SEADREAM Yacht Club will make its Asia-Pacific debut next year with a series of cruises calling on destinations in South Asia, North Asia, South-east Asia and Australia.
The ultra-luxury yacht company, which currently offers itineraries within the Mediterranean, Caribbean and Latin America, plans to launch its Asian programmes in 1Q2013.
“There will be a choice of short three- to four-night cruises around Bali and Bangkok as well as two 14-night voyages, one encompassing Papua New Guinea and Australia, and the other heading to Cambodia, Vietnam, Sanya, Macau and Hong Kong,” said Richard Jones, business and development director, SeaDream Yacht Club.
“Six- to seven-night departures from Phuket to Yangon are also on the cards.”
According to Jones, SeaDream’s move into Asia-Pacific was prompted by demand from its portfolio of loyal customers. “Some 65 per cent of our repeat clients demanded that we design Asia-Pacific itineraries,” he explained.
Currently, just over half of SeaDream’s passengers derive from the US, 11 per cent from Australia, while the rest are from Europe and Latin America. Asians comprise only a minute proportion of bookings.
“We have found it difficult to convince Asians to sail with us as we are such a niche product,” said Jones.
“Nonetheless, we hope that by moving into Asia, we will be able to attract more Asian passengers, especially those desiring a short break. We see a lot of value in targeting (Asian) golfers and by marketing charters to potential Asian customers. Essentially, we want to give Asians a taste of what SeaDream offers.”
