Cruising has gained popularity in the Indian market over the past few years. The Indian market awoke to the concept of luxury cruising only after the advent of Star Cruises in India in 1998. Over the past decade outbound travelers have discovered the sheer thrill and excitement of holidaying on a cruise in conjunction with land packages.
As Vijay Puthran, head, sales and marketing, Star Cruises India puts it, “the Indian market witnessed Star Cruises as the first cruise company to set up an office in India. That's when the trend of luxury cruising was created among the Indians and the option of holidaying on the sea grew. With every passing year the response from our customers has been phenomenal”.
After experiencing the various products and services of Star Cruises in the international market there was a major demand for an India based and accordingly Super Star Libra (SSR) was in India for 2 seasons, 2005-2006 and 2006-2007. The company concentrated on the fares and made the pricing affordable for the common man which resulted in an astonishing success for Star Cruises.
Star Cruises, a nine-time winner of the “Best Cruise Operator in Asia-Pacific”, operates five major cruise liners across Asia-Pacific. They are Superstar Virgo, Superstar Libra, Superstar Aquarius, Superstar Gemini and Superstar Pisces.
Superstar Virgo weighing 76,800 grt (gross tonnage) can accommodate up to 1,960 people. This cruise offers a magnificent sailing experience ex-Hong Kong until the 24th October 2008. Post this date the cruise will move southwards and operate ex-Singapore. While at Hong Kong, cruising options can range from 5 nights to 3 nights to 2 nights, depending on one's itinerary. The places covered include Hong Kong, Sanya(China), Halong Bay(Vietnam) and Xiamen(China).
Once Superstar Virgo operates ex-Singapore, travelers will experience a whole new side to the Far East aboard this luxurious cruise liner. Depending on the number of nights one chooses, the cruise will cover the destinations of Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.
Superstar Aquarius is smaller both in size and capacity in comparison to Superstar Virgo. Presently operating ex-Singapore until mid October 2008 the cruise ship can accommodate about 1530 people. This ship offers either 4 nights or 1 night cruise. A 4 night cruise will take passengers across Singapore - Penang - Phuket - Kuala Lumpur - Singapore while a 1 night cruise gives passengers an experience on the high seas off the coast at Singapore.
Come November and Superstar Aquarius will be sailing on the South China Sea traversing the waters sailed by generations of sailors, fishermen and merchants. Passengers opting for the 4 night cruise will experience the beauty and sights and sounds of Hong Kong, Sanya(China) and Halong Bay/Danang(Vietnam). There are many departure dates for a 1 night cruises that lets passengers soak in the high seas atmosphere off the Hong Kong coast.
Superstar Libra after a short break will set sail once again after 24th October 2008. Designed to accommodate approximately 732 people the cruise ship will be operating cruises on the Singapore - Kuala Lumpur - Langkawi - Singapore route.
Superstar Pisces offers a 1 night cruise on the high seas off the coast of Hong Kong. The onboard experience combines the best of dining, recreation and accommodation. This exciting 1 night experience for the whole family will make you want to stay longer.
The last of the cruise ship sailing around South-East Asia is Superstar Gemini. As per the current schedule the cruise liner will be sailing until December 2008 ex-Singapore. Of all the cruise ships, only Superstar Gemini offers tours for 7 nights, 11 nights and 21 nights. These cruises take passengers on a tour to the best of South-East Asian destinations of Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.
First time travelers on a cruise may have apprehensions that could range from dining to recreation to facilities for children. Giving us a clearer picture Puthran said, “Star Cruises has a wide array of restaurants onboard that feature a variety of cuisines from all over the world to suit every customer's taste buds. There are bars and lounges, conference rooms to cater to every individual's needs. With swimming pools, well equipped gymnasiums, beauty salons and sauna centers, everyone's bound to relax and unwind on the high seas”.
He further adds, “there are video arcades, theatres, libraries and child care centers for children and teenagers to keep themselves occupied. There are shows for all age groups where international artists and musicians from well-known bands perform. The entertainment has been designed to provide customers with an international flavour, giving Star Cruises an edge above the rest”.
Today luxury cruising can be regarded as a new market segment in the Indian tourism industry. Cruising is preferred by many who want a break from their routine life. Puthran signs off saying, “a cruise liner provides a gala extravaganza for any age group. Religious tourism is rising and many people are considering achieving nirvana in the midst of the seas. Star Cruises provides the perfect escape for family outings and corporate meetings”.
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