Michael Goh
President,
Resorts World Cruises
Resorts World Cruises is witnessing positive trends in the Asian cruise market, with younger travellers and multi-generational families showing increased interest in cruise holidays, according to the cruise line’s president, Michael Goh.
In an exclusive interview, Goh highlighted several key developments since the cruise line’s launch in 2022:
“Cruising is steadily gaining traction and trending among an increasing segment of younger travellers and also inter-generational families,” Goh said. “This is a good and healthy sign as it shows that cruising is gaining a wider appeal and awareness over time.”
Goh noted a boom in the fly-cruise segment over the past two years, along with growth in the MICE market. Various events, including weddings, team building exercises, and even baby gender reveal parties, have been organised on board their ships.
Wok this way: Catering to Asian tastes
Understanding the unique preferences of Asian travellers has been key to Resorts World Cruises’ success. Short itineraries, particularly 2-5 night roundtrips, remain popular, allowing newcomers to dip their toes into the cruising experience. “As an Asian homegrown international cruise line, we pride ourselves on knowing Asia best,” Goh explained.
Resorts World Cruises is renowned for being the first cruise line worldwide to feature a halal-certified kitchen.
This local expertise has led to tailored offerings such as certified Halal menus and Muslim-friendly options on both the Genting Dream and Resorts World One ships. With an eye on the diverse Asian market, the company also provides certified Vegetarian and Jain cuisine for Indian travellers. Entertainment, too, has been given an Asian twist, with world-class performances drawing inspiration from regional influences.
Suite dreams are made of these
The cruise line’s “Palace” suites have proven particularly popular. Goh described these as “a luxury ship-within-a-ship private all-suite enclave,” complete with exclusive amenities and round-the-clock European-style butler service.
On the itinerary front, the 5-night cruises from Keelung on the Resorts World One have been a hit, offering visits to three destinations in Japan’s Kyushu region and Okinawa.
Making waves across the region
While Singapore remains a strong homeport, attracting both domestic and regional markets, Resorts World Cruises is casting a wider net. Indonesia has shown promise as a homeport, and Taiwan-based operations have seen such strong demand that deployments have been extended.
The cruise line is also setting its sights on new horizons, with Resorts World One set to begin homeporting in Dubai from 1 November, offering 2- and 3-night cruises to destinations like Sir Bani Yas, Doha, Khasab, and Muscat.
Charting a course for the future
Despite the positive trends, Goh acknowledges the challenges of marketing cruises to Asian consumers unfamiliar with this type of holiday. “Educating consumers on the benefits and value of cruising is an ongoing process,” he noted, emphasising the need for coordinated efforts among cruise lines, travel partners, and authorities.
Resorts World Cruises keeps experiences fresh with themed sailings, like the recent durian party cruise, where guests sampled various durians at Port Kang.
Looking ahead, Resorts World Cruises plans to continue innovating with immersive experiences. Recent successes include a “one-of-a-kind Durian Party” on the Genting Dream and international contemporary art exhibitions and auctions at sea on the Resorts World One. The company is also investing in technology to enhance guest experiences, focusing on areas such as connectivity and streamlined check-in processes.
As Resorts World Cruises continues to expand its reach in the region, Goh expressed enthusiasm about the company’s diverse offerings. From short weekend getaways to longer combination cruises, the line aims to cater to the evolving preferences of Asian travellers, ensuring smooth sailing in the growing Asian cruise market.
