Media OutReach
Royal Caribbean Doubles Hong Kong Homeport Sailings in 2025
Hong Kong Tourism Poised for Growth; Cruise Business Fuels Economic Recovery
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 December 2024 – Royal Caribbean International, the world’s leading and Hong Kong’s longest-standing homeporting cruise line, is set to double its Hong Kong homeport sailings next year with an extended season of 10 roundtrip sailings. The Quantum Ultra Class Spectrum of the Seas and sister ship Ovation of the Seas will embark on diverse itineraries, with Spectrum offering 5 Hong Kong departures in December 2024 and 10 homeport sailings in 2025 , including cruise holidays spanning 4, 5, 9, and 11 nights, exploring the scenic locales of Japan, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Of special note, Spectrum will present an exclusive 11-night immersive journey through Japan, commencing on November 23, 2025, encompassing Fukuoka, Sakaiminato, Kanazawa, Maizuru, and Sasebo – a bespoke itinerary tailored for the discerning gusts. The intricacies of this culturally enhancing itinerary provides guests with an experience unmatched by conventional travel means.
In addition to this remarkable voyage, there will also be special 2-night weekend cruises, offering a perfect escape for those looking to enjoy a brief but rejuvenating getaway on board the fascinating Spectrum of the Seas. Ovation of the Seas will also feature Hong Kong departures in 2025 with the Easter Monday sailing anticipated to be the most sought-after voyage, ideal for family reunions, gatherings and memorable celebrations.
The arrival of Spectrum of the Seas on December 6th ushers in over 4,800 international visitors to Hong Kong. Robust early bookings for the 2025 sailings serve as a testament to Royal Caribbean’s vision to expanding Hong Kong homeport sailings in the coming years.
The Honourable Michael Wong, GBS, JP, Deputy Financial Secretary of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, presided over a ceremony together with Ms. Angelina Cheung, JP, Commissioner for Tourism, Mr. Dane Cheng, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Royal Caribbean executives Mr. Benjamin Bouldin, President of Royal Caribbean International, China and Mr. Kevin Fung, Managing Director of Royal Caribbean International, Hong Kong as well as Captain Flemming B. Nielsen and Hotel Director Joni Gevriye from Spectrum of the Seas. Their collective presence marked a momentous occasion that highlights collaboration and industry excellence in driving growth and prosperity in the cruise industry.
Hon Michael Wong, GBS, JP, Deputy Financial Secretary of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, said, “We welcome the return of Royal Caribbean International and will provide full support. Various government departments, coordinated by the Tourism Commission, have been working closely with the cruise terminal operator and Royal Caribbean International to put in place measures to help passengers onboard Spectrum of the Seas to quickly and conveniently travel into town.”
Mr Wong said that Hong Kong welcomed 34 million visitors last year. And, in the first 10 months of 2024, there were close to 37 million. The number of visitors to Hong Kong will continue to increase and a year on year growth of over 30 per cent is expected. The outlook for 2025 is even more positive.
Mr. Benjamin Bouldin, President of Royal Caribbean International, China, expressed confidence in the strategic choice of Hong Kong as a pivotal homeport, stating, “Hong Kong stands as a captivating destination in its own right, attracting global visitors with its unique East meets West culture. The city offers a myriad of experiences, from being a renowned shopping and culinary paradise, to being home to world-class cultural heritage conservations and international mega events throughout the year. Moreover, Hong Kong’s advantageous geographical location, coupled with its visa-free access to citizens of some 170 countries and regions, positions the city as the prospective Asian cruise hub. We are committed to Hong Kong, and we look forward to bringing in our newest and best ships to this market in the years to come.”
Mr. Dane Cheng, Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) Executive Director, said, “We’re very pleased to welcome the return of two Royal Caribbean International ships to Hong Kong as homeports, and the doubling of Hong Kong homeport sailings. This not only reflects the cruise line’s confidence towards the future of Hong Kong’s tourism industry, but also helps attract more international travellers to Hong Kong with the diversified cruise itineraries. The HKTB will continue to maintain close liaison with the major cruise companies to promote Hong Kong’s advantages as an ideal cruise destination and join hands with the industry to promote the development of Hong Kong cruise industry.
