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Apr 18 - 24, 2008 / No.1549
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New harbour appeal |
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Picture by STB.
Soon, the city will boast a new harbour attraction, not unlike Sydney’s or Cape Town’s famed harbours. Karen Yue looks at how the new international cruise terminal at Marina South will add glamour to Singapore.
SINGAPORE will build a second international cruise centre at Marina South by 2010.
The move, cruise operators say, will seal its forerunner status with cruising and offer a new harbour attraction, especially with its prime location near The Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort (IR) and the prominent Singapore Flyer. Coupled with the retail and recreation facilities that rest in the cradle of Raffles Boulevard and the thriving pockets of night entertainment along the Singapore River, the Marina area is expected to become the new downtown.
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) announced in February 2008 extensive refurbishments to the stretch of the Singapore River, where Clarke Quay, Boat Quay and Robertson Quay are located, to boost its status as an iconic lifestyle destination.
The new cruise terminal will be served by a network of roads and a future link to the underground MRT train system, allowing cruise passengers quick and easy access to the heart of the city.
STB deputy chairman and chief executive, Mr Lim Neo Chian, said the new cruise terminal and the surrounding developments would make 2010 a banner year for Singapore’s tourism and help the city-state achieve its targets of 17 million visitor arrivals and S$30 billion (US$21.7 billion) in tourism receipts by 2015.
| “Being near to the IR will offer a sense of grandeur upon arrival. Just look at the ports considered top
favourites by cruise lines – Hong Kong, Sydney and New York – and you will know that drama and beauty upon arrival is important.”
Silversea Cruises senior vice-president, Steve Odell |
Silversea Cruises senior vice-president, Mr Steve Odell, said: “Being near to the IR will offer a sense of grandeur upon arrival. Just look at the ports considered top favourites by cruise lines – Hong Kong, Sydney and New York – and you will know that drama and beauty upon arrival is important.”
Although exact details on the range of commercial services offered within the terminal building are unknown, cruise operators are confident passengers will enjoy a good mix of retail and recreation.
Cruise operators pointed out the new terminal’s facilities and close proximity to the IR and the city, means passengers would have excellent access to a wide variety of hotels, shops, recreation and entertainment after alighting from the ship.
Prime Cruise Asia general manager, Ms Helena Ow said: “For real benefit, the new cruise terminal should have at least four berths to allow more cruise liners to dock. The Port of Miami has eight berths! If we can only take in one liner each time, we cannot grow as a cruise hub. Singapore Changi Airport is fantastic and offers an impressive arrival for international tourists. If the new cruise terminal can match the airport in terms of quality facilities, it will help boost Singapore’s status as an international cruise hub. Image and passenger comfort is key.”
Easy access
Star Cruises deputy general manager (Singapore), Ms Lily Lim, said: “The new cruise terminal must be built with easy access, passenger comfort and safety in mind, and with features such as berth capacity, baggage handling and checkpoints capable of handling large cruise liners in a seamless manner. It should reflect Singapore’s modern sophistication, and her position as a first-class cruise-hub in the region.”
Much of the cruise operators’ wishlist for the new cruise terminal will be fulfilled, according to STB’s recent announcement made at the Seatrade Cruise Shipping Convention 2008 in Miami on March 11.
The new facility will have a large turning basin, no height restrictions and a handling capacity of 5,400 passengers. Ships weighing up to 220,000 GRT (Gross Register Tonnage) and measuring up to 360m in length with a draft of up to 11.5m will be able to berth at the new cruise centre.
The new facility will complement the existing two berths at the Singapore Cruise Centre at HarbourFront, doubling Singapore’s cruise handling capacity. Both facilities will also significantly increase Singapore’s cruise passenger handling capacity and help meet the city-state’s target of a 1.6 million cruise passenger throughput by 2015.
STB director of cluster development, sightseeing and cruises, Ms Carrie Kwik, said: “The cruise passenger throughput for Singapore in 2006 was 850,000, representing a 37 per cent growth over 2005 from top source markets including Indonesia, India, Australia/New Zealand, Malaysia and Europe.”
Now, the new generation of larger cruise ships dock at Pasir Panjang Container Terminal, posing inconvenience for passengers and cruise operators.
Royal Caribbean Cruises Asia-Pacific managing director, Mr Rama Rebbapragada, explained his company had to check in their passengers at HarbourFront Cruise Centre or Suntec City, then transport them to Pasir Panjang Container Terminal.
Ms Ow said: “Arriving at Pasir Panjang Container Terminal does not do much to forge a good impression. Seeing the IR upon arrival definitely helps the image. The new cruise terminal could use successful international terminals such as the Sydney Harbour and the Port of Miami as benchmarks.”
When asked if cruise operators would choose to dock at the new cruise terminal, they said they would consider factors such as available facilities and berth charges.
Mr Odell pointed out operating costs were a key factor to cruise lines considering margins.
The construction of the new International Cruise Terminal at Marina South will begin in June.
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