Lover's Paradise Offer!

This LOVERS' PARADISE special offer is for #India. 

Cruise in February or March 2014 and save 30%!* Offer ends August 31, 2013. View details @http://bit.ly/16OVgki and book online today!

*T&C apply. See http://bit.ly/16OVgki for more.

SuperStar Aquarius good for tourism — Bintulu Resident

                      

BINTULU: SuperStar Aquarius will be homeported in Kota Kinabalu for the first time from Nov 6, 2013 to March 30, 2014, and would be calling on Bandar Seri Begawan in Brunei and here.

Bintulu Resident cum Divisional Tourism Task Force chairman Muhamad Yakup Kari said he was looking forward to the arrival of the 51,309-ton cruise ship.

It is expected to make its maiden stop at Bintulu Port on November 12 at 10am, and retrace to Kota Kinabalu at 6pm on the same day.

Yakup said the presence of the ship, which belongs to Star Cruises, the leading cruise line in Asia-Pacific, would be good for the tourism sector here.

Star Cruises will be the first international cruise line to be homeported in Kota Kinabalu, continuing Star Cruises’ pioneering and leading position in Asia’s cruise industry.

Genting Hong Kong Limited’s East Malaysia Operations vice president Edward Johann Leong said they envisioned their inaugural deployment to Borneo would help build the cruise tourism industry and boost local tourism.

“The route will be Kota Kinabalu-Brunei-Bintulu-Kota Kinabalu. This is the first in Borneo, and we will be exploring other parts of Borneo later.

“Before we look any further, we must introduce the cruises plying in Borneo. We will definitely be expanding our services,” said Leong to reporters after meeting the relevant authorities at Wisma Kontena in Tanjung Kidurong here yesterday.

He said the departure from Kota Kinabalu would be on November 10, and the response was overwhelming.

“We only launched this one and a half month ago, but our bookings have reach 85 per cent occupancy, which is above our average.”

He added most of the bookings were by government agencies for government functions onboard. For example, lots of ministries from Sabah are onboard, and so are corporate firms for their annual get-togethers.

“That is why when we launch this. It is not only for tourism, but for people to come for conferences, meetings and other events.”

Leong said about 60 to 70 per cent of the passengers onboard would be international passengers. They are seasoned cruise goers, and have been cruising in various parts of the world.

On Bintulu, he said, “To us it is an opportunity to come down to Bintulu. This is also a chance for us to show everyone in the world what Bintulu has to offer. It may be small, but very rich in terms of culture. It would generate income for locals in the tourism sector.”

Meanwhile, Bintulu Port Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Dato Mior Ahmad Baiti Mior Lub Ahmad said for the time being they would provide one temporary area for its berth.

“Bintulu Port is not a dedicated terminal for cruises, but our team had made arrangements to give one area of the general cargo wharf on Tuesdays from 10am till 6pm.

“We are not a dedicated passenger terminal as it (cruise ship) travels once a week, which might also need to meet several requirements,” said Mior.

He, however, applauded the efforts in bringing in cruise tourism sector into Bintulu to further promote the tourism industry.

Bintulu Resident Muhamad Yakup Kari, who was also present, appealed to the public to make sure that all places here be kept clean in order to make a good impression on tourists.

“We will develop packages for the tourist. We will work together to ensure Bintulu is worthwhile tourist destination.”

Star Cruises is offering 4-day-three-night cruises from Kota Kinabalu to Brunei and Bintulu Sarawak. It will depart every Sunday, and it is understood that there would be a number of exclusive shore excursions for guests to choose and explore local attractions.

From Wednesdays to Saturdays, passengers can immerse in another dimension of cruise fund and entertainment on SuperStar Aquarious’ daily one-night high sea experience.

Once onboard, guests will be spoilt for choice with nonstop activities and entertainment.

They will be wowed by world class entertainment performed by a cast of European and Asian artistes and acrobats and grand illusion shows by renowned magicians.

Their fun continues in a selection of onboard recreational activities and unique shore excursions that showcase the beauty and wonders of Borneo.

Guests can also shop to their heart’s content onboard the 409-square-metre upscale duty-free shopping gallery featuring China Duty Free, upmarket wristwatch and jewellery boutique and many more.

For food lovers, SuperStar Aquarius’ nine restaurants and bars, led by executive chef Harold Mark, present an appealing array of mouth-watering international, Southeast Asia and Chinese cuisines.

After a full day of non-stop fun, guests can unwind and relax with a choice of over 30 types of well-beng and health treatments at the spa.

SuperStar Aquarius is currently homeported in Keelung, Taiwan. It will depart Kaohsiung on October 29 2013 with stops at Hong Kong, Manila and Boracay before arriving in Kota Kinabalu on Nov 6, 2013.


