…
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has affirmed its commitment to develop Singapore as a major cruise hub and will be showcasing the new cruise terminal design for the first time at the Seatrade Cruise Shipping Convention 2009 in Miami, USA from 17 to 19 March 2009. This follows the announcement last year that Singapore would build a new International Cruise Terminal at Marina South and double its current cruise handling capacity.
Bermello, Ajamil and Partner, Inc. (BA) and RSP Architects Planners and Engineers (Pte) Ltd, were appointed in May 2008 to design the cruise terminal.
“The new cruise terminal’s nautical theme was chosen as a natural complement to the terminal’s function and setting. We believe that the terminal’s rooftop depicting a modern interpretation of low rolling waves will provide for a very welcoming sight to passengers as their cruise ship sails into Singapore,” said Mr Chew Tiong Heng, STB’s Director for Destination Marketing and Cruise, who elaborated that the International Cruise Terminal will add to a distinctive Singapore skyline set to feature architectural gems such as the Marina Bay Sands™, Gardens by the Bay and the Singapore Flyer.
Beyond its exterior design, the International Cruise Terminal’s interior will be characterised by a clean and simple layout to ensure a smooth and seamless passenger experience. Designed to accommodate the world’s largest ships, the terminal includes a spacious arrival and departure hall as well as a large ground transportation area to allow for efficient passenger movement.
Mr. Chew concluded, “The International Cruise Terminal is a key infrastructural project that is vital to help Singapore capitalise on the global and Asian market growth of the cruise industry. Even amidst the current economic climate, the STB is committed to delivering this key infrastructure by the end of 2011 to help position Singapore as a regional cruise hub.” With the design finalised, the next stage will be to commence construction with groundbreaking expected to take place in the next quarter.”
The cruise market continues to show encouraging growth in the UK, defying the general industry trend. According to figures released by the Passenger Shipping Association on 16 March 2009, the number of Britons taking a cruise grew to nearly 1.5 million in 2008, representing an 11% growth on the previous year.
As The Singapore Tourism Board’s Area Director for Northern and Western Europe explained: “The new cruise terminal will help us capitalise on the growing popularity of cruise holidays here in the UK and increase the number of cruise liners stopping in Singapore. Already one of the popular cruise destinations in Asia, the new terminal will further enhance visitors experience when cruising into Singapore."
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
