New Delhi : Royal Caribbean International’s Explorer of the Seas is making double maiden calls in India, first in Goa yesterday and in Cochin today, where she was welcomed by the local port officials and Royal Caribbean’s Indian representatives.  She is currently on an 11-Night Middle East and Asia Cruise which started from Dubai and will also visit Penang and Port Klang before ending in Singapore, bringing around 3,200 international guests to these ports.

An official plaque and key ceremony was conducted onboard between Captain Kjetil Gjerstad and Sri. Senthilvel, Deputy Chairman of Cochin Port.  This is Royal Caribbean’s third ship to visit India this year, following Rhapsody of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas.  The number of tourists who arrived with these ships ranges from over 2,000 to close to 4,000 per call, while the ships are of 78,491 to 168,666 GRT.  Explorer of the Seas is 137,308 GRT, which puts her among the largest cruise ships to have called at Indian ports.

Ratna Chadha, Royal Caribbean International’s International Representative in India said, “We are pleased to bring yet another Royal Caribbean ship to India today, which underscores the strong attraction of Indian destinations for the international cruise market as our brand deploys more and more ships to Asia.  We hope at the same time, the arrival of ships of this size will help push for more infrastructure development and hence more viable ports for larger cruise ships in India, which is very crucial now for its cruise tourism development.”

Revitalised Features Onboard

The 15-deck Explorer of the Seas, which carries 3,840 guests at total capacity, features the Voyager Class’ signature activities and entertainment which includes the Studio B ice-skating rink, Royal Promenade – a boulevard of shops and cafes – and a full-sized sports court.  The ship has also been revitalised earlier this year with new features such as the FlowRider surf simulator, virtual balcony staterooms, 3D movie theatre, Giovanni’s Table Italian restaurant and Chops Grille steakhouse, which the fleet is renowned for.

New Asian and Australian Sailings

Explorer of the Seas will be sailing 10-Night Asia Repositioning Cruise from Singapore to Perth (Fremantle) starting on November 3, with calls at Port Klang, Langkawi and Phuket.  She will embark on her inaugural Australian season homeporting in Sydney thereafter, featuring South Pacific cruises till March 2016.