The emergence of China as a major cruising nation will have an impact on ships’ interiors, opines a cruise industry executive.
“The rise of China as a cruising nation is affecting everyone. Companies are creating newbuilds that are specifically designed and built for the Chinese market, and any ships repositioned in China are receiving some kind of refurbishment to suit the market,” Carnival Cruise Line’s hotel refurbishment manager Stephen Fryers told Passenger Ship Technology.
He said refurbishments included elements that may not be usual for western hemisphere clients but were important for the Asian market. “Some things add to their experience on board and so certain venues are altered accordingly. Some of the restaurants are altered to suit tastes, shops are also adapted in terms of the goods that are sold. These clients like high end goods, the main brands. Cruise companies also add to the casino and make it larger for the Chinese market, where possible.”
Carnival Cruise Line has not yet refitted ships for the Chinese market, but Mr Fryers indicated that this might be in the pipeline.
He added: “If the market takes off in China – and it is pretty buoyant at moment – my view is that we will probably see more newbuilds. The market is so strong and the Chinese people are interested in cruising, so they are going to want to see new ships and not older, refurbished ships.”
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