Monday, September 30, 2013

Resorts World Manila performer is the very first Voice of the Philippines grand champion


Hong Kong / Manila, 31 September, 2013 – In the end, there could be only one winner. After all was sung and done, the Philippines voted. In a scintillating finale held at the Newport Performing Arts Theater (NPAT) in Resorts World Manila (RWM) Sunday night, Michael “Mitoy” Yonting ultimately bested three other finalists—and hundreds of other competition hopefuls—to emerge victorious as the very first Voice of the Philippines grand champion.

No stranger to wowing audiences with his powerhouse voice, Mitoy and his rock band Draybers have been performing regularly at RWM’s world-class entertainment venue Bar 360, where his now famous vocal range and natural showmanship have made him a top crowd drawer since his debut in 2010.

Prior to performing at RWM, Mitoy gained experience touring Asian countries like Japan and Singapore with Draybers from as far back as the ’90s, which honed his ability to relate to different audiences. Through this exposure, Mitoy eventually developed the knack for delivering showstopping performances each and every time, as well as the ability to sing in other languages.

The Voice of the Philippines, a franchise of the hugely successful reality singing competition from Holland, launched its first ever season in the country in June of this year. During the blind auditions, Mitoy rendered his version of the Filipino classic “Bakit Ako Mahihiya”. Upon hearing his distinctive baritone, Philippine theater superstar Lea Salonga, who served as one of the coaches on the show, promptly took Mitoy under her wing for the duration of the competition.


Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Experience Multidimensional Fun this October with Super Star Gemini's New Xiamen Itineraries



Star Cruises, the leading cruise line in Asia-Pacific, will home-port Super Star Gemini in Xiamen for the first time beginning on 9 October, 2013. SuperStar Gemini will take passengers to Keelung, Penghu, Kaohsiung, Taichung, Hong Kong, Boracay and Manila. The shore excursions, onboard shopping, gourmet, spa, fitness and leisure options will give passengers a wonder cruise holiday to remember.

Hong Kong, 24 September, 2013 – Star Cruises, the leading cruise line in Asia-Pacific, will home port Super Star Gemini in Xiamen for the first time beginning 9 October, 2013. In this debut promotion of the Fujian Provincial Tourism Bureau’s new initiative to boost cross-strait international cruising, SuperStar Gemini will take passengers to Keelung, Penghu, Kaohsiung, Taichung, Hong Kong, Boracay and Manila. Sailing from the picturesque Xiamen, passengers can admire the views of these gorgeous destinations and indulge in an array of gourmet, shopping, spa, fitness and leisure options on-board.

Take your palate on a trip around the world
To celebrate the Munich Oktoberfest with cruisers from different cultures and backgrounds, the F&B outlets on Super Star Gemini, a ship that ventures around Asia, will offer various food and beer promotions. The chef team of the 11 restaurants on-board has tailor-made extensive menus for Chinese passengers. You can enjoy scrumptious German food including seafood and steaks while overlooking the open sea at Oceania Barbecue on the open deck; treat yourself to European fine dining at Bella Vista; taste homey Chinese cuisine at Dynasty Restaurant and Taipan; as well as devour authentic Southeast Asian food at Blue Lagoon.  The German delights, together with our international cuisines, will take your palate on a round-the-world journey.

Fascinating world-class performance
Talents from acclaimed musicals “Rhythm and Dance” and “Simply Cabaret” will continue to put on world-class performances for passengers cruising from Xiamen. Backed by stunning stage design and music, the world champion ballroom duo from Belarus, together with Star Cruises’ professional dancers and skilled acrobats, will bring you jaw dropping multistory enjoyment. You are also cordially invited to a mystic adventure at Stardust Lounge staged by renowned illusionist Lesile McKinney from Las Vegas, who has captivated audiences of numerous live performances and TV shows around the world.
In Greek mythology, the Gemini twins deliver humans joy with music, the house musicians on Super Star Gemini bring this legend to live. Our pianist Antonio’s live performance will pull your heartstrings. The Mezz Band from Malaysia’s will charm you with beautiful renditions of the biggest hits, and the Blue Fire Band lead by MYA will rock your cruise nights as they perform a variety of pop, R&B and classic hits in Cantonese, Mandarin and English.

Customized leisure and entertainment
The remodeled Super Star Gemini is complete with duty free shopping space and upscale retailers such as Canopus Watches and Jewelry and Milan Station to fulfill the needs of every shopper. The spacious duty free area resembles a trendy shopping boulevard offering luxury products of all sorts, from designer handbags to fine timepieces to sunglasses to perfumes to cosmetics, from around the world.
The active and health conscious can get their daily work out at our jogging track, gymnasium and swimming pools. Parents and children can attend activities, themed-parties and game sessions organized by the on-board child care centre. Our professional masseurs at the health centre can help you de-stress and detox after a day of fun-packed activities with a spa at sea.

