The SuperStar Gemini, the newly refurbished 50,764-ton cruise vessel from Star Cruises, set sail on a maiden voyage from Singapore Cruise Centre’s (SCC) HarbourFront Terminal on 28 December 2012.

Formerly known as Norwegian Dream, the refurbished SuperStar Gemini features upgraded navigational and safety systems; restyled cabins, restaurants, entertainment & recreational facilities and a new hull artwork, depicting the constellation twins in vibrant colours.

This transformation enables the vessel to deliver an all-inclusive cruise experience, offering a variety of entertainment and recreational choices to delight its 1,532 passengers. The vessel houses 766 luxury guest cabins as well as over 6,000 sq feet of shops selling up-market duty-free luxury retail products, a spa and health club, a broad range of Asian and international cuisine, among others. As one of Star Cruises’ most ambitious ship renovation projects to date, SuperStar Gemini will homeport in Shanghai from April to October and offer idyllic sailings to popular destinations in North Asia.

The maiden call marks yet another milestone in a long-standing relationship between SCC and Star Cruises since the latter became SCC’s first cruise line customer in 1993.

Mr. David Chua, President of Genting Hong Kong said: “This is an important day for us. We are launching a newly refurbished SuperStar Gemini in Singapore with a long-term partner that shares our vision to further develop cruise holiday in Asia. Star Cruises’ partnership with SCC, which stretches close to 20 years, will continue to give a boost to the already booming tourism sector in Singapore.”

He continued: “We also like to take this opportunity to thank all our travel industry partners and media for their ongoing support. SuperStar Gemini is the latest example of how Star Cruises creates indelible holidays for our valued passengers. Earlier this year, we completed a refurbishment of SuperStar Virgo and next year, we will refurbish SuperStar Libra. Such ongoing effort reflects our commitment to deliver a unique brand of Asian hospitality to a growing market of discerning global travellers.”

SCC’s CEO Christina Siaw said: “We’re absolutely delighted that we have the honour of being the first to welcome SuperStar Gemini on her maiden voyage, and in our newly upgraded cruise terminal.”

“Over the past two decades, Star Cruises has grown from strength to strength. Although it is already Asia’s leading cruise line, it has not stopped reinventing itself to keep pace with ever-changing consumer needs and preferences. SuperStar Gemini is testament to this.”          

“We are excited to see that Star Cruises is adding a new ship, SuperStar Gemini, to its fleet in Asia, and thank them for the vote of confidence in selecting Singapore as the port for its inauguration cruise. Star Cruises has done a remarkable job in designing cruises that appeal to regional consumers, and continues to do so with its latest offering of SuperStar Gemini. Their efforts have, over the years, built up Asian source markets and spurred the growth of the cruise industry in this region. It is the continued presence and commitment of industry leaders such as Star Cruises that helps the region’s cruise industry constantly develop and improve. We look forward to welcoming more cruise vessels from Star Cruises to Singapore,” said Ms Ong Huey Hong, Director, Cruise, Singapore Tourism Board.

SuperStar Gemini will expand Star Cruises’ footprint in the region beyond its key markets in Hong Kong, Penang, Sanya, Singapore and Taiwan. From April to October 2013, Superstar Gemini will be homeported in Shanghai, catering to a growing appetite for cruising among vacationers in North Asia.