Royal Caribbean has been a big player in China’s nascent cruise industry but some are concerned that obstacles in the near-future will hamper its growth overall.
Royal Caribbean chairman in Shanghai, Liu Zinan, feels tighter integration between the cruise companies and government is essential, “The government, the local authorities, need to support the cruise lines in exercising international practice here.”
Since cruise tourism was introduced in China less than 10 years ago, five cruise terminals have been built at an estimated cost of more than 4.5 billion yuan (US$736 million). Three more are under construction and another six are in the pipeline.
Royal Caribbean estimates in Shanghai and Tianjin, the combined investment in cruise infrastructure has topped 12.3 billion yuan.
The danger lies in these facilities not returning on the investment, with losses common thus far.
June 28, 2013Expats and tourists around the world are uniting to celebrate our nation’s birthday this Independence DayBy: Veronika Perkowski
Americans abroad can still celebrate Independence Day if they know where to look.
No matter where you find yourself on the Fourth of July this year, chances are there is a nearby Independence Day celebration to attend. Whether you are an international resident, out of the country on business or simply taking a vacation, the opportunity to feel right at home is there.
American clubs, expat meet-up groups, U.S. embassies and political organizations are just a few of the groups that organize Independence Day festivities around the world. Check out what’s going on in the following international cities as America’s biggest party goes global.
London
What better place to celebrate Independence Day than in the very country from which our founders came? Take a stroll or a bus tour through the city, and you will see monuments of America’s greatest heroes at almost every turn — Abraham Lincoln stands over Parliament Square, Martin Luther King Jr. can be found in Westminster Abbey and George Washington poses with his cane in Trafalgar Square. You can even pay a visit to the only remaining home of American founding father Benjamin Franklin where cake and champagne will be served on July 4 in honor of Independence Day.
London’s Ealing Beer Festival, which takes place at Walpole Park from July 3 to 6, is also getting into the red, white and blue spirit by dedicating July 4 to a special selection of American imported beers. If a beer festival isn’t your idea of family fun, have a picnic in London’s beautiful Battersea Park, where the American expat community has been known to put on Independence Day fireworks displays in the past.
Benjamin Franklin House event
Rome
When in Rome, join the American International Club of Rome for its annual Independence Day celebration. The party takes place on Saturday, July 6 near Piazza dei Giuochi Delfici. Visitors can enjoy a barbecue picnic, live music by both Revolution Jazz Band and DJ Franco as well as a chance to win raffle prizes ranging from a portrait painted by Dutch artist Els Vink to a treatment at Victoria Regeneration Spa. Not only will there be face-painting, craft tables, slip-n-slides and lawn games for the kids, but the U.S. Marine Color Guard will present the Colors and the Star Spangled Banner.
American International Club of Rome
Shanghai
Stubb’s Legendary Bar-B-Q is the place to be for Americans spending their Fourth of July in Shanghai this year. The American restaurant, which originated in Lubbock, Texas, is hosting an authentic Southern-style celebration complete with line dancing, live music and more. In addition to food promotions on all barbecue plates and sliders, happy hour is celebrated for the whole day on July 4. Live music starts at 5 p.m. and the party doesn’t end until 1:30 a.m.
Stubb’s Legendary Bar-B-Q event
Singapore
If you are looking to celebrate Independence Day a little early in Singapore this year, you’re in luck. The American Association of Singapore’s annual festivities wlll place on Saturday, June 29 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Singapore American School. Not only is the event completely free but it includes music, food, drinks, games, formal ceremonies and a fireworks show.
For those staying in Singapore on the weekend of July 4, The American Club is hosting its biggest yet, four-day celebration that will run from Thursday, July 4 through Sunday, July 7. On Independence Day, there will be a poolside Texas-style barbecue, live music and DJs, cake-cutting, lucky draw giveaways and face-painting. Events in the following days include the Atomic Wing Challenge, a free dessert and coffee tasting, free wine tasting, Mitolo wine dinner and finally a relaunch of the club’s Sizzling Sunday BBQ.
Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas makes maiden call to Tokyo
IN: Japan ~ Voyager of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas made her first ever stop in Tokyo over the weekend, which begins a season of stops to Japan’s capital.
Voyager of the Seas arrived from Shanghai, China and will be based in a Japanese port for the first time. She will offer Tokyo sailings ranging from 5 to 6 nights visiting Busan, Jejuand Nagasaki until early May, including one cruise chartered by Club Tourism, a major tour operator in Japan.
As part of Voyager of the Seas’ first stop in Tokyo, a traditional plaque exchange between Voyager of the Seas’ Captain, Charles Teige and Mitsuchika Tarao, Director General, Bureau of Port & Harbor, Tokyo.
Royal Caribbean’s Regional Director, Asia Pacific Mr Kelvin Tan said, “We are proud to bring Voyager of the Seas to Japan to let our fans here experience directly from home Royal Caribbean’s signature international and innovative cruising style. Japan is one of our top markets in Asia, and we are very encouraged by the strong response from this market for these cruises. We will continue to work with our Japanese representatives, agents and partners to bring more of such cruises to Japan.”
Royal Caribbean chairman in Shanghai, Liu Zinan, feels tighter integration between the cruise companies and government is essential, “The government, the local authorities, need to support the cruise lines in exercising international practice here.”
Voyager of the Seas arrived from Shanghai, China and will be based in a Japanese port for the first time. She will offer Tokyo sailings ranging from 5 to 6 nights visiting Busan, Jejuand Nagasaki until early May, including one cruise chartered by Club Tourism, a major tour operator in Japan.
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