Royal Caribbean Summer 2014 Asia Cruise Season

Royal Caribbean International announced its summer 2014 Asia cruise season for Voyager of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas, the largest cruise ships in the Pacific Ocean. They will be serving cruises from Shanghai (Baoshan), Beijing (Tianjin), Hong Kong, and Singapore with many onboard entertainment options such as DreamWorks Experience and signature onboard amenities as they embark on an incomparable vacation to Korea, Japan or Taiwan. Voyager of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas’ summer 2014 Asia season is now open for sale.

“We are delighted to offer Asia vacations that cannot be found anywhere except on Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas,” said Lisa Bauer, executive vice president of Global Sales and Marketing, Royal Caribbean International. “Guests of all ages will enjoy the DreamWorks Experience, a wide range of signature Royal Caribbean onboard amenities, and our award-winning entertainment and family programming. Throughout, every member of the staff and crew will deliver our world-renowned friendly and engaging GOLD Anchor Service on an unforgettable Asia vacation.”

Both Voyager of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas are among six Royal Caribbean ships that exclusively feature the DreamWorks Experience at sea.  Guests can partake in parades, themed activities and other onboard events based on DreamWorks Animation’s popular feature-film characters, including Po of “Kung Fu Panda;” Shrek, Fiona and Puss In Boots of “Shrek;” and Alex the Lion, Gloria the Hippo, and the Penguins from “Madagascar.” Each ship also is equipped with a 3-D movie theater playing the latest DreamWorks Animation films.

Royal Caribbean’s younger guests in the complimentary and award-winning Adventure Ocean children’s program can relish in an exhilarating line-up of activities, games and adventures rooted in the popular DreamWorks Animation films. Guests of all ages can meet their favorite characters over the DreamWorks Character breakfast in the main dining room and take advantage of plenty of photo opportunities throughout the day. Additionally, guests can tune-in to DreamWorks Animation programming on a dedicated RCTV channel in every stateroom.

Additionally, Voyager of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas are among Royal Caribbean’s Voyager class of ships, which first introduced the active cruise vacation concept. The ships feature iconic Royal Caribbean International amenities such as the rock-climbing wall, ice-skating rink, a nine-hole mini-golf course, full-size basketball and sports court, and the Royal Promenade, a boulevard that stretches nearly the length of the ship and flanked by restaurants, lounges and boutiques.

Mariner of the Seas

Voyager of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas also uniquely offer guests the industry’s largest and most premium selection of duty-free shopping. Guests have a choice of more than 10 of the world’s best-known brands’ cosmetic and perfume lines, designer accessories and fine leather handbags from Coach, Burberry and Michael Kors, and nearly 30 brands of high-end watches. Mariner of the Seas also offers the first standalone IWC Schaffhausen boutique and the largest luxury and fashion watch store at sea.

Each ship’s Casino Royale also has been enhanced to deliver the next level of world-class gaming. Guests can join in more than 30 table games and have a choice of up to 292 slot machines throughout the 9,600 sq. ft. space. Additionally, high-rollers also will have exclusive access to parlors for high-stakes gaming in comfort, style and privacy.

From March through November 2014, Mariner of the Seas will sail roundtrip Korea cruises from Shanghai (Baoshan) on three- to six-night itineraries that call at Seoul (Incheon), Busan, Jeju Island, or Yeosu (Gangyang). The ship’s summer season will conclude with an eight-night sailing from Shanghai (Baoshan) to Singapore, departing Nov. 4, 2014, with ports of call at Xiamen and Hong Kong, China, and Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My), Vietnam.

For its part, Voyager of the Seas will start the summer 2014 season with a 10-night itinerary departing Singapore on April 10 to Tokyo, Japan, with calls at Hong Kong, Kaohsiung and Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan, and Nagasaki, Japan. The ship will then sail a six-night South Korea and Nagoya (Japan) itinerary, roundtrip from Tokyo on April 20, followed by two Japan cruises, a four-night itinerary from Tokyo to Taipei (Keelung) departing May 5, and a seven-night roundtrip itinerary from Taipei (Keelung) departing May 9.

