Singapore is a port of call to several cruise liners such as Genting Dream, Spectrum of the Seas and Silver Muse. Hence, it only makes sense that Disney Cruise Line is making Singapore its home port in its Southeast Asia debut.

Disney, along with Marvel Studios, is a household name around the world and has a strong fan following in the West and Asia. A partnership with Disney will propel Singapore to a premier cruise hub, making it stand out from regional competitors like Hong Kong, Thailand and Malaysia.

The collaboration with Disney cruise will bring much-needed buzz to the local tourism scene in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The draw of a floating theme park combined with the luxuries of a cruise ship is undeniable. Over 100 years of history, Disney has used its themes, characters and settings to carve its own brand of magic and fun. Besides appealing to children, their live-action remakes and Marvel franchise target adults looking for nostalgia and escapism. A Disney cruise would attract all families, be they couples, young parents or multi-generational families.

STB estimates about 12 million to 14 million tourist arrivals in 2023. While this is far from the record high of 19 million in 2019, the day is not far when travel figures will return to pre-COVID levels.

Singapore should continue to attract global segments – especially young families, working millennials, active silvers and business travellers. In terms of geography-based strategies, closer to home in Asia, we should invest in the high-growth markets of South Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong, and at the same time deepen penetration in key long-haul markets of US, UK, Germany and France. The Disney Cruise Line as a product checks all these boxes.