Royal Caribbean’s decision to augment homeport sailings in Hong Kong underscores the city’s leading role and significance within the Asian cruise domain. As the Hong Kong cruise market navigates the challenges post-pandemic, Royal Caribbean’s steadfast commitment carries substantial symbolic weight, reaffirming Hong Kong’s global metropolis status and its integral role in the Asian cruise panorama. Upon the return of Spectrum of the Seas in December, not only will local demand for cruise offerings receive a boost, but over the coming two months, it is anticipated to bring in excess of 20,000 international visitors to Hong Kong through its homeport sailings.
The doubling of Hong Kong homeport sailings generates substantial direct and indirect economic benefits to the city, from immediate industries including provisioning and bunkering, to extended sectors including hotel, retail, dining, and transportation. Royal Caribbean’s proactive homeport strategy also serves to encourage other cruise lines to focus on Hong Kong, nurturing a thriving cruise ecosystem and propelling Hong Kong towards its goal of becoming Asia’s cruise hub.
Spectrum of the Seas & Ovation of the Seas: The Ultimate Vacation-At-Sea with Boundless Enjoyment for Everyone
The revolutionary Spectrum of the Seas, a 16-deck, 168,666-tonne cruise ship, was specifically designed for Asia and has a capacity for 5,622 guests and 2,137 staterooms. Spectrum of the Seas also offers an exclusive suite enclave that includes everything from a two-level, 2,809-square-foot Ultimate Family Suite that features an in-suite slide and accommodates up to 11 guests for the ultimate multigenerational family vacation, to private dining, shopping and more.
Ovation of the Seas, one of the world’s most groundbreaking ships, is a 16-deck, 168,666-tonne cruise ship. It was specifically designed for Asia and has a capacity for 4,182 guests and 2,091 staterooms, including 1,572 balcony cabins, 148 ocean-view staterooms and 375 virtual balcony rooms. Royal Suite Class, the most spacious luxury cruise suite on Ovation of the Seas, offers unparalleled vacation experiences, leaving every guest with extraordinary memories!
The two ships feature a plethora of bold and unexpected entertainment and activities, plus an extensive array of culinary experiences that surpasses any guests’ expectations. Whether vacationers are looking for a relaxing getaway with family or an adventurous journey with friends, Spectrum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas offers something for every member of the family. From adrenaline-pumping thrills to tranquil spa treatments, a blend of extraordinary dining outlets and nightlife options, there’s never a dull moment onboard helping to create the ultimate vacation that will leave every generation with fond memories for years to come.
Spectrum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas offers adventures for travellers of all ages including the North Star, an all-glass observation capsule that rises 300 feet above sea level and provides unrivalled 360-degree views. Thrill-seekers will enjoy the RipCord by iFLY simulator for an unbeatable skydiving experience, as well as the FlowRider surf simulator and the SeaPlex, the largest indoor active space at sea where families can enjoy bumper cars, roller skating, basketball and more. A variety of top-notch performances, from musical acts to aerial acrobatics, are also available at the Royal Theatre and Two70.
Dining aboard Spectrum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas is a truly exquisite experience with numerous palate-pleasing food and beverage venues serving a selection of international culinary delights, from Hot Pot, Teppanyaki and Pizza, as well as guest favourites like Chops Grille, Jamie’s Italian and more. Delicacies ranging from classic flavours to premium culinary creations, a variety of exquisite dishes will definitely satisfy your taste buds.
