debut voyage.
The floating city has 2,759 rooms distributed in a total of 18 decks and seven areas, featuring 20 restaurants, ten Jacuzzis and five swimming pools.
This week, a Sun Online reporter set sail on the ship, for a sneak peak of their offering ahead of the official launch.
As well as its famous surfing simulator Flowrider, a zip line, 9-hole mini-golf course, waterslides and a 10-deck high slide, the ship also offers a £30k-a-week family suite, with its own boasts a video games room and indoor slide.
There will be an official welcome in Palma,but police may have to be called in as the two protest groups have put out a rallying call for more people to join the demonstration.
The Balearic Group of Ornithology and Defense of Nature (GOB) says the Symphony of the Seas represents everything it dislikes - "pollution, mass tourism and labour exploitation."
A spokesperson said: "That is why we are calling the demonstration on the quayside at noon on April 8."
In a video posted on its social network pages tagged "Bye bye cruises", the GOB says cruise liners pollute the air, destroys local people's health, contaminates the sea and produce more traffic on the roads.
It told its supporters: "The Balearics have a problem with mass tourism. Is this the model we want?! Say NO!"
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The group is teaming up with a second protest group, Fin - which wants to draw attention to "the pollution caused by the ship, the mass tourism involved in its presence in the city and the alleged exploitation labour suffered by workers."
Other environmental and political groups, including Arran, have already signalled "a summer of protests" about mass tourism in Mallorca.
They say the large numbers of holidaymakers are totally spoiling the islands and life for residents.
A Royal Caribbean spokesperson said: "We take our responsibility to sustainable oceans and sustainable destinations seriously. Cruise ships operate to higher environmental standards than ever before, and our commitment to improvements includes advanced emissions purification technology and designing new ships powered by LNG and fuel cells.
"Cruise guests comprise less than 5 percent of the tourists at most popular destinations. However, we are committed to working with local governments and tour operators to minimize our impact. Our goal is to be responsible sailors and good neighbours.”