Unique itineraries for an unforgettable cruise holiday
The first of the four cruises sailing from Xiamen is a 6D5N cruise to Penghu, Kaohsiung and Hong Kong commencing on 9 October, which is a perfect choice to visit all three popular destinations on both shores of the strait in one go.
A much anticipated 7D6N cruise sailing from Xiamen on 14 October will make port calls in Boracay and Manila. The itinerary is a favourite among Xiamen travelers according to a poll. It will also mark Super Star Gemini’s first visit to the Philippines. Get ready to immerse yourself in Boracay’s heavenly beaches and Manila’s endless energy. Resorts World Manila, a joint-venture between Genting HongKong and AGI, will provide shuttle service to bring travellers to this world-class one stop, non-stop entertainment and leisure hub.
Another 6D5N itinerary, departing on 20 October, will call into Penghu, Keelung,Taichung, and Kaohsiung, giving travelers a chance to tour the three largest Taiwanese cities and indulge in the beauty of Penghu.
To meet the growing demand for our Xiamen cruises, Star Cruises is now offering an additional Xiamen/Hong Kong 1-night itinerary for weekend travelers. Customers making reservations before September 30 can enjoy a RMB580 special offer for Super Star Gemini’s Xiamen/Hong Kong 1-night cruise departing on 25 October. There is no better weekend shopping getaway.

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Passengers reveled in The Star Cruises Nasi Kandar Festival onboard SuperStar Libra

The 4D3N from Penang to Phuket and Krabi Kicked off The Star Cruises Nasi Kandar Festival on 15th September , 2013.


HONG KONG /PENANG – It was a tantalizing voyage of culinary discovery for the 1,300 local and international passengers celebrating Penang cuisine onboard SuperStar Libra

The first festival of its kind was organised by Star Cruises, the leading cruise line in Asia-Pacific. SuperStar Libra's award-winning chef team crafted an extensive buffet menu of Nasi Kandar dishes, from appetizers to main dishes to desserts, for guests attending the Special Gala Dinner at Spices Restaurant, Deck 10 Aft. A Nasi Kandar buffet corner was also set up at the sail-away BBQ party, and the beloved fish head curry was served during lunch at Mariners Buffet, Deck 9 Aft.

Another highly anticipated key event of the festival was the live cooking performance of The Star Cruises Nasi Kandar Cooking Competition 2013 Gold Medallion Award (Amateur Category) winner Ms. Maizatul Shila Bt. Mat Baki. The housewife has triumphed over 15 other contestants for the title.

The audience participated heartily and took full advantage of Ms Maizatul's presence in the spectacular 1.5-hour cooking demonstration, jotting down precise notes of her secret cooking tips. Not only did the enthusiastic crowd learn how to recreate the enticing dish at home, they also had the chance to try out various rare, exotic herbs and spices that played an important role in accentuating the flavor of the culinary delight.

For those who have missed the cooking showoff, a second cooking demo by Mr. Mohd Fauzi Alias, winner of the Gold Medallion Award (Professional Category) of The Star Cruises Cooking Competition 2013 and Junior Sous Chef of Eastin Hotel in Penang, will be staged at the same venue on 23 September 2013, from 10:00am to 11:30am.

The Star Cruises Nasi Kandar Cooking Competition 2013 held onboard SuperStar Libra from 21-23 August, 2013 was a highlight of Genting Hong Kong's 20th anniversary celebration. This first Nasi Kandar competition in Penang was endorsed by Penang State Tourism and supported by Chefs Association of Malaysia (Penang Chapter) and Malaysian Association of Hotels (Penang Chapter).

SuperStar Libra sets sail for another voyage of culinary discovery from 22 to 25 September, 2013. Come celebrate Penang and Malaysian culture and cuisine at The Star Cruises Nasi Kandar Festival with your fellow foodies.

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




Thursday, September 19, 2013

Super Star Gemini Photo Tour



Good news! You can now have a “Photo Tour” of our newest cruise ship, the SuperStar Gemini. View still photos and 360 views of certain locations in Deck 6 to Dec 12. Start your tour now!

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Set Sail on a Voyage of Discovery and Surprise with Sanrio Stars


HELLO KITTY AND FRIENDS ON SUPERSTAR VIRGO & SUPERSTAR LIBRA

(17 NOV – 29 DEC 2013) 

Star Cruises, the Leading Cruise Line in Asia-Pacific, is pleased to announce the launch of the inaugural “Hello Kitty At Sea” cruises with Sanrio in Asia, exclusively aboard the luxurious SuperStar Virgo and SuperStar Libra. 

A series of 38 highly anticipated Hello Kitty themed cruises will kick off during this year end school holidays on SuperStar Virgo and SuperStar Libra from 17 Nov to 29 Dec 2013, co-sponsored by Allianz Global Assistance.

For a very first time, the well-loved Hello Kitty & Friends will be embarking on a voyage of discovery and surprise on Star Cruises’ fleet. 

During the cruises, die-hard Sanrio fans can enter into a whole new realm of fantasy, beyond their dreams to interact with their favourite Sanrio stars – Hello Kitty, Dear Daniel, My Melody and Bad Batz Maru. 

