Queen Elizabeth 2 To Become a 500 Room Hotel and Attraction in Asia

Queen Elizabeth 2 to become a Hotel in Asia

QE2 Dubai, has the pleasure to announce that MS Queen Elizabeth 2 Known popularly as (QE2) will be moved today to Drydocks World Dubai for undertaking classification checks prior to her renovation as a luxury floating hotel.


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Princess Cruises Adds 2 New Asia Cruises in 2013

Princess Cruises Add 2 Additional Asia Cruises Due to Delayed Drydocking

  Princess Cruises has just announced two special new Asia cruise opportunities, offering unique itineraries that explore some of the most alluring ports in the region.

Departing in October and November 2013 aboard Diamond Princess, these 10- and 11-day Asia cruises sail roundtrip from Singapore, taking in some of the best of Southeast Asia’s ports of call, including Bangkok, Bali, Nha Trang and Phuket, as well as two ports not usually visited on Diamond Princess itineraries – Penang, Malaysia and Sihanoukville, Cambodia.

“Because we’ve rescheduled Diamond Princess’ drydock during this time, it has opened up a great opportunity for us to present travelers with some intriguing new Asia options,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “These sailings offer a memorable travel opportunity for those who have always wanted to explore Southeast Asia.”

The new cruises are:

Southeast Asia – 11 Days (Departing October 24, 2013)
Sailing roundtrip from Singapore, Diamond Princess will call at Brunei, Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, Sihanoukville (Cambodia), Bangkok, and Ko Samui in Thailand.

Malaysia Peninsula & Indonesia – 10 days (Departing November 4, 2013)
Also cruising roundtrip from Singapore, passengers will explore exotic Bali, Malaysia’s Capital of Kuala Lumpur, Penang (Malaysia), and Thailand’s beach resort of Phuket.

For those with more time, both sailings can be combined into a 21-day Southeast Asia Grand Adventure.

Passengers on these sailings can enjoy shore excursion options that include some of Asia’s most intriguing sights and experiences, including the stunningly beautiful Grand Palace in Bangkok, Long Son Pagoda with its bird’s-eye view of Nha Trang, the skilled artisans of Mas Village in Bali, and Phuket’s most important Buddhist temple at Wat Chalong. An overland excursion offers visitors the opportunity to visit the magnificent Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

Fares for Diamond Princess’ new Asia cruises begin at $1,449 per person, based on double occupancy.

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SeaDream Cruises SeaDream II to Sail in Asia in Late 2013

SeaDream Yacht Cruises Sails to Asia in 2013 onboard the SeaDream II

Prompted by demand from it’s very loyal Club members, SeaDream Yacht Club has just released full details on its plans to sail a series of voyages in Asia and Northern Australia beginning in late 2013. The line reports that one of its twin mega-yachts, SeaDream II will sail to Asia after completing her 2013 Mediterranean season. Sure to be a unique voyage, the “Passage to the Far East” will depart Athens, Greece in October 2013 and include a transit of the Suez Canal, excursions to Egypt’s fascinating archeological sites (accompanied by Egyptologist) and calls to several other intriguing destinations before arriving in Mumbai, India. From Mumbai, the yacht will sail to Singapore and the Far East, planning to offer 18 unique voyages in the region. Voyages are 7 to 15 days long, but most may be combined as a back-to-back voyage for a lengthier holiday.  

Scheduled to stay in Asia through April 2014, itineraries include numerous exotic ports in several different countries including Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar (Burma), East Timor, Northern Australia, Indonesia, New Guinea, Vietnam, Cambodia and Hong Kong. “Whether you crave the peace and tranquility of undiscovered beaches and islands or the exhilarating energy and buzz of foreign cities, Asia offers something for everyone” said SeaDream’s President, Bob Lepisto. Adding, “Virtually every country in the region is accessible by water and SeaDream’s yachting itineraries include an incredible mix of commercial cities, pristine beaches and impressive historical sites. We’ve planned very unique calls, such as the little-visited islands of the Burmese Mergui Archipelago in the Andaman Sea and Sanya, on Hainan Island in China.”

Each voyage offers exciting and unique ports of call. Highlights include:

•  Overnight, 2-day stay in Yangon, Myanmar (Burma), site of The Shwedagon Pagoda. Optional full day excursions by air to Mandalay and Bagan; a valley covered with 2,000 pagodas and temples.
• Yachting the beautiful Langkawi Archipelago of Malaysia.
• Visiting “the beach” (made famous by Leonardo DiCaprio in the movie “The Beach”) in the Phi Phi Islands of Thailand. 
• Diving the vibrant underwater paradise of Thailand’s, Similan Islands National Park. 
• Playing great golf in Malaysia, Phuket and at the Andaman Club, a five star golf resort & casino on Thahtay Kyun Island, Burma.
• Spending New Year’s Eve in Patong Bay, Phuket, Thailand. A night of fireworks and thousands of floating, candlelit paper “magic lanterns”.
• Exploring the world heritage site of Halong Bay, Vietnam; one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
• Seeing giant monitor lizards on Komodo Island. 
•  From Singapore, pre & post voyage overland packages to Cambodia including Angkor Wat and the many famous temples. Also from Singapore, overland packages to Borobudur (UNESCO site) and Yogyakarta, site of the Prambanan Temple. 

SeaDream first shared the news with their devoted past guests and their travel professionals, allowing their Club members to be the first to reserve space, on what are expected to be highly sought after voyages.

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Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas 2013 Deployment to Asia

Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas 2013 Deployment to Asia

At a press conference in Beijing, China, executives from Royal Caribbean International announced that the recently revitalized Mariner of the Seas will head to Asia in June 2013 and offer numerous itineraries from China and Singapore to Southeast Asia, Japan and Korea throughout the rest of the year.

