Star Cruises’ SuperStar Virgo homeport deployment in Dalian, Tianjin and Qingdao Will offer 9 exciting itineraries to Kyushu, Japan in September
During a press conference in Beijing, Star Cruises today (22 June) announced SuperStar Virgo’s highly-anticipated relocation to the North China market where, in the three months starting September 2018, she will start her homeport deployment in Dalian, Tianjin and Qingdao.
With this expansion to the North China market, Star Cruises will further expand its footprint in the country by covering China’s three main cruise markets in the South, East and North this year after earlier deployments by SuperStar Virgo in Shanghai, SuperStar Gemini in Xiamen, Sanya and Haikou and SuperStar Aquarius in Qingdao.
A force in the China market for over 20 years, Star Cruises’ expansion of its portfolio has also helped grow the South China market to become one of the nation’s three largest cruise homeport regions in just one year and further reinforces the brand’s commitment to the development of China’s cruise market.
As well, in recent years, Star Cruises has developed several homeport itineraries of distinction from China which has resulted in a new record for the number of homeport deployments by the same brand in Qingdao.
“We are excited that Genting Cruise Lines is expanding its market reach in North China. By deploying Star Cruises to the three key cruise markets in China, we are providing a variety of different cruise experiences from across China, building closer relationships with local travel agents, ports and business partners while boosting our market penetration rate and expanding further into the China market,” said Mr. Kent Zhu, President of Genting Cruise Lines.
As a prelude to SuperStar Virgo’s homeport, SuperStar Aquarius was deployed to Qingdao in early summer this year and the positive market response has reinforced Star Cruises’ confidence in SuperStar Virgo’s itineraries from Dalian (staring 9 September), Tianjin (staring 30 September) and Qingdao (starting 3 November).
SuperStar Virgo’s specially designed itineraries from Dalian (4-Night) in September will visit historic Nagasaki, Kitakyushu and Fukuoka while itineraries from Tianjin (4-Night or 5-Night) in September and October will visit Kagoshima, Beppu, Fukuoka and Nagasaki, blessed with astonishing natural scenery including traditional onsens and soaring volcanoes. Itineraries from Qingdao in November will call on Kagoshima, Fukuoka and Nagasaki where foodies will be able to enjoy authentic and delicious local delicacies.
“The deployment of SuperStar Virgo to North China during September to November will cover public holidays including the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day Golden Week, which is suitable for family travelers and senior citizens. And autumn is the perfect time to visit Japan with its comfortable weather conditions and extraordinary autumn scenery,” said Mr. Ang Moo Lim, President of Star Cruises.
“SuperStar Virgo’s Kyushu itineraries will bring passengers to the five most popular destinations in Kyushu, Japan where guests can enjoy delicious Japanese cuisine and marvelous scenery in Beppu, Fukuoka, Kagoshima, Nagasaki and Kitakyushu. Star Cruises aims to offer memorable cruise experiences and we have designed special programs for both our senior guests and our little travelers including a joint promotion with cartoon character Doraemon to launch a series of “Treasure Hunt @ Sea” themed activities.”
Award winning SuperStar Virgo is the flagship of Star Cruises and features more than 10 restaurants and bars on board offering a wide-range of international cuisines. Guests can indulge in expansive recreation facilities including an outdoor swimming pool, karaoke rooms, golf driving range and a Spa and Health Club or participate in various recreation activities such as yoga classes to relax and unwind.
Additionally, Star Cruises is launching “Treasure Hunt at Sea with Doraemon” on SuperStar Virgo during this deployment where fans of Doraemon will have exclusive access to a delightful experience with limited-edition gift sets, special in-cabin décor and menus, as well as interactive workshops and photo corners with Doraemon and friends. A Junior Cruiser Program featuring special activities based on the Doraemon movie will also be available during the cruises.
For senior citizens, SuperStar Virgo has prepared an array of “Gift of Time” activities such as ballroom dance parties, classic movie screenings, oldies concerts and free wedding photo shoots while for those who wish to live a healthier lifestyle, Star Cruises has also invited Taichi master Mr. Wang Xi’an to host Taichi classes on board and developed specially designed healthy menus to promote a better lifestyle.
“And not only will SuperStar Virgo appeal to the country’s holiday-makers but the ship’s large variety of innovative MICE facilities featuring a range of quality accommodation, fully equipped work spaces and a tantalizing choice of down time activities will also provide an attractive alternative for the large scale corporations based in the area,” added Mr. Ang Moo Lim.
(Star Cruises)
