By
Rebecca Gibson |
Royal Caribbean International’s (RCI) Mariner of the Seas, the largest cruise ship homeporting in Asia, started her maiden Asian season from Marina Bay Cruise Centre in Singapore on 1 June 2013.
Upon arrival, the vessel’s captain Flemming Nielsen exchanged plaques with Ong Huey Hong, director of the cruise division of Singapore Tourism Board, and Tan Chuan Lye, chairman of SATS-Creuers Cruise Services.
The 138,279-grt ship will be based in Singapore and Shanghai and is the fourth of RCI’s ships to homeport in the region, following Rhapsody of the Seas, Legend of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas.
“Mariner of the Seas’ arrival in Singapore marks yet another major milestone for Royal Caribbean as we set to keep growing with the region’s booming cruise market. She is our newest big attraction for Asia, which has something onboard to ‘wow’ everyone,” said Jennifer Yap, managing director of Royal Caribbean in Singapore.
The cruise vessel offers all of the signature Voyager Class features such as the Royal Promenade, ice skating rink and various sports facilities, as well as a three-tier theatre, themed bars and a mezzanine nightclub. The 3,807-guest ship also offers the DreamWorks Animation entertainment programme, the new Barbie Premium Experience and a range of dining venues, including a three-tier dining room and buffet restaurant, Chops Grille Steakhouse, Giovanni’s Table, Boardwalk Dog House and Johnny Rockets 50s-style American diner.
During her inaugural season in the Asian region, Mariner of the Seas will sail three- and four-night cruises from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur’s Port Klang and Langkawi in Malaysia, as well as ten-night trips to Vietnam, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea and Shanghai.
She will then offer North Asian cruises from Shanghai during the summer before returning to Singapore in November to offer Southeast Asian cruises until March 2014. These include a range of three, four and five-night cruises to Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Penang and Phuket, a seven-night cruise to Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City, and an 8-night cruise to Shanghai.
“The deployment of another Voyager-class ship in the region is a significant demonstration of RCI’s commitment to Asia. We are especially delighted that Mariner of the Seas will be sailing out of Singapore for her maiden Asian season,” said Lionel Yeo, chief executive at Singapore Tourism Board. “With our cruise infrastructure at Marina Bay and Harbourfront, established supporting industries and numerous air links, RCI can count on Singapore as a key gateway to grow its fly-cruise business for the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.”