SuperStar Virgo embarks on first Hong Kong deployment in six years

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 07 April 2014 07 April 2014

Star Cruises’ Asian flagship SuperStar Virgo returned to Hong Kong for the first time in six years today. SuperStar Virgo is the only international cruise ship with regular destination cruises to be homeported in Hong Kong from now to 26 October. Star Cruises, the leading cruise line in Asia-Pacific, deploys the newly revamped vessel to Hong Kong to capitalize on the growing demands for cruise travel in North Asia.

The 75,338 gross ton 13-deck SuperStar Virgo carries up to 2,500 passengers in its 935 cabins and 1,870 lower berths. During the six-month deployment, it will be offering weekly 4D3N cruises from Hong Kong to Kaohsiung and Taichung, 4D3N cruises to Sanya and Halong Bay and 1-night highseas cruises to South China Sea. Once a month, passengers can visit Taiwan’s three biggest cities—Taipei (Keelung), Kaohsiung and Taichung—on a 7D6N cruise.

The ship arrived at Ocean Terminal from Nha Trang this morning. About 1,600 guests were given a warm welcome amidst the drum show, lion dance and Police Band performances arranged by Hong Kong Tourism Board and received souvenir bags. To commemorate this landmark deployment, heads and representatives of tourism bureau and tourism boards across the region including Hong Kong Tourism Commission Commissioner for Tourism Mr. Philip Yung JP, Hong Kong Tourism Board Executive Director Mr. Anthony Lau, Taiwan Tourism Bureau Deputy Director General Dr. Wayne Liu, and Deputy Mayor of Kaohsiung Mr. Lee Yung Te graced the celebration with held on board.

Among the many surprises found at the celebration was the presence of celebrity couple Wong Cho Lam and Leanne Li. The lovebirds shared their cruising experience and were given a complimentary SuperStar Virgo cruise of their choice. Hong Kong homegrown cartoon icon McDull, who delights in promoting Hong Kong tourism for these years, was also overwhelmed with joy for being on board a cruise ship for the first time. He welcomed and posed for photos with guests at the sail away party. SuperStar Virgo will set sail for Kaohsiung tonight on a 3D2N itinerary. Over 1,300 passengers will receive traditional Taiwanese snacks and souvenirs at the welcome ceremony tomorrow prepared by the City of Kaohsiung.

As the pioneer of the Asian cruise industry, Star Cruises became the first international cruise line to homeport a ship in Hong Kong in 1994 with the deployment of Star Pisces. Since then, Hong Kong has been one of the permanent homeports of Star Cruises.

Genting Hong Kong Chief Operating Officer Mr. Blondel So said, “SuperStar Virgo is an immensely popular cruise ship. Our extensive array of entertainment, leisure, shopping, F&B offerings and renowned Asian style hospitality have long been celebrated by travelers in the region. Many tourists from China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Australia, as well as Southeast Asia and India, are flying to Hong Kong to take advantage of this opportunity and have a chance to explore the city. This deployment also serves as a prelude to the two 150,000-tonne mega cruise ships we have recently commissioned to build for the Asian market. It will pave the way for their respective deliveries in 2016 and 2017.”

Hong Kong Tourism Commission Commissioner for Tourism Mr. Philip Yung JP said, "Given our geographic advantage and excellent infrastructure, we have strong potentials to become the cruise hub of Asia. The Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, will be completed in the coming few years. Coupled with our extensive connections with international markets, we are best place to capture the markets in Mainland China and oversea.”

Hong Kong Tourism Board Executive Director Mr Anthony Lau said, “The Hong Kong Tourism Board is happy to see the return of SuperStar Virgo to Hong Kong after six years. With demand for cruise travel on the rise, we have been actively fostering partnerships with other ports in the region and international cruise lines to tap the potential of the Asian cruise market. In March this year, the Hong Kong Tourism Board and the Taiwan Tourism Bureau jointly launched the Asia Cruise Fund to encourage cruise lines to increase ship deployments to Hong Kong and Taiwan, and we have already invited other Asian ports to join this co-op fund to increase the overall appeal of cruise travel in Asia. The Hong Kong Tourism Board is also dedicated to developing our target source markets, including more mature markets like the US and the UK, and short-haul markets which promise high potential, such as South China, India and Southeast Asia. We are confident that with the support of cruise lines and other ports in the region, we will be able to accelerate the development of cruise tourism in Asia and turn Hong Kong into the region’s cruise hub.”