The addition of a second 3,114-guest ship to China, to join Voyager of the Seas, illustrates the company’s commitment to the growing cruise industry in Asia. Together, they represent the two largest capacity and most innovative cruise ships operating in the region. 

Richard D. Fain, chairman and chief executive officer of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., and Adam Goldstein, president and chief executive officer of Royal Caribbean International, made the announcement with Dr. Zinan Liu, group managing director for China and Asia.  

Royal Caribbean International will deploy Mariner of the Seas to China in June 2013. Offering a wide variety of itineraries, ranging from three nights to 12 nights, the move is designed to offer additional capacity to a fast growing Chinese cruise vacation population, as well as attract cruise guests from around the world to visit China and sail around Asia.  The ship will adopt the same product customizations made for Voyager of the Seas' entry in the market – including Chinese-style menus, as well as enhanced retail and entertainment offerings, and language services.

“The opportunities to attract guests from China to cruise are abundant,” says Goldstein.  “Mariner of the Seas recently received a host of Royal Advantage enhancements and I’m confident cruisers here will be amazed by the Oasis-class innovations available for everyone of all ages on this ship.”

“We’ve made it clear we see Asia in general, and China in particular, as a strategic objective,” adds Fain.  “We have been so pleased by the market’s response to bringing Voyager of the Seas to Asia that it made strategic sense to send a second ship of equal size.”

Mariner of the Seas weighs 138,279 gross registered tons, spans 15 guest decks and was built in Turku, Finland before making its maiden voyage in 2003.  The ship will depart the Caribbean in April and head to Singapore and onto China via Dubai and the Suez Canal. 

“This is another major step forward, in a short period of time, for the cruise industry in China,” says Dr. Liu.  “The feedback from guests sailing with Royal Caribbean has been tremendously positive, and we look forward to continuing to work with other Chinese ports and travel partners to further develop the country’s overall cruise economy,” says Dr. Zinan. 

When she sails into China in June 2013, Mariner of the Seas will offer guests the benefits of the multi-million dollar Royal Advantage strategy, including enhanced staterooms and other innovative features that Royal Caribbean International has created in recent years.  As well as a greater variety of new onboard dining and entertainment options, there will be:

• Outdoor movie screen:  A giant outdoor screen overlooking the pool deck.
• Royal Promenade:  An indoor “main street” stretching nearly the full length of the middle of the ship, lined with places to eat, drink, shop and be entertained.   
• “Studio B” Ice Rink:  An ice skating rink for guests that doubles as a 700-seat venue for ice show productions with world-class figure skaters.
• Boardwalk Dog House:  A casual eatery for guests to enjoy a range of brats, links, wieners and dogs.
• New Technology:  Guests will enjoy pervasive Wi-Fi, interactive flat-panel televisions in staterooms, and electronic mustering. 
• Digital Wayfinding Systems:  Onboard activities, real time updates, customized directions and routing, as well as ship factoids will all be at guests’ fingertips with new plasma and LCD touch screen signs prominently placed throughout the ship.
• Sports facilities including an inline skating track, Royal Caribbean’s signature rock-climbing wall, a 9-hole mini golf course, a golf simulator, a full size sports court with a basketball court, three swimming pools and six whirlpools.

There’s also the cruise line's signature Viking Crown Lounge, the Schooner Bar, Casino Royale, a 1,400-square meter Day Spa & Fitness Center, and complimentary Adventure Ocean youth program.  In addition to a fabulous range of activities, the ship offers conference facilities which provide the ideal environment for corporate meetings. 

Underscoring the significance of the growing Chinese cruise economy and established desire to sail with Royal Caribbean International, Voyager of the Seas is confirmed to return to China in 2013 for a second season.  Meanwhile, Legend of the Seas, which has operated out of Singapore and Shanghai for the past three years, will return to Europe.   

About Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 22 innovative ships, calling on more than 270 destinations in 72 countries across six continents. The line also offers unique cruise tour land packages in Alaska, Canada, Dubai, Europe, and Australia and New Zealand. 

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Holland America Adds 3 More Segment to 2012 Grand Asia and Australia Cruises

Amsterdam - Holland America Line - Asia and Australia Cruises

Holland America Line has added three new segments to ms Amsterdam’s 75-day Grand Asia & Australia Voyage in fall 2012. Ranging from 20 to 30 days, the new segments set sail in October and November and span from China to California.

The full voyage departs Seattle, Wash., Sept. 21 and explores the wonders of Asia, Western Australia and the South Pacific on a 75-day cruise. The new segments still offer comprehensive and intriguing voyages, just shorter.  Guests on any of these new segments will enjoy overnight calls, late departures and plenty of time to discover this magical part of the world.

 

“These segments are a great option for travelers who want an exotic cruise but don’t have the time to take the full voyage,” said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. “We already have several segments to choose from on this Grand Voyage, but the three new additions allow us to cater to our travelers with endless possibilities in terms of which countries they want to see in a shorter period of time.”
 
The first new segment is a 30-day voyage from Xingang (Beijing), China, to Sydney, Australia, departing Oct. 12, 2012. Guests begin their voyage with an overnight call in  Beijing where they can visit historic sites such as Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Great Wall and National Stadium/"Bird's Nest" from the 2008 Olympics. Three additional overnights in Shanghai, Hong Kong, China, and Singapore, provide guests with an in-depth experience and allow for time to take a tour, visit the sites, go shopping and indulge in local cuisine.
 
Additional highlights on this segment include calls in  Vietnam, three ports in Indonesia —including Semarang with the impressive Borobudur Temple and Komodo Island, home to the infamous Komodo dragon — a call in  Papua New Guinea and three calls in Australia.

