TravTalk India Online Magazine
Naresh Rawal, Vice President, Sales & Marketing (India), Resorts World Cruises, and a cruise industry veteran, talks about developments at the new cruise line. From October 2022, it will expand its destination with cruises to Phuket in Thailand and North Bali in Indonesia, Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia.
Harshal Ashar
What is the product segmentation for Resorts World Cruises? Where does it feature from the other Asian cruises?
I am happy that I have joined Resorts World Cruises, a new Asian luxury and dynamic lifestyle cruise brand headquartered in Singapore, affiliated with over five decades of global experience in both hospitality and cruising. Recently on 15 June 2022, we had officially launched Resorts World Cruises to the world with the inaugural cruise of the Genting Dream from Singapore. Resorts World Cruises’ ‘Resorts Cruising At Sea’ aims to position itself as the leading cruise line in the region for Asian and globally sourced passengers, providing diverse experiences with a personalised cruising lifestyle experience. India is an important source market for the fly-cruise sector and we are confident that our brand will resonate with travellers from India and also across the region.
Please share your perspective of how the cruising industry is going to evolve?
The cruise sector will continue to evolve in several aspects and safety will remain a priority for consumers as well as the cruise lines. The pandemic has brought about drastic changes on how we operate cruises and the importance of implementing an enhanced preventive measures to safeguard guests and crew. Besides, consumer behaviour is also changing and personalised cruising experience will continue to grow as travellers seek cruise experiences that cater to their personalised needs.
What exciting itineraries can the travel trade expect to see?
We are pleased to announce that Resorts World Cruises will be the first to sail from Singapore to Indonesia with the exciting two-night Bintan and Batam Island cruise, starting 1 July 2022. Subsequently, we will also cruise to Malaysia to both Kuala Lumpur and Malacca (via Port Dickson) and Penang. From October 2022 onwards, we will also expand our destination cruises to Phuket in Thailand and North Bali in Indonesia towards year-end. Singapore is a popular destination for many Indian travellers and with these extended destination cruises, travellers will be able to enhance their overall travel and holiday experience aboard the Genting Dream to these popular destinations in neighbouring countries.
Where does this product feature for M!CE and weddings?
M!CE events at sea are gaining traction, and are increasingly becoming popular as many discover the convenience and benefits of organising events on a cruise ship. M!CE organisers or wedding and party planners can plan the activities and accommodations easily on a cruise ship. At Resorts World Cruises, our venues and onboard activities are converted to fit any M!CE requirements. A cruise ship is also a perfect venue for M!CE participants to truly interact, while cruising to new destinations. On the Genting Dream, they can enjoy a water theme park with six slides, amazing international and Asian cuisine, including certified halal and Jain offerings, spas, shopping, bowling, Zouk Beach Club, international performances at the 999-seating capacity Zodiac theatre and more—all while at sea cruising to new destinations.
