by NURUL SUHAIDI / pic source: Royal Caribbean FB

THE cruise industry has seen growth due to the easing of travel restrictions and back to reconnecting guests with exclusive shore experiences after years of staying idle due to Covid-19.

Asia’s most innovative cruise, the Spectrum of the Seas, recently recorded a strong number of visitor bookings on the back of its successful first port call in Kuala Lumpur on July 1 and Penang (July 2) after more than two years’ break due to Covid-related travel restrictions.

It is aiming to host 50 visits from the resumption until the remaining year in an effort to boost Malaysia’s cruise tourism sector.

Malaysia’s travel and tourism industries can anticipate a lift from the twice-weekly sailings Spectrum of the Seas scheduled to deliver to Malaysian ports.

According to Port Klang Cruise Terminal chairman Datuk Azman Shah Mohd Yusof, the arrival of Spectrum of the Seas marks the revival of cruise tourism as it carries local and international passengers.

“This will boost the tourism economy and adventures, as well as connect the holidaymakers with Asia’s beautiful destination again,” he said.   

The Spectrum of the Seas is currently a huge hit for Singaporean guests as well as fly-cruisers from around the globe, especially through its exclusive and first-class cruise experience curated on board.

Meanwhile, Royal Caribbean International’s Asia Pacific VP and MD Angie Stephen said after more than two months of sailing, Spectrum of the Sea’s demand has increased and reached 100% of bookings.

This is primarily due to easing travel requirements globally.

“During the pre-Covid-19, 70% of the guests were from outside Singapore. Currently that number continues to grow and stands at approximately 30% which includes people from other regions and the US as well.

“We hope to reach over 100% bookings through this resumption and back to our normal occupancy rate pre-Covid level,” she added.

According to her, in South-East Asia, Malaysia, Indonesia and India make up the highest majority with about 50% of the total guests.

“We also have seen a big surge of millennials and young families with their infants coming in, especially those with an adventurous mindset looking to chill and thrill.”

For the next 10 years, Royal Caribbean will be building one ship coming in every year and she noted that the entire industry is also moving in that direction to revolutionise the cruise industry.

“We believe that the demand for cruise holidays will increase as people are starting to realise the convenience it brings as opposed to travel by air or land. This is also because cruise travel and adventure have an extensive added value.”

Spectrum of the Seas’ three- and four-night itineraries offer guests of all ages the first opportunity to sail and explore international shores.

In terms of sustainability, Stephen added that Royal Caribbean is currently strengthening its effort and making sure its new ships are 25% more efficient in terms of sustainability than the existing ones.

“We are developing this from time to time, one of the methods is through employing technology in our existing fleets.

“The aim is to keep that above standard and by following our roadmap to get us to achieve zero emission by 2050.

“We will continue best practices to preserve local waters, preserve the health and heritage of local communities, as well as deliver the best vacations at sea, responsibly and sustainably,” Stephen concluded.

Available for the public, Spectrum of the Seas offers a wide range of dining speciality, thrills adventure, panoramic sea views and seamless fusing entertainment to create a transformative journey for guests during the whole sail.

For more details about spectrum visit www.royalcaribbean.com.