Manila is officially a cruise home port, as Hong Kong-based cruise line Star Cruises began its three-month cruise, marking the first-ever home port deployment of Superstar Virgo here in the Philippines.
Sailing on the highly-spirited tide of enthusiasm for shared tourism, particularly between the Philippines and China, the luxury cruise ship Superstar Virgo came to homeport in Manila for its maiden voyage from Manila to Laoag, to Kaohsiung, Taiwan, to Hong Kong, and back to Manila.

Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo and Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea led government and travel sector executives in the rites for the launch of the Superstar Virgo cruise from the Manila North Harbor’s Pier 15 on Mar. 19.
“As the first-ever cruise ship to homeport in Manila, Superstar Virgo will etch a milestone in our tourism journey, as both the ship and our shores will provide vacationers, including the locals, the convenience of not having to fly to either Hong Kong or Singapore to take a cruise,” said Teo. “I’m certain that the Superstar Virgo will consider the Philippines a growing market as the economic developments are providing the people means of leisure travels.”
Discover the Splendor
As the flagship of the fleet in Asia, the 13-storey ship features 935 cabins, and carries 2,400 passengers and a crew of 1,100.
Cruise amenities include the outdoor Greek-themed swimming pool with the its 100-metre mega water slide, 15 food and beverage outlets, a beauty salon, a library, a spa and health club, karaoke rooms and entertainment, fitness centers, a basketball court, mini-golf and even a jogging track.



Tantalize your taste buds at over 10 restaurants and bars aboard featuring Blue Lagoon
(Asian snacks) , Genting Palace (Western cuisine), Mediterranean Restaurant (International cuisine), Noble House (Chinese cuisine), Palazzo (Western), Pavilion (Chinese cuisine), Samurai Restaurant (Japanese cuisine) and The Taj (Indian cuisine).
‘Jewels of the South China Sea’ cruise
Superstar Virgo’s six-day / five-night cruise departed on Mar. 19 and will rununtil May 29. The trips are part of the “Jewels of the South China Sea” cruises being promoted by Star Cruises and its partners.
From Manila, the ship will travel to its first stop in Laoag, where guests can visit this primitive seaside town with large number of Spanish churches and clock tower surrounded by the European romantic atmosphere, as well as opportunities to see the white sands of Pagudpud.
Next, Superstar Virgo will dock at the biggest port in Taiwan in Kaohsiung. Aside from Taiwan’s excellent street food, passengers can also enjoy attractions such as museums,
temples, night markets and shopping outlets.
Star Cruises President Ang Moo Lim said that passengers can enjoy the visa-free cruise with no baggage allowance.
After enjoying the delights of Taiwan, the cruise will voyage to Asia’s truly international and vibrant city – Hong Kong, where travelers can savor a great experience with modern skyscrapers, colorful local markets and roadside food stalls.
Star Cruises’ Superstar Virgo’s home-porting in Manila acts as a catalyst for the Philippines’ vision of achieving 300 cruise calls by 2021.

Star Cruises is reportedly looking forward to add more Philippine destinations in the cruise itinerary in the future.
“I’m pleased to announce that Superstar Virgo will return to Manila next year. We’ll be offering a lot of exciting cruises to Palawan, Cebu, Boracay, Brunei, Okinawa, Taiwan, Hong Kong to name a few.” Ang Moo Lim beamed.
For more information and reservations, call (02) 836-6830/31/32 or email salesmanila@starcruises.comSuperstar
 
By VIA BAROMA