Fares for the 30-day segment from Xingang (Beijing) to Sydney begin at $4,499 per person, double occupancy.
The new 20-day segment from Hong Kong to Brisbane, Australia, embarks Oct. 20 and departs Oct. 21 following an overnight alongside in the bustling Chinese city.  This segment also calls in Vietnam, Semarang and Komodo, Indonesia, with an overnight in Singapore. Following calls in Darwin, Australia, and Papua New Guinea, the voyage concludes in Brisbane.
 
Fares for the 20-day segment from Hong Kong to Brisbane begin at $2,999 per person, double occupancy.
 
Guests looking to combine exciting port calls throughout Eastern Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific with leisurely days at sea can embark on the new 27-day segment sailing from Brisbane to San Diego on Nov. 9, 2012. In addition to Eden, Australia, guests will have an overnight call in Sydney where they can visit the famed Opera House, climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge or go in search of a cuddly koala.
 
New Zealand is the ship’s next destination, with calls in Waitangi (Bay of Islands) and Auckland, the City of Sails. Amsterdam continues to sail across the Pacific Ocean with calls in Lautoka, Fiji; Apia, Samoa Island, and three ports in the Hawaiian Islands before arriving in San Diego. Guests will achieve two cruising milestones while on this segment: crossing the international dateline and crossing the equator.
 
Fares for the 27-day segment from Brisbane to San Diego begin at $4,199 per person, double occupancy. 


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Princess Cruises Father's Day Sale

Princess Cruises Diamond Princess

Princess Cruises is celebrating Father’s Day with a special five-day cruise sale from June 14-18. Passengers will find cruise deals perfect for Dad to destinations such as Asia, Australia & New Zealand, Europe, the Caribbean and Hawaii.

The Father’s Day Sale offers passengers savings up to 60 percent off of launch fares per stateroom, plus up to $100 onboard credit. The sale includes more than 80 cruise options in 2012, departing between August and December.

In addition to fare savings, passengers booking interior or oceanview staterooms can receive an onboard credit of $25 (cruises up to 9 days) to $50 (cruises 10 days or longer), and in balcony staterooms or above can get credits of $50 (cruises up to 9 days) or $100 (for sailings 10 days or longer). All onboard credits are offered per stateroom.
Examples of cruise deals include:

• Caribbean cruise – 7 days: $799 balcony (was $949); $549 interior (was $599)
 
• Grand Mediterranean cruise – 12 days: $1,299 balcony (was $3,290); $799 interior (was $2,190)
 
• Greek Isles cruise – 12 days: $1,299 balcony (was $3,240); $799 interior (was $2,140)
 
• Hawaii cruise – 14 days: $1,899 balcony (was $2,345); $1,199 interior (was $1,445)
 
• Southeast Asia cruise – 16 days: $2,199 balcony (was $3,185); $1,499 interior (was $1,995)

All cruise prices are per person, based on double occupancy. The Father’s Day Sale begins at 12:01 a.m. PDT on June 14 through 11:59 p.m. PDT on June 18, 2012 and is available to residents of the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and Mexico. Reservations made during the sale require a non-refundable deposit.

 Additional cruise sale information is available at http://www.princess.com/sale.

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Holland America's Volendam Heads to Asia in 2012

When Holland America Line’s ms Volendam heads to Asia in 2013, the ship will sail a series of 14-day itineraries between Singapore and Hong Kong, China; Kobe (Osaka), Japan, and Hong Kong, as well as a roundtrip Kobe cruise. Guests will have the opportunity to also visit the countries of Vietnam, South Korea, Thailand and Cambodia on the Far East explorations, including the option to take an overland tour to the Great Wall of China.

The nine voyages — including a 16-day Great Barrier Holiday sailing Sydney to Singapore via Indonesia departing Dec. 22, 2012 and a 17-day trans-Pacific crossing from Kobe to Vancouver, British Columbia — will sail from December through April and offer extended ports calls and overnight stays at some of the most historical and exciting cities in the region, including Bangkok, Thailand; Shanghai and Xingang (Beijing), China, and Yokohama (Tokyo), Japan.

“Travel research continues to indicate that interest in the Far East is rising and Asia explorations remain on the wish lists of our guests,” said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs, for Holland America Line. “Our Asia itineraries offer everything, from interesting shore excursions and cultural encounters to ports with deep historical roots and unique experiences.”

Itineraries can be combined to form longer 28- or 31-day Collectors’ Voyages, enabling guests to experience a more in-depth exploration of Asia’s landmarks, as well as explore its mystical allure.

14-day Far East Explorer Voyages

Volendam’s three 14-day Far East Discovery voyages sail between Hong Kong and Singapore and feature port calls at Koh Samui and Bangkok (overnight), Thailand; Sihanoukville (Kâmpóng Saôm), Cambodia, and Phu My (Ho Chi Minh City), Nha Trang, Da Nang, and Halong Bay, Vietnam. Departure dates are Jan. 7 and 21, and Feb. 4.

14-day China and Japan Discovery Voyage

Four 14-day China and Japan Discovery voyages sail between Hong Kong and Kobe (Osaka) and roundtrip Kobe, and include two overnight calls at Shangahi and Xingang, China. Additional ports of call include Dalian, China; Busan (Pusan), South Korea, and Nagasaki, Japan. Departure dates are Feb. 18, March 4 and 18, and (roundtrip Kobe) April 1.

17-day Trans-Pacific Repositioning Voyage

The 17-day trans-Pacific repositioning voyage departs April 15 from Kobe and sails east to Vancouver. In addition to exotic ports of call, the itinerary features scenic cruising through Glacier Bay and the Inside Passage in Alaska, and relaxing days at sea. Following an overnight at Yokohama (Tokyo), the ship calls at Hakodate and Kushiro, Japan, and Kodiak and Ketchikan, Alaska, as it makes it way to Canada for the start of the Alaska sailing season.

