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Cruise ships still making way to S’pore, despite tough economic times
Channel NewsAsia - Wednesday, December 10
SINGAPORE: Despite gloomy economic times, one of the world’s largest cruise companies, Royal Caribbean Cruises, is setting its sights on Asia.
The last time a ship from Royal Caribbean docked in Singapore was almost eight years ago. Come next year, its Legend of the Seas — with over 2,000 passenger capacity — will be permanently deployed in Asia.
Rama Rebbapragada, regional vice president, Royal Caribbean Cruises, said: "The ship will be pretty much an Asian ship so she’ll spend time between Singapore, Shanghai, Tianjin and Hong Kong.
"The ship will move around depending on seasonality, offering cruises around several home ports in the Asia Pacific region. Asia grew by 100 per cent from 2006 to 2007 and we expect at least a 20 per cent to 25 per cent growth from Asia in 2009."
The Royal Caribbean Cruises does not think the cruise market will suffer much from the economic downturn. But it said it is not ruling out cutting prices and offering deals, such as an expanded itinerary, to draw visitors.
From Singapore, the ship will embark on 18 cruise tours and for the first time, this includes cruise tours between Singapore and Shanghai. Prices start from S$430 for a three—night sail to Malaysia and up to S$5,500 for a 14—night sail to Shanghai.
Passengers onboard the ship can enjoy resort facilities like Asia’s first and only miniature golf course, multiple swimming pools complete with whirlpools, and fully—equipped gyms.
As security is something cruise liners are always mindful of, Royal Caribbean cancelled Legend of the Seas’ planned call in Mumbai recently, following the terror attacks in the city.
"But the ship did call in Goa and the ship did call in Cochin and those calls went without any incident. We are watching the situation in India very closely because the ship will go back to Europe through India again on its return in May," said Rebbapragada.
Royal Caribbean said it plans to introduce six more ships around the world by the end of 2012.
Over 800 cruise ships have called on Singapore this year, compared to 719 in 2007. Total in— and outbound passenger numbers have almost hit 95,000 so far, similar to last year’s figure.
— CNA/so
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