Royal Caribbean have revealed unpredicted plans to base newest ship Quantum of the Seas in China next year.
During a time when the Asian cruise market is rapidly growing, Shanghai will now be home to the newest and most innovative ship in the world. Following a previous announcement that Quantum of the Seas will sail from New Jersey, USA it has now been revealed a complete change of plan is taking place to cater for the increasing Asian cruise market.
The new 4,180 passenger ship will reposition to Shangahi in May 2015 and sail three to eight night sailings to Japan and Korea.
She will be joining two other Royal Caribbean ships currently dedicated to the Chinese market, Mariner of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas. The addition of Quantum of the Seas will boast the company’s capacity in Asia to 66%. Liberty of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas are now set to be based in New Jersey in her place.
Adam Goldstein, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean said "We feel like we have an asset here with Quantum of the Seas that is not really possible for our competitors to match. We have been step-by-step building up our presence in Asia in general and the China market in particular ... and it has been (going) very well for us."
By Sally Grimes