By Annlinh Alcid

Superstar Virgo (SSV), a flagship vessel of the star cruises embarked in Manila for the first time for March 19 til May 23 this year.

Being the first cruise ship to homeport in our country, a welcome arrival ceremony was held in the South Harbor attended by government and private key players in the travel sector and media. The cognizant 1,001 nights presentation in the Lido Theatre signaled the commencement of the program.

2000 Filipinos who are cruising in the 6 day itinerary to Laoag, Kaohsiung, HongKong and back in Manila are boarding in their own countries.

Star cruises, one of Genting cruises’ 3 brands is Asia’s most popular cruise line. They have opened up packages starting in the other countries that will embark in the Philippine. It is believed that this will contribute to the revenues of hotel industries and the travel sector in general. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed on the same day.

“I am certain that SSV will consider the Philippines’ growing market as the economic developments are moving the people with means to take leisure travel” DOT Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo mentioned in her speech believing this is a milestone in the tourism journey wherein both the ship and shores provide convenience of not having to fly to travel. “Of course, another factor is the competent and service oriented quality of the Filipino seafarers that has worked for the star cruises and help propel the company in the byword of cruise travel.” Teo added.

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After the fully-booked season, Superstar Virgo will return in December for a longer period of a 10 day cruising to Palawan, Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam, Okinawa in Japan, Kota Kinabalu, Danang, and Taiwan and Hong Kong as well.

Star cruise Philippines ambassadors LA Aguinaldo and reigning Miss International Kylie Verzosa were also there to grace the event.

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