Royal Caribbean International returns to Asia in 2008 for a second consecutive season with Legend of the Seas, offering 25 exciting sailings along with four extended repositioning cruises.

No stranger to Asia, Legend once plied the region’s waters during the 1999 through 2001 seasons. Her return promises more opportunities for travellers to experience the vibrant cultures and grand cities of Asia combined with Royal Caribbean’s signature style of active cruise vacations. East Asia voyages aboard Legend of the Seas are now open for booking.

“Royal Caribbean’s return to Asia in 2008 reflects our commitment to the region, and is an integral part of our global expansion strategy,” said Rama Rebbapragada, managing director, Asia-Pacific, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
“Not only do international travellers have more chances to experience a cruise vacation in exotic Asian destinations, but travellers from Asia also have more convenient access to an exciting Royal Caribbean cruise vacation from local homeports in Shanghai and Singapore.”

The new season kicks off on November 12, 2008, when Legend embarks from Rome (Civitavecchia) for a 12-night voyage through the Suez Canal to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, with calls at Alexandria and Safaga, Egypt; and Muscat, Oman. Legend continues from Dubai to Singapore for another 12 nights, calling at Mumbai, Goa (Mormugao) and Cochin, India; Phuket, Thailand; and Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang), Malaysia.

Beginning December 9, 2008, Legend will offer travellers 15 short cruises, ranging from two to five nights. Sailing roundtrip from Singapore, guests will call at the tropical ports of Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang) and Penang, Malaysia, as well as the exotic sun-soaked islands of Langkawi, Malaysia; and Phuket, Thailand.

Legend of the Seas will then offer three spectacular 14-night voyages between Singapore and Shanghai, each featuring two-day calls in Hong Kong and Bangkok (Laemchabang), Thailand; and make a historic maiden call at the new Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal on February 14, 2009. The extended itinerary also includes calls at Xiamen and Sanya, China; Hue (Danang), Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City (Vung Tau), Vietnam; and Sihanoukville, Cambodia.

From mid-March, travellers also can select from five roundtrip voyages from Shanghai, visiting distinctive islands in the East China Sea, including calls at Okinawa, Japan; Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan; and Cheju Island, South Korea. A sixth voyage for five nights aboard Legend of the Seas will sail from Shanghai to Tokyo (Yokohama) and call at Pusan, South Korea; and Fukuoka and Kyoto (Osaka), Japan.

On April 26, 2009, Legend of the Seas will begin retracing its route from the start of the season. A 12-night cruise from Hong Kong back to Singapore features two-day calls at Hanoi (Haiphong), Vietnam; and Bangkok (Laemchabang), Thailand; as well as day-calls at Hue (Danang), Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City (Vung Tau), Vietnam; and Sihanoukville, Cambodia. On May 8, 2009, Legend will depart the region from Singapore in a repositioning cruise to Dubai and onward to Rome.

Later this year, during Royal Caribbean’s inaugural season in Asia, Rhapsody of the Seas will sail three to 12-night cruises between December 2007 and April 2008. Bookings for Rhapsody’s upcoming season have been strong with guests coming from Asia as well as other parts of the world.

Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 21 ships currently in service and three under construction.  The line also offers unique land-tour vacations in Alaska, Canada, Europe and Australia through its cruisetour division.  For additional information or to make reservations, call your travel agent, or visit www.royalcaribbean.com. For travel professionals, go to www.cruisingpower.com.