To study the module of Cruise Operations Continuity Planning, we’ve got a chance to join the trip onboard Spectrum of the Seas which it scheduled to depart from Hong Kong to Okinawa, Japan. This is our honor to jump into the cruise to explore the ship on each corners! So don’t wait, let’s begin our trip!

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Basic information of the ship – Spectrum of the Seas

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Owner:	Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
In service:	11 April 2019
Class and type:	Quantum-Ultra-class cruise ship
Tonnage:	169,379 GT
Length:	347.11 m (1,139 ft)
Beam:	41.2 m (135 ft) (waterline) 49.24 m (162 ft) (max)
Speed:	22 knots (41 km/h; 25 mph)
Capacity:	4,246 passengers (double occupancy) 4,905 passengers (maximum occupancy)

Embarkation

I took the vehicle to the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal* in the morning, then followed the clear instruction like signage boards with narrow which I can see one every 20 steps or easily can get staffs’ guidance.
This time there is 2 mega ships sailed from and departed from Hong Kong, so it divided two zones for departure on different ships which Spectrum of the Sea assigned to depart on Zone A. Once I arrived in waiting hall A and straight head to 2/F to ship, there is few staffs stood from on the check-in gate to ensure travellers’ arrive the “CORRECT’ zone to process pre-boarding procedures. Then I queued up to get thur check-in process like flight check-in at airport like check-in via counter staffs, bags drop and security check, but honestly they opened lots check-in counter to arrange 4,000 guests something were more than I imagined which could possible to shorten the queuing time, avoid passengers’ complaints due to long queue and lack of assistance, and to sail On TIME.

SPECIAL TREATMENT FOR VIPS: For holding their Crown & Anchor® Society membership which could enjoy their exclusive offer on room rate and reduced offer for onboard service.**

* More details on how to access Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, please visit this link
** More details on what’s benefit could get if join Crown & Anchor® Society membership, please visit this link

Basically it finished smoothly and quicker than I think, then I saw all passengers’ baggage are gathered in an area with a tag to locate exacted room number and staff informed 2 IMPORTANT THINGS: 1/Those bags will arrive front of the room no later than 9pm on the day, 2/Room keys will place front of your door till all rooms are ready at 3pm on the day!

Then I followed the instruction to ship, at the meanwhile the baggage also occupied ‘on queue’ to ship.

Then let’s explore the ship. Voyage!

Stateroom

Around 3pm something – the rooms on 6/F is ready. Per spoken with the staff in check-in counter the room was placed front of the door! Speak frankly, this is my 1st time to get the room key and the room key was printed my name on it. I am not quite appreciated on this arrangement as I feel it’s lack of privacy and security. Regarding this, I also asked cruise crew stewards, they said it will invalid the original one immediately once report lost, but I do recommend to use facial cognition or fingerprint lock would feel more comfortable. On the other-hand, people will worry on their facial picture and fingerprint will under illegal use. So cruise ship company have to state clearly that it does not store the image of the fingerprint itself like Walt Disney, and Disney does allow people to opt out of the system and use photo identification instead – although this is not widely publicized because it would slow down the admission process.
Alright! These are my suggestion only regarding existing other companies technology and hope it could apply in this industry. Let’s get inside and take a look inside my room!

I’ve reserved an Interior room in double bed with balcony, the total stateroom is 166 sq. ft. which I think it’s just good for 2 person stay but the room is designed in narrow rectangle size and low ceiling, so it looks like quite tight and squeezing pass thru the bed end to either balcony and exit.
For the bathroom, the space is only available for 1 person get in in same time and a standing shower; On the charging station, this is a quite thoughtful design which offer options for globally customers – It included 2 USB ports, 2 Type socket plugs available for US, Mexico, Canada and Japan , and 1 Type C socket plug available for Europe, South America and Asia.
Finally the balcony, it placed 2 outdoor balcony chair and small table which is just fit the space and good for 2 people to enjoy real-time ocean views and destinations via a high-definition screen!
Overall, I love this room, and I am willing to stay higher room category for my next cruise trip! [heart][love]

Food and Drink onboard

She offered total 14 ALL-INCLUDED restaurants in whole ship – means food included in the cost of my cruise; specialty drinks, alcoholic beverages, bottled water, beer, wine and soft drinks are at current menu pricing.

