ASIA’s popularity as a cruise destination is on the rise, with a number of international cruise liners scheduled to embark on their maiden Asian voyages in 2012, in addition to existing ships calling at new ports in the region.
Royal Caribbean International’s regional capacity will more than double when the 3,840-pax Voyager of the Seas joins Legend of the Seas in Asia next year.
Voyager of the Seas, homeported at Singapore’s new International Cruise Terminal, will kickstart a series of South-east Asian cruises in May. She will then move to Shanghai and Tianjin and offer North Asian cruises from June-October. Legend of the Seas, meanwhile, will feature new ports-of-call such as Ishigaki and Toyama for its 2012 summer season.
Also debuting in Asia is Royal Caribbean’s sister premium brand Celebrity Cruises. The 2,034-pax (pending refurbishment) Celebrity Millennium’s inaugural season will feature a series of 14-night open-jaw cruises between Singapore and Hong Kong from end-2012.
Costa Cruises’ capacity within Asia will also increase by 40 per cent with the deployment of its 2,394-pax Costa Victoria to replace the 1,680-pax Costa Classica. Costa Victoria will make its way to Singapore in early May, before heading north on a 17-night cruise, stopping in Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong and China.
Meanwhile, sister brand AIDA Cruises will bring the 2500-pax AIDAdiva into Asia this coming season (2011/12), a huge jump in capacity over the 1,300-pax AIDAaura and 1,200-pax AIDAcara used in 2010/2011 and 2009/2010, respectively. AIDAdiva will conduct turnarounds in Singapore as well as Bangkok, whereas in previous seasons the turnaround was only in Bangkok.
Richard Meadows, executive vice president of marketing, sales & guest programs, Holland America Line and president, Seabourn, said: “Being here (at the inaugural Cruise Shipping Asia) is an indication that we understand the value and importance of the Asian market. We are extremely optimistic that this sector will continue to evolve and grow.”
Holland America Line and Seabourn will see an increase in Asian activity next year. Holland America Line’s three ships deployed in Asia – Volendam, Amsterdam and Rotterdam – will have six unique itineraries and 10 departures, up from three departures this year.
Seabourn’s deployment of Seabourn Pride, Seabourn Legend, and Seabourn Odyssey will see an expansion in the range of destinations covered. Itineraries to Vietnam/Thailand will now have Cambodia added on, while Indonesian programmes will go beyond Bali to Sumba, Komodo, Sulawesi, Flores and Timor.
Additional reporting from Brian Higgs and Linda Hade
