Industry players laud decision for Singapore's new cruise terminal

Channel NewsAsia 1 Apr 08;

SINGAPORE: Industry players from the tourism industry said that Singapore's new cruise terminal is necessary if the country wants to become a cruise hub.

The new International Cruise Terminal at Marina South becomes operational in 2010. And by then, international cruise infrastructure will double in capacity.

The cruise terminal in Marina South is suitable to handle larger cruise ships as the area has deep waters and no height restrictions.

Robert Khoo, CEO of NATAS, said: "Although we can take in large cruise ships it is still inadequate because some of the big ships that come to Singapore and call here, we really don't have the facilities to have them... They're parked at the PSA warehouse and it's very inconvenient for the passengers to come out and get back to the cruise ships."

When the new terminal is ready in 2010, there will be two berths.

Robin Yap, Chairman of the Tourism Management Institute of Singapore, said: "I'm sure there'd be a lot more new ships coming to our port and with that we can expect more options for Singaporean travellers. I think that's good news for all."

Royal Caribbean, which set up office in Singapore in 2007 is excited by the prospects of new and better facilities in Marina South.

Rama Rebbapragada, Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Asia, said: "We are very pleased and thrilled because our plans are to grow and be a long-term player in this region and having a terminal that can double its capacity and also take on the bigger ships will only bode well for Singapore."

So the cruise liner is looking at bringing some of its bigger and newer ships to Singapore by 2010.

But even before the new terminal is completed, the Singapore Tourism Board said Singapore will already be a port of call for a host of ships.

These include Cunard's Queen Victoria which will make her maiden world cruise later this year and ships from Princess Cruise, P&O, and Holland America Line. - CNA/vm