RCL expands into Hong Kong

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) has established an office in Hong Kong, expanding its presence in the Asia-Pacific region.

The company, which already has offices in Beijing and Shanghai, China, is also set to homeport Royal Caribbean International’s Voyager of the Seas in Hong Kong in summer 2015.

“As a global industry leader, RCL is committed to pursuing the exciting strategic opportunity that Asia in general and China in particular represent,” said Adam Goldstein, president and COO of RCL. “As a testament to our commitment and confidence in Hong Kong and the surrounding region, Voyager of the Seas, one of our flagship vessels, will offer sailings into and out of Hong Kong starting in the summer of 2015. To support our expansion, we have now established a fully staffed office in Hong Kong, building on our 20 years of success in the market.”

On 26 June, Voyager of the Seas will sail a six-night itinerary from Beijing to her new homeport in Hong Kong, where she will offer 22 sailings in October. The three- to ten-night cruises will call at ports in Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, as well as destinations in China.

“Hong Kong has immense potential as a homeport for Chinese vacationers to board a RCL cruise that helps make memories that will last a lifetime,” said Zinan Liu, regional vice president of Asia and managing director of China for RCL. “To ensure that we truly dazzle Hong Kong vacationers, who are sophisticated and trend-setting travellers, Voyager of the Seas will undergo an extensive bow-to-stern revitalization before she arrives in Hong Kong next summer.”

As part of its plan, RCL also will partner with the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB).

“We are excited that Royal Caribbean has decided to make Hong Kong one of its key homeports in the Asia Pacific, which is a vote of confidence in our city’s potential for the global cruise industry,” said Anthony Lau, executive director of HKTB. “Strategically located in Asia and with a host of experiences to offer, Hong Kong is a popular port among cruise travellers from not just Asia but around the world. In recent years, especially after the opening of the international-calibre Kai Tak Cruise Terminal last year, the HKTB has intensified promotion of Hong Kong’s appeal as a cruise destination through dedicated campaigns.”

In addition, RCL has entered into a non-binding memorandum of understanding with the Taiwan International Ports Company to co-develop Penghu Island cruise port. According to a statement released by the company, the site, which currently serves as a Taiwanese Navy Coast Guard facility, has “good infrastructure, but is relatively underdeveloped for tourism, offers beautiful beaches, ancient culture, natural beauty, and great local seafood cuisine.”

RCL expands into Hong Kong