Royal Caribbean to base latest ship in China

Royal Caribbean has confirmed that its newest cruise ship, Ovation of the Seas, will be based in China.

The vessel, which will become Royal Caribbean’s third Quantum-class ship, will launch in April 2016. Following an initial 52-night voyage from the UK to China, Ovation of the Seas will homeport in Tianjin, offering a series of Asian voyages for the 2016 summer season.

The news was announced by Royal Caribbean’s president & CEO, Michael Bayley, at a press conference in Beijing.

“Cruising has become very popular for Chinese consumers and Royal Caribbean is already capturing their imaginations with our industry-leading cruise ships,” said Bayley.

“We are furthering our commitment by bringing two of the world’s newest and most advanced Quantum-class cruise ships to the region. In addition, we are significantly expanding our investment in the training and employment of Chinese talent so they can join us in delivering our amazing and distinctive vacations to Chinese travellers.”

Ovation of the Seas will join Quantum of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas and Legend of the Seas in Chinese waters, giving Royal Caribbean the largest deployment of any international cruise brand in China.

This will enable it to offer cruises from four Chinese cities – Shanghai, Tianjin, Hong Kong and Xiamen – primarily sailing three- to 12-night itineraries to destinations in Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam.

Like its sister ships, Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas will be among the biggest cruise ships in the world, weighing in at approximately 168,000 tonnes and carrying more than 4,000 passengers. One of the key features of the ships is the North Star aerial observatory – a glass capsule that takes extends over the side of the ship, 90 metres above the waves.

sourced:traveldailymedia.com