STAR CRUISES INTRODUCES SUPERSTAR LIBRA IN INDIA
Major Roadshows in 5 Key Cities to Launch Product
Star Cruises, The Leading Cruise Line in Asia –Pacific, will embark on an extensive week-long roadshow covering five key cities in India from 8 th to 14 th April 2005 to introduce and launch the latest addition to the Star Cruises fleet in Asia, the SuperStar Libra which will be homeported in Mumbai from September this year.
Led by the Chief Operating Officer of Star Cruises, Mr. Chong Chee-Tut, the road show will begin in Mumbai on 8 th April followed by New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Kolkata and Chennai. Invitees to the roadshows include officials from the Ministries of Shipping and Tourism of India, port authorities, tourism boards, the travel trade, corporate organisations, media and related agencies at each venue which will feature special product presentations and information on the ship’s facilities, pricing, itineraries and destinations.
"We are indeed excited about the positioning of SuperStar Libra in Mumbai which is timely in bringing the cruise experience right to the very doorstep of India. The acceptance of our product in the Indian market has grown tremendously over the last five years and is expected to continue with the positioning of a Star Cruises ship in India. Our s ales and marketing efforts will be intensified accordingly to create greater awareness in India", said Mr. Chong Chee-Tut, Chief Operating Officer of Star Cruises.
“The introduction and positioning of our ship in India stems from our confidence in the growing tourism sector in India where the appetite for domestic and outbound travel has witnessed unprecedented growth in recent years. In particular, the potential of developing cruise tourism in the country is significant given the growing awareness and demand for cruise holidays, the country’s long coastline, maritime strength and the numerous culturally and historically-rich attractions . Further, the Indian Government’s decision to waive the cabotage requirement for cruise ships for 5 years reflects the tremendous support for the growth of cruise tourism and has provided the impetus for Star Cruises to position a ship in India”, added Mr. Chong.
Mumbai was a clear choice as a homeport given its “gateway” status into India for air, land and sea arrivals and the onward accessibility to other ports along the west coast.
SuperStar Libra will arrive in Mumbai on 25 th September from Singapore after calling at Phuket in Thailand, Chennai and Colombo en route. After a series of one-night cruises to introduce and showcase the ship in Mumbai, she will commence regular 4-night destination cruises to Kadmat (Lakshadweep) and Goa, 2-night cruises to Goa and 1-night weekend getaway cruises from 2 nd October 2005 till April 2006. Four special cruises to Kochi and Goa have also been planned for 25 th December 2005, 29 th January, 12 th February and 26 th February 2006.
The positioning of Star Cruises ship in Mumbai will provide holiday makers an attractive holiday option to discover the wonderful sights and culture of the Indian west coast while experiencing world-class service and standards of a luxury liner.
SuperStar Libra’s call at Lakshadweep, has introduced for the first time a unique and comfortable means to visit one of the world’s most spectacular tropical and remote island systems located 220-440 kms off the Malabar Coast. Conferred the National Eco-Tourism Award 1997, the islands offer a natural heritage of ecology with its rich maritime wealth, pristine beaches and lagoons. Given the distance from the mainland, SuperStar Libra will provide a convenient and more accessible alternative to get to the much-sought-after destination.
ABOUT SUPERSTAR LIBRA
Formerly known as Norwegian Sea under the NCL brand, SuperStar Libra is a 42,000 gross-tonne ship with 740 well-appointed cabins with a passenger capacity of 1,480 lower berths. Measuring 216m long and 28m wide, she has 8 restaurants and bars, 7 entertainment outlets, meeting facilities and a host of sports, health and recreational facilities. SuperStar Libra is the first of 6 ships that will be progressively transferred over to the Star Cruises Asia fleet.
I agree. At 42,000 tons, it is small compared to the new modern ships with balconies. But it was never expanded. The main restaurants are sized exactly right for the number of passengers sailing on her.
Unlike the Wind, Dream, and Majesty, which were expanded. Although these ships gained restaurants with their expansion, the main restaurants were not enlarged, making them slightly too small at prime dinner time.
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