Singapore the “Cruise Hub of Asia”

Increase of cruise visitors from India in the past decade

Singapore is all set with new infrastructure projects to enhance its position of being the ‘Cruise Hub of Asia’. With its strategic location in the heart of Asia, International cruise operators are also seizing the opportunity to make Singapore their gateway into the region. In recent years, this island nation has grabbed a significant part of the cruise industry in Asia, with Indian visitors topping the charts as cruise lovers.

Not only have Indian holidaymakers embraced the cruise sector but it has also gained immense popularity with the corporate sector, with Indian companies including a cruise leg into its varied incentive schemes.

According to a report by The Ocean Shipping Consultants; Asia can expect a 44% growth in cruise passengers by 2010. By 2015, the number of Asian cruise passengers is expected to hit 2.02 million, an 88.79 % increase over 10 years, making the cruise sector one of the fastest growing segments in the tourism industry. Singapore is set to grab 21% of the market with an expected 1.6 million cruise passengers by 2015. To support this goal, Singapore’s international cruise infrastructure will double in capacity with the opening of the new International Cruise Terminal at Marina South which will become operational in 2010.

The new International Cruise Terminal will greatly enhance visitor experience in Singapore as it has been designed not only to be architecturally attractive but also to ensure a smooth and seamless experience for passengers. The terminal will feature a spacious arrival and departure hall as well as a large ground transportation area to facilitate passenger movement. The most unique feature about the new terminal is the waves and nautical elements that take centrestage in its design. Taking an angular rather than curvilinear form, the rooftop waves will appear as an imaginative mosaic of shapes and patterns which passengers will experience as constantly changing views as the ship approaches land, adding to the sense of anticipation as visitors take in the Singapore skyline.

The new terminal building will also feature designated areas for taxis, coaches and private cars to allow efficient vehicular access and movement. A waterfront promenade and park will provide disembarking passengers a pleasant arrival experience and distinctive night lighting will enhance the city’s skyline at night, making it a world class hub for cruise passengers.

The Singapore Cruise Centre reported a cruise passenger count of over 943,000, in 2007, an increase of more than 10 % over the previous year. A similar increase in numbers is expected for 2008-09.

Recognizing this growth potential, and the Singapore government’s efforts in building excellent infrastructure, cruise operators are offering a wide range of itineraries. Leveraging on Singapore’s position between major international maritime routes, and its excellent air connectivity to more than 190 destinations in 60 countries worldwide, a number of cruise companies have chosen to create a base in Singapore to strengthen their Asian presence.

For example, several of the world’s top cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean Cruises, Carnival’s Costa Cruises, P&O Princess and Silvered Cruises have made Singapore the homeport or marquee port for their Asian ship deployments. This gives passengers more varied travel options. Further, Star Cruises’ Superstar Virgo and Superstar Libra returned to Singapore in October and November 2008 respectively, joining Superstar Gemini in offering cruises out of Singapore. Costa Allegra too, have expanded its sailings and homeport out of Singapore from February to November 2009. These deployments join other luxury cruise players such as Silversea and Seabourn, widening the range of cruise offerings in the region. Exotic and romantic packages are offered by these cruise liners ranging from 2 nights to 27 nights sailing across Asia to the Middle East & Europe.

Commenting on this development and its significance for the Indian market, Mr. Randall Tan, Regional Director, South Asia, Middle East & Africa said “We are glad that the world’s top cruise companies are choosing Singapore as a gateway to the Asia-Pacific region. The Indian market already enjoys great connectivity and a short flying time to Singapore. Now with top cruise liners berthing in Singapore as part of their travel plans, it will showcase the many unique facets of Singapore to the discerning Indian traveler. Visitors can enjoy the island’s melting pot of cultures, the diverse range of leisure activities, colourful celebrations and world class events that is held annually through these shore excursions and can also enjoy the other exotic beaches and scenic cities of Southeast Asia.

Additionally, said Mr.Tan, the Government of Singapore has made a concerted effort to support and develop the cruise sector industry through its S$10 million Singapore Fly-Cruise Development Fund (FCDF) that was launched in 2006. India is a key market for the cruising industry and we will continue to focus our efforts on promoting cruise holidays in India”

About the Singapore Fly-Cruise Development Fund
Set up jointly by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and the Singapore Cruise Centre (SCC) and administered by the STB, the S$10 million fund is intended to boost the local cruise industry and encourage major international cruise companies to partner Singapore in product development and marketing initiatives.

About the Singapore Tourism Board
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is an economic development agency for one of Singapore’s key service sectors – tourism. The mission of the Board is to develop and champion tourism, so as to build the sector into a key driver of economic growth for Singapore. The STB also differentiates and markets Singapore as a must-visit destination, offering enriching experiences through the “Uniquely Singapore” branding.

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