Although in 2014 it seemed as if the Asian market would be the next big thing for the cruise industry, the proverbial tides have turned.
With ships originally designed to target that market now being repositioned, it’s beginning to look as if what was to be the industry’s new hot spot has definitely cooled down.
It’s also created opportunities for cruise lovers to experience ships they might otherwise not have been able to travel on for quite some time.
Asia Or Bust!
Starting around 2014, several lines made a concerted effort to move ships into what they saw as a very big, very untapped market. Offices were established, marketing plans were developed and, at the height of the rush, ships were designed specifically with the Asian market in mind.
In November 2014, Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas sailed North America for a season and then repositioned to Asia.
In 2015, Carnival Corporation went so far as to team up with China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) in order to develop plans which would see them operating their own fleet to serve Chinese cruise guests by the end of 2019. The partnership never came to fruition.
Royal Caribbean, Costa, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, and Holland America Line all hurried position ships to the “booming” Asian market.
And why not, in 2019, China had 1.4 billion residents, compared to the United States’ market of 328.2 million.
Even Norwegian Cruise Line went all-in with the Norwegian Joy. From top to bottom, every aspect of the 2017 build was designed with the Asian market in mind (more casino space, shopping, and unique Eastern dining venues).