Source: http://www.theborneopost.com/2013/08/20/superstar-aquarius-good-for-tourism-bintulu-resident/

Discover Sarawak’s extraordinary natural wonders and cultural treasures with SuperStar Aquarius starting November 2013

HONG KONG – Star Cruises, the leading cruise line in Asia-Pacific, will bring visitors to the home of adventure—Sarawak. SuperStar Aquarius will call into this “Land of Hornbills” when she commences her seasonal homeport deployment from Kota Kinabalu, the capital city of Sabah, Malaysia, for the first time from 6 November 2013 to 30 March 2014.

With natural beauty, rich history, diverse culture, deep-rooted heritage and modern city living all-in-one, Sarawak is a potpourri of experiences appreciated by travelers from all over the world.

The new 4D3N cruises departing every Sunday from Kota Kinabalu to Brunei’s Bandar Seri Begawan and Sarawak’s Bintulu will take visitors to a variety of exotic local attractions. They can also immerse in another dimension of cruise fun and entertainment on SuperStar Aquarius’ daily 1-night high seas experience from Wednesday to Saturday.

Shopping spree and food hunting
Visitors can stroll along the busy streets of Bintulu Town or mingle with locals doing their daily chores at the unique native market, where assorted specialty and farm products ranging from fruits to vegetables to handicrafts are up for sale. Take a bite of the authentic brittle snack tebaloi—a cookie made with sago flour, and other local delicacies such as laksa, cendol and rojak there. One can also check out the wet market where fresh fish caught from sea are sold.

Experience local culture and tradition
Upon arrival, visitors will be showered with warm hospitality by the headman and locals in an Iban welcoming ceremony, followed by a long cultural dance and a warrior dance called Ngajat performed by villagers in traditional costumes. Visitors will have the chance to study the one of a kind architecture as well as the local lifestyle and how tribal craftworks are made.

Discover true nature
The Similajau National Park is famous for its unspoiled sandy beaches and its rich and vibrant flora and fauna. Dare yourself to cross the suspension bridge spanning the Likau River and go on to the education trail to learn more about the mixed Dipterocarp forest and species that live in the ecosystem. Enjoy the relaxing wildlife sounds of insects and birds along the way.

Heritage attractions
Bintulu is also a place of historical and cultural significance. The Sarawak Legislative Council Monument, where the first Sarawak State Legislative Assembly was held, is a photo spot that should not be missed. The scenic beauty of the oldest Chinese temple in Sarawak—Tua Pek Kong Temple—is equally noteworthy.

SuperStar Aquarius, currently home ported in Keelung, Taiwan, will offer a 8D7N special cruise, departing from Kaohsiung on 30 October 2013 with stops at Hong Kong, Manila, Boracay and arriving in Kota Kinabalu on 6 November 2013.

Source: http://www.traveldailynews.asia/news/article/53206/discover-sarawak-rsquo-s-extraordinary-natural-wonders

The Star Cruises Nasi Kandar Cooking Competition 2013: Winners of Penang's first ever Nasi Kandar cook-off announced

 

Ms. Vivian Sim, Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications & PR, Genting Hong Kong (third from left) posing with winners of the Amateur Category. 

From left to right: Ms. Maizatul Shila Bt. Mat Baki (Gold Medallion Award), Mr. Lim Li Wei (Bronze Medallion Award), Ms Vivian Sim and Ms. Tan Lay Li (Silver Medallion Award).

Hong Kong / Penang, 27 Aug, 2013 – The Star Cruises Nasi Kandar Cooking Competition 2013 onboard SuperStar Libra from 21-23 August 2013 witnessed the rise of new culinary experts. Organizer Star Cruises, the leading cruise line in AsiaPacific, is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of this three-day key event of Genting Hong Kong’s 20th anniversary.

Eastin Hotel’s Junior Sous Chef Mr. Mohd Fauzi Alias, 34, and housewife Ms. Maizatul Shila Bt. Mat Baki, 38, each triumphed over 15 other contestants in their respective professional and amateur categories in the three-day event, the first of its kind held in Penang. Each walked away with a RM5000 cash prize and 2 sets of 4D3N cruise with Oceanview stateroom with window cabin for two onboard
SuperStar Gemini.

Ms. Maizatul of Taiping, Perak, burst into tears when her name was announced. “I’m very shocked. This win is beyond my expectation. This is a dream comes true. I started off cooking only for my six children, and I’ve always cooked curry as my mother-in-law loves it so much. I’m grateful for my husband who has encouraged me to enter the competition.”

This is also Mr. Mohd Fauzi’s first Nasi Kandar cooking competition. He calls himself very lucky. “The other 15 contestants from the Professional Category are far more experienced than me, but I’ve worked hard in perfecting this dish by exchanging notes with my peers in order to produce flavours which suit different customers. I think this helped to capture the taste buds of the judges.”

