Cruise ship Star Voyager to make Hong Kong its home port from June to November
Star Cruises will launch its home-port deployment of ships in Hong Kong from June to mid-November, with the firm's relaunch in Asia coming three years after declaring bankruptcy.
The three-decade-old cruise operator announced on Tuesday that its about 1,800-passenger Star Voyager liner was set to commence deployment from Hong Kong as its home base on June 27. Departures will be extended until November 14 from the previously scheduled end of August.
After a buyout by Resorts World, the operator is making a comeback in Asia following the bankruptcy of mother company Genting Hong Kong in 2022 due to the pandemic.
'Hong Kong is not a stranger to us, it is our old friend,' said Michael Goh, president of StarDream Cruises, referencing the brand's more than 30-year history operating from the city.
He said the decision to re-establish Hong Kong as a homeport was a move targeting both the Hong Kong and mainland Chinese passenger markets, alongside an emphasis on the 'fly and cruise' model to attract international visitors.
Michael Goh, President of StarDream Cruises said the decision to re-establish Hong Kong as a homeport was a move targeting both the Hong Kong and mainland Chinese passenger markets. Photo: Sam Tsang
Star Voyager, which recently underwent a US$50 million refurbishment, will operate from Tsim Sha Tsui's Ocean Terminal. Goh said it was a strategic choice because of the district's convenience, direct access to the high-speed rail and MTR networks, and its prime location near shopping facilities.
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