Nowadays, cruise industry develops rapidly and increasing number of visitors prefer choosing cruise for the vacations. In recent years, cruise company mainly focuses on Asian Market. Several brand new cruise ships start sailing from Asian port, such as Norwegian Jade and Royal Caribbean Spectrum of the Seas. However, from my observation of this sailing, the cruise company still have several challenges to encounter if they want to develop well in Asia consistently.
Here is not as relaxing as the itinerary in other Western Districts.
This was the conservation from a new friend from Australia on the ship. As narrated, he used to embark cruises and visit different destinations, such as U.S. and European routines. He claimed that the passengers of other routines would enjoy more the relaxing moment on the ship. Instead, Asians are always in fast pace and it seems very crowded everywhere.
For my observation from this sailing, actually it was slightly different from my expectation. During this trip, most of the passengers are Chinese and Filipinos, and also slight portions of Western guests. No offense to anyone, Asians tend to have activities together in a big group with family. We dine and chat together will create loud voice, it may somehow destroy the silent and relaxing moment on the ship. Instead, Western guests prefer act individually, even they travel with family. It will be relatively silent and enjoyable for the atmosphere.
Focusing on this case, I think Royal Caribbean has done a lot to entertain both parties. In order to fit the family guests, it revitalizes the multi-function area SEAPLEX. As it becomes more spacious and more different activities can be held, such as bumper karts, full court basketball and laser tag fun. This is suitable for the passengers who are more active and welcomed for having fun with gangs of people. Besides, it designs an indoor- swimming pool with transparent ceiling, and the area restricts kid to enter. This can entertain the guests who enjoy quiet moment.
However, it is difficult to keep the balance. Therefore, it depends on the market position and target segment of the cruise company. Royal Caribbean has a huge advantage in developing Asian market. It emphasizes the entertainments and adventure experience on cruise ship, also it used to target family group. Thus, its continuous development planning totally fits what Asian guests desire. On another side, some cruises, such as Norwegian Joy, failed to enter Asian Market. One of the reason is the cruise company did not understand the Asian culture and operated the cruise in typical western way. This issue spread another trend.
During my sailing, I found that the passengers were not such interested in chargeable activities, such as the Polar Star and iFly skydiving simulator. They would prefer more the complimentary items and activities. Also, the Asian passengers tended to spend more time in the casinos. In this case, the cruise should consider the balance between the complimentary and chargeable activities. Actually most chargeable activities are exclusive and gimmick of the cruise ship, if only a few amount of passengers will enjoy those facilities, it may drop the impression and reputation of the cruise. People may think it is not attractive enough, thus less passengers are interested. It is suggested that releasing more complimentary activities and facilities, or allowing certain amount of passengers to enjoy chargeable activities for free. It can increase the awareness and the attractiveness of the exclusive items. Meanwhile, cruise can extend casinos in order to contain more guests. As gaming revenue is one of the most revenue income on cruise, it can cover the cost as if chargeable items turn to complimentary.
JimmyK's Blog 