Singapore fly-cruise sector takes off with Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean has entered into a new agreement aimed at boosting Singapore’s fly-cruise sector.

The cruise company has signed its second multi-million dollar marketing partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Changi Airport Group, aimed at encouraging more international travellers to take a cruise holiday from Singapore.

According to the STB, this latest partnership is projected to generate more than SG$26 million (US$18m) in tourism revenues, bringing around 45,000 overseas fly-cruise travellers to Singapore this year to sail on Ovation of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas. The partnership can be extended for subsequent years if it proves a success.

This extended partnership follows the initial fly-cruise agreement signed in August 2015 for Mariner of the Seas’ ex-Singapore sailings.

“This second collaboration with Royal Caribbean International and Changi Airport Group reiterates our commitment to grow Singapore’s cruise industry and position Singapore as the fly-cruise hub of Asia,” said Annie Chang, STB’s director of cruise.

“That Royal Caribbean is increasing its homeported sailings in Singapore also signals the success of our partnership in driving cruise tourism for Asia – a long-standing relationship we’ve had for the past 10 years.”

Royal Caribbean has also revealed details of its longest-ever deployment in Singapore, with a total of 72 sailings onboard the Mariner of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas scheduled for 2017-2018.

“The announcement of Royal Caribbean’s longest deployment for the next three years is a reflection of how multi-sector collaborations like these are vital to developing the local and regional cruise industry. It is these partnerships that enable Royal Caribbean to bring bigger and more innovative ships to Singapore, enhancing the cruise experience for travellers and ultimately growing the industry here,” said Sean Treacy, Royal Caribbean’s managing director for Asia Pacific.

Royal Caribbean’s 2017 Singapore season kicked off on Monday (6 March 2017) when Ovation of the Seas docked in the city. The ship is due to operate 10 sailings from the Lion City, and Royal Caribbean revealed that more than half of the ship’s bookings have come from overseas, with the five- and 12-night sailings proving to be popular.