Cruise fares begin at $1,899 per person, double occupancy for the 14-day Far East Explorer and 14-day China and Japan Discovery sailings, and $1,999 for the 17-day trans-Pacific sailing.

Memorable Shore Excursions

Guests can maximize their experience in Asia by booking notable optional shore excursions including a visit to the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh to explore the major highlights or discovering the Cu Chi Tunnels Discovery near Phu My, Vietnam; enjoying a cultural-experience at either Beomeosa or Tongdosa Temple complete with tea ceremony outside of Busan; and from Nagasaki, exploring the magnificent Shimabara Castle and Fugen Volcano.
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Royal Caribbean's Voyages of the Seas to Asia in 2012

September 6, 2011 – Executives of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. announced today Royal Caribbean International’s 2012 Asia cruises deployment schedule for Voyager of the Seas – the largest and most amenity-filled cruise ship to sail in the region.

At 137,276 gross registered tons, Voyager of the Seas ranks among the world’s 10 largest and most innovative cruise ships and will offer vacationers unparalleled experiences in the region. The ship’s inaugural Asia season will start on May 26, 2012 in Singapore, followed by sailings from Shanghai (Baoshan) and Tianjin in China.

“We have a leading market position in China,” explains Dr. Zinan Liu, group managing director of China and Asia for Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “Customer demand is strengthening and we’re responding by increasing our commitment to the region with an additional, bigger ship, to offer a wider range of itineraries to even more ports.”

With Voyager of the Seas and Legend of the Seas, which has been deployed in China since 2010, Royal Caribbean International will offer 49 sailings out of the country in 2012, and will add Xiamen as its fourth homeport after Shanghai, Tianjin and Hong Kong.

“Voyager of the Seas deployment to Asia is another milestone for Royal Caribbean International, and a mark of our confidence and commitment to the region’s potential, as well as part of our global growth strategy,” says Michael Bayley, executive vice president of International, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

Voyager of the Seas will offer vacationers a wide range of short cruises – three-, four-, five- seven- and eight-night itineraries in Asia – to longer, 14- to 18-night cruises in the South Pacific to New Zealand and Australia. Chinese guests can also expect to experience a greater variety of products and services tailored to their needs.

Cruises will include the seven-night “Pearls of the Orient” and “Jewels of Asia” sailings, calling at various destinations in Japan and South Korea. Vacationers also can choose a repositioning cruise aboard Voyager of the Seas from Singapore to Fremantle, Australia, departing October 22, 2012, and returning on March 9, 2013. Voyager of the Seas will reposition to begin its winter season from Sydney on November 5, 2012. Bookings for Voyager of the Seas’ 2012 Asia itineraries open today.

When she sails into Asia next year, Voyager of the Seas will introduce several unique concepts never before seen at sea in the region, including the following signature onboard amenities:

• Royal Promenade – an indoor “main street” stretching nearly the full length of the middle of the ship, lined with places to eat, drink, shop and be entertained. Guests can stroll up and down the four-story street and enjoy regular street parades.
• “Studio B” Ice Rink – an ice skating rink for guests that doubles as a sensational 700-seat venue for ice show productions with world-class figure skaters.
• Eleven dining venues include specialty restaurant “Portofino” for classic Italian fine dining and 50s inspired American diner “Johnny Rockets”. There’s also the grand three-story, 1,919-seat main dining room.
• Unparalleled sports facilities including an inline skating track, Royal Caribbean International’s signature rock-climbing wall, a nine-hole mini golf course, a golf simulator, a full size sports court with basketball court, three swimming pools and six whirlpools.

In the evenings, there are award-winning Broadway-style musical revues, or opportunities to recount the day’s experiences in multiple onboard bars and lounges over cocktails.

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Royal Caribbean Announces Biggest Ever Asia Australia Deployment in 2012-13

Royal Caribbean International today announced a record-setting winter 2012-13 Australia cruises and cruisetours season, offering vacationers three of the world’s largest and most innovative cruise ships in the region. Voyager of the Seas – the largest and most amenity-filled cruise ship to sail the Indian and Pacific oceans – Radiance of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas will sail an eclectic mix of Australia and New Zealand itineraries, ranging from one to 18 nights, and cruisetours for up to 23 nights. Bookings for Royal Caribbean’s 2012-13 Australia and New Zealand cruises and cruisetours open today.

“Royal Caribbean will offer more capacity in Sydney than any other cruise operator during the season,” said Betsy O’Rourke, senior vice president of Marketing, Royal Caribbean International. “Vacationers have the widest choice among the region’s most innovative ships, exclusive onboard amenities and compelling itineraries. Combined with our signature friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service, Royal Caribbean’s Australia and New Zealand season is delivering the Royal Advantage to guests on an adventure Down Under.”

Vacationers also can choose among five cruisetour itineraries, which combine a cruise aboard one of the ships and an escorted multi-night land tour. Destination highlights on the land tour include visits to Ayers Rock, rising high above the Northern Territory’s dramatic desert plain, and enjoy a gourmet barbeque under the vast Outback sky; and cruise, swim, snorkel and dive in the Great Barrier Reef from Port Douglas. In New Zealand, guests will explore Auckland and Rotorua and enjoy a Hangi and Maori concert among many other activities. All Royal Caribbean cruisetours are escorted by a knowledgeable Adventure Specialist and include hotel accommodations, transportation and select meals.

Voyager of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas will offer vacationers a wide range of short cruises – one-, two-, and five-night itineraries – to longer, eight- to 18-night cruises in the South Pacific to New Zealand and Australia. Vacationers also can choose a repositioning cruise aboard Voyager of the Seas from Singapore to Fremantle, departing October 22, 2012, and return on March 9, 2013. Radiance of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas both will reposition from Vancouver, British Columbia to Sydney, via Hawaii, in September 2012, and return in May 2013.

