Carnival Cruise lines has opened
a new regional HQ in Singapore,
and predicts that Asian
passenger numbers could double
to over 7 million by 2020.
Singapore could become the cruising base
for “the Caribbean of Asia,” according to the
chief executive of the new operation, Pier Luigi
Foschi, who said that the new cruise terminal
in the Lion City would be a “Miami-style hub”.
“There’s good weather here, lots of islands to
visit and a lot of experiences,” he said.
“South East Asia is not too different from the
Caribbean in terms of these basic conditions”.
Carnival Australia ceo Ann Sherry, in
Singapore for the event, said the opening
highlighted Carnival’s commitment to tap into
the potential growth opportunity, which could
mirror the performance in Australasia.
“Carnival Australia’s success in the Australia,
New Zealand and South Pacific region was
built on a multi-brand strategy and an efficient
distribution network that has made it easy
for passengers to discover cruising as a great
holiday option,” Sherry said.
“Our Carnival Asia growth is off to a great
start with major centres in Asia such as
Singapore, Hong Kong and Shanghai making
big investments in port infrastructure to attract
cruise ships and the economic benefits they
deliver,” she added.
The opening of the new Singapore office
coincided with the maiden call in the city of
Costa Atlantica, which will offer a series of
three and four night cruises to Malaysia and
Thailand over the next few months – alongside
Costa Victoria, more than doubling the brand’s
capacity in Asia.
The importance of the event was underlined
by the attendance of senior figures including
CLIA global president and ceo, Christine Duffy
alongside senior officials from the Singaporean
Government.
Carnival will initially focus on the Costa and
Princess brands in Asia, with Singaporean
Second Minister for Home Affairs and Trade
and Industry, S. Iswaran calling on all members
of the industry “including travel agents and
other related businesses,” to work together
with cruise companies.
“I believe there is scope going beyond the
corporate office to look at areas where we can
deliver links, in terms of onshore programs,
supporting services, as well as in training and
development of manpower for a growing
industry in this part of the world,” he said.
As well as the Costa deployment, Princess
Cruises will operate Sapphire Princess from
Singapore for four months from November
2014, with a range of itineraries ranging from
three to 11 days.
Foschi said Carnival Corporation was strongly
committed to developing its business in Asia.
