Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/914379
22 | www.travelweekly-asia.com THE COMPANY: Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) is a global cruise vacation company that owns and operates three global brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises. Royal Caribbean International, the largest and most innovative global cruise brand in the world, has continuously redefined cruise vacationing in Asia. It operates six cruise ships in Asia Pacific. MILESTONES IN ASIA • RCL celebrates its 10th anniversary in Asia, and has since grown from one ship with six sailings, to three ships, Mariner of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas, and Ovation of the Seas, with over 70 sailings in a year. • Since 2015, RCL has introduced to Asia the region's largest and most revolutionary Quantum Class ships along with first-at-sea amenities. "Royal Caribbean has lined up spectacular programmes with amazing ships for 2018, starting with our longest ever Southeast Asia season with over 70 sailings. In the Mediterranean next year, we'll also launch the world's largest and most innovative ship, Symphony of the Seas." – Sean Treacy, managing director, Asia Pacific THE COMPANY: It caters to the high-end market in China and Asia, aims to be a pacesetter in the cruise industry in the region, and offers inspirational luxury, which is Asian at heart and international in spirit. THE AWARDS: Best Cruise Line – Entertainment Best New Ship: Genting Dream Dream Cruises MILESTONES IN ASIA • Launched new cruise brand in Asia with the debut of Genting Dream and World Dream within one year. • As of October 2017, with 73 homeport cruise calls of Genting Dream in Guangzhou (Nansha), it has seen passenger numbers grow to over 260,000, resulting in the port becoming one of China's top three. • Since Dream Cruises' debut of Genting Dream last November, the brand and ship have garnered a Star Performer Top Ten rating in the Berlitz Cruising and Cruise Guide 2018. THE COMPANY: The world's largest travel and leisure company has plied the seas of the world for 69 years, offering guests a chance to visit over 250 destinations. Costa Cruises operates in regions including the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Baltic Sea, Caribbean, Central America, South America and the United Arab Emirates, Indian Ocean, Asia Pacific and Africa. THE AWARD: Best Cruise Line – Service Excellence Costa Cruises MILESTONES IN ASIA • First international cruise company to enter Asia Pacific and China in 2006. • In 2013, Costa Cruises more than doubled its capacity in Asia with Costa Atlantica's first port of call in Singapore. "Our goal is to consistently provide luxury vacation experiences that exceed guests' expectations through the delivery of unique destinations and outstanding value."– Thatcher Brown, president "We're proud to announce the arrival of Costa Cruises' new flagship, Costa Venezia, which will be entering service in 2019, followed by a new fleet entering service in 2020. The investment in two new dedicated ships demonstrates our strong commitment to Asia." – Ali Wong, business development director THE AWARDS: Best Cruise Line – Asia Pacific Best Cruise Line – Family Royal Caribbean International • In 2019, to kick off Costa's new decade in Asia, Costa Venezia will enter service. It will be the first Costa ship built and designed specifically for Asian and Chinese guests.