Changi Airport Group (CAG) has sealed another agreement with Royal Caribbean International and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) to promote fly-cruises to the country.

The five-year deal, which twins with the deployment of Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class vessels including Quantum of the Seas, is expected to deliver more than 623,000 international fly-cruise visitors to Singapore between the end of 2019 to 2024, generating more than S$430m/US$316m in tourist receipts.

It builds on previous agreements to market Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas (2015-2018), and Ovation of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas (2017-2020), both partnerships of which yielded S$260m/US$199m in tourism revenues.

The tripartite arrangement will focus on key regional markets such as India, Indonesia and Malaysia, plus long-haul destinations including Australia, the US and UK.

DECEMBER COMMENCEMENT

Fly-cruising is an increasingly popular pastime for Chinese, Indian and other Southeast Asian travellers to Singapore, with CAG recently launching a convenient intermodal transfer service for arrivals passengers continuing their onward journeys via ferry or cruise.

As part of the service, passengers can have their bags delivered to their departing ship while they enjoy the facilities of the Changi Lounge located at Jewel Changi Airport, before transferring to the cruise terminal.

From 1 December, Royal Caribbean guests from China will enjoy the service as part of new fly-cruise travel packages out of Singapore.

According to an ASEAN Report on Cruise Development in Southeast Asia, the volume of regional cruise passengers is expected to rise by 4.6%-6.4% per annum up to an estimated 4.5 million by 2035.

Mr Peh Ke-Wei, Vice President of Passenger Development, Air Hub Development, CAG said: “We are excited to enter into a third tripartite collaboration with Royal Caribbean International and Singapore Tourism Board.

“We see great potential in Singapore’s fly-cruise market and are excited to work with our partners to generate higher traffic for long-term growth.

“We believe the launch of our new seamless transfer service offers end-to-end convenience for our fly-cruise passengers and enhances their travel experience. We will continue to explore more ways to excite our passengers during their journey through Changi Airport.”

Royal Caribbean says Singapore’s world-class port infrastructure and seamless aviation connections – Changi Airport currently serves more than 100 airlines to 380 cities ­– positions it as an important location for the cruise line’s strategy.

Angie Stephen, Managing Director, Asia-Pacific of Royal Caribbean Cruises said: “Travel habits are constantly evolving, and holidaymakers in the region are increasingly looking to visit and explore more destinations in one vacation trip. Alongside Singapore Tourism Board and Changi Airport Group, we aim to offer more reasons for travellers to come to Singapore for a fly-cruise experience.

“This tripartite partnership marks a significant milestone in our 50^th year as a global cruise brand, and our work here in Singapore has played a huge role in driving our growth regionally. This sets the stage for us to further grow Singapore as the cruise hub of Asia, preparing the region for larger deployments in the future, where we will welcome even newer and bigger ships.”

SIX-MONTH HOMEPORTING SEASON

Quantum of the Seas will arrive in Singapore following a multi-million dollar refurbishment ahead of a six-month homeporting season, which expects to cater to 150,000 overseas and local guests.

Annie Chang, Director, Cruise, Singapore Tourism Board added” “We are pleased to once again partner Royal Caribbean and Changi Airport Group to grow cruising in Singapore and Southeast Asia.

“This being Royal Caribbean’s longest Singapore homeport deployment with a larger ship underscores its confidence in Singapore and the region. Royal Caribbean is always at the forefront of innovation and the latest deployment of Quantum of the Seas will diversify our cruise offerings, entrenching Singapore as a top fly-cruise hub in Asia.”