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LEGEND OF THE SEAS RECOGNIZED BY
JAPAN OCEANGOING PASSENGER SHIP ASSOCIATION AS "MOST INNOVATIVE AND BEST CRUISE PRODUCT OF THE YEAR"
From Left, Mr. Hirohide Kamimura and Mr. Isao Iio from Miki Tourist,Mr. Shinji Imasaki, Chairman, JOPA and Mr. Shinya Owada and Ms. Michiko Godai, The Winner of Best Cruise Couple
TOKYO, December 16, 2010 - Royal Caribbean International’s cruise ship Legend of the Seas was honored today by Japan Oceangoing Passenger Ship Association (JOPA) as the 2010 "Most Innovative and Best Cruise Product of the Year", following her first homeporting season in Yokohama this year. This made Legend of the Seas the first international cruise ship to win this award.
JOPA which was established in 1990 and associated with Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transportation and Tourism, promotes cruising in the Japanese market with its 70 members and associate members. Its award recognized the significant impact on the Japanese cruising scene created by Legend of the Seas by changing the market’s general perception of cruises. It was her high quality yet value-for-money packages and spacious accommodation that persuaded more Japanese to now see cruises as a reasonably-priced, enjoyable and flexible vacation option, hence contributing to the growth of the Japanese cruise market.
Legend of the Seas also made history in May this year, when it became the first international cruise ship to offer round trips out of Yokohama apart from charters. She also carried the largest-ever number of Japanese passengers out from Yokohama – 3,200 in total – on her two round trips. The season’s sailings which ranged from 7 to 8 nights with stops at Shanghai, Jeju Island, Busan, Vladivostok, Hakodate and Otaru were all sold out.
Rama Rebbapragada, Regional Vice President, Royal Caribbean Cruises said, “We are deeply honored with our achievement in Japan, and we thank our Japanese fans for their fantastic reception and strong support for our ship. Royal Caribbean is committed to growing its presence in Japan. After this very successful first Yokohama season with Legend of the Seas, we are looking forward to its second season next April, to bring to more Japanese guests Royal Caribbean’s renowned cruising style of international flavor, sophistication and innovation.”
International Cruising Style with Enhanced Japanese Offerings
The 2,074-guest Legend of the Seas offers an ocean of entertainment and relaxation choices for the whole family, such as the 9m rock-wall, miniature golf course, Broadway-style musicals, Solarium indoor pool, fitness centre, spa, lounges and a wide variety of international cuisines in formal dining and buffet styles. Her innovative, exciting amenities and activities, friendly, engaging and personal service as well as winning package of value with virtually everything onboard included in the fare gained her nationwide recognition in Japan just after one homeporting season in Yokohama.
While keeping to its international cruising style, Royal Caribbean has also enhanced a number of elements on its Japan cruises for the Japanese guests’ preference and ease, such as language assistance for the announcements, sign boards and menus. There are also Japanese menu selections such as tempura, sushi and noodle dishes.
New Offerings for 2011 Yokohama Season
Rebbapragada also said, “We look forward to our second Yokohama season next year which will introduce more sailings and new destinations, so as to attract more Japanese to cruise.” Legend of the Seas will be offering seven sailings, up from four this year, from April to May 2011 and in September. Highlights include Vladivostok, Jeju Island and the Shanghai overnight, plus new ports-of-call at Dalian, Beppu, Aomori and Otaru.
About Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 22 ships currently in service. The line also offers unique cruise tour land packages in Alaska, Canada, Dubai, Europe, and Australia and New Zealand. For additional information, visit www.royalcaribbean.com.