From June through Sept. 2014, Voyager of the Seas will sail four- to six-night Korea itineraries roundtrip from Beijing (Tianjin), and call at Seoul (Incheon), Yeosu (Gangyang), Busan, and Jeju Island, South Korea. The ship will then sail a seven-night Japan and Korea cruise from Beijing (Tianjin) to Hong Kong on Sept. 10, followed by four-, five- and seven-night Japan and Taiwan cruises roundtrip from Hong Kong throughout Sept. and early Oct. 2014.

Cruise from Shanghai in 2014 by Sapphire Princess

Sapphire Princess of Princess Cruises will home port in Shanghai in 2014, announced by Carnival Corporation. Beginning in May 2014, Sapphire Princess will start round trip cruises from Shanghai in 3 to 7 days which - according to Princess research - shows is the ideal number of vacation days for the Chinese market.

The 7-day cruises from Shanghai will head to Korean capital of Seoul, on to the culturally rich beach resort of Busan and finishing at the magical Island of Jeju, before returning to Shanghai. The four-day cruise will call at Busan and Jeju, the five-day cruise will call at Jeju and Inchon, while the three-day cruise calls at Jeju.

Quickly expanding throughout the Asia region, Princess Cruises has placed China foremost in the company’s deployment plans. Carnival Corporation, parent group of Princess Cruises, has already opened offices in Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu.

Passengers on the new China-based cruises will be treated to numerous programs including world leader dinners, sommelier wine excursions, daily English high tea, a 24-hour buffet, Tai Chi and Zumba, a “Princess Night” bedtime experience, and a complete shopping experience. Personal enrichment courses will also be offered for adults and children.

Alan Buckelew, President and CEO of Princess Cruises said, “We’re excited to bring a new premium cruise travel experience to China’s shores. Though we have carried thousands of Chinese travelers on our ships over many years, we think the time is right for a new premium cruise experience that offers a new type of vacation experience for the Chinese consumer, sailing from China.”

Sapphire Princess

Sapphire Princess cruise ship, which has 18 decks and 28 premium suites with private balconies, can carry 2,670 passengers. The cruise ship also includes a casino, duty-free shops, fitness center and spa, sports deck, children’s and teen’s centers, library, internet café, wedding chapel, art gallery and a golf putting course, among other features.

Beginning November 2014 through February 2015, Sapphire Princess will sail roundtrip Asia cruises out of Singapore

Princess’ new 2014 season of cruises will go on sale to the public on 1 November 2013. The line is currently inviting charter opportunities through 1 October 2013.

Costa Atlantica made its maiden call in Shanghai China

Costa Cruises doubles its capacity in the Chinese market as Costa Atlantica made its maiden call in Shanghai on 4 July 2013. The event staged for the Costa Atlantica’s maiden call was attended by the Costa’s most senior executives and by local dignitaries, the special guest being the ship’s godmother for the occasion: Diana Xu, Miss Universe China 2012.

The local debut of the Costa Atlantica constitutes a major milestone in Costa Cruises’ growth in China; Costa was the first international operator to bring cruising to the Chinese market, back in 2006. The Costa Atlantica is joining the Costa Victoria, which has been deployed in China since May 2012. Thanks to this dual positioning, in 2013 Costa will be offering a total of 99 Asian cruises in mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

The Costa Atlantica will also be the first ship to operate on a Around-the-World cruise for Chinese Guests: she will leave Shanghai on March 22, 2014 on a fabulous 83-day trip-of-a-lifetime. The Costa Victoria and Costa Atlantica offer the Chinese and Asian market a unique exclusive product, which brings the region a taste of “Italy at Sea”, by featuring the hospitality, design, shopping flair, fine art and food & wine that are synonymous with Italian style.

Costa Atlantica, whose design celebrates Italian cinema and arts, is a 85,700 gross tonnage cruise ship with capacity of 2,680 guests.  With its 678 private balconies, Costa Atlantica was the first ship to be opened outwards, allowing cruises to be experienced in a completely new and fascinating way. Colourful, sunny, innovative but mindful of tradition, the ship pays tribute to the art of Federico Fellini and his "Dolce Vita”.

