SuperStar Virgo arrived yesterday at Kaohsiung, the first call of its Hong Kong deployment this year, with more than 1,600 passengers from Hong Kong, China, India, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia and Korea.
HONG KONG – At Banana Pier, the ship and passengers received a warm welcome amidst a traditional dragon and lion dance performance arranged by the City of Kaohsiung, which also showered passengers with authentic Taiwanese souvenirs. The welcome ceremony was graced by Kaohsiung government officials including Mayor of Kaohsiung Ms. Chen Chu, Deputy Mayor of Kaohsiung Mr. Lee Yung-Te, Director of Kaohsiung Tour Bureau Mr. Hsu Chuan-Sheng and the management of Genting Hong Kong.
Mr. Blondel So, Chief Operating Officer of Genting Hong Kong, thanked the Kaohsiung government for their hospitability. He said, “Kaohsiung is the most stunning coastal city of Taiwan. The city is in close proximity to Hong Kong. Our first Star Cruises voyage from Hong Kong to Kaohsiung dates back 20 years. From April to October, SuperStar Virgo will be offering 28 cruises from Hong Kong to Kaohsiung, bringing approximately 50,000 international visitors to the city, further boosting the cruise economy of Taiwan. There are many options available to Taiwanese travellers. They may fly to Hong Kong and cruise back to Kaohsiung, Taichung or Keelung on SuperStar Virgo or board from any of these three Taiwanese ports to cruise to Hong Kong.”
“Passengers can choose to disembark in Hong Kong and fly or sail back to Taiwan. They may even continue their cruise holiday from Hong Kong to Sanya and Halong Bay to take advantage of the flexibility and convenience we offer.”
When SuperStar Virgo was berthed at Kaohsiung, Genting Hong Kong invited more than 100 children who have survived Typhoon Morakot to tour the vessel with Director of Social Affairs Bureau of Kaohsiung Mr. Chang Nai-Chien and other honourable guests. The children, of whom many were on board a cruise ship for the first time, were treated to a sumptuous afternoon tea and delighted by the hospitable crew of Star Cruises. They also had a blast watching the magic show specially arranged for them.
Star Cruises will host an open house on SuperStar Virgo this coming Friday (11 April, 2014) from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The public can see for themselves the most popular ship of the Star Cruises Asian fleet and enjoy exclusive special discounts on SuperStar Virgo bookings made that day.
Photo caption : (Front row, from right) Star Cruises General Manager of Taiwan Mr. Andy Lew, SuperStar Virgo Captain Magnus Gottberg, Star Cruises Senior Vice President of Sales Mr. Michael Goh, Taiwan Tourism Bureau Deputy Director General Dr. Wayne Liu, Genting Hong Kong Chief Operating Officer Mr. Blondel So, Mayor of Kaohsiung Ms. Chen Chu, Taiwan International Ports Corporation Chairman Mr. Hsiao Ding-Hsun, Deputy Mayor of Kaohsiung Mr. Lee Yung-Te, Kaohsiung Deputy Secretary General Dr. Su Li-Chiung, (Back row, from right) Genting Hong Kong Executive Vice President of Cruise Operations Mr. Michael Hackman, Kaohsiung Tourism Bureau Director Mr. Hsu Chuan-Sheng, Kaohsiung Marine Bureau Director Mr. Lai Jui-Lung, Kaohsiung Social Affairs Bureau Director Mr. Chang Nai-Chien and Legislator Dr. Chiu Chih-Wei grace the welcome ceremony of SuperStar Virgo with distinguished guests
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