Royal Caribbean International signed a new multimillion-dollar deal with the Singapore Tourism Board and Changi Airport Group to promote cruising out of Singapore and attract the cruise line’s largest number of overseas fly-cruise guests.

Running through 2018, the collaboration expects to bring in more than 170,000 overseas visitors to Singapore to sail on Royal Caribbean’s cruises over that period, resulting in a projected growth of more than 50 per cent. This will be achieved with a series of marketing campaigns, research studies and channel development activities, including partnerships with media and trade in Asian markets such as India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea and Taiwan as well as beyond the region in Australia, Europe and North America.

“Having deployed ships here regularly for the last seven years, Royal Caribbean now looks forward to its next phase of significant growth in Singapore. Our three-year deployment plan is our strongest commitment ever to this market and we see great potential in Singapore as a source market and regional cruise hub. We highly appreciate this collaboration which will be a tremendous support for our business goals in Singapore and Southeast Asia, as well as the strong efforts of the Singapore Government for being so proactive in driving the cruise business in the country,” said Sean Treacy, managing director, Singapore and Southeast Asia, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

Royal Caribbean also plans to increase its number of sailings from Singapore during this period to more than 40 a year. Currently, the cruise line’s 3,840-guest Mariner of the Seas makes around 30 voyages annually. Her next Singapore season will be the largest ever, starting from this October, featuring more long cruises of seven to 15 nights aimed at attracting more overseas fly-cruise guests.

“The tripartite collaboration is a significant development not just for Singapore but also for Southeast Asia. We hope Royal Caribbean’s commitment will inspire new cruise itineraries around the region to offer more reasons for travellers to take to cruising, and also motivate our neighbouring ports and destinations to invest and realise fully the tremendous potential of the Asian cruise industry,” said Neeta Lachmandas, assistant chief executive, Singapore Tourism Board.

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