“Jewels of the South China Sea” supports cruise cooperation between Hong Kong, Taiwan and Philippines

SuperStar Virgo, the flagship of Star Cruises, the “Most Popular Cruise Line in Asia”, arrived in Hong Kong on 22 March carrying 2,200 passengers from various international destinations including Taiwan, the Philippines and Hong Kong. The ship arrived at Ocean Terminal to begin her latest homeport deployment until the end of May, as part of her new “Jewels of the South China Sea” itinerary.

SuperStar Virgo’s new deployment not only paves the way for her homecoming in a city that has been an important base for her previously but also demonstrates Star Cruises’ support for the Asia Cruise Cooperation (ACC), an alliance between Hong Kong, Taiwan, the Philippines, Hainan and Xiamen, marked by the ship’s triple homeport between Hong Kong, Kaohsiung and the cruise line’s inaugural deployment to Manila.

The occasion was commemorated with a special ceremony held on board SuperStar Virgo and attended by Mr. Ang Moo Lim, President of Star Cruises; Mr. Anthony Lau, Executive Director of Hong Kong Tourism Board; Doctor Wayne Liu, Deputy Director of the Taiwan Tourism Bureau, the Honourable Ms. Maria Corazon Jorda-Apo, Director – Market Development Group, Philippine Department of Tourism, invited dignitaries, executives from Genting Hong Kong, and the media.

“We are truly delighted to have SuperStar Virgo back in Hong Kong again to continue our long and fruitful relationship with the city,” said Ang Moo Lim, President of Star Cruises. “Star Cruises is also proud to showcase some of the beautiful destinations of the Asia Cruise Cooperation members with our new “Jewels of the South China Sea” itinerary taking in Hong Kong, Manila,
Laoag and Kaohsiung.”

SuperStar Virgo’s “Jewels of the South China Sea” is a comprehensive 6 Day/5 Night cruise itinerary departing from Hong Kong, with stops in Manila, the dynamic capital of the Philippines, Laoag, a historical heritage centre in Ilocos Norte, Philippines, and Kaohsiung, the largest southern port city in Taiwan.

This unique and brand-new itinerary will allow travellers to embark from any of the three homeports and enjoy a relaxing holiday filled with gastronomic delights, cultural heritage and sunny beaches without the hassle of transits – and with the benefit of “almost unlimited baggage allowance” when they need to take home the spoils from an unforgettable vacation!

The “Jewels of the South China Sea” itinerary also reinforces Star Cruises commitment to the Asia Cruise Cooperation to promote maximum growth in cruise tourism for its member destinations and for Asia.

And the ACC, a committed and resourceful alliance among Hong Kong, Taiwan, the Philippines, Hainan and Xiamen, would continue to share the same dedication and commitment in driving the region’s cruise industry with cruise lines’ partners.
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“We are very excited to see this brand-new triple homeport deployment in Asia, which marks an important milestone in Asia Cruise Cooperation (ACC),” said Mr. Anthony Lau, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board. “The ACC aims to fuel the growth of cruise tourism in Asia by providing marketing and funding support to cruise lines. The success of this new interport itinerary best demonstrates the alliance’s commitment. The HKTB would like to thank Star Cruises for this deployment and their continued support in developing cruise tourism in the region. We are determined to keep the momentum going, and look forward to welcoming more cruise ships to Hong Kong.”

“On behalf of the Taiwan Tourism Bureau, we appreciate the support that Star Cruises has shown in developing this new itinerary that truly showcases the efforts of the Asia Cruise Cooperation and highlights the unique Asia-centric product that this alliance is promoting,” said Dr. Wayne Liu, Deputy Director of Taiwan Tourism Bureau. “We look forward to welcoming the guests on board SuperStar Virgo to Kaohsiung and have them experience the warmth of Taiwan, the heart of Asia”, said Doctor Wayne Liu, Deputy Director of the Taiwan Tourism Bureau.

“It is truly an honor for the Philippine Department of Tourism to be part of this momentous occasion of Star Cruises’ homeporting in Manila and Laoag for its new Asian itineraries. We have no doubt that as local and external interventions are successfully undertaken, the Philippines will be part of this mega cruise industry. And we are grateful for Star Cruises helping us get closer to our vision as a regional cruise center to serve as homeport and eventually as center for cruise crew training, maintenance services and ship building in the long term,” said The Honourable Ms. Maria Corazon Jorda-Apo, Director – Market Development Group, Philippine Department of Tourism.