SINGAPORE : It has been one year since Royal Caribbean Cruises started creating waves in Asia, and with cruise passengers in the region seen hitting 1.5 million passengers in 2010, it is keen to tap into the growth.

It will be dedicating one cruise liner - Legend of the Seas - for the Asia Pacific route from November next year.

The ship will be deployed from various homeports in the region, including Singapore, Shanghai and Hong Kong.

"Passenger numbers in the Asia Pacific region grew by 111 per cent in 2007 (compared to) 2008, and we project a growth of up to 66 per cent in 2008 over 2007," said Rama Rebbapragada, Managing Director (Asia Pacific), Royal Caribbean Cruises, Asia.

Cruising volumes in Southeast Asia alone is growing at an average of about 5 per cent every year. But Royal Caribbean said there are still challenges ahead.

It is hoping to see more cruise terminals in the region that can accommodate bigger ships. It also added that more can be done to make cross-border travel in Asia seamless.

Adam Goldstein, President & CEO of Royal Caribbean International, said: "We are more focused today (compared to) a year or two ago when trying to facilitate the guest experience as much as possible as the ship crosses international borders.

"For example, when the ship was going between Korea, Japan and China, there were many visa requirements and long inspections in each country. Our goal is to work with the authorities."

North America accounts for 70 per cent of cruising worldwide. But according to some industry players, with new cruise terminals up in Asian countries like Singapore and Hong Kong, the region will contribute to the industry's stronger growth. - CNA /ls