Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas deployed to China in 2013

Based in Singapore and China, the ship will offer itineraries to Southeast Asia, Japan and Korea

BEIJING – At a press conference in Beijing, China, executives from Royal Caribbean International announced that the recently revitalized Mariner of the Seas will head to Asia in June 2013 and offer numerous itineraries from China and Singapore to Southeast Asia, Japan and Korea throughout the rest of the year.

The addition of a second 3,114-guest ship to China, to join Voyager of the Seas, illustrates the company’s commitment to the growing cruise industry in Asia. Together, they represent the two largest capacity and most innovative cruise ships operating in the region. 

Richard D. Fain, chairman and chief executive officer of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., and Adam Goldstein, president and chief executive officer of Royal Caribbean International, made the announcement with Dr. Zinan Liu, group managing director for China and Asia.  

Royal Caribbean International will deploy Mariner of the Seas to China in June 2013. Offering a wide variety of itineraries, ranging from three nights to 12 nights, the move is designed to offer additional capacity to a fast growing Chinese cruise vacation population, as well as attract cruise guests from around the world to visit China and sail around Asia.  The ship will adopt the same product customizations made for Voyager of the Seas' entry in the market – including Chinese-style menus, as well as enhanced retail and entertainment offerings, and language services.

“The opportunities to attract guests from China to cruise are abundant,” says Goldstein.  “Mariner of the Seas recently received a host of Royal Advantage enhancements and I’m confident cruisers here will be amazed by the Oasis-class innovations available for everyone of all ages on this ship.”

“We’ve made it clear we see Asia in general, and China in particular, as a strategic objective,” adds Fain.  “We have been so pleased by the market’s response to bringing Voyager of the Seas to Asia that it made strategic sense to send a second ship of equal size.”

 

Mariner of the Seas weighs 138,279 gross registered tons, spans 15 guest decks and was built in Turku, Finland before making its maiden voyage in 2003.  The ship will depart the Caribbean in April and head to Singapore and onto China via Dubai and the Suez Canal. 

“This is another major step forward, in a short period of time, for the cruise industry in China,” says Dr. Liu.  “The feedback from guests sailing with Royal Caribbean has been tremendously positive, and we look forward to continuing to work with other Chinese ports and travel partners to further develop the country’s overall cruise economy,” says Dr. Zinan. 

When she sails into China in June 2013, Mariner of the Seas will offer guests the benefits of the multi-million dollar Royal Advantage strategy, including enhanced staterooms and other innovative features that Royal Caribbean International has created in recent years.  As well as a greater variety of new onboard dining and entertainment options, there will be:

• Outdoor movie screen:  A giant outdoor screen overlooking the pool deck.
• Royal Promenade:  An indoor “main street” stretching nearly the full length of the middle of the ship, lined with places to eat, drink, shop and be entertained.   
• “Studio B” Ice Rink:  An ice skating rink for guests that doubles as a 700-seat venue for ice show productions with world-class figure skaters.
• Boardwalk Dog House:  A casual eatery for guests to enjoy a range of brats, links, wieners and dogs.
• New Technology:  Guests will enjoy pervasive Wi-Fi, interactive flat-panel televisions in staterooms, and electronic mustering. 
• Digital Wayfinding Systems:  Onboard activities, real time updates, customized directions and routing, as well as ship factoids will all be at guests’ fingertips with new plasma and LCD touch screen signs prominently placed throughout the ship.
• Sports facilities including an inline skating track, Royal Caribbean’s signature rock-climbing wall, a 9-hole mini golf course, a golf simulator, a full size sports court with a basketball court, three swimming pools and six whirlpools.

There’s also the cruise line's signature Viking Crown Lounge, the Schooner Bar, Casino Royale, a 1,400-square meter Day Spa & Fitness Center, and complimentary Adventure Ocean youth program.  In addition to a fabulous range of activities, the ship offers conference facilities which provide the ideal environment for corporate meetings. 

Underscoring the significance of the growing Chinese cruise economy and established desire to sail with Royal Caribbean International, Voyager of the Seas is confirmed to return to China in 2013 for a second season.  Meanwhile, Legend of the Seas, which has operated out of Singapore and Shanghai for the past three years, will return to Europe.   

About Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 22 innovative ships, calling on more than 270 destinations in 72 countries across six continents. The line also offers unique cruise tour land packages in Alaska, Canada, Dubai, Europe, and Australia and New Zealand.        
Royal Caribbean provides a world-class vacation experience with a wide range of signature onboard amenities, entertainment, and award-winning family programming. The cruise line has a 40-year history of giving guests the Royal Advantage – the most innovative cruise ships, exciting itineraries to popular destinations, and world-renowned friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service.          
Royal Caribbean International is part of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE/OSX: RCL), a global cruise vacation company that also operates Celebrity Cruises, Azamara Club Cruises, Pullmantur, CDF Croisieres de France, as well as TUI Cruises through a 50 percent joint venture with TUI AG.  The company has a combined total of 39 ships in service and three under construction.

                                                                                                             

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