The ship is so large! I only seek out few restaurants of their choices:-

1/ Main Dining Room
Stunning three-level dining room offering a variety of options from appetizers and entrees to mouthwatering desserts, all served in elegant surroundings, by attentive wait staff. Menus feature ShipShape items, vegetarian options, and selections of kids’ favorite foods.

2/ Windjammer Cafe
Served great food and spectacular views in this casual buffet restaurant featuring delicious global cuisine including salads, soups, sandwiches and burgers, meat-carving and hot entrees, as well as cookies, cakes, and pastries for dessert.

In a 5 nights journey, I have planned to experience some specialty dining – means these restaurants menu charge extra cost such as a-la-carte pricing, current menu pricing, nominal fee applies per guest, and some with additional Lunch fee and Dinner fee includes gratuities etc.. Some of the special touches targeted towards Chinese and Japaneses passengers will be found in the innovative new dining venues.

Here below are some choices of the restaurants:
1/ Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver – Reservation recommended
British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver brings his passion for Italian cooking and way of life to the high seas in this restaurant featuring simple, fresh ingredients, served in the warm, inviting ambiance Jamie’s Italian is known for.

2/ Wonderland’s Dadong – Reservation recommended
A new outpost of Chinese chef Dong Zhenxiang, renowned for his much-coveted roast duck dish.

3/ Izumi Japanese Cuisine – No reservations required.
Enjoy traditional Asian cuisine developed into exciting new dishes and old favorites, featuring pure delicate flavors, fresh ingredients, and impeccable presentation.

4/ Chops Grille – Reservations required.
Celebrate a special occasion or just another perfect day of vacation at this signature steakhouse serving fine steaks, seafood, sides and dessert in an upscale setting.

5/ Teppanyaki – Reservation recommended
Expert chefs elevate cooking to a performance art form — and you’ve got front row seats to the show. Enjoy authentic Far East flavors prepared right at your table and served up with a sizzle, from succulent seafood to top grade steaks seared to perfection.

Also, she offered some light foods options in complimentary like SeaPlex Dog House which kind of food truck at sea (FIRST-EVER!!), for a gourmet hot dog or delicious sausage, and plenty of tasty condiments, sides, and salads; The Cafe @ Two70 is a gourmet marketplace that lets guests u pick the view, it features hot-pressed sandwiches, salads, made-to-order soups, all packed up picnic style.

Special and Interesting THING to experience!
Order a cocktail with bartender? Why not try one made by a robot bartender at the Bionic Bar!
Hundreds of bottles of booze hang upside down above a frosted bar, which is manned by two robotic arms. These robot bartenders mix and shake cocktails and “mocktails,” then slide the finished drinks down to customers.

Cruise Destination

Day	Port
1	Hong Kong, China – Depart from 17.00pm
2	Cruising – Day at sea
3-4	Okinawa, Japan – From Day3 13.00pm – Day4 13.00pm
5	Cruising – Day at sea
6	Hong Kong, China– Arrive at 07.00am

Even-through it is only 2 days in Okinawa, she offered lots entertainment in the ship. Start from basic:- fitness center, Splash away bay suitable for kids and family, and more special and exclusive activities:-
• North Star® observation capsule: 360-degree views of the world from 300 feet above sea level
• RIPCORD^® BY IFLY^®: Simulated skydiving experience but in deck!!
• Rock Climbing
• SEAPLEX^®: A host of activities including bumper cars, and a range of sport activities i.e. soccer, volleyball and badminton etc.
• The Royal Theater – A state-of-the-art theater featuring award-winning Broadway-style productions, aerial performances, and 3D movies

Specially for teens:
• Fuel Teen Disco – Dance Club, open from 20.00pm

Then, she will ship to Okinawa and arrive on Day 3 and stay on Day 4. We’ve joined an excursion tour – Naha Nature Sightseeing Tour.

