Royal Caribbean Set for International Calls on Singapore Cruises

Royal Caribbean International is adding international port calls on cruises to Singapore for the first time after restarting cruising in late 2020.

The Spectrum of the Seas begins cruising to popular destinations in Malaysia on June 30, with calls set for Penang and Kuala Lumpur on new three- and four-night itineraries.

“We are thrilled to be the first cruise line in Singapore to reconnect holidaymakers with Asia’s beautiful destinations once again. The vibrant and culture-rich cities of Penang and Kuala Lumpur have so much to offer, and that is only the beginning,” said Angie Stephen, vice president and managing director, Asia-Pacific, Royal Caribbean International.

“After more than two years, the excitement from guests, both locals and fly cruisers, along with our travel partners is undeniable. Singapore is a top destination in and of itself, and its proximity to neighbouring countries makes it easy to venture out and explore. There’s no better way to take full advantage of this than by taking a cruise, where guests can enjoy the ultimate combination of thrills, entertainment, dining and activities as they sail from one idyllic destination to the next on Spectrum of the Seas.”

“We have been working closely with various governments in Southeast Asia to align on cruise protocols and policies, and are excited to bring back port calls in Malaysia for sailings as a start,” said Annie Chang, Director of Cruise, Singapore Tourism Board. “Port calls will provide more vacation options and we look forward to seeing more first-time and repeat cruisers in the coming year as more ports in the region open up.”

The majority of cruise passengers believe sailings are “ideal for people of ages”

P&O Britannia in the Caribbean sun, photo credit Spacejunkie2

Cruise specialist Cruise.co.uk asked 850 consumers to name what they viewed as the three main misconceptions about cruising.

The most common mistaken belief identified by the survey was that cruise “is only for retired people”, with more than half (54%) of those polled believing cruise holidays are actually “ideal for people of all ages”.
  
The next misconception is cruises are “expensive”. Just under half (42%) of respondents felt there are cruise holidays to suit every budget, and compared to other types of holidays, they are “extremely” good value.

The third preventing people from booking a cruise was “seasickness”. More than a third (38%) maintain modern ships, with their advanced stabilisation, ensuring it’s “plain sailing” onboard.
 
Overall, 84% of respondents said there are still misconceptions about cruising among the general public, but 32% said there are fewer misconceptions than there were two years ago, as more people try cruising for the first time.

Tony Andrews, deputy managing director of Cruise.co.uk, said the survey “lifts the lid” on some of those “tired cliches we’ve all heard about cruise holidays”.

“There are cruises out there for all ages, from young families stepping onboard a ship for the first time to senior sailors toasting a happy retirement,” he said.

“And there’s so much more to enjoy onboard these days – from incredible spas, pools and even water parks to ice rinks, climbing walls and West End quality shows – everyone can make the most of their time onboard and explore new destinations in comfort.”

The wonder of the Seas Arrives in Barcelona for Summer Season

Royal Caribbean International’s Wonder of the Seas has arrived in Barcelona, Spain, to kick off a summer full of European cruises.

The fifth ship in the cruise line’s Oasis Class line-up sets course for the Mediterranean on seven-night cruises from Barcelona and Rome beginning Sunday.

Calls include Florence, Naples and Capri, Italy; Provence, France; and Malaga, Spain.

The Wonder’s Western Mediterranean sailings will continue through October, rounding out a summer splash in Europe with eight action-packed ships, including Odyssey of the Seas – also marking its first season in Europe.

In November, the Wonder will return to the U.S. to sail from its new year-round home in Port Canaveral, Florida, to explore the Caribbean and The Bahamas, including the cruise line’s private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay.