Royal Caribbean to Increase South East Asia Capacity by 30% in 2017

Three of the world’s largest cruise ships - Ovation of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas - will be back in Singapore from this October to next May to offer Royal Caribbean International’s longest-ever homeporting season there.

The company, which will operate 55 cruises during the period, is expected to bring an estimated 200,000 guests to ports in South East Asia.

The deployment of these three ships will increase Royal Caribbean’s capacity in 2017 in South East Asia by 30% over 2016.

To kick start the season is Mariner of the Seas from this October with 39 sailings until next March, ranging from three to seven nights to popular destinations such as Penang, Langkawi, Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang), Phuket, Bangkok (Laem Chabang) and Ho Chi Minh (Phu My). The new itineraries for the season are the 3-night Penang Weekend Cruise which will feature night touring and the 4-night Phuket Cruise.

Other highlights of Mariner of the Seas are the festive cruises for Christmas and New Year in December and Chinese New Year in January 2017 which come with special entertainment, decorations and feasts onboard. Theme cruises are also being lined up such as the Salsa Cruise this December featuring renowned international salsa dancers and the second Cosfest Sea Cruise next February where guests can look forward to a cosplay themed parade, anime party and treasure hunt.

One of Asia’s largest and newest ships, Ovation of the Seas, which was in Singapore in June, will be back in March to April 2017 with a total of 10 new sailings, comprising three to five nights to Penang, Phuket, Bangkok (Laem Chabang) and a 12-night one-way cruise to Tianjin with calls at Ho Chi Minh (Phu My) for an overnight, Hue/Danang (Chan May), Hong Kong and Seoul (Incheon). Ovation of the Seas alone is expected to add some 42,000 additional guests to the Singapore cruising scene, and delivering millions through in-port spend.

Following this will be Voyager of the Seas returning in May 2017 to offer six sailings of three to five night South East Asian itineraries to Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang), Penang, Phuket and an 8-night one-way cruise to Hong Kong, with stopovers at Bangkok (Laem Chabang) for an overnight, Ho Chi Minh (Phu My) and Nha Trang.

Next-Generation Cruise Amenities

Guests onboard the new 18-deck Ovation of the Seas will get to enjoy the ‘North Star’, an observation capsule that rises over 90 metres over the ocean; ‘Two70’ – a S$18.5 million hi-tech entertainment venue; cocktails served by robots at the ‘Bionic Bar’; skydiving and surfing experiences; interior virtual balconies with real-time ocean views; luxurious Loft suites with large living areas and private concierge service; and ‘SeaPlex’, the largest indoor activity space at sea – housing a basketball court, circus school, roller-skating, bumper cars and more.

Ovation of the Seas also boasts 18 restaurants with cuisines from around the globe, including imaginative cuisine at Wonderland, and Jamie’s Italian by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver; the fastest internet connection speeds at sea; and a collection of artwork valued at more than S$6 million.

The 15-deck, 3,800-guest Voyager Class ships Mariner of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas are also packed with entertainment and activities for guests of all ages, such as the Royal Promenade, ice skating rink, full-sized sports court and DreamWorks Entertainment. In addition, Voyager of the Seas comes with the FlowRider surf simulator.

Also included in the fare are meals in the main dining and buffet restaurants, accommodation, most entertainment and activities including theatre and ice shows, room service and Adventure Ocean activities for kids and teens, which is great value for money.

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