SuperStar Aquarius called at Manila, the Philippines for the first time on Saturday (2 November). The 51,309-ton ship received a warm welcome from government officials and locals at Pier 4 of Manila North Harbor. The ship is on route to her new homeport in Kota Kinabalu, the city capital of Sabah, Malaysia.

The Department of Tourism of the Philippines (DOT) showcased exceptional hospitality to the passengers by welcoming them with traditional dance and music performances and showering them with local souvenirs. It was the second maiden call of a Star Cruises ship to the city in a month.

Mr. Michael Hackman, Senior Vice President and Country Head—Philippines, Star Cruises, said, “We’re excited to be back here again, this time bringing SuperStar Aquarius to Manila for the very first time from Kaohsiung, Taiwan. We’re especially happy to have 1,200 international passengers, from Taiwan, Hong Kong, Australia, China and Southeast Asia, on this 8D7N special cruise. During their overnight stay in Manila, passengers have visited Resorts World Manila, our world-class, one stop, non-stop entertainment and leisure hub and explored top tourist destinations in this city to experience the hospitality that Filipinos are well known for.”

Following her two-day stay in Manila, SuperStar Aquarius will make her first visit today to Boracay, one of the world’s most beautiful islands. She will begin her inaugural homeport deployment in Kota Kinabalu on Wednesday (6 November).

Resorts World Manila, a joint venture between Genting Hong Kong and Alliance Global, Inc., has been working closely with the DOT in promoting the Philippines regionally and internationally. To celebrate this occasion, the 20 contestants for Miss Resorts World Manila were brought onboard the cruise from Hong Kong as ambassadors to promote Manila and the Philippines to travellers from around the world.

The welcome ceremony was graced by Director for Market Development Group of the Department of Tourism of the Philippines, Ms. Maria Corazon Jorda-Apo, Director of Manila Tourism and Cultural Affairs Bureau Ms. Flordeliza Villaseñor, Port Manager of the Philippine Ports Authority Ms. Clarissa S. Ignacio, Chairman of Manila North Harbor, Dr. Michael L. Romero, Chief Executive Officer of Manila North Harbor Port Mr. Richard D. Barclay and other representatives from the government, ministries and authorities.

Also in attendance were Chief Operating Officer of Resorts World Manila Mr. Stephen James Reilly, SuperStar Aquarius Captain Carl J. Nilermark and SuperStar Aquarius Hotel Manager Mr. Michael Seet and the management team of Star Cruises.

After the memento exchange ceremony, the special guests went onboard for a ship tour and a splendid lunch featuring Star Cruises’ celebrated international cuisines at Dynasty Restaurant.