JEDDAH, 17 September 2006 — Royal Caribbean International has announced its plans to return to Asia beginning in December 2007 with its Vision-class ship, which will feature rock-climbing and indoor glass walls giving exotic views of Asian landscapes.
The cruise ship Rhapsody of the Seas will make its maiden voyage on Dec. 10, 2007 from Singapore offering a series of sailings that will call on Malaysia and Thailand before continuing on to Hong Kong where it will arrive in time for the Chinese New Year holiday season. It will further offer a series of itineraries calling on ports in Taiwan, Japan, Sanya, Hainan Island, and Korea. “The introduction of Rhapsody of the Seas into Asia, together with our previously announced deployments of ships into South America and the Dominican Republic are all part of the company’s strategy of international business development and expansion into emerging and high-growth markets,” said Adam Goldstein, president of Royal Caribbean International, adding that there has been an increased level of awareness and interest in travel to Asia from India, Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East.
Rhapsody of the Seas, at 78,492 tons and with a total guest capacity of 2,435, will be one of the largest cruise ships to homeport in Asia. In addition to the rock-climbing wall it features the awe-inspiring Centrum, an open atrium with a shopping center, an indoor pool, six whirlpools, an indoor/outdoor pool in a Solarium with a retractable roof, and theme bars and lounges.