AIDA sails to Asia for the second year

The 1,300-pax AIDAaura will turnaround in Bangkok and call at Koh Samui, Penang, Port Klang, Singapore, Muara and Ho Chi Minh City in a 14-day sailing.

AIDAaura will have overnight calls in Singapore every fortnight, and World Express has again been appointed ground operator.

The ship's maiden call at the Singapore Cruise Centre this morning saw some 600 passengers signing up for its shore excursions. New tours this year include a journey into the heartlands of Singapore and a tea appreciation programme in Chinatown.

World Express managing director Darren Tan expects a 70 per cent take-up rate for its excursions for subsequent overnight calls, similar to what the company experienced last year with the 1,200-pax AIDAcara.

AIDA Cruises will assign an even bigger vessel next season, said Eddie Tang, assistant vice president (operations project), Singapore Cruise Centre. The AIDAdiva, which can accommodate 2,500 passengers, may have a dual turnaround in Bangkok and Singapore.

(Sources: Karen Yue, Singapore, TTGAsia)