SuperStar Aquarius celebrates its new homeport at Kota Kinabalu

HONG KONG / KOTA KINABALU - After months of anticipation, SuperStar Aquarius today celebrated arriving at her new homeport Kota Kinabalu, the city capital of Sabah, Malaysia for her seasonal deployment from 6 November, 2013 to 30 March, 2014.

An official ceremony featuring local cultural performances was staged by the Sabah Tourism Board at the terminal. Government officials, port authority representatives and locals welcomed the ship carrying over 1,100 international passengers from Taiwan, Hong Kong, Australia, China, the Philippines and Southeast Asia on an 8D7N relocation cruise to Kota Kinabalu and showered our passengers with local souvenirs.

Mr. William Ng, Chief Operating Officer, Star Cruises, said, "Today is a milestone moment for Star Cruises as we become the first international cruise line to homeport a ship in Kota Kinabalu."

"Sabah has been a top tourist destination for decades. With lush primary rainforests, sub-aquatic splendour, magnificent mountain, fantastic local cuisines and colourful cultures, Sabah is an incredible place for adventurers, a paradise for divers, and a playground for families."

"As an industry leader, Star Cruises has never stopped introducing new routes and creating new itineraries in the region. This deployment denotes our commitment to make Kota Kinabalu an international cruise hub. We are confident our deployment will attract not only domestic but also regional and international passengers to Sabah."

At the ceremony, he also thanked all parties in Kota Kinabalu for supporting this homeport deployment. The welcome ceremony was graced by Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Sabah and other representatives from the government, ministries and authorities.

After watching stunning performances put on by Star Cruises, memento exchanges were held at Stardust Lounge. The special guests were invited for a sumptuous lunch featuring Star Cruises' celebrated international and Asian cuisines at Spices Restaurant, followed by a tour around the 13-deck luxury liner.

With Star Cruises' unmatched freestyle cruising, passengers will be encapsulated by the world-class dining and high-caliber entertainment options. At the 409-square-meter upscale duty-free shopping gallery, retailers such as China Duty Free, upmarket wristwatch and jewellery boutique Canopus, leather goods specialist Milan Station, gift and souvenir outlet Ports O' Call offer products from around the world for passengers to spoil themselves. The wide selection of onboard recreational activities which include over 30 body and health treatments at the spa will also multiply the fun. Star Cruises' unique Asian style hospitality will make every cruise holiday a memorable one.


Photo caption: At the inaugural cruise ceremony, Mr. William Ng, Chief Operating Officer, Star Cruises (third from the left) received a commemorative plaque from Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Sabah (third from the right).

Sourced: TravelDailyNews