Asia Cruises - what is the nationality of passengers

[PTMary]

My hubby and I are considering an Asia cruise next year. We're looking at several choices of mass market cruise lines, with itineraries from Shanghai or Hong Kong to Singapore preferred. What is the typical nationality mix of the passengers on these cruises? Are they mostly Asian locals, Europeans, Americans? We're only curious because we are US citizens and were wondering if we will be in the minority as far as language and cultural norms on board are concerned. Not a big deal, but just wanted to do some language and cultural research to better fit in if necessary.

Edited February 1, 2014 by PTMary

[Ashland]

My hubby and I are considering an Asia cruise next year. We're looking at several choices of mass market cruise lines, with itineraries from Shanghai or Hong Kong to Singapore preferred. What is the typical nationality mix of the passengers on these cruises? Are they mostly Asian locals, Europeans, Americans? We're only curious because we are US citizens and were wondering if we will be in the minority as far as language and cultural norms on board are concerned. Not a big deal, but just wanted to do some language and cultural research to better fit in if necessary.

Asian cruises...likely you will be (some Asian cruises are considered immersion cruises)...

 

We were definitely in the minority on our cruises to the Baltics and the western med (not that there was anything wrong with that :))...However RCI still made all announcements first in English and everything onboard still was geared toward the American traveler..but this can vary per cruiseline..Just our experience which may differ from other's.;)

[barante]

We spent the month of November a year ago cruising Southeast Asia on the Costa Victoria. Now, remember this is an Italian affiliate of Carnival Corp. English speakers were a distinct minority. Large contingents of Germans, French speakers, some 400 Norwegian auto salesmen, Italians. Very few locals. I have no idea what the local prices were like in Singapore; American web sites cut prices aggressively.

 

We never really had a problem with the language because the unifying language of the staff was English. The officers, at one reception, made it clear they didn't particularly like Americans. "They always tell us: You do this, or I will call my lawyer."

 

None of this bothered us. Costa was not to our taste. There are more pleasant alternatives. But that's another story.

[kitty9]

If you cruise on a US based line, chances are there will be more North Americans. As Barante said, if you choose a line like Costa or Star cruise line, you will be in the minority, and there may not be tours offered in English (my cousins experienced that on a Costa cruise because there were so few English speakers). We were docked in Singapore next to Superstar Aires, from the Star line, and I was on my balcony listening to their announcements. I heard Chinese, Hindi, Mandarin and another language I didn't know, but nothing in English. If you stick to lines like Celebrity, Holland America or Princess I would think a majority of passengers would be English speaking. Now, I'm not saying there won't be a number of Asians on board, but your chances of seeing a lot of North Americans/Brits/Australians will be very high.

[Joyful17]

Hi PTMary

 

We got off Mariner of the Seas on Thursday morning the cruise was Singapore, KL, Langkawi, Penang & Phuket then back to Singapore. Over 50 nationalities on board, one third Australians (1100), then Chinese(700), a real mix of people on the cruise.

 

Our last cruise in March 2013 out of Singapore on Legend of the seas again a real mix of people.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Shanntelle

[spookwife]

My hubby and I are considering an Asia cruise next year. We're looking at several choices of mass market cruise lines, with itineraries from Shanghai or Hong Kong to Singapore preferred. What is the typical nationality mix of the passengers on these cruises? Are they mostly Asian locals, Europeans, Americans? We're only curious because we are US citizens and were wondering if we will be in the minority as far as language and cultural norms on board are concerned. Not a big deal, but just wanted to do some language and cultural research to better fit in if necessary.

 

assume that where ever the ship leaves from , that will be the vast majority of pax makeup. keep in mind that Hong Kong may be technically China today, but it wasn't so long ago that she was British, so English is still widely spoken.

[paul929207]

We have taken several Princess cruises to east Asia and southern Asia. The vast majority of the passengers were English speaking (US, Canada, Australia, NZ, UK, etc.). Announcements were made only in English.

[maryann ns]

The vast majority of the passengers were English speaking (US, Canada, Australia, NZ, UK, etc.). Announcements were made only in English.

 

This was true on Azamara in 2011.

[newport dave]

Did SE Asia in Dec 2012 on Celebrity Millennium, majority of cruisers were English speaking eg. US, Canadian, UK & ANZAC. The rest were a mix of everyone else.

