Star Cruises has become the first operator to homeport in Manila, and at the same time as the SuperStar Virgo’s first on March 19, Genting Hong Kong has inked a deal to help develop cruise infrastructure in the Philippines.

“It is our honor to call Manila SuperStar Virgo’s new homeport for the next few months. As an important market for Star Cruises and the cruise line brands under Genting Cruise Lines, it is our goal to continue to support the country’s tourism industry here in the Philippines and across the region,” said Hui Lim, Executive Director of the Genting Group. “We are proud of our long history with the Philippines as Star Cruises was the first major cruise line to recruit Filipinos for our vessels 24 years ago and we developed Resorts World Manila in partnership with Alliance Global Group.”

“We congratulate Star Cruises for believing in the Philippines,” said Secretary Wanda Corazon Tulfo-Teo. “Thank you for helping us get closer to our vision as a regional cruise center to serve as homeport and eventually as center for cruise crew training, maintenance services and ship building in the long term.”

Genting Cruise Lines signed of the Memorandum Of Understanding with local stakeholders to pioneer and advance the cruise terminals and the overall cruise experience in the Philippines.

“As part of Genting Cruise Lines’ on-going and long term commitment, this marks the beginning of a significant joint effort in creating new opportunities and to further develop best-in-class cruise infrastructures and facilities here in the Philippines” added Hui Lim. “Together with the support of the Philippine government and the various local agencies, we will continue to work closely to accelerate the growth of the cruise tourism in the Philippines and to maximize its full potential”.

The SuperStar Virgo is offering a six-day/five-night cruise program from Manila with stops in Laoag, the capital of Ilocos Norte, Philippines, Kaohsiung, the largest southern port city in Taiwan, and Hong Kong.