Industry mourns Seatrade’s Singapore-based cruise correspondent Jacintha Stephens

Since the late 90’s, Stephens charted Asia cruise market developments from its fledgling beginnings when just a single cruise line based ships in the region to the increasing commitment by all major international cruise lines and regional governments.

Stephens started her media career as a television reporter in Singapore, and has freelanced for major international broadcast, print and online media, as well as authored books.

Extensive network across Asia

She travelled extensively throughout Asia including representing Seatrade at press briefings, on ship introductions, on fam trips, and at conferences.

‘Jacintha has been a dedicated and loyal colleague who built up an extensive network of cruise contacts stretching from India to Japan and everywhere in between and Seatrade is extremely sad to hear of her passing,’ remarked Mary Bond, Global Director, Seatrade Cruise.

‘This is terribly sad news.  Jacintha has been a part of the Seatrade family for so long and a friend to so many of us. She will be greatly missed,’ commented Seatrade chairman Chris Hayman.

A great friend

Angie Stephen, Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Royal Caribbean Cruises told Seatrade, ‘we are deeply saddened by the passing of Jacintha. She has been a very close media partner to us and a very strong supporter of the cruise industry all these years. Her contributions were immeasurable. Not only that, we also view her as a great friend of Royal Caribbean.’

‘Jacintha was always keen to meet and interview international cruise line executives visiting Singapore to find out their latest plans for the region and she will be missed not just by Seatrade but the wider cruise community in Asia and beyond,’ said Bond.

Stephens is survived by her husband Sidhanand Raju, and two sons, Damien and Daniel.