Northstar

NEWS Industry Insights: Royal Caribbean in APAC An Interview with Ms. Jennifer Yap, managing director of Royal Caribbean Cruises (Asia) Pte Ltd How has Royal Caribbean progressed since it first started operations in Asia? On the brand Royal Caribbean International: Royal Caribbean International started its regular seasonal deployments in Asia Pacifi c since 2007 with Rhapsody of the Seas. With the company seeing strong prospects in the region for cruising, the brand increased its presence with year-round Asian sailings on Legend of the Seassince 2009, growing from 20 plus sailings with eight distinct itineraries in 2007 to over 70 sailings with close to 20 distinct itineraries this year, giving a more comprehensive coverage of the region. Also since 2007, its number of homeports has grown from three to fi ve today, namely Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Tianjin and Yokohama, allowing more cruisers across Asia to sail directly from home conveniently. In addition, we have two seasonal ships based in Sydney – Rhapsody of the Seas and joining her for the fi rst time this year, Radiance of the Seas. On the parent company Royal Caribbean Cruises: We have started our Asian journey with only one offi ce in Singapore. Today, we have offi ces also in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and Sydney. What are the new destinations that the brand intends to sail to in Asia? Legend of the Seas is offering an even greater variety of destinations and itineraries in Asia this year such as the new cruises to Malacca; Koh Samui and Bangkok; Bali, Semarang and Lombok earlier this year. It will be also adding a new port-of-call, Beppu in August as part of her North Asian itineraries. Will you be introducing any ships to Asia as the Legend of the Seas is a brand that is not too new. We have announced that we are bringing the 138,000-tonne cruise ship Voyager of the Seas to Asia in 2012, starting with a Singapore maiden season from May to June. Voyager of the Seas, known for its innovative, one- of-a-kind features such as the Royal Promenade and ice-skating rink, will be the largest and most exciting ship to ever homeport in Asia. Any plans to be more aggressive in promoting your fl y cruises in the other continents to the Asian market? We have always been active in promoting Royal Caribbean's worldwide fl y-cruises long before starting our regular Asian deployments especially our Mediterranean and Alaskan cruises which have always been the most popular with our guests. We are also seeing growing interest in up-and-coming destinations such as Scandinavia and Russia and the Caribbean. In the recent years with the launch of the newer and bigger ships of the Freedom Class and Oasis Class which sail in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, this has boosted our customers' interest and demand for our fl y-cruises as well. How different is Royal Caribbean as a brand as compared to Celebrity cruises and Azamar cruises? Royal Caribbean International Royal Caribbean International is a premium global brand that offers active and relaxing cruise vacations of unique experiences and exceptional service, which are great value-for-money. Its 22 innovative ships are renowned for their innovative, industry-fi rst amenities such as Ziplines, rock-climbing walls, ice-skating rinks and surf 8 | ■ TRAVELWEEKLY ASIA | 06 SEPTEMBER 2011 simulators. Its newest ships Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas are heralded as the largest and most revolutionary in the world with their signature neighborhood concept. It offers cruises in Alaska, Asia, Australia and South Pacific, the Caribbean, Canada and New England, Europe, Middle East and South America. Target audience: Travellers of all ages, including multi-generation families, couples and singles. Celebrity Cruises Celebrity Cruises is the ultimate in premium cruising, designed for discerning cruisers, with modern, sophisticated environments, impeccable service, enriching and inspiring onboard programs, and world-class cuisine. Celebrity sails in Alaska, California, Canada/New England, Europe, the Arctic Circle, the Pacific Coast, Panama Canal, South America, and year- round in the Caribbean and the Galapagos Islands. Celebrity's fl eet consists of 11 ships. Its newest Solstice Class ships present brand-defi ning, industry- fi rst features including a Lawn Club with real, growing grass, the Hot Glass Show with live glassblowing demonstrations, 10 unrivalled dining venues and a breadth of accommodations including a new category, AquaClass which offers a soothing, spa-focused ambiance. Target audience: Affl uent vacationers and past cruisers Azamara Club Cruises Azamara Club Cruises is a destination-immersive cruise line for upmarket travellers. Its two smaller 700-guest ships offer a more intimate onboard experience with access to more unique, off-the-beaten-path destinations, more overnights and later stays at ports that experienced travelers want to visit. Azamara sails in Europe, Asia, the Panama Canal, the less-traveled islands of the Caribbean, South America and the Antarctica. Its destination highlights include popular local events such as the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, the Monaco Grand Prix and grape harvest seasons in Europe; and some of the world's most spectacular golf courses. A boutique cruise line of distinction with a sophisticated yet relaxed way of travelling, Azamara features a boutique European hotel ambience, fine cuisine and wines from around the world, wellness and vitality programs and English butler service in suites. Most of all with one staff member for every two guests, Azamara's personal service is unparalleled. It also offers many complimentary amenities and services including select boutique red and white wines at lunch and dinner, bottled water, specialty coffees and teas, shuttle service to/from port communities at no charge where available and self-service laundry. Target audience: Upmarket and experienced cruisers and travellers Any plans to increase the headcount of Royal Caribbean's Asia Pacific Headquarters? We have expanded and moved into our current office last September. www.travelweeklyweb.com

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