Taiwan Tourism Bureau Deputy Director General Dr. Wayne Liu said, “Star Cruises has been devoted to developing the Asian cruise industry for years. With a deep understanding of the unique tastes and preferences of Asian travelers, Star Cruises offers products specially designed for Asians. The 28 Hong Kong/Taiwan itineraries planned for SuperStar Virgo's Hong Kong deployment will be beneficial for both Hong Kong and Taiwan in attracting foreign visitors. We hope Star Cruises will continue to take advantage of the initiative by the Taiwan Tourism Bureau and Hong Kong Tourism Board to enhance the exposure, raise the capacity and give a further boost to the Asian cruise industry as a whole.”

To celebrate the deployment, Star Cruises has teamed up with eight major attractions in Hong Kong including Ocean Park, Hong Kong Disneyland and Ngong Ping 360, to provide special fares and offers to SuperStar Virgo’s passengers who have flown to Hong Kong to join the cruise. Star Cruises has also prepared a host of onboard festivals and activities to promote Hong Kong and other regional cuisines and cultures to overseas travelers.

SuperStar Virgo has just undergone a lavish makeover with upgraded cabins, retail, hotel, dining, and recreational facilities. To give cruisers the leisurely shopping experience they truly deserve, the total retail floor area of SuperStar Virgo has tripled to 562 square meters. The expansion and addition of duty-free operator China Duty Free, jewelry and watch specialist Canopus, luxury leather goods retailer Milan Station and souvenir shop Ports O’ Call will offer passengers even more choices of perfume, cosmetics, fashion accessories, luxury and lifestyle products from around the world.

World-class entertainment is at the heart of the Star Cruises holiday. For the Hong Kong deployment, new production show “Stone of Atlantis” will be staged. It is a tale set in the lost ancient city of Atlantis. Hidden deep in the city, the legendary Stone of Atlantis is imbued with incredible power. Dive into the myth as we conjure the power of the stone with a world-class ensemble of performers including sensational American violinist Bryson Andres, Shaolin Kung Fu masters, Pantera Duo from Russia and acrobatic group Trilogy from Ukraine. Their breathtaking acts will leave the audience exhilarated and astounded. Besides in-house production shows, lucky guests will have the chance to attend the concert of Cantopop legend Francis Yip on SuperStar Virgo on 12 April for her rendition of unforgettable timeless classics.

Drawing upon Hong Kong’s reputation as a gourmet destination, SuperStar Virgo will host a series of celebrity chef themed cruises. The first to show off his culinary wonders to passengers is Michelin-starred chef Kenny Chan, winner of Hong Kong TV cooking contest “Apprentice Chef”. Chef Chan will design a range of Cantonese, Chinese and Western dishes to be served on SuperStar Virgo in May, further perfecting the dining experience of guests.

SuperStar Virgo is complete with 11 F&B outlets, a world-class theatre showing acclaimed production shows every day, lounges, karaoke, swimming pools with a mega waterslide, Jacuzzis, a video arcade, a fitness centre, a beauty salon, a business centre and many more leisure, entertainment, wellness and MICE amenities.

American Empress christened by Godmother Claudette Waggoner

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 07 April 2014 07 April 2014

On April 5, American Queen Steamboat Company's American Empress was christened in downtown Portland, Ore. The 223-guest riverboat, the largest west of the Mississippi River, officially joined the company's fleet with the Memphis-based American Queen. Claudette Waggoner, wife of chairman and CEO John Waggoner, was the godmother of the American Empress and broke a bottle of local sparkling wine on the boats hull culminating the ceremonial festivities. Former Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, longtime leader for the U.S. maritime industry and champion of U.S. river cruising expansion, served as the ceremony's keynote speaker.

"This is a celebration of public-private partnership and the American dream being lived today right here in Portland," shared former Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood.

During the ceremony 13th Coast Guard District Commander Rear Admiral Richard T. Gromlich presented the official certificate of inspection and remarks were made by Ted Sykes, American Queen Steamboat Company president and COO; Terry MacRae, Hornblower Cruises and Events chairman and CEO; and Acting Maritime Administrator Paul Chip Jaenichen. Sam Robinson of the Chinook Nation blessed the 223-guest American Empress and the ceremony concluded with a wine presentation by Willamette Valley Vineyards to celebrate the lines partnership with over 40 local wineries.

