Royal Caribbean have announced that Voyager of the Seas will cruise in Asia in 2012. In the same week, the cruise line has also formally announced a new strategic relationship with the Xiamen municipal government and China World Cruises, that will see CWC chartering Legend of the Seas for a total of four months in 2012.
The 137,000 tonne Voyageur of the Seas, is among the 10 largest and most innovative cruise ships in the world and she will begin her inaugural Asian season in May 2012. The ship will offer a wide variety of itineraries from three and four night sailings in the region to 14 and 18 night cruises.
Dr. Zinan Liu, Group Managing Director of China and Asia for Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, said: "We have a leading market position in China. Customer demand is strengthening and we’re responding by increasing our commitment to the region with an additional, bigger ship, to offer a wider range of itineraries to even more ports."
"Voyager of the Seas deployment to Asia is another milestone for Royal Caribbean International, and a mark of our confidence and commitment to the region’s potential, as well as part of our global growth strategy," says Michael Bayley, executive vice president of International, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
Royal Caribbean's strategic relationship and chartering of the Legend of the Seas to the Xiamen municipal government and China World Cruises highlights the growth of the Chinese cruise market in recent years.
Dr. Zinan Liu said: "This is an incredible opportunity for Royal Caribbean International, the Xiamen municipal government and China World Cruises, and is truly unique to the fast growing cruise industry in Asia. We are the first cruise brand to bring together the support of the government and local private industry."
George Buge Zhang, President of China World Cruises explained: "We believe Royal Caribbean International is the right cruise brand to work with in developing the cruise industry in China. In just a few years, they’ve established themselves as the market leader and proven they understand local market conditions and Chinese guests’ needs and preferences."
Combined, Voyageur of the Seas and Legend of the Seas will offer 49 sailings out of China in 2012, with Xiamen becoming Royal Caribbean's fourth home port in the region after Shanghai, Tianjin and Hong Kong.
Written by Troy McGuire
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