By
Rebecca Gibson |
Star Cruises is to homeport its first vessel in Xiamen, located on the southeast coast of the People's Republic of China, from October 2013.
The 50,764 gt SuperStar Gemini will arrive at its new homeport on 9 October to offer a six-day cruise to Penghu, Kaohsiung and Hong Kong, before departing on her first seven-day trip to the Philippines on 14 October. Passengers on this cruise will be able to enjoy port calls in Boracay and Manila.
SuperStar Gemini will then depart for a final six-day cruise on 20 October, calling at Taiwan’s three largest cities Keelung, Taichung and Kaohsiung, as well as Penghu.
“With Xiamen as a homeport for SuperStar Gemini, we can offer Chinese customers cruise holidays to destinations in Taiwan, Boracay and Manila,” said William Ng, COO of Star Cruises. “Star Cruises is always introducing routes and itineraries in the region to benefit local tourism and attract both new and regular cruisers. We look forward to developing more Xiamen-based itineraries in close partnership with the local government.”
Currently homeported in Shanghai, SuperStar Gemini recently underwent a US$50m refurbishment at Singapore’s Sembawang Shipyard. It was refurbished according to the preferences of Chinese tourists and features revitalised dining and recreational facilities, as well as a duty-free shopping boulevard provided by China Duty Free Group.