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Legend of the Seas Makes Maiden Call at Fukuoka
Fukuoka, April 21, 2009 – Royal Caribbean International's Legend of the Seas called at Fukuoka today for the first time with an official ceremony welcoming her arrival, marking the cruise brand’s return to Japan in less than a year, following its very successful first season in Asia.
The 2074-passenger Legend of the Seas arrived early this afternoon at Hakata International Cruise Terminal. The cruise ship is on its 5-Night North Asia cruise from Shanghai, also calling at Busan. This is also part of Royal Caribbean International’s second consecutive season in Asia. Its first Asian season saw Rhapsody of the Seas of the same Vision Class sailing to Fukuoka last April.
The ceremony held onboard the ship was well-attended by VIPs from governmental organizations and the cruise terminal as well as Royal Caribbean representatives in Japan. Traditional plaque exchanges were conducted between the ship officials and VIPs from Fukuoka including Mr Toshiyuki Kakugawa, President of Hakata Port Promotion Association, Mr Kaoru Ikeda, Director General of Hakata Port, Fukuoka City and Mr Ichiro Yamaguchi, Director of Kyushu District Transport Bureau, in honour of the ship's first turn in Fukuoka.
Hirohide Kamimura, International Representative for Royal Caribbean Cruises in Japan, said at the ceremony, "We are pleased and proud to bring Legend of the Seas to the beautiful and historical city of Fukuoka, which marks another significant step in growing Royal Caribbean’s presence in Asia. With this maiden call, it marks the beginning of many opportunities for our guests in Japan to truly experience the Royal Caribbean cruise vacation on this ship nearer to home."
Something for everyone on Legend of the Seas
The wide choice of innovative and attractive activities and facilities onboard cater well to Asian guests, who tend to favor multi-generational family cruising. These include Royal Caribbean's signature nine-meter high rock-climbing wall which offers an incredible view of the sea and Asia’s first and only onboard miniature golf course. In addition, Legend features a Solarium with a retractable glass roof, a fully equipped fitness centre as well as a spa and beauty salon.
There will be no shortage of entertainment onboard the cruise ship for adults or children, with spectacular Broadway-style musicals at the theatre, varied evening programs in the Anchors Aweigh Lounge, themed parties and more. Younger guests will especially enjoy the video arcade as well as the award-winning Adventure Ocean program with its fun-filled activities.
Meals also promise to be spectacular, as guests will have the best view possible from the two-tier glass-walled Romeo and Juliet Dining Room, while enjoying the wide variety of mouth-watering international cuisine.
While keeping to its core cruising style, Royal Caribbean has also enhanced a number of elements on Legend of the Seas' Asian cruises to suit guests tastes, for instance, Asian cuisines are included within the wide range of cuisines offered on the menus. In addition, there are crew onboard fluent in Asian languages including Japanese and trained in many of the finer points of Asian culture.
Returning to Fukuoka the next season
Following this cruise, Legend of the Seas will return to Singapore. From this November, she will start her year-round season in Asia with three to five-night Southeast Asian cruises out of Singapore, visiting popular destinations such as Penang, Langkawi and Phuket. When Legend of the Seas next returns to Japan during this season, she will be making more than 20 calls at Fukuoka. In addition, there are plans to increase calls at other Kyushu ports such as Nagasaki and Kagoshima. This is part of the extended season in North Asia which features attractive cruises to various popular Japanese, Korean and Chinese destinations.
About Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 20 ships currently in service and two under construction. The line also offers unique cruisetour vacations in Alaska, Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe, South America and New Zealand. For additional information, visit www.royalcaribbean.com.
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