Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean International announced recently that it was returning one of its ships, the Rhapsody of the Seas, to Asia for the first time in six years. The Rhapsody of the Seas set sail in the Asian seas last December and will return there again at the end of this year with some dramatic cruise itineraries certain to be popular amongst South African holiday-makers. The first cruise sets off from Singapore on Saturday, 6th of December. The ship will sail to Kuala Lumpur and Penang in Malaysia, before heading back to Singapore 3 nights later. Other destinations include Thailand, Taiwan, Japan, China and Vietnam. Asian cruises ranging from three to 12 nights will operate until April next year, with itineraries designed in such a way that travellers can add a cruise component to their land-based Asian holiday. A three-night round-trip cruise in peak season will cost $800 for two people sharing. The fare includes all meals and on-board entertainment. With a passenger capacity of 2,435, the Rhapsody is equipped to visit exotic Far East destinations, while still catering for Western tastes on board. The ship offers onboard entertainment such as a rock-climbing wall and indoor and outdoor pools. Rhapsody of the Seas, at 78,491 tons, will be one of the largest cruise ships to homeport in Asia. In addition to the rock-climbing wall, she features the awe-inspiring Centrum, an open atrium with a shopping arcade; six whirlpools; an indoor/outdoor pool in a Solarium with a retractable roof; themed bars and lounges; the Adventure Ocean Youth program; the Shipshape Day Spa and Fitness Centre; the Casino Royale; multi-level dining rooms with floor to ceiling windows; and Windjammer Café. The ship also has one main conference centre with four smaller meeting rooms. Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 20 ships currently in service and three under construction. In South Africa, the cruise line is represented by Cruises International. For more information, contact your preferred tour operator or Cruises International on the details alongside.