Appendix:
1. Sailing details of Spectrum of the Seas 2024-25
| Spectrum of the Seas 2024-25 (Hong Kong Homeport) | |
| Date of Departure | Itineraries |
| 6 Dec 2024 | 5 Nights Japan: Okinawa & Ishigaki |
| 11 Dec 2024 | 4 Nights Vietnam: Nha Trang |
| 15 Dec 2024 | 5 Nights Japan: Okinawa & Ishigaki |
| 20 Dec 2024 | 9 Nights Japan: Kagoshima, Miyazaki, Nagasaki, Fukuoka |
| 29 Dec 2024 | 5 Nights Japan: Okinawa (overnight) |
| 3 Jan 2025 | 4 Nights Vietnam: Chan May |
| 7 Jan 2025 | 5 Nights Japan: Okinawa & Ishigaki |
2. Sailing details of Ovation of the Seas 2025-26
| Ovation of the Seas 2025-26 (Hong Kong Homeport) | |
| Date of Departure | Itineraries |
| 21 Apr 2025 | 5 Nights Japan & Taiwan: Okinawa & Taipei |
3. Sailing details of Spectrum of the Seas 2025-26
| Spectrum of the Seas 2025-26 (Hong Kong Homeport) | |
| Date of Departure | Itineraries |
| 23 Nov 2025 | 11 Nights Japan: Fukuoka, Sakaiminato, Maizuru, Kanazawa, Sasebo |
| 4 Dec 2025 | 5 Nights Japan: Okinawa & Ishigaki |
| 9 Dec 2025 | 5 Nights Vietnam: Chan May & Nha Trang |
| 14 Dec 2025 | 5 Nights Japan: Okinawa & Ishigaki |
| 19 Dec 2025 | 2 Nights: Ultimate Weekend Getaway |
| 21 Dec 2025 | 9 Nights Japan: Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Kagoshima |
| 30 Dec 2025 | 5 Nights Japan: Okinawa & Ishigaki |
| 4 Jan 2026 | 5 Nights Japan & Taiwan: Okinawa & Taipei |
| 9 Jan 2026 | 2 Nights: Ultimate Weekend Getaway |
Hashtag: #RoyalCaribbean
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean International, part of Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL), has delivered memorable vacations for more than 50 years. The cruise line’s game-changing ships and private destinations revolutionize vacations with innovations and an all-encompassing combination of experiences, from thrills to dining and entertainment, for every type of family and vacationer. Voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 21 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards, Royal Caribbean makes memories with adventurers across more than 300 destinations in 80 countries on all seven continents, including the line’s top-rated private destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas.
Media can follow the latest news from Royal Caribbean Hong Kong through the official
Facebook and
Instagram pages, or visit
RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com for press information. For more details, feel free to contact your travel agent, visit the
official Royal Caribbean International website, or call the inquiry hotline at +852 3189 3201.
Media OutReach
SL Aesthetic Group Marks 22 Years of Innovation and Regional Expansion in Singapore and Southeast Asia
Founded in Singapore in 2003, the Group has grown to encompass five specialised brands operating more than twenty outlets across Singapore and the region.
- SL Aesthetic Clinic offers doctor-led skin, face and body treatments, and is one of Singapore’s longest-running medical aesthetics clinic.
- SkinLab The Medical Spa, a dermatology-focused medical spa, specialises in medical-grade facials and skincare products for sensitive skin.
- TrichoLab, a dedicated hair and scalp health brand specialising in medical hair loss solutions.
- PROLOGUE brings together Prologue The Lifestyle Medical Clinic and Prologue Centre for Women’s Wellness as a unified lifestyle and preventive medicine brand, addressing chronic health concerns and promoting women’s wellness across life stages.
- Euphie (Malaysia) is the Group’s Malaysia-based extension comprising Euphie Skin Solutions and Euphie Clinic, delivering medically supervised aesthetic care.
The Group has served more than 100,000 patients, with care provided by a team of 12 doctors and more than 100 trained specialists.
Over the past two decades, the concept of beauty and wellness has broadened into a more holistic approach to personal care—one that goes beyond aesthetics to support overall wellbeing. People are placing greater emphasis on long-term health, from their mental health and nutrition to their physical appearance. This shift has driven growing demand for preventive, medically supervised services that integrate aesthetics with broader health concerns.