[RJ2002]

Our Asia cruise was on Princess, several years ago. The passenger mix was primarily Western, English speaking. Of course there were Asians as well, but the majority were Americans, Australians, Canadians and some Western Europeans. The on-board experience was not really any different from other Princess cruises.

[Langley Cruisers]

...wondering if we will be in the minority as far as language and cultural norms on board are concerned. Not a big deal, but just wanted to do some language and cultural research to better fit in if necessary.

 

Language has been addressed but what "cultural norms on board" are you speaking of? I realize this thread could get ugly, quickly - but I am curious as to what you mean here. Tipping? If so, that is taken care of on most lines with an automatic daily service charge/gratuity added to all passengers' accounts. So yes, if you could elaborate it would be appreciated.

[PTMary]

Language has been addressed but what "cultural norms on board" are you speaking of? I realize this thread could get ugly, quickly - but I am curious as to what you mean here. Tipping? If so, that is taken care of on most lines with an automatic daily service charge/gratuity added to all passengers' accounts. So yes, if you could elaborate it would be appreciated.

 

Not intending to insult any culture. But one thing I have learned is that people do things differently in different parts of the world, and I find this cultural diversity fascinating and enjoyable. For instance, foods being served might be different depending on who is the majority on board. On our European cruises the specialty restaurants were crowded later than on our Caribbean cruises, which tended to peak an hour or two earlier. Or, entertainment might be geared towards the predominate culture. Many more Asians smoke than Americans, so if there are more Asians on board than Americans, will smoking policies be relaxed?

 

There was nothing insidious intended in my innocent question.

Edited February 1, 2014 by PTMary

[kitty9]

First, cruise lines, at least the US based lines, don't change their menus to reflect who's on the ship. Second, they will not change company policies because a certain culture might smoke more. They just don't do those things.

[Gunner22aa]

Did Asia two years ago on the Diamond. passenger mix was about 50% north American, 40% Asian and 10% european

[Langley Cruisers]

Not intending to insult any culture.... Many more Asians smoke than Americans, so if there are more Asians on board than Americans, will smoking policies be relaxed? ... There was nothing insidious intended in my innocent question.

 

I feel you are a bit defensive when I merely asked you to elaborate. Sometimes it's difficult to decipher this two-dimensional medium of the printed word. But thanks for replying.

.

[PTMary]

I feel you are a bit defensive when I merely asked you to elaborate. Sometimes it's difficult to decipher this two-dimensional medium of the printed word. But thanks for replying.

.

 

I am being defensive? Are you kidding me? I simply answered your question directly by saying I had not intended to start a thread that, as you chose to describe "could get ugly, quickly". I clarified that I wasn't trying to start something, and explained what the intention of my post was. How is that being defensive (as I am now starting to become!)? :confused::confused:

 

I am relatively new here, but based on some bizarre or mean posts I have read here, I am starting to wonder if this forum is safe to participate in without fear of having to deal with the nastiness I have observed.

Edited February 2, 2014 by PTMary

[Jo-Bob]

With all due respect, just ignore whatever nastiness you feel you've observed or encountered. Sometimes easier said than done, and admittedly, there are those who are oblivious to their own passive-aggressive approach. Don't worry, there are far more helpful and kind people on here than not. You will soon figure out who they are:)

[Sherlock43031]

Not intending to insult any culture. But one thing I have learned is that people do things differently in different parts of the world, and I find this cultural diversity fascinating and enjoyable. For instance, foods being served might be different depending on who is the majority on board. On our European cruises the specialty restaurants were crowded later than on our Caribbean cruises, which tended to peak an hour or two earlier. Or, entertainment might be geared towards the predominate culture. Many more Asians smoke than Americans, so if there are more Asians on board than Americans, will smoking policies be relaxed?

 

There was nothing insidious intended in my innocent question.

 

smoking rules on board a cruise originating in Asia are considerably relaxed compared to cruises out of the US.

[RJ2002]

smoking rules on board a cruise originating in Asia are considerably relaxed compared to cruises out of the US.

 

What cruise lines are you familiar with that adjust their smoking policies by region? I am not aware of any US based line that would do that.

[boogs]

What cruise lines are you familiar with that adjust their smoking policies by region? I am not aware of any US based line that would do that.

