[Herald Economy — Reporter Kim Myung-sang] Lotte Tour Development has kicked off three charter cruise voyages in the first half of the year as it aims to seize a bigger slice of the domestic cruise market.Lotte Tour Development said the Hokkaido charter cruise set sail from Sokcho today (the 12th) with about 2,500 passengers on board.
The trip is aboard the recently refurbished Costa Serena, leaving Sokcho for Otaru and Hakodate in Japan before returning to Busan on a five-night, six-day itinerary. Lotte will follow this Hokkaido sailing with two more charters: a Korea–China–Japan cruise departing Busan on the 17th, and an Asia three-country cruise leaving Seosan on June 13.
The Korea–China–Japan cruise on the 17th will call at Shanghai, China, and Sasebo, Japan, on a five-night, six-day route. The Asia three-country cruise departing June 13 will visit Okinawa and Taiwan before returning to Busan on a six-night, seven-day itinerary.
Lotte said the three charter sailings are expected to carry roughly 7,500 passengers in total and to depart without issue. Drawing on 14 years of charter cruise experience, the company added it will double down on service and safety to ensure passengers enjoy a comfortable trip.
Meanwhile, Lotte is also taking bookings for a Korea–China–Japan cruise departing Sept. 7. This five-night, six-day voyage departs Busan, calls at Shanghai and Fukuoka, then returns to Busan. Book early and save ₩300,000 per person (about $225), and returning customers can claim additional perks.
