Filipino holidaymakers can now look forward to setting sail in style and luxury with an all-encompassing cruise voyage comprising of deluxe accommodations and exceptional cruise experiences infused with a touch of warm Asian hospitality.
According to the Department of Tourism, due to the Philippines’ growing tourism sector and booming economy, a number of international cruises are expressing interest in setting dock in the country. And the first in line is the Hong Kong-based Star Cruises, a known pioneer of cruise industry in the region.
Wholly owned subsidiary of Genting Hong Kong, a leading global leisure, entertainment and hospitality corporation, Star Cruises will triple homeport its flagship SuperStar Virgo in Hong Kong, Manila and Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
The first-ever homeport deployment of SuperStar Virgo to Manila is part of a plan to increase the group’s exposure in the growing Philippine cruise tourism market.
In an interview with Manila Standard, Ang Moo Lim, president of Star Cruises, said that Manila was chosen because Filipino seafarers have been a part of the company’s DNA for the past two decades. And it has been planning to dock one of its vessels in Manila because the company recognizes Philippine’s great potential as one of Asia’s international cruise hubs.
“Star Cruises was the first major cruise line to recruit Filipinos 23 years ago for our cruise ships and 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,” Lim said.
What took them more than two decades to finally call Manila home?
“Nearly 25 million people have enjoyed a cruise in 2016 and we are extending this opportunity for Filipinos to enjoy their time at an affordable price. It took quite a while for Star Cruises to finally call Manila as one of its homeports. I guess the stars have aligned,” Lim quipped and immediately furthered in introducing their company’s effort in turning a city into a homeport.
“We have been looking into developing the cruise industry in this region. Our homeports have always been Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan. There are other cities that we are developing to become major homeports. Most of these cities started out as ports of call and before they can become homeports we wanted to ensure that structure and facilities are in place.”
Apart from the physical structure that will cater to the requirements of huge luxury passenger vessels, Lim added that the company also wanted to make sure that the locals would welcome their ships.
“You can imagine a cruise of this size being able to accommodate two thousand plus passengers or three thousand plus including our crew members can be a culture shock to some of the locals. You know, it’s like three thousand people visiting your house,” Lim stated.
Hassle-free, visa-free
Superstar Virgo offers amenities such as an outdoor swimming pool, mega slide, two-level theater, mini golf course, karaoke room, gym, sauna and spa. It is equipped with 935 cabins and has 10 restaurants. It also arranges excursions or guided tours in each of the cities it will be making a stop in.
The 13-storey luxury cruise ship docks in the morning in each destination, allowing guests an eight to 10-hour leeway for explorations. Guests will visit historical UNESCO heritage sites and chalky beaches in Ilocos, while in Kaohsiung, they will be taken to renowned Taiwanese temples, museums, eateries, and shopping spots.
Filipino passport holders need not obtain a visa for Taiwan, as such requirement is waived for those aboard the SuperStar Virgo.
Next, the ship docks at Hong Kong’s ocean terminal where guests can explore retail outlets, Cantonese food stalls, and futuristic skyscrapers surrounding Victoria Harbor. The ship will stay at high sea for a day before returning to Manila.
“We are confident that this will bring a new kind of experience for the Filipino traveler. One thing we made sure of is the hassle-free documentation needed to ride the boat. No need for visas unless you to disembark in Taiwan for a longer stay,” Lim shared.
The travel period for the months of March to May will kick off on March 19, 24 and 29 on a 6-day/5-night cruising departing from Manila to Laoag, Kaoshiung in Taiwan and Hong Kong and back to Manila on the gala or last night of cruise. It will be homeporting in Manila until May 23.
The cruise liner executive noted that they chose the months of March to May because these are the best months of the year to ply the high seas, with fewer typhoons and tamer winds and current.
“Ensuring our passengers’ safety is our main concern. We wanted to add more dates of course but we are considering these initial dates because it’s the best time to sail in these areas,” Lim explained.
The company is giving an early bird discount for those who will book ahead starting from USD490 per person on a twin-sharing accommodation. The third and fourth members of a group are also up for a 50 percent discount of USD245 per person.
A calendar of themed entertainment constantly refreshes the onboard fun and excitement, ensuring every voyage is a brand new enjoyable experience.
