Back to the future with Singapore cruise homeporting

Back in the 1990s, most West Australians began their adventure into cruising by flying to Singapore. It was our “cruising nursery”, introducing many to holidays afloat.

For there, they would probably first sail short itineraries on the Star Princess, which debuted in 1989 and was officially named by Hollywood icon Audrey Hepburn, or SuperStar Gemini, from 1995.

And fly-cruise is very much in my mind again with the news that Singapore Tourism Board and Princess Cruises have entered a three-year partnership agreement.

Its aim is to expand Princess Cruises’ operations in Singapore.

+ Diamond Princess, Sapphire Princess and Grand Princess will homeport in Singapore.

+ From 2027 through to 2030, sailings will double.

+ And the collaboration is expected to bring in more than 150,000 passengers.

+ Supported by STB’s Cruise Development Fund, the ships will offer extended itineraries of 10 to 28 days.

+ There will be round-trip sailings to Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand.

+ And there will be longer voyages between Singapore and Japan.

Ms Jean Ng, assistant chief executive, experience development group, Singapore Tourism Board, says: “This three-year partnership with Princess Cruises is testament to Singapore’s position as Asia’s premier cruise hub.

“Princess Cruises’ expanded deployment broadens our premium cruise experiences and supports our Tourism 2040 vision to drive quality tourism growth through a strong pipeline of differentiated products.

“Singapore is well-positioned to capture fly-cruise demand and connect the world to the best of Asia.”