In response to these changing needs, SL Aesthetic Group has expanded its medical services beyond skin and hair treatments, introducing more than 40 new offerings across its five specialised brand portfolios, including women’s health services.
Dr Kelvin Chua, Founder and Senior Medical Director of SL Aesthetic Group, said: “Reaching 22 years reflects the continuity of care we have built over time. As patient expectations change, our focus remains on delivering medically supervised services that support long-term health and well-being.”
As part of this expansion, the Group launched Prologue The Lifestyle Medical Clinic and Prologue Centre for Women’s Wellness in 2025. Prologue The Lifestyle Medical Clinic focuses on preventive care for chronic conditions, supported by artificial intelligence–enabled health screenings for early detection of conditions such as dementia and cancer. Meanwhile, Prologue Centre for Women’s Wellness addresses women’s health needs across different life stages, including perimenopause, menopause, and postpartum recovery.
Within Singapore, the group strengthened its physical presence with the opening of its tenth SL Aesthetic Clinic and SkinLab The Medical Spa outlet at iMall in Marine Parade, as a response to strong and sustained demand from patients in the eastern region.
Regionally, SL Aesthetic Group marked a milestone as its Malaysia-based brand, Euphie — comprising Euphie Skin Solutions and Euphie Clinic — celebrated its first anniversary. Building on this foundation, the Group plans to open an additional outlet in Malaysia, extending its medically supervised services to a wider patient base.
Looking ahead, SL Aesthetic Group plans to continue expanding its clinical footprint while maintaining regulatory compliance, clinical standards, and patient safety.
For more information, visit: https://slaestheticgroup.com/
Hashtag: #SLAesthetic
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About SL Aesthetic Group
SL Aesthetic Group is one of Singapore’s longest-established medical aesthetic groups, with a presence in Singapore and Malaysia. The Group houses a diverse portfolio of brands, including SL Aesthetic Clinic, SkinLab The Medical Spa, TrichoLab, PROLOGUE, and Euphie (Malaysia).
Founded in the 2000s, SL Aesthetic Group specialises in skin and hair health, women’s wellness, and holistic medicine. Across its clinics and outlets, the Group offers a comprehensive range of FDA-approved aesthetic and medical treatments, all supervised by trained and certified healthcare professionals holding Certificates of Competency (COC) recognised by the Singapore Medical Council’s Aesthetic Practice Oversight Committee (APOC).
Media OutReach
Aon Appoints Kulshaan Singh as Enterprise Client Leader, Asia Pacific based in Singapore
Based in Singapore, Singh will leverage his extensive experience across some of Asia’s most dynamic markets to deliver innovative approaches to Risk Capital and Human Capital for Aon’s enterprise and large multinational clients in Asia. Reporting to Craig Torgius, chief client officer and head of enterprise clients, Asia Pacific, Singh will focus on building strategic partnerships and unlocking new opportunities supporting clients to achieve their growth ambitions.
“Kulshaan brings a rare blend of strategic acumen with strong execution ability, global insight and local expertise to our Asia Pacific team,” said Torgius. “His ability to lead transformation, foster collaboration and deliver results across diverse industries will be invaluable in helping clients navigate an increasingly complex risk landscape.”
With over two decades of experience in consulting and executive leadership, Singh held prominent roles including managing director for talent solutions for southeast Asia at Aon, CEO Mercer Singapore and chief people officer at Charoen Pokphand Group. Most recently, as the global group chief people officer at Thai Union Group, he spearheaded large-scale transformation initiatives including organisation design, succession and leadership alignment.
Reflecting on his new role, Singh said, “I feel privileged and excited to be back at Aon and look forward to working closely with Aon’s global and local teams to deliver solutions that help clients navigate complexity and interconnected challenges.”
Read more about Aon’s capabilities in Asia Pacific here.