 

I sure hope you are right about not changing the policies depending on where they are cruising. My cruise line of choice is Celebrity, in large part due to their early adoption of strict non-smoking policies. I hate cigarette smoke, and will always patronize a business that respects my desire for clean, smoke free air. We have an Asian cruise booked for 2015. If Celebrity relaxes their non-smoking rules to cater to groups that are prone to smoking, I will be very p****d off! If I want to deal with smokers, I'll book with Holland America, which does the same itineraries.

[RJ2002]

I sure hope you are right about not changing the policies depending on where they are cruising. My cruise line of choice is Celebrity, in large part due to their early adoption of strict non-smoking policies. I hate cigarette smoke, and will always patronize a business that respects my desire for clean, smoke free air. We have an Asian cruise booked for 2015. If Celebrity relaxes their non-smoking rules to cater to groups that are prone to smoking, I will be very p****d off! If I want to deal with smokers, I'll book with Holland America, which does the same itineraries.

 

Just FYI. We sail on HAL and have a cruise coming up in April. They still allow smoking on verandahs. :(

Edited February 2, 2014 by RJ2002

[boogs]

Just FYI. We sail on HAL and have a cruise coming up in April. They still allow smoking on verandahs. :(

 

Which is exactly my point. If Celebrity doesn't enforce their non-smoking rules to accommodate a large group of smoking passengers, it takes the motivation away to cruise with them. I might as well cruise with other cruise lines that allow smoking.

 

However, I can still hope that they will enforce the strict no smoking policies, no matter where they are, and no matter what the passenger mix is.

[Markanddonna]

I think the original poster has good reason to ask the question. We were on the Mariner a year ago and they were planning on being redesigned for the Asian market. Here are some of the changes that they spoke of:

 

- food being more authentically Asian

- entertainment being more visual rather than auditory (more acrobats, gymnasts, etc. and less singing)

- the thought that tipping may not be optional but built into the cruise price

- more Asian staff

- the consideration that there would be an increase of smokers

 

Just something to consider.

[barante]

Even Costa did not relax smoking rules during our month in Southeast Asia on the Victoria. In fact, Costa made no special effort to cater to the Asian passengers. No special menus, no announcements in Chinese or Hindi, no nothing.

 

I don't smoke, except in Colorado. But I, for one, believe that smokers have rights too. What a double standard we are witnessing: Bars and casinos keep satisfying and encouraging other vices, but smokers are the only ones victimized.

 

In the end, a special Asian format is going to emerge. Beyond the current Star gambling cruises. Smoking will be no no big part of that format. Glitz will be. Remember, Southeast Asia in all merchandizing caters to top-brand customers. That's wny there are no dollar stores or bargains in malls in Singapore. They want amusement and lights. That's why Asians own a good chunk of Norwegian Cruise Lines.

[sloopsailor]

I don't smoke, except in Colorado. But I, for one, believe that smokers have rights too. What a double standard we are witnessing: Bars and casinos keep satisfying and encouraging other vices, but smokers are the only ones victimized.

 

Smokers are not being victimized nor are they being discriminated upon. They are allowed to smoke in designated areas, just like all of us are only allowed to relax in designated areas. Are all of us being victimized because we are not allowed in "Employee Only" areas? Are we being victimized if we are not allowed to walk along major highways? Are we being victimized because we are only allowed to use either the Mens or Ladies restrooms, whichever is appropriate. No!

 

The vast majority of people DO NOT smoke. In the US, that's 81% who do not. What is wrong with protecting the clean, smoke free environments that these 81% prefer? It's a simple "Majority Rule" situation. Absolutely NO double standard is in place.

 

You claim that smoking is a non-issue. WRONG! It has been proven in countless studies that smoking is a killer, and that the second hand smoke you create is harmful to anyone nearby. It IS an issue, it will remain an issue, and no amount of burying your head in the sand or wishing upon a star will change that.

 

It's time for those of you who smoke and continually complain about your "rights" to grow up, stop being such a baby, and learn to deal with your vice graciously. Smoking is your choice, not everyone else's. It is you who needs to make an effort to respect the wishes of the majority. It is really tiring to have to listen to your bellyaching about you being "victims".

Edited February 2, 2014 by sloopsailor