Asian Cruises by Cruise Direct

The Caribbean, Mediterranean and Europe are still the top cruise destinations, and Americans and Canadians making up the bulk of cruise passengers. But Australia and Asia is rapidly rising as a global cruise destination by many top cruise liners increasing their presence in the region. In May 2013, Costa Cruises has added Costa Atlantica to Costa Victoria in Asia and increased its capacity to 5,074 passengers. By June 2013, Royal Caribbean International's Mariner of the Seas will debut as the largest cruise ship in Asia and through out 2013 summer cruise season, the voyager class cruise ship will sail in Asia servicing cruises out of Singapore and Shanghai, China. And Princess Cruises will position Sapphire Princess cruise liner in Singapore between November 2014 and February 2015.

According to the Chief Executive Pier Luigi Foschi, Carnival Asia is aimed to convert South East Asia to "Caribbean of Asia" in cruising using Singapore as a major hub, as Miami currently is for the Caribbean. "There is good weather, lots of islands to visit and a lot of experiences. South East Asia is not too different from the Caribbean in terms of these basic conditions."

Explaining why Singapore was chosen, Jan Swartz, executive vice president for sales, marketing & customer service, Princess Cruises, said: “We see the growing awareness of cruise tourism in Singapore, which gives us an opportunity to grow.” She added that the cruises from Singapore were also expected to draw strong interest from neighbouring countries like Malaysia, India and Indonesia.

"We are very bullish on China and Asia as a whole," said Jim Berra, chief marketing officer of Carnival Cruise Lines and CLIA's marketing chair.

Mariner of the Seas seen here in Caribbean will be deployed in Asia in summer 2013.

He added that cruise lines are investing in the region with more home ports and ports of call, and sending ships into the region to meet the growing market.

If you want a great holiday on cruises in Asia, you can take a look at cruisedirect.com's Asian Cruises offered by top cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Costa Cruises, Princess Cruises, etc:

3 Night South East Asia Cruise from Singapore by  Royal Caribbean - Mariner of the Seas calling ports Singapore, Port Klang, Malaysia, Singapore.

3 Night Far East Cruise from Singapore with Costa Cruise Line - Costa Victoria calling ports Singapore, Malacca Malaysia, Penang (malesia), Singapore.

3 Night Strait Of Malacca Cruise from Singapore with Princess Cruise Line - Sapphire Princess calling Singapore, Kuala Lumpur (port Kelang), Malaysi, Singapore.

4 Nights South East Asia Cruise from Singapore with Royal Caribbean - Voyager of the Seas  Shanghai (baoshan), China, Busan, South Korea, Jeju Island, South Korea, Shanghai (baoshan), China.

For last minute cruises take a look at here: Last Minute Cruises

Costa Cruises announces Around-the-World in 83 days from Shanghai

Italian cruise line Costa Cruises has announced the first around-the-world cruise departing from China which will sail across three oceans and five continents around the globe in 83-days cruise. Costa Cruises partners with Shanghai Airlines Tours for the cruise. The around-the-world cruise will depart from Shanghai, China's largest city by population, and visit 23 destinations in 16 countries and regions.

After departing from Shanghai on March 22 2014, the cruise ship Costa Atlantica will first stop in Vietnamese cities of Ho Chi Minh and Vung Tau from where the guests will be taken to tropical paradise islands of Phuket (Thailand), Sri Lanka and Maldives. From the tropics, the cruise ship will sail to Oman's Salalah and then Egypt's Sokhna before visiting Heraklion, Santorini and Athens in Greece.

After Greece, cruise tour of European cities will continue to Catania in Italy, Marseilles inFrance, Barcelona in Spain and Lisbon and Funchal in Portugal. In these countries Guests will be able to sample the best that Western Europe has to offer from fine wines to high-fashion in addition to learning more about these culture-soaked cities.

Costa Atlantica will cross the Atlantic Ocean to New York from Europe and later head south to Miami, Ocho Rios in Jamaica before a transit in the Panama takes her to Pacific Ocean. Manzanillo in Mexico, Kahului and Honolulu in Hawaii, and Guam, will complete this once-in-a-lifetime trip, allowing Guests to discover wonderful exotic destinations. After 83 days from setting off, Costa Atlantica will bring its world explorers back home to Shanghai on 13 June 2014.