At 137,276 gross registered tons, Voyager of the Seas ranks among the world’s 10 largest and most innovative cruise ships and will offer Australia vacationers an unparalleled experience in the region. The ship offers exclusive Royal Caribbean onboard amenities, such as an ice-skating rink for spectacular ice show performances, nine-hole mini-golf course, and the Royal Promenade, a boulevard that runs nearly the length of the ship, flanked with boutiques, restaurant and lounges, and ideal for dance parties and parades. Radiance of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas are both appointed with multi-deck, dazzling glass windows, affording guests sweeping vistas of the landscape as it unfolds.

Aboard all three ships, guests can race to the top of the ships’ iconic rock-climbing walls for an even more thrilling view from the ship’s highest point or enjoy a variety of rejuvenating spa treatments in the Day Spa. Younger guests will be entertained and enlightened in the cruise line’s award-winning Adventure Ocean and teen programs, with scheduled activities led by a college-graduate counselor beginning from 9 to 2 a.m. In the evenings, guests can enjoy the Royal Caribbean Productions’ award-winning Broadway-style musical revues, and recount the day’s experiences in multiple onboard bars and lounges over cocktails.

Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 22 ships currently in service.

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Voyager of the Seas to China in 2012

June 8, 2011 at the Shanghai International Conference Center in China, executives from Royal Caribbean International told an audience of 300 travel agents and media partners that it will introduce Voyager of the Seas

to the China market in 2012.

Michael Bayley, executive vice president of International for Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., and Dr. Zinan Liu, group managing director for China and Asia, revealed that Royal Caribbean International will deploy the 3,114-guest Voyager of the Seas to Shanghai, China in June 2012. Offering a wide variety of itineraries, ranging from four nights to 10 nights, the move is designed to offer exciting new cruise experiences to Chinese vacationers, as well as attract cruise guests from around the world to visit China and sail around Asia.

“There are clear opportunities in the China market, a key area for Royal Caribbean International’s global development,” says Adam Goldstein, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International. “Our brand’s strategy for China is to leverage Royal Caribbean International’s leading position in the market by offering innovative ships and customized services. And we look forward to working with our travel partners and helping to grow the cruise economy in China. ”

Voyager of the Seas will be double the size of any cruise ship operating in China, and in the Asia-Pacific region – weighing in at nearly 150,000 gross registered tons and more than double the size of Legend of the Seas. Spanning 11 guest decks and with 1,556 staterooms, the ship will come to Shanghai from EuropeSydney, Australia in October. and offer a variety of sailings to ports in Japan and Korea until August, including Fukuoka and Kobe in Japan, and Busan and Jeju in Korea. Voyager of the Seas will depart for

“Customer demand for our brand has been very strong in China,” says Bayley, “We are excited to be able to bring such an innovative ship to the China market in 2012.” For more than 40 years, Royal Caribbean International has been providing vacationers incredible cruise experiences, constantly pushing the limits of what is possible with its innovative ships, exciting destinations, countless onboard activities, award-winning entertainment, delectable dining and its signature Gold Anchor Service.

“This is a major step forward for the cruise industry in China. We will continue working with the Chinese ports and our travel partners to further develop the country’s overall cruise economy,” says Dr. Zinan.

“Along with Michael Bayley, we’ve been meeting with various agencies and officials on playing an active role in the development of home ports for international cruise ships. There’s also the need to build necessary support facilities, including bonded warehouses and distribution centers. Our aim is to support cities like Shanghai, Tianjin, Hong Kong and Xiamen, to grow into world class cruise tourist destinations.”

Underscoring the significance of the growing Chinese cruise economy and established desire to sail with Royal Caribbean International, Legend of the Seas will also return to Shanghai in March 2012 for its fourth season. For the two ships, work is underway to offer a wider variety of tailored onboard products to Chinese guests, including more Chinese language services, authentic Chinese food and culturally appropriate recreational activities and duty-free items.

When she sails into Shanghai in June 2012, Voyager of the Seas will introduce several unique concepts never before seen at sea in Asia:

• Royal Promenade – an indoor “main street” stretching nearly the full length of the middle of the ship, lined with places to eat, drink, shop and be entertained. Guests can stroll up and down the 4-story street and enjoy regular street parades.
• “Studio B” Ice Rink – an ice skating rink for guests that doubles as a sensational 700-seat venue for ice show productions with world-class figure skaters.
• Eleven dining venues include specialty restaurant “Portofino” for classic Italian fine dining and 50s inspired American diner “Johnny Rockets”. But Voyager’s most stunning eatery is the grand three-story, 1,919-seat main dining room.
• Unparalleled sports facilities including an Inline skating track, Royal Caribbean’s signature rock-climbing wall, a 9-hole mini golf course, a golf simulator, a full size sports court with basketball court, three swimming pools and six whirlpools.

There’s also the cruise line's signature Viking Crown Lounge, the Schooner Bar, Casino Royale, a 1,400-square meter Grandeur Day Spa & Fitness Center, and complimentary Adventure Ocean youth program, where kids of all ages engage in age-appropriate fun as well as educationally enriching activities. In addition to a fabulous range of activities, the ship offers conference facilities which provide the ideal environment for corporate meetings.

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Princess Cruises Announces 2011 Asia / Pacific Cruises and Tours

(August 6, 2010) – The diverse lands of Asia evoke images of exotic cultures, ancient mysteries and modern bustling cities. Whether visitors long to see the ornate gilded pavilions, ancient temples, towering skyscrapers or distinctive natural beauty, an Asia cruise offers a truly unique cruise vacation. For the Fall 2011–Spring 2012 Asia season, Princess Cruises will offer 14 itineraries that include more than 60 vibrant ports throughout Asia and beyond, plus land and sea cruisetours to visit more of mainland China.

