Sister Ships commandeered by two brothers achieving another first.
SINGAPORE – For the first time in Southeast Asia, two Princess Cruises’ ships –Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess – have docked in several ports in Southeast Asia on the same day. The two sister ships are sailing in the region for the Singapore homeporting season. On 14 January, both ships met in Phu My (Ho Chi Minh City), followed by Laem Chabang (Bangkok) on 16 January and Koh Samui a day later.
In another historical first for Princess in this region, the ships were commandeered by two brothers – Captain Paolo Ravera at the helm of Sapphire Princess and his older brother Captain Stefano Ravera on Diamond Princess when both ships met in Phu My and Laem Chabang.
Both ships finally met in Singapore on 19 January where over 5,000 guests disembarked at Marina Bay Cruise Centre. Bidding farewell to Diamond, Sapphire sounded her horn and will continue sailing in the region until March when she will return to Southampton for her second European season, embarking from Singapore on a 37-night Indian Ocean and Europe Grand Adventure Cruise. Meanwhile, Diamond prepares for dry dock.
Pivotal moment in Southeast Asia, contributing S$250million in economic benefit to the region
“This dual-ship homeporting marks our fifth year sailing out of Singapore, carrying over 200,000 guests during this time, marking a pivotal moment for Princess Cruises in Southeast Asia. Princess Cruises also contributed economic benefit from each homeporting season estimated to be about S$250 million in the region over the last five years. We certainly look forward to sailing in the region for many years to come,” said Farriek Tawfik, Director Southeast Asia.
Japan itineraries
After Diamond’s dry dock is completed in early February, she will embark on a 12-night sailing from Singapore to Phu My, Nha Trang, Hong Kong, Taipei, Osaka and Shimizu (Mount Fuji) before arriving in Yokohama on Valentine’s Day, 14 February. She will then commence her year-long sailing in Japan out of Yokohama and Kobe, featuring 60 departures on 40 unique itineraries, visiting 41 destinations in seven countries.
Mr Tawfik also added that Diamond Princess’ Singapore to Yokohama cruise was sold out as this is a unique and rare opportunity for guests in this region to embark on a journey covering seven destinations over 12 days from a port closer to home.
Gabriel Rius is an experienced skipper in Mediterranean Sea and South Atlantic. As a sea and sailing lover he also crossed the Atlantic Ocean from Spain to Brasil with a 14m Catamaran. His passion for the sea motivated Gabriel to establish his company in order to make his hobby a profession. Since 2003 Gabriel is dealing with luxury yachts.
