SuperStar Gemini officially commenced her Shanghai homeport deployment yesterday with the first batch of about 1,000 passengers from China and other regional countries, departing from Shanghai at 1pm and calling at Jeju, Korea.

Deputy Director of the Shanghai Municipal Transport and Port Authority Lin Zhang, Hongkou District People’s Government of Shanghai Party Deputy Governor Xiping Zhang and Shanghai International Port(Group) Vice President Jiali Zhang attended a sailing off ceremony.

At the ceremony, Mr. Michael Goh, Senior Vice President, Sales of Star Cruises expressed gratitude to all parties in Shanghai for supporting SuperStar Gemini’s homeport operations.

He remarked: “The Shanghai homeport deployment is Star Cruises’ most significant strategy in China this year. We have high hopes for our Shanghai endeavour. As the leading cruise line in Asia-Pacific, Star Cruises has the competitive advantage of having a better understanding of what Asian and Chinese travelers like in their holidays. SuperStar Gemini was refurbished with the preferences of Chinese tourists in mind. In addition to the revamped dining and recreational facilities, we forged a partnership with China Duty Free Group to launch an upscale duty-free shopping boulevard onboard that offers designer brands and luxury goods. This ensures passengers a one-stop cruise holiday that encompasses all elements of a memorable holiday.”

From April to October 2013, SuperStar Gemini will be homeported in Shanghai and offer over 40 cruises in 4D3N to 7D6N itineraries.

The travel market overwhelmingly received SuperStar Gemini’s cruises and over half of the cruises have been sold shortly after launch. SuperStar Gemini will visit popular tourist ports, including Busan, Jeju and Yeosu and offer special cruises to Taiwan. SuperStar passengers also have a vast selection of unique shore excursions to explore various local tourist attractions.

To celebrate SuperStar Gemini’s inaugural sailing from Shanghai, Genting Hong Kong and the Chinese Athletes Educational Foundation have joined forces to organize a charity golf tournament with four legs in China this year that will raise funds for education for athletes and children.

SuperStar Gemini’s homeport deployment in Shanghai signifies another important phase of growth for Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal. It also strengthens Shanghai’s competitiveness as a cruise hub in Northeast Asia and accentuates its tourism appeal to the world.