Marina Bay Cruise Centre, Singapore

Singapore’s Marina Bay Cruise Centre has welcomed a panel of top cruise line executives on the opening day of the second annual Cruise Shipping Asia-Pacific conference.

Speakers included CLIA president and chief executive officer Christine Duffy, Princess Cruises executive vice president of sales, marketing and consumer services Jan Swartz and president of Costa Crociere Gianni Onorato.

Ms Duffy spoke of the potential growth prospects in the Asia-Pacific region sharing that only a one percent penetration rate is required to generate 300 million passengers compared to a three percent penetration rate in the U.S.

Port infrastructure in Asia was discussed at depth, with Mr Onorato noting that this is an area where the region is lacking.

“We have a number of major homeports in the region, but they need other ports of call that are able to accommodate ships,” Mr Onorato said.

“Today, this is not the case and one of the major obstacles to growth. The main homeports should assist other ports.”

Costa Cruises has deployed two ships to the region and has invested tens of millions of euros in China with Mr Onorato referring to the region as one of the most expensive for fuel due to the long distance between cruise ports.

Asia Cruise Association general manager Kevin Leong made the claim that the cruise industry in Asia was at a turning point, with the lack of infrastructure the main reason cruise lines are delaying additional deployments.

“Cruise lines want to bring in ships, but there are not enough ports of call,” Mr Leong said.

“It is ongoing work and will take some time to make it happen. There is a sense of urgency to create more facilities.”

Princess will deploy Sun Princess to Japan in 2013 for a short season expected to carry 20,000 Japanese passengers.

“We know that Asian countries, based on other industries, when they put their mind to it, they make it happen fast,” Ms Swartz said when asked to comment on port infrastructure.

Cruise Shipping Asia-Pacific continues at Marina Bay Sands Cruise Centre with speakers including Carnival Australia chief executive officer Ann Sherry, V. Ships president Roberto Giorgi and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. managing director China and Asia Dr. Zinan Liu.