Royal Caribbean International has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tokyo Metropolitan Government on Tokyo sailings with its ship Voyager of the Seas in 2014 and the continuation of the partnership between both parties, last Saturday September 14, 2013.  The signing ceremony took place onboard Voyager of the Seas when she called at Tokyo on that day as part of her 12-night cruise from Tianjin.    
 
The MoU states that Royal Caribbean International shall operate at the Port of Tokyo as its homeport for two or more sailings in 2014, and shall continue to use the Port of Tokyo as a homeport and port-of-call. In addition in the MoU, Royal Caribbean and the Port of Tokyo shall continue to cooperate for mutual prosperity towards the future. The MoU was signed by Dr Zinan Liu, Regional Vice President, Asia of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and Mr Mitsuchika Tarao, Director General, Bureau of Port and Harbor, Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
 
Voyager of the Seas’ maiden Tokyo season in 2014 will start with a 10-night sailing from Singapore on April 10 with calls at Hong Kong (overnight), Kaohsiung, Taipei (Keelung) and Nagasaki, before arriving in Tokyo on April 20. From Tokyo, the ship will then feature a 6-night round-trip South Korea and Nagoya Cruise to Jeju Island, Busan and Nagoya on April 20, a 9-night round-trip cruise to Taipei (Keelung), Kaohsiung and Hong Kong on April 26 and a 4-night Tokyo to Taipei Cruise visiting Kobe and Naha, Okinawa on May 5. Voyager of the Seas will also feature 7-night roundtrip itinerary from Taipei (Keelung) visiting Nagasaki, Beppu and Osaka departing May 9.
 
The 14 passenger-deck, 3,840-guest Voyager of the Seas is the largest ship based in Asia, at 137,276-gross registered tons, along with sister ship Mariner of the Seas.  Voyager of the Seas offers cruisers the renowned Voyager Class activities and entertainment such as the 700-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.   
 
Voyager 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 Portofino’s for Italian fine-dining and Johnny Rockets, the 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.