"The overnight cruise business has been a dream of John's and he is the most passionate man I know," shared American Empress Godmother Claudette Waggoner. "It is an honor to serve as the American Empress godmother and share his dream of this majestic vessel with all of you as she sails the Pacfic Northwest."

The U.S.-flagged American Empress was built in 2003 and operated by Majestic America Line from 2003 to 2008, sailing Alaska's Inside Passage and the Pacific Northwest. The American Queen Steamboat Company purchased the riverboat from the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) and has had a team onboard preparing for her launch on the Columbia and Snake Rivers since May 2013. Formerly the Empress of the North, the American Empress delivers opulence on a grand scale, following in the pedigree of the lines namesake riverboat American Queen.

Her maiden voyage will be a nine-day journey immersing guests in the splendor of the Columbia and Snake Rivers, departing from Vancouver U.S.A. Featured stops include some of the region's most celebrated ports including Astoria, Ore.; Stevenson, Wash.; The Dalles, Ore.; Sacajawea State Park, Wash. and finally Clarkston, Wash. Complimentary shore excursions will be available in every port and include the cultural and historical landmarks that signify the living legacy of the regions first settlers.  Travelers with specific interests are encouraged to enjoy the variety of Premium Experience Excursions such as the Walla Walla Wine Trail or a journey to the volcanic crater of Mount St. Helens. Daily lectures will also be provided by the Riverlorian, an onboard history and culture expert.

Oasis of the Seas to feature new Broadway production

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 05 April 2014 05 April 2014

Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis of the Seas, the world’s largest and most innovative cruise ship will be bringing the Tony Award-winning Broadway production of CATS to the high seas. Based on T.S. Eliot's “Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats,” CATS was one of the longest running productions on Broadway and is the winner of numerous awards including seven Tonys, two Oliviers and a Grammy. The show has been seen in over 20 countries and translated into more than 10 languages. The fully licensed production of CATS will join Oasis of the Seas once it completes its drydock in fall 2014.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with the Really Useful Group to bring one of the world’s most beloved musicals to Oasis of the Seas,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, Executive Vice President, Operations, Royal Caribbean International. “Adding CATS to our already amazing line up of Broadway musicals such as Hairspray, Chicago: The Musical, Saturday Night Fever and Mamma Mia exemplify our commitment to bringing top quality entertainment to our guests at no extra cost.”

Oasis of the Seas features exclusive amenities and concepts throughout its seven themed neighborhoods, such as an 82 foot-long zip line, a handcrafted carousel, the Rising Tide elevating bar, the Aquatheater high-diving performance venue, and Central Park with more than 12,000 live trees and plants. Oasis of the Seas also offers amenities that can only be found on Royal Caribbean, such as twin FlowRider surf simulators, cantilevered whirlpools, an ice-skating rink, the H20 Zone kids aquapark, and the Royal Promenade, an interior boulevard that stretches nearly the length of the ship and flanked by restaurants, lounges and boutiques, among many others. For an extensive collection of webisodes detailing the variety of experiences aboard Oasis of the Seas, please visit http://tinyurl.com/bw585wa

Launched in December 2009, Oasis of the Seas has been heralded as an architectural marvel at sea, spanning 16 decks, encompassing 225,282 gross registered tons, and with a double-occupancy capacity of 5,400 guests. Oasis of the Seas is first ship to tout the cruise line’s neighborhood concept of seven distinct themed areas, comprising Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone.

Windstar Cruises announces Windstar Academy

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 05 April 2014 05 April 2014

Windstar announced today the launch of its Windstar Academy, a customized online course for travel partners packed with sales tips, guest testimonials, and insights on selling luxury small ship cruising. Windstar’s program offers a comprehensive sales course and is available to travel partners looking to expand their business in the luxury segment of the cruising industry.

Windstar Academy is a three-part comprehensive educational program, with each course divided into four lessons. Course objectives include:
– Introduction to Luxury Small Ship Cruising
– Brand Understanding
– Windstar’s Fleet Expansion  
– Windstar’s Onboard Experience & Destinations
– Identifying the Windstar Client
– Sales & Marketing Support  
 
Upon graduation, travel partners will receive a Windstar Specialist certificate. Graduates of the program also qualify for two CEU credits from The Travel Institute, and three credits from the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies (ACTA). In addition, graduates who complete the course by April 30, 2014, are eligible to receive a $100 bonus commission on all new qualifying Windstar bookings made by July 31, 2014.