SUPERSTAR VIRGO MAKES MAIDEN CALL TO REDANG ISLAND, MALAYSIA AND SUPERSTAR GEMINI RETURNS TO HO CHI MINH CITY AS PART OF 2006 NEW SEASON ITINERARIES
Star Cruises, “The Leading Cruise Line in Asia-Pacific” is pleased to announce the maiden call of SuperStar Virgo to Redang Island, located off Malaysia’s east coast and the return of SuperStar Gemini to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam today. These calls are part of Star Cruises’ new 2006 season itineraries that offer a combination of extended and shorter cruise options on the two popular ships.
Maiden Call of SuperStar Virgo to Redang Island
The 76,000 gross-tonne SuperStar Virgo departed Singapore yesterday evening and arrived at Redang Island this afternoon and anchored off the island in the South China Sea. Onboard were about 1,500 holidaymakers comprising an international mix of 18 nationalities from countries such as Singapore, Australia, India, Malaysia, China, South Africa, United Kingdom and the Philippines. Passengers were transferred on tender boats to the island where they were greeted with a colourful traditional welcome led by Dato’ Mohamed Hj Awang Tera, the State Exco for Industrial and Tourism Development, Terengganu.
Cruise bookings thus far have proven Redang Island’s popularity as a cruise destination as passengers can now cruise comfortably, without having to fly or take island transfers, to one of Malaysia’s most beautiful and idyllic islands.
Today’s call is the first of twelve calls and subsequent visits are scheduled for 20 April, 11 & 18 May, 5 & 15 June, 13 & 20 July, 10 & 17 August and 7 & 21 September 2006.
The maiden call is part of a series of new itineraries and special cruises on SuperStar Virgo in 2006. Cruises to Redang Island from Singapore are available on either a 5-night itinerary departing Sunday to Phuket, Langkawi and Redang Island or the shorter 2-night Singapore to Redang cruise departing Wednesday. The new season will also see special 5-night itineraries to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia as well as Hua Hin, Bangkok and Ko Samui in Thailand.
“The introduction of new itineraries are part of the continuing efforts by Star Cruises to provide greater options for holidaymakers in terms of cruise length and destinations”, said Mr. Chong Chee-Tut, Star Cruises’ Chief Operating Officer.
“Redang Island offers an idyllic island escapade for the international mix of holidaymakers and the destination is being actively promoted as part of the new season destinations”, he added.
Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy a range of leisure and water activities as well as discover the beauty and fascinating underwater marine life that the island is renowned for.
SuperStar Virgo will depart for Singapore tonight after a stopover of more than eight hours.
Redang Island, Terengganu, Malaysia
Redang Island or ‘Pulau Redang’ is one of the most captivating Islands in Malaysia. Visitors to this island will be greeted by crystal clear blue waters, pure white sands and swaying coconut trees. Discover a world of spectacular seascapes as you go diving and snorkeling. Declared as a Marine Park to preserve its natural beauty, Redang Island is one of the best places to just relax and soak in the sun.
SuperStar Gemini back in Vietnam
Asia’s leading cruise line also saw the return of SuperStar Gemini to Ho Chi Minh City today, marking the first of eleven such overnight calls in 2006 with subsequent visits scheduled for 13 & 20 April, 9 & 26 May, 22 June, 11 July, 10 August, 1 September and 5 & 10 October 2006.
The 19,093 gross-tonne luxury liner berthed at the Nha Rong port this morning amidst a colourful welcome by the city after arriving from Ko Samui, Thailand with more than 500 passengers mainly from Australia and Europe most of whom disembarked to join the shore excursions in and around Ho Chi Minh City.
The cruises are part of a combination of 7 and 21-night itineraries for the new season on SuperStar Gemini from Singapore which will call at 16 destinations in Malaysia, Thailand, the Khmer Republic, Vietnam and Hong Kong.
Other destinations in Vietnam in 2006 will include Danang on 29 May and 4 September, Halong Bay on 2 June and 8 September and Nha Trang on 5 June and 11 September.
“The new season itineraries on SuperStar Gemini cater to a holiday market segment that prefer cruises of a longer duration and the overnight call in Ho Chi Minh City for example, provides a more leisurely opportunity to discover the many interesting highlights that this famous city has to offer”, said Mr. Chong Chee-Tut, in conjunction with the return of the vessel to Ho Chi Minh City.
A simple welcome ceremony onboard was attended by about 80 guests comprising travel trade, corporates, media, government, tourism and port officials.
SuperStar Gemini will depart Ho Chi Minh City for Singapore on Friday afternoon.
Ho Chi Minh City , Vietnam
What was once Saigon is now a fascinating blend of Oriental and Western influences. Explore the historic Notre Dame Cathedral, Reunification Hall, majestic pagodas, fishing villages of the Mekong Delta, as well as the famous Chu Chi tunnels.
More on SuperStar Virgo
SuperStar Virgo at 76,800-grt offers over 25 world-class food and beverage, entertainment and recreation facilities. She is ideal for all occasions and age groups with facilities that include restaurants and bars, swimming pools, Jacuzzis, saunas, an international showroom, video arcade, theatre, child care centre, library, beauty salon, games room, and many more.
More on SuperStar Gemini
SuperStar Gemini at 19,093 gross tonne is a world-class cruise ship with international and Asian dining, entertainment and recreation facilities. Her facilities include a swimming pool, restaurant and bars, hair salon, spa, well-appointed Karaoke rooms and many more that can cater to all types of passengers, young and old, singles and family members.
About Star Cruises
Star Cruises, the third largest cruise line in the world is a global cruise brand with a combined fleet of 22 ships in service and due to be delivered, with about 35,000 lower berths, cruising to destinations and islands in Asia-Pacific, North and South America, Hawaii, Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, Mediterranean, Bermuda and the Antarctica under the Star Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, NCL America, Orient Lines and Cruise Ferries brands.
Star Cruises is represented in more than 20 locations worldwide with offices in Australia, China, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and the United States of America.
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