Mariner of the Seas celebrates maiden Hong Kong call – more Voyager-class programs announced for 2013 and 2014

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines

Published: 15 June 2013 15 June 2013

Royal Caribbean International’s Mariner of the Seas, the largest cruise ship now homeporting in Asia, called at Hong Kong on June 12 for the first time. The 138,279 gross ton ship arrived at the new Kai Tak Cruise Terminal for an overnight stay as part of her 10-night cruise from Singapore to Shanghai. She is Royal Caribbean’s second Voyager Class ship in Asia.

An official ceremony with local cultural performances was hosted by the Hong Kong Tourism Board at the terminal to welcome the ship’s arrival, with plaque exchanges between Captain Flemming Nielsen of Mariner of the Seas and Mr Philip Yung, Commissioner for Tourism, Ms Daisy Lui, Deputy Executive Director of Hong Kong Tourism Board(HKTB), as well as other key partners.

Dr Liu Zinan, Royal Caribbean’s Regional Vice President, Asia said, "Mariner of the Seas is our newest big attraction for Asia, which has something onboard to ‘Wow’ everyone! Her Voyager-class' sheer size and groundbreaking features such as the Royal Promenade and ice skating rink make us leaders once again in redefining the cruising experience and standards in Asia."

"More importantly, her successful arrival and berthing today, made possible by the new cruise terminal, sets the stage for her Hong Kong cruises this year-end and an even bigger Hong Kong season in 2014 on her sister ship Voyager of the Seas. This is a significant development for Royal Caribbean in Hong Kong, which demonstrates the market’s strong potential to our company and our commitment to grow further with Hong Kong."

"Mariner of the Seas is Royal Caribbean International’s fourth ship homeporting in Asia, and we have grown tremendously from deploying the smaller Vision Class ships here like Legend of the Seas to today’s Voyager-class ships which are twice her size. With these world-class innovative ships, Royal Caribbean International has become the largest global cruise brand in Asia and we are set to deepen our regional presence in the years to come,” he added.

Commissioner Yung said, "Kai Tak was the site of our legendary airport, and it is now turning a historic page by connecting Hong Kong with the rest of the world through the seven seas. With the addition of the new Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, Hong Kong is in full gear to receive mega cruise ships, and to offer service to more cruise ships in the future. I hope Mariner of the Seas will find Hong Kong a wonderful homeport."

Deputy Executive Director of the HKTB Ms Daisy Lui said, "The HKTB welcomes the arrival of Mariner of the Seas, which is berthing at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal and in Hong Kong for the first time. We hope that passengers of the cruise liner have a pleasant and memorable time in Hong Kong. The HKTB will actively promote Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, an important tourism facility in Hong Kong, to international cruise companies and media, as well as Hong Kong’s diverse land-based offerings and other advantages as a cruise destination, with a view to attracting more cruise companies to include Hong Kong in their itineraries and consolidating the city’s position as Asia’s Cruise Hub."

Bigger presence in Hong Kong

Mariner of the Seas’ maiden Asian season has lined up North Asian cruises from Shanghai during the summer and Southeast Asian sailings from Singapore from November till next March.

As for her Hong Kong seasons, Mariner of the Seas will be returning here to offer four sailings of 3 to 5 nights this October and November including a one-way cruise from Shanghai with a call at Jeju, two round cruises to Taiwan’s Kaohsiung and Taipei (Keelung) and a one-way cruise to Singapore with a call at Ho Chi Minh (Phu My). Next year, Voyager of the Seas, which is similar in size and capacity, will be offering a longer Hong Kong season in the same period in the year, which includes cruises to Taiwan and Okinawa (Naha) and will coincide with China’s Golden Week which is the key highlight.

More Voyager-class attractions in Asia

The 15 passenger-deck, 3,114-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 duty-free boutiques and cafes, full-sized sports court, rock-climbing wall and mini-golf course. In addition, there is a three-tier theatre that features Broadway-style musicals, themed bars and lounges as well as a mezzanine split level nightclub. Revitalized last year with new dining and entertainment options, for the new Asian season now, the ship has received further additions worth US$10 million such as luxury boutiques of branded leather products, watches and jewelry as well as more varieties of casino machines.

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 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.