Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1116820
Feature MICE Cruise 48 MAY-JUN 2019 MEETINGS & CONVENTIONS MCMAG-ASIA.COM Singapore within the next four to 24 hours. "[They] can check in at the terminal with their luggage and get their boarding passes for their ights. Then, they can enjoy their free time in Singapore, free of lugguage, and head to the airport just 45 to 60 minutes before their ight directly through immigation and to the departure gate," explained Wong. Currently, the service is available to those ying on nine airlines, which include Singapore Airlines, China Eastern, Qantas and Turkish Airlines. With the opening of Jewel Changi Airport on April 17, y-cruise passengers can also look forward to a new service, which transfers their luggage from their arriving ight to their departing vessel. There is also a dedicated lounge that provides passengers with a comfortable waiting area, as well as services like shuttle transfers to the cruise terminal, according to Ivan Tan, group senior vice president, corporate and marketing communications, Changi Airport Group. After the cruise concludes, they can take advantage of the airport's early check-in facilities should they choose to arrive earlier to explore its many attractions before ying home. In Hong Kong, Kai Tak Cruise Terminal also oers a bevvy of facilities that are tailored for groups. Noting that smooth assembly and dispersal are key concerns for planners, Je Bent, managing director of World Wide Cruise Terminals, said, "Kai Tak Cruise Terminal makes a great staging area for MICE cruise groups, as it has 70 coach bays and lay-bys, four halls of approximately 3,000 sqm, and a banqueting facility that seats 800 comfortably." Additionally, the terminal's apron area allows helicopter landings and take-os, so VIPs can arrive in style for their cruise. A cruise ship can be an excellent choice for memorable events. With cruise lines, terminal operators and destinations jointly working together to plot a smooth course for business cruise events, this is likely to help spur the demand for more meetings at sea. "While cruise meetings and incentives are usually negotiated between the planners and cruise lines, we work closely with both parties to ensure their pre- and post- cruise experience meet the MICE group's expectations." LIONEL WONG, CEO OF SATS CREUERS CRUISE SERVICES CREUERS CRUISE SERVICES Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore. Left: MBCCS visitor centre.