The world’s largest and most populous continent, Asia encompasses a rich collection of nations, peoples, sights and sounds. From the grandeur of China’s Great Wall to the jeweled palaces of Bangkok, the continent’s attractions dazzle on a variety of Princess itineraries, including Southeast Asia and China routes, roundtrip voyages from Australia, and multi-continent adventures that include travel to and from Alaska, Australia, or Africa. Passengers can choose to sail on Diamond Princess, the intimate Ocean Princess, or even aboard one of the Princess ships based “Down Under.”

“The unique sights, sounds, and even tastes of Asia make it one of our most sought after exotic vacation options,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “We’ve been taking passengers to these ancient lands for decades and passengers continue to be fascinated by the range of cultures and astounding sites they can experience in the Far East.”

In China, cruisers can see the ultramodern and the ancient juxtaposed at the port of Shanghai, as the city’s gleaming skyscrapers clash against its colorful temples. In bustling Hong Kong, passengers can explore the former British colony from its harbor or narrow streets. This duty-free capital of the world offers endless shopping and unique dining experiences on floating restaurants. On some itineraries, passengers can enjoy extra time in Hong Kong including an overnight stay with Princess’ signature Two-Day Experience.

Travelers who opt for a China cruisetour spend extra time in Beijing, where they can explore a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the massive Forbidden City where they can wander through its 250 acres of palaces, pavilions and courtyards. Once designed to keep invaders out, The Great Wall presents an unforgettable sight, stretching more than 4,000 miles. In Xian, travelers discover one of the 20th Century’s greatest archaeological finds – more than 8,000 Terra Cotta Warriors and horses. On the Yangtze River cruise, passengers sail through the region’s renowned gorges, and visit the Three Gorges Dam site.

The cities of Japan and South Korea offer another look at Asia, including the juxtaposition of war and peace in Nagasaki. Once a symbol of the horrors of war, this beautiful setting today draws visitors to its Peace Park and atomic bomb museum. Busan, South Korea’s second largest city, is the gateway to a fascinating land that is the second-oldest country in Asia.

Among the distinct countries of Southeast Asia, passengers can experience the rich culture of Thailand with a visit to Bangkok, home to gilded temples, monks in saffron-colored robes and a maze of canals. In Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City, the former Saigon, bustles with activity and offers fascinating sites such as the National History Museum, the Mekong Delta and Cu Chi Tunnels. Singapore, the commercial center of Southeast Asia, is a gleaming mix of cultures and a shopper’s paradise. As a new itinerary feature this season, many Princess routes are now scheduled to sail in or out of Singapore, giving passengers an opportunity to spend additional time exploring this diverse cosmopolitan society.

Cruises

Princess offers passengers a variety of Asia itineraries, to explore China, Southeast Asia, or even multi-continent voyages. Travelers can also choose “Aussie style” voyages sailing to Asia from the Australian ports of Sydney, Brisbane or Perth.

Southeast Asia & China Sailings – Passengers can enjoy the best of Asia as they travel between Beijing and Singapore. This 16-day voyage takes travelers to Busan, Nagasaki, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, and Bangkok, with the option to add an overland excursion to Cambodia’s Angkor Wat. Sailings depart throughout the Fall 2011-Spring 2012 season aboard Diamond Princess from October 2011 until April 2012.

Australia & Asia sailings – Travelers can explore two continents aboard Diamond Princess with sailings between Sydney and Singapore or Beijing. The Australia & Asia itinerary takes passengers on a 19-day journey from Singapore to the Asian ports of Ko Samui, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, and Bali; plus Australian calls at Darwin, Port Douglas and Airlie Beach for the Great Barrier Reef. The 23-day Australia & China route also sails around northern Australia and adds ports such as Taipei, Nagasaki, Busan, Shanghai and Dalian. Sailings depart November 27, 2011 and February 4, 2012.

Australia & Asia Small Ship Experience – Ocean Princess offers journeys between Australia and the wonders of Asia, featuring the intimate, classic cruising atmosphere of a small ship. The 20-day Australia & Asia voyages sail to northern Australia, including the Whitsunday Islands, Great Barrier Reef and Darwin; plus call in Bali, Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), and Bangkok and Ko Samui in Thailand. Ocean Princess sets sail on November 12, 2011 and March 17, 2012.

Alaska & Far East Sailings – Princess passengers can also explore the northern reaches of the Pacific with voyages between Alaska and the heart of Asia. Diamond Princess sails on 15- or 19-day itineraries between Beijing and either Anchorage or Vancouver. The ship takes passengers across the international dateline and calls at Sapporo (Muroran), Vladivostok, Busan, and Qingdao and Dailan in China. Sailings depart on September 24, 2011 and May 1, 2012.

Mediterranean, India & Asia – For a far-flung adventure, passengers can sail on a 28-day voyage from Rome to Singapore aboard Ocean Princess. The small ship will take cruisers to Sorrento, Athens, and Kusadasi before transiting the Suez Canal and continuing on to Sharm El Sheik, Aqaba, Safaga, Dubai, Muscat, Mumbai, Cochin, and Kuala Lumpur. Ocean Princess departs on October 15, 2011.

Africa, India & Southeast Asia – The intimate Ocean Princess also offers a 30-day journey from Singapore to Cape Town. Passengers can enjoy the small ship experience on an itinerary to Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Maldives, Mumbai, Muscat, Dubai, Mauritius, Reunion, Durban, and East London, plus an overnight call in Cape Town. Travelers have the option to visit the Taj Mahal in India or take a safari to Phinda Private Game Reserve in South Africa. The sailing departs on April 6, 2012.

