Star Cruises said the SuperStar Virgo has completed its first so-called Golden Sea Route sailing, a week-long trip from Shanghai to Japan.

The ship is sailing 21 week-long cruises from July through the end of November, visiting Tokyo, Osaka, Mount Fuji and Kagoshima.

“As a pioneer in the Asian cruise industry, Genting Cruise Lines continues to bring new travel experiences to the flourishing markets in Asia,” said Kent Zhu, President of Genting Cruise Lines. “Our carefully designed itineraries encompass key destinations in Shanghai, Osaka, Tokyo, Mt. Fuji and Kagoshima, popular with visitors throughout the region and now readily accessible by combining flights and cruises. By promoting these destinations as fly cruise options, we aim to further boost the Japan and China markets by bringing in more guests from around the region.”

“At the same time, with our extensive reach in 10 countries, 12 homeports and 37 destinations, we aim to provide more travel options to our guests from North Asia,” added Zhu. “Genting Cruise Lines is dedicated to grow the China and Japan markets as well as the tourism industry in the region with a huge variety of cruise products and enhanced itineraries that are truly world-class.”

“SuperStar Virgo reflects our best-in-class services and facilities providing our guests with an all-encompassing cruise experience with deluxe accommodations and a wide variety of entertainment, shopping and dining options,” added Ang Moo Lim, President of Star Cruises. “During this itinerary, we are excited to be able to share China and Japan’s culture with our guests, both local and international, through unique partnerships such as our first-ever collaboration with renowned entertainment company, Yoshimoto, for traditional Japanese Manzai stand-up comedy.”

The company said the cruise program incorporates both Chinese and Japanese culture in its entertainment and enrichment programs as well as a variety of traditional arts and culture, performances and local delicacies.

Programs include traditional Japanese arts and crafts including ikebana flower arrangement classes, sushi making demonstrations, origami workshops and sumo suit parties. Guests can also opt for Japanese wagyu beef cuisine offered in the ship’s various restaurants. All passengers will be treated to complimentary local snacks such as takoyaki or octopus balls.