January 20, 2017

Star Cruises announces Manila as new homeport

Star Cruises, the leading Cruise Line in the Asia Pacific Region, announced last Friday, January 13 that Manila will be the homeport of one of their cruise ships, the SuperStar Virgo.

IMG_5646_marked

Primer Media File photo

The announcement was made during the media roundtable of SuperStar Virgo at Resorts World Manila. The SuperStar Virgo will embark on a 6-day, 5-night cruise with stops in Laoag, Ilocos Norte; Kaohsiung, Taiwan; and Hong Kong.

SuperStar Virgo will operate out of Manila from March 19 to May 23, taking 14 trips to Laoag, Kaohsiung, and Hong Kong.

Also read: Five reasons why you should book a trip on SuperStar Virgo

“Star Cruises was the first major cruise line to recruit Filipinos 23 years ago for our cruise ships. Now, we are pleased to be the first international cruise line to welcome Filipinos on board Superstar Virgo as our guests from our homeport in Manila,” said Ang Moo Lim, President of Star Cruises, during the session with local media.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) welcomed the announcement. DOT Undersecretary Benito Bengzon, Jr. congratulated Star Cruises on its launch, saying via a statement that they “are confident that the inclusion of the Philippines in the itinerary of SuperStar Virgo will help strengthen the country’s position as a competitive cruise destination in the region.”

Star Cruises is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Genting Hong Kong, the same team behind Resorts World Manila. They have been operating as a cruise line since 1993, with 6 vessels to their name, including SuperStar Virgo.