Roundtrip Asia Sailings from Australia – Australia-based Sea Princess and Sun Princess offer a variety of sailings to Asia roundtrip from Australia. These “Aussie Experience” cruises offer activities and cuisine that reflect local tastes and use Australian dollars as the onboard currency.

* Sun Princess sets off from Perth on a roundtrip Southeast Asia Explorer itinerary that ventures to a variety of ports in a 21-day adventure. With calls at Bali, Ho Chi Minh City, Sihanoukville (Cambodia), Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, travelers will experience the rich diversity of Southeast Asia. The ship departs on August 11, 2011.

* The Treasures of Asia Grand Adventure encompasses voyages to and from Singapore from Perth, combined into an unforgettable 25-day roundtrip grand voyage. Sun Princess will call at Phuket, Langkawi, Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, Sihanoukville, Bangkok, Ko Samui and Bali. The adventure begins on June 18, 2011.

* The 42-day China & Japan journey sails roundtrip from either Sydney or Brisbane. Passengers on these voyages will calls at ports such as Airlie Beach, Darwin, Kota Kinabalu, before spending two days in Hong Kong on Princess’ signature Two-day Experience. Other stops include Shanghai, Busan, Nagasaki, Osaka, Tokyo, Iwo Jima scenic cruising, Guam and Rabaul (Papua New Guinea). Sailings on Sea Princess and Sun Princess depart on September 21, 2011 and Mar 4, 2012 respectively.
* Covering several continents, the South Africa & Indian Ocean Odyssey, sails roundtrip from Perth, on a 46-day adventure. Sun Princess will call at Asian ports such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Phuket, then move on to India with visits to Mumbai, Goa, and the Maldives. After crossing the Equator, the ship visits the Seychelles, and the South African ports of Richard’s Bay, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, and Durban. The ship calls at Reunion Island and Mauritius before returning to Perth. Sun Princess departs on May 3, 2011.
Cruisetours

Princess creates a full land and sea vacation for travelers to see more of the treasures of China. Passengers can choose from two land packages to that combine seamlessly with Diamond Princess Asia sailings. These five- or eight-day tours both highlight China’s most dramatic attractions, including many UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The five-night Best of China cruisetour starts in the bustling city of Beijing, and offers three nights in the Chinese capital and two nights in Xian. In Beijing, passengers will experience the ancient wonder of the Great Wall plus the Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven (all UNESCO World Heritage Sites), the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. The mysterious Terra Cotta Warriors (also a UNESCO World Heritage Site) highlight the Xian portion of the tour, along with the Wild Goose Pagoda and a dinner show at the Tang Palace Theatre.

The eight-night Yangtze Experience also incorporates the highlights of Beijing (three nights) and Xian (one night), plus includes a three-night cruise of the Yangtze River and a night in Wuhan. Passengers will also visit a zoo in Chongqing to view pandas before embarking on their Yangtze River cruise vessel. Along the river they will enjoy several excursions and cruise the Three Gorges Dam locks.
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Legend of the Seas Choose New Asia Homeport

Eight new itineraries are part of Royal Caribbean International’s spring and summer 2010 Asia roster of 14 sailings, part of the company’s year-round deployment in the region with Legend of the Seas.

The cruises range from four to nine nights. Many mingle exotic new ports for Royal Caribbean such as Hualien, Miyazaki, Nagoya and Vladivostok with more familiar names. Yokohama joins Singapore, Hong Kong and Shanghai in the homeport line-up.


Highlights of the newly released season include six sailings of four different itineraries from Hong Kong to destinations including Sanya, Hue/Danang, Taipei and Okinawa. Passengers have a choice of two different itineraries from Yokohama, one to Shanghai, Jeju and Busan, and the other to Hakodate, Otaru, Vladivostok and Shanghai.There will also be three sailings from Kaohsiung to ports including Halong Bay and Hong Kong.


Royal Caribbean said Legend of the Seas’ cruises from Shanghai to popular Japanese and Korean destinations such as Kobe, Kagoshima and Busan are expected to attract the interest of local and international visitors in the city during World Expo 2010.

Costa Adds Costa Classica to Asian Operations

Costa Cruise has doubled the number of ships deployed in Asia with the addition of the larger Costa Classica joining her sister the Costa Allegra.

The 1,680 passenger Costa Classica joins the 1,000 passenger Allegra for year round sailings which were started by the Allegra in 2006.

The Classica which spent the winter in Dubai, sailed directly to Singapore for her first cruise.

Since Costa started sailing in Asia they have carried approximately 100,000 passengers with half of them of Chinese origin.

Costa will be offering short cruises as well as cruises as long as 15-days.

Showing confidence in the success of their Asian operation, Costa plan to replace the smaller Allegra with the Costa Romantica - the identical sister ship to the Costa Classica.

Azamara Announces 2010/11 Asia Cruises

April 8, 2009 – Travelers on a “quest” to spend time exploring Asia’s unique, enchanting culture in relaxed, luxurious style and convenience need look no further than Azamara Cruises' 2010-11 offerings in the region. Beginning in late November of 2010 and continuing through April of 2011, the 694-guest Azamara Quest, which features Azamara butler service in every stateroom, complimentary specialty dining and a laid-back, no-formal-nights elegance, will present her third consecutive Asia season. Rounding out Azamara Quest’s shipboard offerings are a variety of available in-port shore excursions and an in-depth, fully escorted land tour program that can be combined with a cruise to create a cruisetour vacation for even richer exploration of this region. Azamara’s 2010-11 Asia sailings opened for sale today.

Known for visiting off-the-beaten-path destinations, Azamara will visit 21 ports in 10 different countries during its 2010-11 Asia sailing. These countries are Egypt, United Arab Emirates, India, Thailand, Singapore, Cambodia, Vietnam, China, Japan, and South Korea. Fully escorted pre- and post-cruise land-based tours that can extend a cruise into a “cruisetour” are offered from Beijing and Hong Kong, China.

