Royal Caribbean Cruise Line has been granted approval by the Chinese authorities to operate chartered cruises from Shanghai to Taiwan on Legend of the Seas.
It will be allowed to operate six cruises between March 14 and April 19.
This makes Royal Caribbean Cruise Line the first international cruise company to be specially approved by the Chinese government to provide chartered cruise services within China’s territory.
The planned itineraries last for six nights and seven days, featuring Taiwan’s Hualien, Keelung and Taichung as ports of call.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line’s managing director for China Dr Liu Zinan said: “Royal Caribbean Cruise Line is very pleased with this chance to contribute to the peace and exchange between the people of both straits.
“Due to our global strategies and the strong demand from other markets, even though Royal Caribbean Cruise Line is not able to fully satisfy its customer’s needs for chartered cruises in China, this has shown us the huge potential of the Chinese market.â€
Legend of the Seas will also operate a five-night North Asian itinerary on April 19 2009 sailing from Shanghai to Fukuoka and Busan.
Following this Asian season, Legend of the Seas will return to Asia in November 2009 sailing a series of five to seven-night cruises from Shanghai to Japan and Korea.
By Bev Fearis
