Star Cruises, the Asia-Pacific based cruise line, has announced that its 50,764 gross ton SuperStar Aquarius has launched her second seasonal deployment in Sanya. Star Cruises was the first international line to homeport in Sanya last year. Alan Lam reports.
To celebrate this occasion, Sanya Tourism Development Commission staged a special ceremony at the Phoenix International Cruise Terminal for the kick-off of the second season.
Those present to welcome the first batch of 1,300 passengers included Mr Lin Dong, the Executive Vice Mayor of Sanya Municipal Government, Mr William Ng, Chief Operating Officer of Star Cruises, and a myriad of local tourism officials.
“SuperStar Aquarius’ first seasonal deployment in November last year introduced cruising as a new holiday option in Sanya, and marked the beginning of Sanya’s path of becoming an international cruise homeport,” said Mr Lin during the welcoming ceremony. “We are grateful for Star Cruises’ continuing support. We believe that SuperStar Aquarius’ second Sanya deployment will continue to highlight Sanya’s rich tourism resources to regional and international markets.”
In return Mr Ng extended his gratitude on behalf of Star Cruises to Hainan Provincial Government and Sanya Municipal Government for their ongoing support. He remarked that the measure, which facilitated Hainan ID cardholders to cruise to Vietnam with Cross Border Pass, bode well for Star Cruises' deployments in Hainan. It also benefitted the overall development of Hainan cruise industry. He hoped that the measure would be extended across the country to further bolster Hainan and Sanya as an international cruise hub and homeport.
"We are delighted to announce that SuperStar Gemini, which is currently undergoing a $50 million refurbishment, will join our fleet to offer Sanya-homeported cruises in February and March 2013,” added Mr Ng. “Deploying our newest vessel to Sanya signifies our commitment to play a pivotal role in growing Sanya as a cruise hub. We are privileged to contribute to attracting domestic and regional passengers to Sanya and boost local tourism."
During this winter season, SuperStar Aquarius will offer 3-night Sanya/Halong Bay/Danang cruises and 2-night Sanya/Halong Bay cruises. The line has also introduced special cruises sailing from Sanya to Hong Kong.
Alan Lam
