SINGAPORE: A Western-based global cruise brand is making a grand
foray into the Asian market.
One of America's and Europe's biggest cruise operators Royal
Caribbean International made its Asia-Pacific debut with the
arrival of 'Rhapsody of the Seas' in Singapore on Sunday, carrying
some 2,000 tourists from Australia and New Zealand.
The ship is calling Singapore home for the next two months before
calling on ports in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Japan and South
Korea.
Rama Rebbapragada, Asia-Pacific Managing Director for Royal
Caribbean Cruises, said: "We chose Singapore for two reasons to
be our homeport for the 'Rhapsody of the Seas' for our Asia
programme which we offer in the Southeast region, and also as our
corporate headquarters. Singapore has a lot to offer. Most
nationalities like to come here and visit."
Last year, 850,000 passengers cruised through Singapore from
destinations like Indonesia, India, Australia, New Zealand,
Malaysia and Europe.
The number of cruise passengers in Asia Pacific is also expected to
grow by more than 40 percent from 1.07 million in 2005 to 1.5
million by 2010 and 2 million by 2015.
The arrival of 'Rhapsody', with its innovative onboard amenities
and award-winning vacation programme which includes rock-climbing,
is set to boost tourism in the region.
Lim Neo Chian, Deputy Chairman & CEO of the Singapore Tourism
Board (STB), said: "To us, it's our commitment to grow the Asia
cruise business. So it's really a demonstrated commitment to Asia.
We will work with them to get more cruise ships here to our part of
the world and to provide more cruise options to our visitors in
Singapore."
With a capacity of over 2,400 passengers and 78,000 tonnes, the
'Rhapsody' is the biggest ship to homeport in Asia.
And with 11 decks, it is also among the tallest.
In fact, the ship is so tall that it could not dock at the
Singapore Cruise Centre at Harbourfront for fear of running into
the cable cars.
Instead, it has to dock at the Pasir Panjang Terminal, which is
some 15 minutes' coach ride away from the Harbourfront.
The arrival of the 'Rhapsody' highlights the need for a newer and
bigger terminal for the cruise industry to grow, and STB believes
the proposed new Marina South terminal could start work next
year.
"In terms of facility, there are basically two issues right now
one is that the bigger ships have got some difficulties getting to
the cruise centre; second is that because of the increasing demand
in cruise business, the present Cruise Centre is getting a bit
congested at times. So essentially we'll have to build new
facilities. We've been looking at Marina South and we're working
actively with all the different government agencies. We hope to be
able to start work next year," said Mr Lim, who is optimistic the
new Marina South cruise terminal will be ready in two to three
years' time.
Even though 'Rhapsody of the Seas' moves on from Singapore after
January, the Royal Caribbean is deploying another ship 'Legend of
the Sea' to Singapore at the end of next year.
'Legend' is of a similar class as the 'Rhapsody', but it is shorter
and should be able to dock at the Singapore Cruise Centre.
- CNA/so
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