But Adam Goldstein, president and coo of Royal Caribbean Cruises reminded Singapore-based staff and trade partners that the company has actually been working in Asia much longer.
‘When we started in Asia 25 years ago we didn't know Asia would be the fastest growing cruise market in the world. We had no idea then that in 2016 we would have more passengers from China than what the entire company had worldwide 28 years ago! Yet, we are just at the beginning.’
Goldstein was speaking Friday evening at a lunar spring celebration hosted by svp international Gavin Smith and Singapore and Southeast Asia md, Sean Treacy.
Treacy, reflected on the year before, which he described as ‘amazing’, as Royal Caribbean had seen a 40% increase in capacity.
He thanked his team and trade partners for having risen to the challenge of the 40% increase in sales targets and bringing in 100,000 guests in 2016.
Goldstein and Smith were among executives who flew in to attend the celebrations. Earlier in the day they had met with senior ASEAN officials and he hosted them for a visit onboard Mariner of the Seas, to familiarize them with aspects of the cruise industry.
Goldstein said a second Quantum class ship will return this year, bringing the number of ships in the region to three: Mariner of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas. In addition, the arrival of Celebrity Constellation to Singapore in the coming week would double the Celebrity fleet.
In a moving tribute to the late Rama Rebbapragada, Goldstein credited him with having had the ‘real vision’ for Royal’s current accomplishments in Asia.
‘If he could be here tonight Rama would be genuinely pleased with all we have achieved here.’ Michael Bayley, president and ceo Royal Caribbean International also thanked Rebbapragada in a video message.
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