Holland America Line will return to Japan in the new year

Holland America Line will return to Japan in the new year

Nieuw Amsterdam in Vancouver Photo Credit Spacejunkie2 (Flickr)

HAL will deploy Westerdam to Japan early next year off the back of a stint in Australia and New Zealand; the ship will start its Asia season on 3rd February after a January dry dock in Singapore.

 

Japan lifted its curbs on cruising last month. Westerdam will sail roundtrip from Yokohama or Singapore, or between the two destinations.

 

Cruises range from 11 to 14 days and can be combined to create non-repeating Collectors’ Voyages. Across five itineraries, guests will be able to visit Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, Thailand and Malaysia, with overnight calls in Singapore, Kobe, Osaka and Phuket.

The season will conclude with a 14-day North Pacific Crossing from Yokohama to Seattle departing on 24th  April when Westerdam redeploys for its Alaska season.

"We’re grateful for the work that the Japanese authorities have done to allow for a return to cruising," said HAL president Gus Antorcha.

"Holland America Line’s guests love longer voyages to unique parts of the world, and we’ll be sailing to some incredible locations as our season in Japan and the rest of Asia begins."

HAL will provide details of any specific health protocols for each departure in advance via its voyage lookup tool.

Resorts World Cruises Set to Sail to Phuket with Genting Dream

Resorts World Cruises Set to Sail to Phuket with Genting Dream

Resort World Cruises announced the beginning of cruises to Phuket aboard the Genting Dream starting in November.

The Genting Dream will embark on its three- and five-night cruises departing from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur from November 2022 through April 2024. 

“The response for Genting Dream’s two- and three-night has been very positive and is gaining strong momentum in demand. As such, the introduction of Phuket as a cruise destination is timely and will further fuel the growth of the domestic and FlyCruise markets in the region. Also, vacationers will now have more travel choices to Phuket, including the comfort and convenience of a cruise ship, which are inclusive of meals, recreational activities and entertainment,” said Mr Michael Goh, President of Resorts World Cruises.

 “With the ongoing support of the Tourism of Thailand Authority, we will continue to work closely together to develop Phuket as a key cruise destination for Resorts World Cruises,” Goh added.

The ship will set sail on a five-night Kuala Lumpur-based cruise from Singapore on November 20, and then again on March 12, 2023. Additionally, travellers may opt for a five-night Penang, Phuket, Singapore cruise departing from Port Klang on November 21, 2022, and March 13, 2023. 

Booking for three-night cruises from Singapore and Port Klang with sale dates available between May 2023 and April 2024. 

“As the cruise tourism industry is making a comeback, we are delighted to collaborate with Resorts World Cruises to welcome more inbound tourists to Phuket and across Thailand from the cruise sector. On behalf of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, we would like to congratulate Resorts World Cruises on their first call to Phuket. We are excited that more calls to the island are confirmed and expected in 2023 and 2024,” said Nongyao Jirundorn, Director of Malaysia & Brunei, Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Vacationers will have ample time to explore Phuket and its attractions as well as visit the smaller islands such as Phi Phi Ley Island, Phi Phi Don, Bamboo Island and more. 

Photo: Singapore Cruise Society

Royal Caribbean Returns to Thailand

Royal Caribbean Returns to Thailand

The Spectrum of the Seas from Royal Caribbean is featuring longer sailings, and more of Southeast Asia to explore in the coming months as she will embark on cruises with Phuket featuring as one the core stops on four- to seven-night cruises, joining popular destinations like Penang and Port Klang in Malaysia.

Sailings are open to book on Royal Caribbean’s website.

“Thailand is hugely popular with our guests from Singapore – its distinctive food, culture and welcoming locals have made the country a destination of choice for many, and we are thrilled to be able to visit Phuket again so travellers can fully experience the wonders and rich heritage of the Southeast Asian region,” said Angie Stephen, vice president and managing director, Asia-Pacific, Royal Caribbean International. “

Thailand’s travel and tourism industries can anticipate a lift from the weekly sailings Spectrum is scheduled to deliver into Phuket. We continue to work closely with governments in the region to connect our guests with new destinations, adventures, and experiences, and to become a gateway for fly-cruisers from around the globe looking to experience the spice of Southeast Asia.”

“As Thailand’s largest island, Phuket is the pearl of the Andaman Sea, with her magnificent beaches,  beautiful sunsets at Phromthep Cape and spectacular local culture and lifestyle. Tourists also love the distinct local architecture and row houses that speak to Sino-Portuguese influence, which today house museums, boutique hotels and cafes. Phuket’s famous cultural shows, as well as the Phuket Fantasy theme park which combines Thai arts and culture with cutting-edge light and sound, shows altogether make for a memorable experience for visitors to the island,” said Governor Narong Woonsiew, Governor of Phuket, Thailand.

Photo: Angie Stephen, vice president and managing director, Asia-Pacific, Royal Caribbean International, and His Excellency, Narong Wun Siew, the Governor of Phuket, doing the exchanges as part of the plaque and key ceremony in recognition of the return of cruise tourism in Phuket, Thailand.

La Belle des Oceans Runs Into Trouble in Asia.

La Belle des Oceans Runs Into Trouble in Asia

CroisiEurope's La Belle des Oceans has arrived in Phuket after damaging its hull on an uncharted rock near Phi Phi Island, according to media reports.

The ship will remain in port until repairs are completed on the hull, which could take a week, according to local news.

The rock was said to tear a hole in the ship’s hull on the port side.

Passengers have been taken to Novotel Phuket Phokeethra in Phuket Town, where they will stay until they are flown to Singapore.

CroisiEurope acquired the 120-passenger ship earlier this year, which most recently sailed as the Silver Discoverer.

The 1989-built vessel is the former Clipper Odyssey, Oceanic Odyssey and Oceanic Grace.