Royal Caribbean taps into Australia cruise potential

Royal Caribbean Cruises has announced that it will open an office in Sydney dedicated to the growing potential of the Australian cruise market.

The opening of the Australia office is a continuation of the cruise line’s plan for international expansion, and supports the increasing customer demand for itineraries in the South Pacific.

Royal Caribbean’s 1,998-passenger ship, the Rhapsody of the Seas, will see its third Australia and South Pacific season in 2009.

The cruise line’s operations in Australia are headed by the former managing director of P&O Cruises Australia, Gavin Smith, who has moved from Jetset Travelworld to take on the new position.

Royal Caribbean’s new office will replace that of its sub-agent for 17 years, Discover the World Marketing.

Discover the World Marketing will still continue to represent the cruise line, however, in countries that include Colombia, Guatemala, Pakistan and Thailand.

The move to open its Australia office follows the decision by rival Carnival to move two of its ships currently operating cruises for Ocean Village to Australia over the next two years.

Michael Bayley, the senior vice president of Royal Caribbean, said: “This region shows great growth potential in terms of providing new destinations for international cruise guests from North America, Europe and Asia, giving them exceptional port options that explore the beauty and uniqueness of Australia.”

He added: “This, coupled with the knowledge that Australia is a substantial source market for new cruise guests, gives us tremendous opportunity for growth in the region.”

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