The first spot in this Naha trip – Churaumi Aquarium. The largest and best aquarium in Japan is highlighted with the giant-size Kuroshio Tank where contains uncountable marine species, especially the giant whale sharks and manta rays.

Then, head to Ryugu-jo Butterfly Gardens just three-minute walk from Churaumi Aquarium. Once you step inside the garden, you can be surrounded not only by hundreds of tropical plants and creatures but also the largest butterfly species in Japan.

Then visit Nago Pineapple Park – It is an important role of pineapples in Okinawa’s agriculture field, this fruit was priority built a small but enjoyable theme park. Hop on the automatic vehicle drive through pineapple fields, enjoy various pineapple products sold such as wines, juices, cakes, chocolates, fresh and dried pineapple.

Finally visit Glass House in the Forest. We can witness professional glass artisans making colorful glass products including awamori bottles, vases, and tableware. And can get a hands-on experience making a glass bead, accessories, and so on under the guidance of local artists.

Disembarkation

On Day 6, it shipped return to Hong Kong. Once got off the ship, I passed through the immigration and baggage hall, then get through the security check as similar procedure in airport. After around 30 to 40 minutes, I finished the whole procedure from step out on cruise.
It places very clear signage to point out the way to take transport: Minibus stop and Coach bay No.1-20 on the right side in Zone A / Taxi stand, bus stop and Coach bay No.21-40 on the left side in Zone B.
I think it is longer than get off from flight but it could understanding as capacity more than the largest flight Airbus A380 carry 850 passengers only.

Current issues the Industry

1. Seasonal and Terrible Weather Issue
Cruise ships to Japanese ports might affected the agenda by seasonal especially summer time and terrible weather was hit. It need to constantly monitoring weather systems that may affect itineraries.
The safety and comfort of passengers and crew should be primary concern due Japan continues to be a very popular destination for guests and an important market for cruise brands.
Therefore, if there isolated incidents requiring some itinerary changes due to weather, cruise chip company need to well prepare some plans for passengers got the option of taking the revised itinerary, postponing their cruise or cancelling for a cruise credit.

2. Protect Cultural Heritage as one of the destination assets
The premise of sustainable tourism is that the unique natural and cultural heritage offered by a destination is what generates its brand reputation, its value and tourist demand, and thus the reason to protect it. Host destination communities play a major role in sustainable tourism because communities are impacted by visitation and at the same time they are part of the reason for a tourist’s visit. Benefits to the community should be sought while minimizing the negative impacts that tourism may generate.

1. Environmentally friendly practices;
2. Support for protection of cultural and natural heritage; and
3. Tangible economic and social benefits to local people and not too overcrowded

Trend impacting the Industry

The cruise industry is one of the fastest growing segments of tourism. Although a recent development in Asia and the Pacific as compared to the traditional destinations in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, cruise tourism has been growing at double-digit rates around 45% in the region fueled by the increasing demand from the North-East Asia markets.

Cruise ship company built larger and bigger ship than previous for capacity more passengers. But the host destinations could face overcrowding as well as oversupply or limited some regions unable to develop and growth which assessed for visitor flows collectively on destinations and sites.

Tactic: Develop demand-based fee models for receiving cruise ships
Most of the tourism value chain manages peak and off-peak seasons with pricing strategies. In periods of high demand, prices for airfare, lodging, activities and even food and beverage increase. Cruise lines industry may charge premiums during peak periods. Conversely, periods of low demand are met with offers and discounts. Reception of cruise ships by a destination should follow the similar management approach to tourism under the premise of a perishable inventory and fluctuating demand. A form of dynamic pricing is to charge higher fees for excessively crowded ports. Charging demand fees can influence cruise ships to avoid high-peak seasons and balance demand.This ensures that adequate fees are received for maintenance and operation of facilities and municipal services that are often stressed during peak periods. During off-peak seasons, discounts can also incentive cruise ships and tourists to avoid highly congested time period.