SuperStar Aquarius celebrates its new homeport at Kota Kinabalu

At the inaugural cruise ceremony, Mr. William Ng, Chief Operating Officer, Star Cruises (third from the left) received a commemorative plaque from Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Sabah (third from the right).

HONG KONG / KOTA KINABALU - After months of anticipation, SuperStar Aquarius today celebrated arriving at her new homeport Kota Kinabalu, the city capital of Sabah, Malaysia for her seasonal deployment from 6 November, 2013 to 30 March, 2014.

An official ceremony featuring local cultural performances was staged by the Sabah Tourism Board at the terminal. Government officials, port authority representatives and locals welcomed the ship carrying over 1,100 international passengers from Taiwan, Hong Kong, Australia, China, the Philippines and Southeast Asia on an 8D7N relocation cruise to Kota Kinabalu and showered our passengers with local souvenirs.

Mr. William Ng, Chief Operating Officer, Star Cruises, said, "Today is a milestone moment for Star Cruises as we become the first international cruise line to homeport a ship in Kota Kinabalu."

"Sabah has been a top tourist destination for decades. With lush primary rainforests, sub-aquatic splendour, magnificent mountain, fantastic local cuisines and colourful cultures, Sabah is an incredible place for adventurers, a paradise for divers, and a playground for families."

"As an industry leader, Star Cruises has never stopped introducing new routes and creating new itineraries in the region. This deployment denotes our commitment to make Kota Kinabalu an international cruise hub. We are confident our deployment will attract not only domestic but also regional and international passengers to Sabah."

At the ceremony, he also thanked all parties in Kota Kinabalu for supporting this homeport deployment. The welcome ceremony was graced by Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Sabah and other representatives from the government, ministries and authorities.

After watching stunning performances put on by Star Cruises, memento exchanges were held at Stardust Lounge. The special guests were invited for a sumptuous lunch featuring Star Cruises' celebrated international and Asian cuisines at Spices Restaurant, followed by a tour around the 13-deck luxury liner.

With Star Cruises' unmatched freestyle cruising, passengers will be encapsulated by the world-class dining and high-caliber entertainment options. At the 409-square-meter upscale duty-free shopping gallery, retailers such as China Duty Free, upmarket wristwatch and jewellery boutique Canopus, leather goods specialist Milan Station, gift and souvenir outlet Ports O' Call offer products from around the world for passengers to spoil themselves. The wide selection of onboard recreational activities which include over 30 body and health treatments at the spa will also multiply the fun. Star Cruises' unique Asian style hospitality will make every cruise holiday a memorable one.


Source:http://www.traveldailynews.asia/news/article/54003/superstar-aquarius-celebrates-its-new

SuperStar Aquarius makes maiden call at Boracay

Hong Kong/ Boracay, 5 November, 2013 – SuperStar Aquarius made her inaugural call at Boracay for the first time yesterday (4 November), en route to its new homeport in Kota Kinabalu, the city capital of Sabah, Malaysia.

The 51,309-tonne cruise liner brought more than 1,100 Taiwanese,Hong Kong,Australiaand Southeast Asian passengers fromKaohsiung,Taiwanto Boracay after her successful first call toManilalast Saturday (2 November).

The ship and passengers received a warm welcome from the Provincial Government of Aklan,MunicipalityofMalay, Philippine Department of Tourism and the media amid a traditional Boracay Ati-atihan performance put on by locals in vibrant costumes.

Captain Carl J. Nilermark of SuperStar Aquarius praised the island’s unique coastline of unmatched beauty. “As one of the world’s most beautiful islands, Boracay offers a kaleidoscopic selection of leisure activities and top tourist destinations such asMountLuhoand Crystal Cove. I am sure our passengers will fall in love with this tropical paradise.”

He also thanked the Provincial Government of Aklan, the MunicipalityofMalay, the Philippine Ports Authority and the Department of Tourism Regional Office, and every party involved for making the call successful. 

The welcome ceremony was graced by Ms. Gabrielle Calizo-Quimpo, Vice Governor of Provincial Government of Aklan, Honorable Jupiter Gallenero, Sangunian Bayan Member,MunicipalityofMalay, Mr. Erdie Cocoy, Terminal Manager, Philippine Ports Authority TMO Dumaguit and Atty. Helen Catalbas, Regional Director (Region VI) of Department of Tourism of thePhilippines. After the memento exchange ceremony, the guests enjoyed a special lunch featuring Star Cruises’ renowned international and Asian cuisines. They also went on a tour around the vessel.