They can look forward to an up close and personal experience with the all-time favourite “kawaii” Sanrio stars and be mesmerised by the never-before-seen exclusive 25-minute Hello Kitty’s Karaoke TV Musical Show at sea. 

Not to be missed are other Hello Kitty themed programs like the special meet-and-greet sessions during “oishi” breakfast and tea parties, captivating tales about Hello Kitty and Friends adventures during story-telling time and DIY your own Hello Kitty arts and craft workshops, and many more. 

These exciting Sanrio voyages are excellent for quality family bonding to ensue.


Monday, September 16, 2013

Star Cruises Online Store : Feel The Serenity Of Then Hou Temple





    Discover each port destination of SuperStar Virgo! Book your shore excursion minimum of three days before your cruise at http://bit.ly/1dUpYO2


    Super Star Aquarius Enchanting Memories Begin Here



    Come aboard SuperStar Aquarius and enjoy a multitude of gourmet cuisine, world-class entertainment and great relaxing options that appeal to a whole range of holidaymakers. Take a glimpse of what's it like, watch this video!





    Tuesday, September 10, 2013

    Cruise ship to bring in 1,500 passengers in Boracay on October




    ILOILO CITY, Sept. 4 (PNA)–A cruise ship will bring in 1,500 tourists passengers to the premier tourism destination Boracay island this October 17, Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Dir. Helen Catalbas said on Wednesday.

    Dir. Catalbas said the cruise ship Superstar Gemini of the Star Cruises will come from Singapore and Manila before proceeding to Boracay island.

    The high-end tourists will visit Boracay to enjoy the white sand and swim in the blue waters of the island and shop for about a day before they head off for Kota Kinabalu, Sabah in Malaysia. 

    The tourism official added that on November 4, there would be another cruise ship Superstar Aquarius of the Star Cruises that is bound for Boracay carrying another 1,500 passengers. 

    The arrival of the cruise ships is already the result of the marketing of the DOT for Boracay as a cruise ship destination during the Cruise Shipping Asia exhibition in Singapore a year ago. 

    Earlier this year, there was the MS Columbus that visited the island and the Legend of the Seas of the Royal Caribbean that visited the island with their high end tourists passengers.

    Dir. Catalbas said that by next year starting January, six cruise ships are also slated to arrive in Boracay.

    source: http://asianjournal.com/lifestyle/cruise-ship-to-bring-in-1500-passengers-in-boracay-on-october/ 

    Monday, September 9, 2013

    The Star Cruises Nasi Kandar Festival onboard SuperStar Libra in September 2013



        Photo caption: Mr. Mohd Fauzi Alias, winner of the Gold Medallion Award (Professional Category) of The Star Cruises Nasi Kandar Cooking Competition 2013.

    HONG KONG – Food lovers should seize the chance to taste the most authentic and delicious Nasi Kandar at The Star Cruises Nasi Kandar Festival to be held on SuperStar Libra from 15-18 and 22-25 September, 2013.

    During the two-week festival organized by Star Cruises, the leading cruise line in Asia-Pacific, the award-winning chef team of SuperStar Libra will present a special tasting menu. A Nasi Kandar Buffet Corner will be set up at the sail-away BBQ parties on 15 & 22 September, 6:00pm to 9:00pm at pool deck, Deck 9 Fwd. On both 4D3N cruises sailing from Penang to Phuket and Krabi, fish head curry will also be served during dinner time at Mariners Buffet, Deck 9 Aft.

    Star Cruises is proud to present two special guests—winners of The Star Cruises Nasi Kandar Cooking Competition 2013—to stage two spectacular cooking demonstrations on the ship. The winners of the Gold Medallion Awards, Eastin Hotel’s Junior Sous Chef Mr. Mohd Fauzi Alias(Professional Category) and housewife Ms. Maizatul Shila Bt. Mat Baki (Amatuer Category), have each triumphed over 15 other contestants for the title.

    The first cooking demonstration will be given by Ms. Maizatul Shila on 16 September 2013 whereas the second will be presented by Mr Mohd Fauzi on 23 September 2013. Both performances will take place from 10:00am to 11:30am at Mariners Buffet, Deck 9 Aft.


    Source: http://www.traveldailynews.asia/news/article/53396/the-star-cruises-nasi-kandar

    Thursday, September 5, 2013

    Hello Kitty at sea cruises


    Star Cruises is launching the inaugural Hello Kitty at Sea this coming 17 November – 29 December 2013! Look forward to your unique Hello Kitty themed cruise, onboard SuperStar Virgo and SuperStar Libra, that your kids and the rest of the family are sure to love and enjoy.
    Featuring Hello Kitty, Dear Daniel, My Melody & Bad Batz Maru, the onboard programs are:
    • Exclusive 25-min Hello Kitty’s KTV Musical Show
    • Hello Kitty story telling time
    • Breakfast and Tea parties with Hello Kitty and friends
    • “Meet and Greet” photo sessions with Sanrio stars
    • and many more!

    Cruise to discover the joy of Hello Kitty at Sea! Book your cruise online now to reserve your cabin onboard SuperStar Virgo (ex-Singapore) or SuperStar Libra (ex-Penang).