Hashtag: #Aon
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Aon
Aon plc (NYSE:AON) exists to shape decisions for the better — to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Through actionable analytic insight, globally integrated Risk Capital and Human Capital expertise and locally relevant solutions, our colleagues provide clients in over 120 countries with the clarity and confidence to make better risk and people decisions that help protect and grow their businesses.
Follow Aon on newsroom and sign up for news alerts here.
Disclaimer
The information contained in this document is solely for information purposes, for general guidance only and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although Aon endeavours to provide accurate and timely information and uses sources that it considers reliable, the firm does not warrant, represent or guarantee the accuracy, adequacy, completeness or fitness for any purpose of any content of this document and can accept no liability for any loss incurred in any way by any person who may rely on it. There can be no guarantee that the information contained in this document will remain accurate as on the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No individual or entity should make decisions or act based solely on the information contained herein without appropriate professional advice and targeted research.
Media OutReach
Zero-Emission Technology Underpins the Future of Urban Living
As an economy reaches a new stage of development, the central question is no longer how fast it can grow, but how well it can sustain that growth over time. The development trajectories of many countries show that crossing an income threshold often brings complex structural pressures: Mounting strain on urban infrastructure, environmental degradation, and higher expectations for quality of life.
In this context, traditional growth models, those that prioritize short-term economic returns, begin to reveal their limitations. What emerges instead is a clear demand for development paradigms in which economic performance, environmental resilience, and social value are conceived together from the outset, rather than treated as sequential or secondary considerations.
For Vietnam, this transition is particularly significant as global capital flows increasingly favor ESG-aligned markets, and urban residents shift from a focus on asset ownership to a more holistic pursuit of living quality and long-term wellbeing. Real estate, therefore, is no longer simply a supply-and-demand equation, but a foundational platform for shaping lifestyles, communities, and sustainable urban ecosystems.
It is precisely within this structural shift that Vinhomes Green Paradise is positioned as a forward-looking benchmark, reflecting the long-term vision of Vinhomes to develop real estate on an “ESG++ from the ground up” foundation, where sustainability is not an added feature, but the core architecture that underpins enduring economic and social value.
Geography as Destiny: A Living Natural Heritage
Many believe that Vinhomes Green Paradise is a “new wonder” of modern society, bringing together a rare convergence of forward-looking planning, contemporary living standards, and visionary development. Yet beyond its scale or sophistication, its very location is a wonder in itself. It is a place where human intelligence and capability are applied not to dominate nature, but to collaborate with it, leveraging an irreplaceable “forest-backed, sea-facing” setting that cannot be replicated, while preserving, restoring, and ultimately giving back to the natural environment.
Among more than 90 submissions from across the globe, New7Wonders selected Vinhomes Green Paradise as the first project worldwide to receive the “Official Participant” certification in the global “7 Wonders of Future Cities” campaign.
“This is a truly exceptional project,” said Jean-Paul de la Fuente, Director of New7Wonders and Chairman of the global campaign. “Vinhomes Green Paradise is a ‘precious jewel’, a place that is exceptional for living, working, and enjoying life. The project symbolizes the kind of cities that dare to dream, dare to pave new paths, and dare to break boundaries to realize a future where nature, community, and growth coexist in harmony.”
According to him, this spirit is exactly what the world is seeking in the cities of tomorrow.
After personally visiting the site in Can Gio, Jean-Paul de la Fuente identified the project’s geography as its most irreplaceable asset. Spanning 2,870 hectares, Vinhomes Green Paradise is uniquely positioned between two globally significant ecosystems. To the front lies the vast Pacific Ocean, with 121 kilometers of coastline. Behind it stretches the 75,000-hectare Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, recognized by UNESCO.
At the heart of the megacity sits an 800-hectare saltwater lagoon, the largest of its kind in the world, functioning as a natural ecological regulator, a “green heart” sustaining biodiversity, climate balance, and urban vitality.