SuperStar Aquarius embarked on her first homeport deployment in Kota Kinabalu on 6 November, offering itineraries to Muara and Bintulu.

On Star Cruises, every journey is a voyage of discovery and surprise.

At the welcome ceremony, Honorable Jupiter Gallenero, Sangunian Bayan Member,MunicipalityofMalay(left) presented the “Key to the City” toCaptainCarlJ. Nilermark of SuperStar Aquarius (right).

Ms. Gabrielle Calizo-Quimpo, Vice Governor of Provincial Government of Aklan (third from left), and distinguished guests commemorated SuperStar Aquarius’ first call to Boracay with Captain Carl J. Nilermark of SuperStar Aquarius (third from right) and Hotel Manager Mr. Michael Seet (second from right).

Superstar Gemini sets sail on maiden voyage from Haikou to Vietnam

On the afternoon of October 27th, nearly 1,000 passengers boarded the luxury cruise ship Superstar Gemini to begin a 3 Day/2 night tour to Vietnam’s Halong Bay. Early this year, the Superstar Gemini underwent a US$ 50 million multi-faceted major refurbishment. The cruise ship offered two itineraries, a Haikou-Halong Bay-Haikou route on 27 October and a Haikou-Hong Kong-Sanya route on 29 October to appeal to all kinds of passengers. After its Haikou deployment, the luxury cruise ship will return to Sanya on November 1st to continue its homeport deployment, from where it will operate... 

Source: http://www.malaysiasun.com/index.php/sid/218153993/scat/303b19022816233b

SuperStar Aquarius makes inaugural call to Manila

Maria Corazon Jorda-Apo, director for Market Development Group of the Department of Tourism receiving a model crystal ship from Michael Hackman, senior VP and country head, Philippines, Star Cruises

MANILA & HONG KONG – SuperStar Aquarius called at Manila, the Philippines for the first time on Saturday (2 November). The 51,309-tonne luxury liner received a warm welcome from government officials and locals at Pier 4 of Manila North Harbor. The ship is en route to her new home-port in Kota Kinabalu, the city capital of Sabah, Malaysia.

The Department of Tourism of the Philippines (DOT) welcomed them with traditional dance and music performances and showering them with local souvenirs. It was the second maiden call of a Star Cruises ship to the city in a month.

“We’re excited to be back here again, this time bringing SuperStar Aquarius to Manila for the very first time from Kaohsiung, Taiwan. We’re especially happy to have 1,200 international passengers, from Taiwan, Hong Kong, Australia, China and Southeast Asia, on this 8D7N special cruise. During their overnight stay in Manila, passengers have visited Resorts World Manila, our world-class, one stop, non-stop entertainment and leisure hub and explored top tourist destinations in this city to experience the hospitality that Filipinos are well known for,” said Michael Hackman, senior vice-president and country head, Philippines, Star Cruises.

Following her two-day stay in Manila, SuperStar Aquarius will make her first visit today to Boracay, one of the world’s most beautiful islands. She will begin her inaugural homeport deployment in Kota Kinabalu on Wednesday (6 November).

Resorts World Manila, a joint venture between Genting Hong Kong and Alliance Global, Inc., has been working closely with the DOT in promoting the Philippines regionally and internationally. To celebrate this occasion, the 20 contestants for Miss Resorts World Manila were brought onboard the cruise from Hong Kong as ambassadors to promote Manila and the Philippines to travelers from around the world.

Source: http://www.travelweeklyweb.com/superstar-aquarius-makes-inaugural-call-to-manila/45546

Leslie Mckinney's World of Magic on board SuperStar Libra

LESLIE MCKINNEY’S WORLD OF MAGIC

October – December, 2013

Star Cruises presents the Master Illusionist from Las Vegas - Leslie McKinney. With appearances at the World’s largest hotel – The MGM Grand to spectacular productions at the Rio, the Plaza and the Fitzgerald; there is no doubt that magic runs through his veins. He also became popular on Chinese television and has the distinction of being the first American entertainer to perform in Weifeng, Shandong in the Peoples Republic of China.

Inspired by the legends of magic and entertainment, his acts are truly world–class. Get the chance to experience the amazing world of Leslie McKinney as he inspires audiences onboard SuperStar Libra.