By V. Sivaji
The Royal Caribbean International (RCL) will deploy its first liquefied natural gas (LNG) powered cruise ship next year – the “Utopia of the Seas”.
The mega cruise ship is being built at Saint-Nazaire, France and is a Oasis class ship in the Royal Caribbean International fleet.
It is expected to be the largest cruise ship or one of the largest cruise ships ever built.
With all of their 26-strong cruise ships in service, they are currently building a ship every year.
“We actually took delivery of two ships during the pandemic, the Wonder of the Seas is the world’s biggest cruise ship.
“We have actually turned the corner and look forward to exciting times ahead now.
“The Asian Region has big potential as only one per cent of the population have experienced cruise holidays,” said Angie Stephen vice president and managing director, Asia Pacific for Royal Caribbean International.
She was speaking to media members on the Spectrum of the Seas which hosted VIP guests, tour and travel agents at the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT).
The Spectrum of the Seas is currently plying the Singapore, Port Klang and Penang route till April 2023.
Stephen also added that Royal Caribbean International is here for the long term and are working on net zero emission by 2050 for their fleet of ships.
Also present at the ceremony was Penang State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy, YB Yeoh Soon Hin, Datuk Tan Teik Cheng, Penang Port Commission chairman, Ooi Chok Yan, chief executive officer of Penang Global Tourism (PGT), Dato V. Sasedharan , CEO of Penang Port Sdn Bhd, Captain Fleming among others.
The Spectrum of the Seas can house 5,622 guests and has a crew of 1,570 crew members from 50 countries.
There are 20 restaurants on the 1,139 feet long ship for guests to enjoy and other attractions like the bionic bar, North Star, Ripcord by Ifly, FlowRider, Sky Pad among others.
The mega cruise ship will make a perfect holiday destination for family and friends.
The Spectrum of the Seas had earlier hosted VIP guests at Port Klang yesterday before coming to the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT) this morning.
