SuperStar Gemini to undergo massive US$50mil refurbishment

Star Cruises recently announced the launch of SuperStar Gemini, a 50,764-tonne cruise vessel that will soon undergo a US$50mil (RM153mil) multi-faceted major refurbishment.

She will be completely overhauled with upgraded navigational systems, new hull design and onboard facilities, including cabins, restaurants, entertainment and recreational venues, retail and bodycare outlets.

Designed with an all-encompassing holiday experience in mind, SuperStar Gemini will immerse guests in a resort-at-sea environment with an edge — a shopping paradise that promises a broad range of upmarket duty-free wristwatches, jewellery and handbags amid idyllic and blissful cruise voyages.

SuperStar Gemini, formerly known as Norwegian Dream, will join SuperStar Virgo, SuperStar Aquarius, SuperStar Libra and Star Pisces to offer indelible holiday experiences for guests from Asia-Pacific and beyond.

In early 2013, SuperStar Gemini will proudly parade herself through a series of inaugural cruises from Penang (Jan 2 to 24) calling at Krabi/Phuket in 17 cruises; a seven day/six night special cruise (Jan 24 to Feb 1) to Singapore/Ho Chi Minh City/Nha Trang/Hong Kong; and from Sanya (Feb 1 to March 31) calling at Danang/Halong Bay/Hong Kong in 26 cruises.

From April to October 2013, the vessel will commence her summer homeport deployment in Shanghai offering over 30 cruises in 4D/3N to 7D/6N itineraries to a number of highly popular destinations including Cheju, Busan, Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Naha, Ishigaki and Keelung.

A number of special chartered cross-strait itineraries from Shanghai to Taiwan is in the pipeline, subject to approval by the authorities.

These cruises are expected to be highly sought after cruises drawing on the up-and-coming cruise markets in China and Taiwan.

After the Shanghai deployment, SuperStar Gemini will be homeported in Sanya in the winter season from mid-October 2013, calling at Vietnam ports among others.

Star Cruises chief operating officer William Ng said: “As the leading Asia-Pacific cruise line, Star Cruises is proud to introduce another luxury vessel in Asia, serviced by our signature heart-warming Asian hospitality — the freestyle way.

“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.”

SuperStar Gemini was re-christened to highlight the constellation twins’ protection for seafarers and their fondness to delight mankind with joyful harp music.

She will house a spate of onboard facilities where guests will find culinary pleasure and recreational fun, including restaurants of Chinese, Asian and international cuisines, open deck barbecue, show lounge, karaoke, spa & health club, beauty salon, children’s playroom and swimming pool.

With a passenger capacity of 1,532, the vessel will house 766 guest cabins in a variety of layouts including ergonomic oceanview staterooms, smartly-styled junior suites and deluxe executive suites.

The liner will boast a shopping area of over 4,000 square feet, providing a premier duty-free shopping experience like no other.

A number of luxury retailers has come on board to enrich this shopping experience with high-end wristwatches, jewellery as well as a wide range of luxury items such as designer handbags, purses, perfumes, sunglasses, accessories and fashion items.

SuperStar Gemini’s refurbishment follows SuperStar Virgo, SuperStar Aquarius and Star Pisces, which all underwent a make-over last year totaling over US$38mil.

As part of Star Cruises’ ongoing refurbishment exercise, SuperStar Libra will also undergo refurbishment in early 2013.