Royal Caribbean is making headlines again, but this time it’s not for a new ship or exciting itinerary. The cruise giant is facing protests and confusion over its upcoming port in Fiumicino, Italy, just 20 miles from Rome. The port is set to open in November 2025, but locals and officials are raising serious concerns.
Three years ago, Royal Caribbean bought land in Isola Sacra, Fiumicino, to build a new cruise facility. The company already uses the Port of Civitavecchia near Rome, but this new project would bring even bigger ships closer to the city. However, the construction has been anything but smooth. Locals were shocked when a 500-meter-long wall suddenly appeared near the beach without warning.
Michela Califano, a councilor for the Lazio region, criticized the lack of transparency, saying no signs were put up and nobody knows if the work is even authorized. She added that building something like this in secret only makes people distrustful.
Residents have two major concerns. First, they worry about the environmental impact. The area is peaceful, but Royal Caribbean plans to bring its massive Oasis-class ships, which can carry 5,000 passengers. Locals fear pollution and damage to marine life. Second, many passengers won’t stay in Fiumicino—they’ll head straight to Rome, increasing traffic without benefiting the local economy.
So far, Royal Caribbean has stayed quiet about the controversy. But the mayor of Fiumicino, Mario Baccini, supports the project, calling it a historic opportunity that will bring jobs and tourism. The port is still expected to open in November, with ships anchoring offshore and passengers ferried to land. Only one cruise ship will be allowed at a time to limit emissions.
The big question now is whether Royal Caribbean will address the concerns or if the protests will grow louder. For now, the drama continues as Italy prepares for a major cruise expansion.
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