Silver Medallion Awards went to Ms. Tan Lay Li and Mr. Jayaraj A/L Shanmugam in the Amateur and Professional Categories, respectively. Each received RM2,000 cash and a set of 4D3N cruise with Oceanview stateroom with window cabin for two onboard SuperStar Gemini.

Housewife Ms Tan, 58, is passionate about cooking, especially nyonya food. She was surprised to find herself finishing second. She hopes Star Cruises can organize more cooking competitions and promote this local cuisine to the world.
Mr. Jayaraj A/L Shanmugam, Owner cum Chef of Bountiful Kitchen Restaurant in Penang, was on cloud nine when he heard his name. “I’m really happy to know the judges love my curry fish head. I was a bit worried they wouldn’t like the fusion twist I gave to the authentic recipe,” Chef Raj said.

Student from Penang’s Golden Chef Culinary Academy Mr. Lim Li Wei and Assistant Chef of The Cruises Steak House Mr. Hasbullah Abd Hamid won the Bronze Medallion Awards of the Amateur and Professional Categories, respectively. Each received a RM1,000 cash prize and a set of 3D2N cruise with Oceanview stateroom with window cabin for two onboard SuperStar Gemini.

It was a memorable day for Lim, 26, to have won second runner up in his first cooking competition. “This competition surely has honed my culinary skills. What I’ve learned here is something I can’t learn from school.”

Hasbullah, 32, said his winning of second runner up will boost his confidence in Indian-Muslim cooking, and this experience will encourage him to participate in more competitions in the years to come.

Other than the Medallion Awards, seven Guests’ Choice Awards were given out. The judges for the awards were randomly selected passengers from not only Malaysia, but also around the world such as Australia, Iran, Pakistan and India. The winners are:

21 August (Amateur Preliminary Round): RM100 and 2D1N high sea cruise
package onboard SuperStar Libra for two (Oceanview stateroom with window
cabin) each.
• Session 1: Mr. Lim Li Wei, student, Penang’s Golden Chef Culinary Academy
• Session 2: Ms. Kathaye A/P Gopal, housewife 22 August (Professional Preliminary Round): RM100 and 2D1N high sea cruise package onboard SuperStar Libra for two (Oceanview stateroom with window
cabin) each.

• Session 1: Mr. Jayaraj A/L Shanmugam, Owner cum Chef, Bountiful Kitchen Restaurant
• Session 2: Mr. Hasbullah Abd Hamid, Assistant Chef of The Cruises Steak House and Mr. Abd Majid Bin Sulaiman , Senior Chef de Partie, Sunway Hotel Seberang Jaya, Penang 23 August (Finals): RM300 and 2D1N high sea cruise package onboardSuperStar Libra for two (Oceanview stateroom with window cabin) each.
• Amateur Category: Ms. Kathaye A/P Gopal, housewife
• Professional Category: Mr. Hasbullah Abd Hamid, Assistant Chef of The Cruises Steak House.

The Star Cruises Nasi Kandar Cooking Competition 2013 is endorsed by Penang State Tourism and supported by Chefs Association of Malaysia (Penang Chapter) and Malaysian Association of Hotels (Penang Chapter).

During the award presentation, Star Cruises surprised each contestant with a complimentary 2D1N high sea cruise package onboard SuperStar Libra for two (Oceanview stateroom with window cabin) to thank them for their participation. The unexpected announcement further escalated their excitement.

The competition had drawn overwhelming responses since its launch in July 2013.

A total of 32participants(16 from each category) were chosen to compete in the preliminary rounds staged onboard SuperStar Libra on 21 August (Amateur Category) and 22 August (Professional Category) in front of the star-studded panel of judges and cruisers.

The final was staged onboard SuperStar Libra on 23 August.The winners of The Star Cruises Nasi Kandar Cooking Competition 2013 will be invited to show off their talent onboard SuperStar Aquarius when the ship is on its seasonal deployment at Kota Kinabalu, Sabah starting 6 November 2013, as well as
onboard SuperStar Virgo, which currently homeports in Singapore, when it calls in Penang.

Star Activities Onboard Super Star Gemini : Rhythm and Dance

Step to the rhythm and dance to the music as Star Cruises gives you an exciting production show that will make you sway and groove to the beat. Presenting, the graceful World Champion ballroom couple, Suzanna and Dima from Belarus. Together with Top Outstanding dancers and the highly acclaimed world-class acrobats all from Europe showcasing a selection of breathtaking performances from the champions themselves; celebrate as you cruise with us and experience a world of music and dance onboard SuperStar Gemini.