Azamara Quest’s first Asia offering in the winter of 2010-11 is a 24-night repositioning cruise from Athens to Singapore, departing on November 27. Featuring visits to Alexandria, Egypt; Cochin, India; and Phuket, Thailand; the sailing also features in-port overnight stays in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and Bombay (Mumbai), India, as well as passage through the Suez Canal.

Just before the Christmas holiday, Azamara Quest will set sail on the first of the season’s six Southeast Asia voyages between Singapore and Hong Kong, beginning with an 18-night Southeast Asia cruise from Singapore on December 21, 2010, followed by four consecutive 14-night voyages between the two cities. Azamara Quest will sail her last Southeast Asia voyage of the 2010-11 winter season with a 14-night offering from Hong Kong to Singapore on March 29, 2011, before embarking on a 24-night repositioning cruise from Singapore back to Athens on April 12.

The Southeast Asia voyages each include at least four in-port overnight stays, allowing guests the opportunity to further explore the region’s culture and history. Overnights are offered in Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok, Hanoi (Halong Bay) and Ho Chi Minh City. A voyage taking place during Chinese New Year, departing Singapore for Hong Kong on January 22, 2011, offers overnights in all but one of the ports it visits during the cruise.

Available shore excursions expand the in-port experience. Azamara offers a variety of excursions of different lengths and activity levels. Examples include the two-day, one-night “Essence of Cambodia Overland” excursion out of Bangkok. The highlight of this excursion is a visit to Angkor Wat, the largest temple in the world with a volume of stone equaling that of the Cheops pyramid in Egypt. In Ho Chi Minh City, the “Cu Chi Tunnels” excursion takes guests into the tunnels where Vietnamese fighters lived and fought from. Only a few feet wide and five feet high but capable of withstanding the weight of tanks and bombs, the tunnel complex includes underground meeting rooms, kitchens, hospital and sleeping areas.

Two 12-night Northeast Asia cruises, sailing from Hong Kong to Shanghai on March 5, 2011 and from Shanghai to Hong Kong on March 17, will offer completely different itineraries from one another, creating a 24-night back-to-back sailing option for guests who wish to experience mainland China, Japan and South Korea in one trip. The northbound itinerary on March 5 visits Kagoshima, Nagasaki and the stunningly romantic city of Kyoto (Osaka), Japan, as well as Xiamen, China, and Busan, South Korea. Available shore excursions include “Best of Shanghai,” which takes guests into China’s most cosmopolitan city, also known as “Paris of the East.” The excursion includes visits to Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai Museum and the Jade Buddha Temple, with a stop at a silk factory, where guests learn how silk is collected and woven into a carpet.

The southbound itinerary on March 17 features an overnight call in Beijing (Tianjin) as well as calls to Seoul (Incheon), South Korea, and two ports new to Azamara: Qingdao, China and Jeju Island, South Korea. Qingdao is located in eastern Shandong province on the Yellow Sea. Host to the sailing regatta during the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, Qingdao is most famous internationally for its Tsingdao Brewery and its mix of German and Chinese architecture. Jeju Island is a volcanic island to the south of the Korean Peninsula. A popular vacation spot for Korean and Japanese travelers, the island offers a variety of outdoor activities set against a beautiful natural landscape and must-see attractions such as Mt. Hallasan and the Cheonjeyeon and Cheonjiyeon waterfalls.

Azamara’s cruisetours, a combination of a cruise and a fully escorted land-based tour, offer guests the opportunity to deepen their Asia experience. Six different eight-day, seven-night land-based tour packages are available. The pre-cruise package begins in Beijing and ends in Hong Kong; guests board Azamara Quest on the last day of the land package. The post-cruise package begins in Hong Kong and ends in Beijing; after disembarking the ship, guests will be met by their tour director at the pier. Both packages feature multiple opportunities for travelers to engage firsthand with some of China’s most breathtaking sights, scenes and tastes. Some of the most widely known spots that guests on Azamara Cruises’ pre- and post-cruise tours will visit include the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Great Wall at Mutianyue, and Victoria Peak. All of these visits – as well as all planned activities in the tours – are fully escorted and guided by knowledgeable escorts who will share a great deal of information about each place. Throughout the eight-day tours, guests will overnight in multiple cities, including Beijing, Xian, Guilin and Hong Kong. Some meals are included, most notably a traditional Peking duck dinner in Beijing, a Chinese dumpling dinner followed by dumpling-making and noodle-throwing demonstrations in Xian, and lunch during a scenic cruise along the River Li in Guilin.

The tours also include visits to museums such as the famed Terracotta Warriors Museum, the Bronze Chariots Museum, Yangling Museum, and Shaanxi Provincial Museum. There, guests will have the opportunity to learn about important historical and cultural milestones in China, while browsing unforgettable collections of artifacts. Guests will also experience several temples, including the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, the Great Mosque of Xian, and Hong Kong’s Man Mo Temple.

Each package includes ground transportation, deluxe hotel accommodations, some meals, and ample time for independent dining, shopping and sightseeing.

All shore excursions, tours and packages are available for an additional charge.

Azamara Cruises unlocks the hidden corners of the world for those who desire to immerse themselves in the rich details of every voyage. The deluxe ships – Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest – offer an intimate experience, while allowing access to exotic destinations experienced travelers long to reach. For the 694 guests on each Azamara Cruises ship, every moment at sea embodies the pinnacle of luxury, and each footstep on shore accentuates the difference between visiting a place and getting a true sense of place. This year, Azamara Cruises presents the best of enchanting Europe, elite Asia, and the most captivating Caribbean and the Panama Canal.