Royal Caribbean International’s Mariner of the Seas, the largest cruise ship homeporting in Asia, has started her maiden Asian season from Singapore on June 1. The 138,279 gross registered ton ship has arrived at Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore for her first call after an 11-night repositioning cruise from Dubai. She is Royal Caribbean’s second Voyager Class Ship in Asia and will be based in Singapore and Shanghai.
An official ceremony was held onboard the ship to welcome her arrival, with plaque exchanges between Ms Ong Huey Hong, Director, Cruise Division of Singapore Tourism Board, Mr Tan Chuan Lye, SATS-Creuers Cruise Services Chairman and Captain Flemming Nielsen of Mariner of the Seas. Ms Jennifer Yap, Managing Director, Singapore of Royal Caribbean said, "The arrival of Mariner of the Seas in Singapore today marks yet another major milestone for Royal Caribbean as we set to keep growing with the region’s booming cruise market. Mariner of the Seas is our newest big attraction for Asia, which has something onboard to ‘Wow’ everyone! With her Voyager Class’ sheer size and groundbreaking features such as the Royal Promenade, ice skating rink and DreamWorks entertainment, our brand is not only creating a bigger wave of interest in cruising, it also makes us leaders once again in redefining the cruising experience in Asia.”
Mr Lionel Yeo, Chief Executive, Singapore Tourism Board said, "We are very pleased to welcome Mariner of the Seas to Singapore. The deployment of another Voyager-class ship in the region is a significant demonstration of Royal Caribbean International’s commitment to Asia. We are especially delighted that Mariner of the Seas will be sailing out of Singapore for her maiden Asian season. With our cruise infrastructure at Marina Bay and Harbourfront, established supporting industries and numerous air links, Royal Caribbean International can count on Singapore as a key gateway to grow its fly-cruise business for the Asia-Pacific region and beyond."
The 15 passenger-deck, 3,807-guest Mariner of the Seas is the largest and most exciting ship based in Asia, after her sister ship Voyager of the Seas which is also now in the region. Mariner of the Seas offers cruisers the renowned Voyager Class activities and entertainment such as the 900-seater ice-skating rink, Royal Promenade – a boulevard of shops and cafes, full-sized sports court,
in-line skating track, rock-climbing wall and mini-golf course. In addition, there is a three-tier theatre, themed bars and lounges as well as a mezzanine split level nightclub.
Mariner of the Seas also features the unique DreamWorks Animation entertainment programme. Guests of all ages can interact with ‘celebrity’ characters like Shrek and Fiona of “Shrek”, Alex of “Madagascar” and Po of “Kung Fu Panda” during parades in the Royal Promenade, character breakfasts in the main dining room and photo opportunities. Also new in Asia with this ship is the Barbie Premium Experience for girls to set sail in true Barbie fashion with staterooms decorated in true Barbie fashion and exclusive, themed activities such as tiaras and teacups party and fashion show.
There are numerous dining options onboard including the grand three-tier main dining room and buffet restaurant which serve a variety of international cuisine with a selection of Asian dishes. There are also specialty restaurants onboard, namely Chops Grille Steakhouse, the rustic-style Italian restaurant Giovanni’s Table, Boardwalk Dog House for hot dogs and Johnny Rockets 50s’ style American diner. As for accommodation, the choice ranges from the luxurious Royal Suites to the unique Promenade staterooms with views overlooking the Royal Promenade.
Mariner of the Seas’ maiden Asian season has lined up cruises from Singapore in early June of 3 and 4 nights to Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang) and Langkawi, and 10 nights to Vietnam, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea and Shanghai. She will sail North Asian cruises from Shanghai during the summer before returning to Singapore for more Southeast Asian cruises from November till next March. They include a variety of 3,4 and 5-night cruises to Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang), Langkawi, Penang and Phuket, a 7-night cruise to Bangkok (Laem Chabang) (overnight) and Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My), and an 8-night cruise to Shanghai with calls at Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My) and Xiamen and an overnight in Hong Kong. She is Royal Caribbean International’s fourth ship homeporting in Asia, following Rhapsody of the Seas, Legend of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas.
