Star Cruises is undertaking a US$50 million refurbishment of its new SuperStar Gemini liner.
The cruise ship, which was formerly known as the Norwegian Dream, will be refitted with upgraded navigational systems, a new hull design and onboard facilities, including cabins, restaurants, entertainment venues and retail outlets. Star said it intends the revamped liner to be a “resort at sea”.
SuperStar Gemini will join SuperStar Virgo, SuperStar Aquarius, SuperStar Libra and Star Pisces operating in the Asia Pacific region.
In early 2013, SuperStar Gemini will debut on a Southeast Asian route from Penang, calling at Krabi, Phuket, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang and Hong Kong. It will then operate 26 cruises from Sanya to Danang, Halong Bay and Hong Kong, before relocating to Shanghai in summer 2013 for a series of voyages to Japan and South Korea. Special chartered cross-Strait itineraries from Shanghai to Taiwan are in the pipeline.
“As the leading Asia Pacific cruise line, Star Cruises is proud to introduce another luxury vessel in Asia,” said William Ng, Chief Operating Officer of Star Cruises. “SuperStar Gemini is a testament to our ongoing effort to expand our footprint in the region from our well-established key markets in Hong Kong, Penang, Sanya, Singapore and Taiwan. 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 North Asia holidaymakers.”
Facilities aboard the 1,532-passenger SuperStar Gemini will include a range of Asian restaurants, a karaoke room, spa, beauty salon, children’s playroom and swimming pool, plus more than 370m² of duty-free shopping outlets.
SuperStar Gemini’s refurbishment follows SuperStar Virgo, SuperStar Aquarius and Star Pisces, which all underwent makeovers last year. SuperStar Libra will also be refurbished in early 2013.
