Ambassador Cruise is heralding the dawn of a new day in cruising Halong Bay, with the launch of a day cruise on a new vessel with restaurants and bars, an outdoor jacuzzi and a striking glass bridge. The five-star line behind the UNESCO World Heritage site’s most sublime cruise experiences launched the day-long ‘Ambassador Day Cruise II’ tours on 10 February 2023.

​Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh has proven it means business through its key supporting role during Cambodia’s term as ASEAN chair. The property, the newest international branded luxury hotel in Phnom Penh, aims to cement its status as the nation's top destination for corporate travelers.

In its role as ASEAN chair, Cambodia has steered the course of intergovernmental cooperation between the ten member states in the region through several events and meetings held during 2022. Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh has stepped up to the plate during this period to help ensure the smooth running of proceedings. Proving its credentials as a property that can thrive on the big stage, the hotel hosted some side events and accommodated ministers, delegates, and other political and administrative personnel.

A sign of confidence in the recovery of Vietnam's leisure travel and MICE industry post-Covid-19, the Radisson Hotel Group has launched two new upscale hotels  in the country in April this year. Both properties are located in scenic beachfront destinations - Danang and Phan Thiet.

Radisso Bhopal opened in the capital city of Madhya Pradesh in September 2021. Situated in the heart of the city, the hotel is conveniently located within a 40-minute driving distance from Raja Bhoj International Airport and 10 minutes from Habibganj Railway Station. The hotel spans across 4,500 sqm and provides an ideal stay for both leisure and business travelers visiting the city. Radisson Bhopal also provides easy access to tourist attractions like Sanchi Stupa, Upper Lake, Van Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary and Bhimbeteka Caves.

At the recent Asian MICE Cruise Conference held in-conjunction with IT&CMA 2019, the speakers discussed the viability of organising MICE events on a cruise ship. Some of the key benefits highlighted by the speakers at the conference include:

• All-in-one venue (conference, F&B, team-building, entertainment);
• All-inclusive package for accommodation, meeting, food, beverage, live performances and activities;
• Captive audience as delegates will not be distracted by shopping or other attractions as compared to events in a land destination;
• Savings on land transport time and costs;
• Less logistic hassle in managing different suppliers;
• Costs on board is consistent as compared to land event, where costs in one city may vary widely with costs in another city;
• Overall cost savings of about 30% when MICE event is held on board a ship as compared to an event on land.

However, the “MICE” most cruise operators refer to is incentive groups. The main objective of incentive travel is to create fun for the employees and cultivate loyalty to the company. Hence it is not difficult to see how the wine, dine and entertainment on a cruise would be perfect for incentive groups. But how about more serious meeting, conference and exhibition. How many percent of a cruise ship is really purpose-built for MICE? MICEreview went on-board the Genting Dream Cruise for a six-days-five-nights experience to find out.