Rhapsody of the Seas – The largest cruise ship debuts in Singapore
9 December 2007
Pasir Panjang, Singapore

Rhapsody of the Seas – The largest cruise ship debuts in Singapore

Singapore welcomes Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas

The largest cruise ship ever to homeport in Singapore arrived December 9, 2007

A Singaporean-style warm welcome with lion and dragon dance performances greeted the ship and its guests onboard upon its arrival at Pasir Panjang Container Terminal in the morning of December 9. With a capacity of over 2,400 passengers and 78,000 tonnes, the 'Rhapsody of the Seas' is the largest ship to homeport in Asia.

The warm reception to ‘Rhapsody of the Seas’ is significant for the Singapore Cruise Centre and the Singapore Tourism Board. Carrying some 2000 tourists from Australia and New Zealand on a single sailing trip, these guests sailed with ‘Rhapsody’ from Sydney on a 16-day cruise, calling at Komodo Island, Bali and Krakatoa en route to Singapore.

Having firmly established itself as a key player in the hugely successful North American and European cruise markets, Royal Caribbean Cruises has set its sights on Asia where a significant growth in the cruise industry is expected. It established its regional office in Singapore earlier this year in preparation for the arrival of its ships and cruises in the region.

Mr Rama Rebbapragada, Asia-Pacific Managing Director for Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, see Rhapsody’s maiden sailing in the region as an opportunity to showcase a unique cruise experience in a region where cruising is set to take off in a significant way.

Singapore will be the base for a total of nine turnarounds on ‘Rhapsody of the Seas’, including six short cruises this December to Southeast Asia and two 12-night cruises to Hong Kong in January 2008. Targeting the outbound travel market with value-packed options, Rhapsody’s sailings this year have been received extremely positively by Singapore and regional travellers.