New cruises from Singapore

Royal Caribbean International is to base a ship in Singapore next winter

Dec 10, 2006

Cruise lines are developing new markets away from Europe and North America, with a keen eye on Asia

Royal Caribbean International has announced nine new and exotic sailings from Singapore, which will be the new base for the 78,491-ton Rhapsody of the Seas from December 2007. The new Asian cruises will be marketed under Royal Caribbean's partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), which will tap on the $10 million fund that STB administers in support of cruise companies' marketing activities in Singapore.

The ship will operate itineraries ranging from two to five days, with one longer cruise of 12 days. Ports of call on the new itineraries include Cambodia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.

Tailored for the Asian market, the new cruises will offer a variety of Asian regional

cuisines in addition to the award-winning cuisine served onboard. An Asian flavour will also be added to the onboard entertainment. What’s more, special departures will be announced to coincide with Asian festivals, like Chinese New Year cruises and Mid-Autumn Festival sailings. This move by Royal Caribbean is part of a growing trend for cruise lines to exploit new markets, particularly in densely-populated areas like Asia. For more information, visit www.royalcaribbean.com.

The copyright of the article New cruises from Singapore in Cruise/Island Vacations is owned by Sue Bryant. Permission to republish New cruises from Singapore in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.