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Fully refurbished SuperStar Gemini debuts in Singapore

Anne Kalosh
SuperStar Gemini at Sembawang earlier this month
The newly refurbished SuperStar Gemini, formerly Norwegian Dream, sailed its maiden voyage from Singapore Cruise Centre’s (SCC’s) HarbourFront Terminal on Friday, which officials hailed as a new chapter in Star Cruises’ 20-year partnership with SCC.

The 50,764gt ship had just emerged from a US$50m overhaul at Sembawang Shipyard, where it gained upgraded navigational and safety systems and restyled cabins, restaurants, entertainment and recreational facilities, along with new hull artwork depicting the Gemini constellation twins in vibrant colours.
 
The ship has 766 passenger cabins and more than 6,000sq ft of shops selling up-market duty-free luxury retail products, a spa and health club, and a broad range of Asian and international dining choices.

SuperStar Gemini will sail from Penang, Malaysia, for 17 cruises, then China’s Sanya (Hainan Island) for 26 voyages through March. From April to October, the ship will operate from Shanghai to destinations in North Asia.
 
The Singapore maiden call marked another milestone in a long-standing relationship between SCC and Star Cruises since the line became SCC’s first cruise customer in 1993.
 
‘This is an important day for us. We are launching a newly refurbished SuperStar Gemini in Singapore with a long-term partner that shares our vision to further develop cruise holidays in Asia,’ said Genting Hong Kong president David Chua. He added that Star Cruises’ partnership with SCC will continue to boost Singapore’s already booming tourism sector.
 
Earlier this year, the line completed a refurbishment of SuperStar Virgo and next year, it will refurbish SuperStar Libra. ‘Such ongoing effort reflects our commitment to deliver a unique brand of Asian hospitality to a growing market of discerning global travellers,’ Chua said.
 
SCC ceo Christina Siaw welcomed SuperStar Gemini to the newly upgraded terminal, which recently completed S$14m (US$11.5m) in improvements.
 
‘Over the past two decades, Star Cruises has grown from strength to strength. Although it is already Asia’s leading cruise line, it has not stopped reinventing itself to keep pace with ever-changing consumer needs and preferences. SuperStar Gemini is testament to this,‘ Siaw said.    
 
‘Star Cruises has done a remarkable job in designing cruises that appeal to regional consumers, and continues to do so with its latest offering of SuperStar Gemini,’ added Ong Huey Hong, director, cruise, Singapore Tourism Board. ‘Their efforts have, over the years, built up Asian source markets and spurred the growth of the cruise industry in this region. It is the continued presence and commitment of industry leaders such as Star Cruises that helps the region’s cruise industry constantly develop and improve.’