Singapore to double cruise ship capacity by 2010

Two new berths at the facility will accommodate the largest ships currently in service, as well as those on order including the new 5,400 capacity Genesis-class ships.

The new berths will complement the existing two berths at the Singapore Cruise Centre at Harbor Front; both cruise facilities are only 10-15 minute drive from each other.

Jason Ong, Area Director, Middle East and Africa, Singapore Tourism Board said the International Cruise Terminal will allow Singapore to capitalize on the global growth of the cruise industry.

'We are experiencing an increase in Middle Eastern clients taking cruise holidays from Singapore where they can choose from a range of cruise liners who offer them the chance to sail around the world in absolute luxury,' he said.

'These new cruise facilities will bring Singapore closer to its goal of becoming the 'Cruise Hub of Asia' and attracting even more Middle East visitors to sail from Singapore'.

The new facilities will also significantly increase Singapore's cruise passenger handling capacity, helping meet Singapore's target of achieving a throughput of 1.6 million cruise passengers by 2015.

Last year, Singapore Cruise Centre reported a cruise passenger throughput of over 943,000, an increase of more than 10% over 2006.

The Ocean Shipping Consultants has projected that Asia (Greater China, South Korea, Japan and Southeast Asia) can expect a 44% growth in cruise passengers by 2010.

By 2015, the number of Asian cruise passengers is expected to hit 2.02 million, an 88.79% increase over 10 years - making the cruise industry one of the fastest growing segments of the tourism industry.

Recognizing this growth potential, cruise operators are offering a wide range of itineraries within Asia.

Leveraging on Singapore's strategic location between major international maritime routes, and its excellent air connectivity to more than 190 destinations in 60 countries worldwide, a number of cruise companies have chosen to create a base in Singapore to strengthen their Asian presence.

For example, several of the world's top cruise lines, such as Star Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Costa Cruises, P&O Princess and Silversea Cruises have made Singapore the homeport or marquee port for their Asian ship deployments.

Marina South boasts deep waters, a large turning basin and no height restrictions. The facility will be capable of berthing ships up to 220,000 GRT, measuring up to 360 metres (1,181 feet) in length with a draft of up to 11.5 metres (37.73 feet).

The International Cruise Terminal will be easily accessible to Marina Bay, Singapore's new downtown and financial services hub, as well as surrounding attractions such as the Singapore Flyer, the world's largest observation wheel, and the Marina Bay Sands TM Integrated Resort.

Cruise passengers can look forward to easy access and seamless connection to other parts of Singapore including the Changi International Airport, which is only a 20-minute drive away.