PENANG: Royal Caribbean International has reaffirmed its confidence in Southeast Asia (SEA), including Malaysia as a destination and source market for cruise tourism.
The global cruise line said its largest ship, Quantum of the Seas, will return in the region for a six-month season in 2019 to 2020, bringing hundreds of thousands of tourists.
Its managing director, Asia-Pacific, Sean Treacy said the commitment to bring in bigger and better ships like Quantum of the Seas demonstrates Royal Caribbean’s confidence in the region to continue experiencing record-breaking growth.
“Over the past few years, Malaysia has grown to be one of the region’s most significant cruise destinations. Each port-of-call here is unique – Penang is rich in cultural and gastronomic attractions, while Kuala Lumpur offers attractive shopping and cultural options,” he said in a statement today.
Treacy believes that Malaysia will continue to be popular destination, which can appeal greatly to Quantum of the Seas’ guests from all different markets.
“Malaysia is also the fastest growing source market in the region for Royal Caribbean in the recent years.
“With a product like Quantum of the Seas in the region next year, this growth is expected to continue, and we look forward to growing the Malaysia cruise market together with our partners here,” he added.
He said Quantum of the Seas will also be revitalised prior to its return to SEA, noting that the multi-million dollar project will see the ship refreshed and upgraded to provide better cruise experience for guests in the region.
Out of its 34 sailings out from Singapore during the six months from November 2019 to April 2020, 27 of these sailings will visit Malaysia, making a total of 43 calls to Port Klang and Penang with around 190,000 tourist arrivals for both ports combined.
The cruise itineraries include four-night cruises to Penang or Phuket, five-night cruises to Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang), Penang and Phuket, a seven-night cruise to Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang), Penang and Phuket (with an overnight) and a seven-night cruise to Bangkok (Laem Chabang) (with an overnight) and Ho Chi Minh City.
The 18-deck high, 168,666 gross registered ton Quantum of the Seas which carries 4,905 guests in total currently offers the ‘North Star’, an observation capsule that rises 92 metres over the ocean.
The ship is also equipped with ‘Two70’ – a hi-tech entertainment venue; the ‘Bionic Bar’ with robotic bartenders; skydiving and surfing experiences; interior virtual balconies with real-time ocean views; and ‘SeaPlex’, the largest indoor activity space at sea – housing a basketball court, roller-skating, bumper cars and more.
The ship boasts 18 restaurant venues with cuisines from around the globe, including imaginative cuisine at Wonderland and Jamie’s Italian by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver.
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Keywords: cruise, tourism, Malaysia, Southeast Asia, Royal Caribbean International, Quantum of the Seas