It was a pretty sensational start to the beginning of the holiday season in Mallorca recently: in the same week, the island’s capital, Palma, was privileged to receive two special ‘royal’ visitors.

First of all the magnificent cruise liner Queen Elizabeth II sailed into the port of Palma, and then if that wasn’t enough, Queen Sofia of Spain made a surprise appearance at the record-breaking Palma International Boat Show!

A big boost for the Mallorcan economy

The visit of the QE2 has given Majorca a huge boost, as it proves that Palma has become one of the ‘must do’ Mediterranean ports for luxury cruises.

One of the most advantageous aspects of visits of cruise ships like the QE2 is that it brings in customers of a high-spending capacity to Palma, thus boosting Mallorca’s economy as a whole.

And what a spectacle the Queen Elizabeth 11 provided to the waiting spectators as she sailed into Palma. Launched by Queen Elizabeth II herself in 2010, the ship is 294 metres long, 32 metres wide and weighs almost 91 tonnes before even one of the 2,900 passengers and crew has got on board.

This, the second visit to Palma of the QE2 was a splendid sight and a huge success. Let’s hope we see her again soon.

A royal visitor to the Boat Show

The second regal presence in Mallorca was the surprise visit of Queen Sofia of Spain to the 31st Palma International Boat Show. Guest of honour at the show, her visit was the icing on the cake to the 2014 show; an event which broke all records with more exhibitors and more visitors than ever before.

Held at the Moll Vell, Palma’s old port, the show’s estimated 32,000 visitors were entranced by the magnificent array of boats on display.

This year the Palma Superyacht Show was also run alongside the main event, giving spectators the opportunity to explore what life on the ocean wave is like in luxury class.

As well as being able to go on board and look around some of these exceptional sailing vessels, there was the opportunity to take part in the show’s sailing school for excursions around the harbour.

Educational as well as fascinating, the idea was to encourage children who may one day wish to be mariners themselves.

Day trippers were also able to enjoy a wide variety of exhibition stands offering everything including yachting equipment, boat building, nautical tourism, scuba diving, fishing, fashion…and mouthwatering food.

This meant that a delicious range of tapas featuring locally-caught seafood was on offer, and many of Mallorca’s finest restaurants were represented, including Michelin-starred chef Marc Fosh.

All in all a right royal week for Majorca!