Tag Archives: Spectrum of the Seas

Royal Caribbean Reveals China-Bound Spectrum of the Seas

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Spectrum of the Seas

Royal Caribbean International has announced details of the China-bound Spectrum of the Seas.

It will be the first of the line’s ships to have a private suite area, as the Quantum-class ship will also get new features, dining concepts and more for its 4,246 guests. The ship debuts in Shanghai next June.

“When Quantum of the Seas made her debut in Shanghai three years ago, it changed the face of cruising in China. Fast forward to today, and we are revealing just how we’ll transform the cruise vacation market, yet again, with the debut of Spectrum of the Seas,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “The introduction of our highly anticipated Quantum Ultra Class will represent a quantum leap forward in ship design and experiences specifically tailored to Chinese guests.”

SkyPad

Custom built for the Chinese market, the Spectrum of the Seas will feature new experiences, including the iconic Sky Pad, a virtual reality, bungee trampoline experience located on the aft of the ship. Guests will strap in and don their VR headset to transport them to another time and planet.

The first Quantum Ultra ship will debut Royal Caribbean’s first exclusive suites-only area, which will feature the exquisite Golden and Silver suite accommodations in a private enclave at the forward end of the ship on decks 13 through 16, the company said.

Vacationers booked in these luxury suites will have special keycard access, a private elevator and a dedicated restaurant and lounge. In addition to a range of exclusive amenities, guests will have access to The Balcony – a private outdoor space.

The ship will get a three-level main dining room with 1,844 seats to serve a variety of Chinese and Western a la carte options rotating each day of the sailing. For guests looking for a more casual venue, the Windjammer Marketplace – 20 per cent larger than those on Quantum Class ships – will offer a wide buffet selection of Chinese and Western dishes, including noodles, pizza, Japanese teppanyaki and mini hot pot.

Other speciality venues include Wonderland’s Dadong, a new outpost of Chinese chef Dong Zhenxiang, renowned for his much-coveted roast duck dish; Jamie’s Italian by British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver; Izumi Japanese cuisine; and Chops Grille will join the lineup as well. In addition, the new Leaf and Bean traditional tea room and café parlour will debut on the Royal Esplanade. The spot will offer a range of authentic Chinese teas, classic coffee drinks as well as freshly baked Chinese and Western desserts and pastries.

Also for the local market will be Star Moment, a lively and energetic karaoke, the company said.

The cruise line also will enhance SeaPlex – the largest indoor sports and entertainment complex at sea where families can enjoy bumper cars, roller skating and basketball – with new augmented reality walls and floors.

When Spectrum of the Seas debuts in April 2019, she will sail a 51-night transit voyage from Barcelona, Spain to Shanghai.

Meanwhile, the iconic and widely popular Quantum of the Seas will sail her farewell season from Shanghai before moving to Tianjin in summer 2019. The Voyager of the Seas is set to return to Hong Kong and Shenzhen for the summer and will sail a variety of itineraries calling on Vietnam, Japan and the Philippines.

Costa Serena Becomes Largest Ship to Dock in Vladivostok

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Costa Serena in Vladivostok

The Costa Serena has made history in Russia as it became the largest ever cruise ship to dock in Vladivostok earlier this week, with more than 3,000 guests aboard on a cruise from South Korea’s Busan, also having called in Sokcho.

The ship was chartered by Lotte Tour, a Korean travel agency.

Maiden Call Ceremony in Vladivostok

The Costa Serena’s passengers and crew were greeted by hospitable welcome ceremony, organized by Vladivostok Sea Terminal in partnership with shipping agency, tour operator and prepared by Far Eastern State Technical Fisheries University, which presented their artistic program with drummers, singers and dancers.

Among the VIPs present for the call were the head of tourism in Primorsky Territory Government’ as well as the consul general from the Korean embassy.

The port noted record time for immigration clearance, with all guest being cleared within two-and-a-half hours and the first group in under 30 minutes.

Costa Serena in Vladivostok

Tour programs included the highlights of Vladivostok and a Transsiberian railway experience, among others.

The port and its tour operators arranged 79 total buses and 79 Korean-speaking tour guides for the call.

A maiden call ceremony on the ship included Governor Andrey Tarasenk as well as other local officials and the ship’s officers and CEO of Vladivostok Sea Terminal LLC  Valeryi Nagornyi.

The port is looking forward to dredging and pier improvements ahead of welcoming the Quantum and Spectrum of the Seas in 2019.

Spectrum of the Seas to Drive Chinese Demand

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Image result for spectrum of the seas royal caribbean
Sunshine of the Seas pictured above.

When the new Spectrum of the Seas debuts in China in 2019, the Quantum-ultra class vessel will have features that should drive demand in the Chinese market, according to Dr. Zinan Liu, president China and North Asia-Pacific, Royal Caribbean International.

Liu said announcements would follow in the coming months. He continues to be bullish on the Chinese cruise market.

“Frankly speaking in the past two years, there have been some issues, even setbacks in the Chinese market,” Liu said. “The industry ebbs and flows, that is business law. The industry won’t redefine the laws of economics, we have to follow the pattern of supply and demand.

“Personally, I am not very concerned about the recent weakening,” Liu continued, in a speech at China Cruise Shipping.

“When the price drops, some companies may choose to exit. When the market thrives, newcomers join the ranks. That is the result of supply and demand. Leading cruise lines are adjusting their capacity as to maximize the return on investment.”

Among areas of concern, he said, was port development to keep up with a growing cruise fleet. As well as continuing a path of sustainable development. Other challenges include offering more diverse itineraries, as well as better shore excursions.

Liu said excursions for the Chinese cruise guest have been dominated by shopping trips, and the company is now working to add more cultural offerings for the 2018 season.