TOKYO, May 2, 2010 – Global cruise brand Royal Caribbean International marked a number of firsts at Yokohama today, with its ship Legend of the Seas’ maiden call and more significantly, the start of her historic homeporting season. Legend of the Seas also became the first international cruise ship to offer round trips out of Yokohama apart from charters.
The Royal Caribbean Experience Now Closer to Home
The ship arrived early this morning at Yokohama International Passenger Terminal where she was warmly welcomed by the Yokohama Port Authority officials including Yokohama City executives and media. Traditional plaque exchanges were held onboard the ship between the port authority officials and the ship.
Rama Rebbapragada, Regional Vice President, Royal Caribbean Cruises said, “Launching the Yokohama homeporting season today demonstrates our company’s commitment to growing its presence in Japan, one of our key Asian markets. With Legend of the Seas sailing year-round in Asia and now directly from Yokohama, Japanese guests will find it more convenient and attractive than ever to cruise with us. We also hope to bring them not only the renowned Royal Caribbean cruise experience but also a truly sophisticated cruising style of international flavor.”
The 2,074-guest Legend of the Seas will be departing on an 8-night cruise this afternoon to Shanghai for an overnight stay, allowing guests to visit the World Expo. This is to be followed by stops at Jeju Island, a popular destination made famous by Korean dramas and at Busan. Other attractive ports-of-call such as Vladivostok, Hakodate and Otaru are featured in the Yokohama season’s two distinct itineraries ranging from 7 to 8 nights.
To date, the Yokohama sailings have been well-received in Japan with exceptional responses in bookings for the May 2 cruise which coincides with the Japanese “Golden Week” holiday that comes with a long weekend.
International Cruising Style with Enhanced Japanese Offerings
Onboard Legend of the Seas, vacationers can look forward to an ocean ofentertainment and relaxation choices for the whole family, such as the brand’s signature 9m rock-wall and miniature golf course, the beautiful Solarium indoor pool with a retractable glass roof, state-of-the-art fitness centre, spa and Viking Crown Lounge with a 360° panoramic view.
In addition, one can savour a wide variety of mouth-watering international cuisines in the two-tier glass-walled Romeo and Juliet Dining Room and the Windjammer Café, watch Broadway-style musicals in the 800-seater theatre or go for wine-tasting at the Champagne
Terrace. All this is delivered with the brand’s hallmark friendly, engaging and personal Gold Anchor Service. Most of all, virtually everything onboard is included in the price such as meals, room service and most entertainmentand activities.
Hirohide Kamimura, Royal Caribbean’s International Representative in Japan said, “While keeping to its international cruising style, Royal Caribbean has also enhanced a number of elements on its Yokohama cruises for our Japanese guests’ preference and ease. For instance, there will be Japanese crew and comprehensive language assistance such as announcements, sign boards and menus in Japanese. There will also be popular Japanese selections such as tempura and Japanese-style breakfasts, on top of our international cuisines.” He added, “Our May sailings were opened for bookings in July last year and were almost sold out by September which was an amazing start. This shows that our brand is becoming very well-established in Japan.”
Year-Round Deployment in Asia
In addition to Yokohama, Legend of the Seas’ year-round Asian deployment features a number of homeports namely Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Busan, and an upcoming new one at Tianjin. It offers over 20 different itineraries ranging from four to 14 nights covering a rich variety of ports-of-call, such as Bangkok, Halong Bay, Hue/Danang, Hualien, Taipei (Keelung), Sanya, Hakodate and Seoul (Incheon), which will take cruisers to all corners of the region to let them explore Asia’s breath-taking sights and immerse themselves in a rich array of cultures.
(source : Indochina Travel Service)