Unlike many coastal developments around the world, nature here is not reduced to a backdrop. It is treated as a living heritage, actively preserved and regenerated through dedicated mangrove restoration funds that protect not only the project, but also the ecological shield of Ho Chi Minh City.
While many global developments aim to comply with ESG standards, Vinhomes Green Paradise goes further, introducing an ESG++ model built on five pillars: Environment, Social, Governance, Regeneration, and Adaptation.
This approach reflects a paradigm shift in urban development. Cities of the future must not merely “do less harm”. They must actively give back to nature and society.
Jean-Paul emphasized the importance of this vision: “Future sustainable cities must not ‘take’ from nature, they must ‘give back,’ helping restore and nurture the planet.”
This regenerative mindset is embedded from the earliest stages of construction. Advanced K-DPM technology transforms dredged soft mud into durable construction material, completely eliminating waste discharge into the environment, a breakthrough in large-scale coastal development.
Technology as the City’s Invisible Infrastructure
If nature is the soul of Vinhomes Green Paradise, technology is its invisible nervous system. The entire megacity is designed to operate on 100% clean energy, sourced from offshore wind turbines located 20 kilometers from shore and large-scale solar systems. Transportation within the city and connections to central Ho Chi Minh City are oriented toward zero emissions, supported by electric mobility and high-speed rail.
IoT, AI, and Big Data platforms operate continuously to monitor environmental quality, optimize energy use, and provide early warnings for climate-related risks, ensuring resilience in an era of increasing uncertainty.
One of the core criteria of the “7 Wonders of Future Cities” campaign is placing people at the heart of urban design. At Vinhomes Green Paradise, this principle is elevated further: Residents are not passive beneficiaries, but active co-creatorsof the city.
The megacity features globally scaled cultural and lifestyle landmarks, including a 122-hectare entertainment complex, the 7-hectare Blue Waves Theatre with 5,000 seats, an outdoor performance plaza for 60,000 people, two 18-hole championship golf courses designed by Tiger Woods and Robert Trent Jones, a 108-story tower among the world’s top 10 tallest, and the Cosmo Bay night-time economy hub.
Healthcare, education, and lifelong wellbeing are equally prioritized, with Vinmec healthcare partnering with Cleveland Clinic (USA), Vinschool and Brighton College (UK) in education, and Vin New Horizon redefining senior living. Together, they form an ecosystem where human potential is continuously nurtured.
Residents also play a direct role in environmental stewardship, participating in biodiversity monitoring, mangrove planting, waste sorting, and adopting electric mobility, becoming true “ecological ambassadors” of Can Gio.
The Wonders of the Future Are Being Built Today
For Jean-Paul de la Fuente, Vinhomes Green Paradise represents far more than an urban project.
“The project is positioned as a powerful symbol of Vietnam’s national aspirations and its determination to assert its place on the global stage. What was seen on site is only a small part of a much larger vision,” he said.
Reflecting on the impact of previous New7Wonders campaigns, he noted: “The previous two campaigns, ‘New7Wonders of the World’ and ‘New7Wonders of Nature’, both generated what researchers call the ‘Wonder Effect,’ significantly boosting the economies and societies of the winning destinations.”
Drawing a parallel with Ha Long Bay, he added that he truly believe Vinhomes Green Paradise can achieve something similar, but on an even larger scale, competing directly with iconic cities around the world.”
As Jean-Paul concluded: “If our previous campaigns celebrated the heritage of the past and the beauty of the present, then the ‘7 Wonders of Future Cities’ campaign celebrates the vision being created for future generations.”
“The wonders of the future are taking shape today through the choices, creativity, and determination of pioneering urban planners and developers.”
In that global narrative, Vinhomes Green Paradise stands as a powerful testament to Vietnam’s ambition: A city where geography itself is a wonder, where growth does not compromise the future, and where nature, technology, and humanity evolve together, creating a legacy not just for Vietnam, but for the world.
Hashtag: #Vinhomes
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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