“As a pioneer of the cruise industry in China and the first international cruise line to operate homeport cruises out of Shanghai since 2006, we are always challenging ourselves to bring more innovative holiday options to this market. China’s first Around-the-World cruise is a perfect example of this and is the lynchpin of our Asia strategy over the next couple of years. It heralds a new milestone in China’s cruise industry,” said Mr. Foschi, Pier Luigi Foschi, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Carnival Corporation Asia and Chairman of the Board of Costa Crociere S.p.A.,. “With our partners at Shanghai Airlines Tours, we will offer our Chinese Guests the chance to explore the world in a way that has never been possible before.”

Cost Atlantica cruise ship will sail 83-days around-the-world cruise which will start and end in Shanghai.
Costa Atlantica is seen here at Naples.

Costa Cruises is introducing Costa Atlantica to the China market in 2013 before her 83 days around-the-world cruise from Shanghai. Costa Atlantica’s interior design celebrates Italian cinema and the arts: Fellini and La Dolce Vita, Madame Butterfly, the historic Caffè Florian in Venice, Via della Spiga in Milan, the Tiziano Restaurant. A significant majority - 58 suites and 660 cabins -of the 1,057 total cabins have balconies. A spa, four Jacuzzis, four pools, a theatre, disco and children’s area will keep Guests entertained between the frequent excursions. Berlitz, the world's most trusted guide to cruising.

Gianni Onorato, President of Costa Cruises, expressed his thanks to Costa’s partners for their help in making China’s first Around-the-World cruise a reality. “I am very grateful for the ongoing support we have received from the local government, tourism boards and our local tourism partners. Together we are working hard to supply Chinese travelers new and enticing cruise products. China remains one of Costa’s key markets and today’s partnership with SAT and our world cruise announcement highlights our commitment to the region.”

The announcement of China’s first Around-the-World cruise comes during China’s ‘Marine Tourism
Year’ which was launched in Sanya at the beginning of January 2013. The aim of the Tourism Marine Year is to boost the development of marine tourism resources, as well as bring Chinese citizens closer to the ocean. Costa Atlantica will depart from Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal. This port has made a significant contribution to China’s cruising industry since it was first established, and Costa Cruises has repeatedly made use of its top-class facilities. Setting Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal as the homeport for China’s first Around-the-World cruise exemplifies the close relationship between Costa Cruises and the Chinese authorities as both work to further develop China’s cruise industry. It also underscores Costa’s steadfast commitment to bring

Royal Caribbean cruise promotion 2013: Mariner Of the Seas

Just 2 months later Royal Caribbean International's Mariner Of The Seas will debut as the largest cruise ship in Asia. Through out 2013 summer cruise season, this voyager class cruise ship will sail in Asia servicing cruises out of Singapore and Shanghai, China.

Mariner of the Seas is one of five Voyager-class cruise ships. Mariner of the Seas and Navigator of the Seas are the second generation of Voyager-class vessels. Both have several features their first generation sisters (Voyager of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas and Adventure of the Seas ) lack such as glass balconies, an extended rear buffer and an Asian fusion buffet called "Jade". She has received "Royal Advantage" upgrades April 2012.

Royal Caribbean International is a Norwegian and American cruise line brand based in Miami, Florida. The cruise line owns 21 ships and controls a 17% share of the world cruise market. Since 1991 all ships under the Royal Caribbean International brand have names ending in "of the Seas". SCelebrity Cruises, Azamara Cruises, Pullmantur Cruises and CDF Croisières de France are all sister brands of Royal Caribbean International.

Mariner Of The Seas seen here in Caribbean will be deployed in Asia in summer 2013.

Like all cruise debuts, Mariner Of the Seas will come to South East Asia with special promotions. Below are some selected promotions for cruises departing from Singapore on Mariner Of the Seas by Royal Caribbean International for summer 2013.

Best Of Malaysia on Mariner of The Seas (3 Nights)
The cruise is departing from Singapore on June 1, November 15, 22 and 29, December 6, 13 and 20. The cruise calls Port Klang (Kuala Lumpur). From $424 instead  of usual price of $610.

