STAR Cruises will introduce the re-christened SuperStar Gemini next year in Asia following a US$50 million renovation.
Refurbishment works will give the ship upgraded navigational systems, a new hull design and a host of onboard facilities for dining, leisure and shopping. Notably, the shopping area will cover more than 368m2 and offer duty-free goods from luxury retailers such as high-end wristwatches and jewellery.
Formerly known as Norwegian Dream, the vessel has a capacity of 1,532 people and will offer 766 guestrooms in various configurations, including deluxe executive suites, junior suites and oceanview staterooms.
SuperStar Gemini will make its round of inaugural cruises in early 2013 calling on ports in Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong and China, before starting its summer homeport deployment in Shanghai, where it is expected to sail to Japan, South Korea and Taiwan from April to October. It will later homeport in Sanya in winter, calling at Vietnam ports among others.
Star Cruises’ other vessels – SuperStar Virgo, SuperStar Aquarius and Star Pisces – also underwent renovations last year at a cost of more than US$38 million. SuperStar Libra is scheduled for refurbishment in early 2013.
COO of Star Cruises, William Ng, said: “With the strengthened fleet, we are well-positioned to further develop the Asia-Pacific cruise market by introducing world-class cruising experience as a holiday option to the growing (number of) North Asian holidaymakers.”
