Royal Caribbean International’s newest and largest cruise ship in Asia, Spectrum of the Seas, arrives today at her first Southeast Asian port, Penang. Her arrival marks the start of Royal Caribbean’s Double Quantum year in the region, as one of two Quantum Class ships that will be sailing in the region this year.
At 169,379 gross registered tonnes and a total capacity of 5,622 guests, Spectrum of the Seas is the largest cruise ship in Asia.
Kicking off its inaugural Southeast Asian season this month, Spectrum of the Seas will see three sailings from Singapore – a 3-night cruise to Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang) on 18 May, a 4-night cruise to Penang on 21 May, and a 9-night one-way cruise from Singapore to Shanghai, calling at Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang and Hong Kong on 25 May. Spectrum of the Seas is expected to bring over 12,000 guests to Malaysia on her three calls.
Spectrum of the Seas comes with first-at-sea features such as Sky Pad, a virtual reality, bungee trampoline experience, and the two-level Ultimate Family Suite with an in-room slide, as well as new innovative dining and entertainment concepts, on top of the iconic Quantum Class favourites, such as the North Star elevated glass capsule, skydiving simulator and bumper cars.
To celebrate the maiden call, plaque exchanges were conducted between Spectrum of the Seas’ Captain Charles Teige and local officials, namely Mr Ian James, Chairman of SPCT; Mr Jeffrey Chew, Chairman of Penang Port Commission; YB Lee Chun Kit, Representative of Penang Chief Minister’s Office; and Hon. Datuk Mohamaddin bin Ketapi, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture of Malaysia.
Royal Caribbean’s Managing Director, Asia-Pacific, Angie Stephen, said that the commitment to bring in two of Royal Caribbean’s largest and most innovative ships in 2019 alone underscores Royal Caribbean’s confidence in the region to continue experiencing record-breaking growth.
“2019 is an exciting year for Royal Caribbean. Not only are we celebrating our 50th anniversary as a global brand, we are embarking on a new era for cruising in Southeast Asia with the arrival of two Quantum Class ships. Malaysia, as one of the region’s most significant cruise destinations, plays a huge role in this important milestone, and we look forward to growing the cruise industry here and in the region.”
According to Royal Caribbean, Malaysia’s attractiveness as a destination has driven its growth over the years. The cruise brand is expected to deliver almost 300,000 guests to Malaysian ports this year.
Following Spectrum of the Seas, the region will also be welcoming her sister ship, Quantum of the Seas, later in November 2019 for a six-month season with 34 sailings. Her itineraries will include 4-night cruises to Phuket and Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang) or Penang, 5-night cruises to Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang), Penang and Phuket; a 7-night cruise to Bangkok (Laem Chabang) (overnight) and Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My); and a 9-night cruise to Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang and Hue/Danang (Chan May). After her multi-million-dollar revitalisation project prior to the season, guests can look forward to a ship refreshed and upgraded to provide the best experience for guests in this region.