Isles of South East Asia Cruise on Mariner of The Seas (4 Nights)
The cruise is departing from Singapore on Jun 4, Nov 18+, 25+, Dec 2, Dec 9 and Dec 16 2013. The cruise calls Port Klang (Kuala Lumpur) and Phuket. From $441 instead  of usual price of $667.

Spices of Asia Cruise on Mariner of The Seas (5 Nights)
The cruise is departing from Singapore on Nov 10, Dec 23 and Dec 28 2013. The cruise calls Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang), Penang and Phuket. From $542 instead  of usual price of $763.

Cruise from Shanghai to Busan, Jeju & Yeosu by SuperStar Gemini from April to October 2013

Star Cruises's new cruise ship in its fleet, SuperStar Gemini, has made a series of inaugural sailings around Asia from Singapore, Penang, Hong Kong and Sanya after a large-scale renovation (the ship has entered the Star Cruises fleet in late 2012). And from April to October 2013, the 1,700-passenger cruise ship will be homeported in Shanghai for the first time and offers over 40 cruises calling at top destinations. Among these ports are the tourist favorites Busan, Jeju and Yeosu. Passengers of SuperStar Gemini will have the option to join shore excursions to visit a number of attractions. Here is a snapshot of the unique excursions that SuperStar Gemini passengers can enjoy.

Busan 
The second largest metropolis in Korea, Busan offers something for everyone. Taejongdae, a designated Busan monument, is an awe-inspiring rock-formation coastal park accented by lush forest of pine trees and over 200 varieties of trees. The park is centered on its highest peak at 250 meters and features observatory towers, lighthouses and cliffs with a panoramic oceanic view.

In downtown, Busan offers “Spa Land”, an immersive and relaxing sanctuary with a range of spas running with hot spring water originated from 1,000m underground. A favourite for both tourists and local dwellers, Spaland also completes your body healing with 13 distinctively themed saunas and an open-air foot spa.

On Dongbaekseom Island, Nurimaru APEC House is not only a landmark for hosting an APEC summit but also of architectural and aesthetic wonders. Visitors will enjoy the surrounding natural landscape and the 3-story building, a modernistic expression of “jeongja,” a pavilion in traditional Korean architectural style.

SuperStar Gemini

Jeju 

The southern island of Korea is rich in historical heritage, vibrant local culture and boasts a kaleidoscope of tourist attractions, such as Trick Art Museum, Hanhwa Aqua Planet and Jeju Glass Castle. Fooling our vision, Trick Art Museum renders 2-dimensional wall paintings into 3-dimensional illusion, morphing it into a great place for taking fun photos.

The largest aquarium in Korea, Hanhwa Aqua Planet showcases about 45,000 aquatic animals in 450 different species such as whale sharks, Manta rays, South American sea lions and elephant seals. Jeju Glass Castle is an all-glass art theme park that features the world’s very first glassmade labyrinth, the world’s largest glass ball and largest glass diamond. It exhibits over 250 largescale glass models as well as art masterpieces by internationally famous artists.

Nanta has wooed audiences with its sensational percussion performance based on Korean traditional drumbeats in a kitchen setting. It has become Korea’s most popular stage show since inception in 1997. The free rhythmical movements and dramatized Korean percussion were synthesized into a strikingly comedic stage show where knives and chopping boards become improvised instruments. Its popularity brought it to Broadway and galvanized international rave reviews.

Yeosu
Host of EXPO 2012, Yeosu is a port city blessed with verdant hillsides and a spate of attractions that tourists love. Starting from late April until October this year, the city will host International Garden Exposition in Suncheon Bay, showcasing global garden brilliance in one of the world’s top 5 coastal wetlands.

Suncheonman Bay Ecological Park is vegetated with rolling fields of reeds and is a winter sanctuary for over 140 species of birds, some of them rare varieties.

Beginning from 6 April to October 2013, passengers of SuperStar Gemini will enjoy both the shopping, dining, health care and recreational activities on board, and the above sightseeing selections in shore excursions. For more details, please visit www.starcruises.com or call +852 2317 7711.

Source : Explore the best of Busan, Jeju & Yeosu in shore excursions with SuperStar Gemini from April to October 2013