The addition of a second 3,114-guest ship to China, to join Voyager of the Seas, illustrates the company's commitment to the growing cruise industry in Asia. Together, they represent the two largest capacity and most innovative cruise ships operating in the region. 

Richard D. Fain, chairman and chief executive officer of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., and Adam Goldstein, president and chief executive officer of Royal Caribbean International, made the announcement with Dr. Zinan Liu, group managing director for China and Asia.  

Royal Caribbean International will deploy Mariner of the Seas to China in June 2013. Offering a wide variety of itineraries, ranging from three nights to 12 nights, the move is designed to offer additional capacity to a fast growing Chinese cruise vacation population, as well as attract cruise guests from around the world to visit China and sail around Asia.  The ship will adopt the same product customizations made for Voyager of the Seas' entry in the market – including Chinese-style menus, as well as enhanced retail and entertainment offerings, and language services.

The opportunities to attract guests from China to cruise are abundant, says Goldstein. "Mariner of the Seas recently received a host of Royal Advantage enhancements and I'm confident cruisers here will be amazed by the Oasis-class innovations available for everyone of all ages on this ship."

"We've made it clear we see Asia in general, and China in particular, as a strategic objective," adds Fain. "We have been so pleased by the market's response to bringing Voyager of the Seas to Asia that it made strategic sense to send a second ship of equal size."

Mariner of the Seas weighs 138,279 gross registered tons, spans 15 guest decks and was built in Turku, Finland before making its maiden voyage in 2003. The ship will depart the Caribbean in April and head to Singapore and onto China via Dubai and the Suez Canal. 

This is another major step forward, in a short period of time, for the cruise industry in China, says Dr. Liu. "The feedback from guests sailing with Royal Caribbean has been tremendously positive, and we look forward to continuing to work with other Chinese ports and travel partners to further develop the country's overall cruise economy," says Dr. Zinan. 

When she sails into China in June 2013, Mariner of the Seas will offer guests the benefits of the multi-million dollar Royal Advantage strategy, including enhanced staterooms and other innovative features that Royal Caribbean International has created in recent years.

Underscoring the significance of the growing Chinese cruise economy and established desire to sail with Royal Caribbean International, Voyager of the Seas is confirmed to return to China in 2013 for a second season. Meanwhile, Legend of the Seas, which has operated out of Singapore and Shanghai for the past three years, will return to Europe.