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CRUISE www.travelweeklyweb.com Star Cruises set sail for a journey to Borneo HONG KONG – Star Cruises' SuperStar Aquarius will be commencing her seasonal homeport deployment for the first time from Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, Malaysia for the first time, on November 6, 2013 to March 30, 2014. The cruise liner will set sail to Brunei's Bandar Seri Begawan and Sarawak's Bintulu every Sunday and a one-night high sea experience from Wednesday to Sunday. Visitors on the four day three night cruises to Bandar Seri Begawan and Bintulu will get to choose from a variety of exclusive shore excursions and explore local attractions in these exotic domains. Brunei's capital is a land of majestic opulence, known for its vast wealth and rich natural heritage. A key tourist destination, the city offers a look into the royal, centuries-old sites coupled with the exciting contemporary side, which provides just the right balance for a rewarding experience. Taking a step off the high seas, guests can take a look into the royal life with a visit to Brunei-Muara – the district housing Brunei's capital, Bandar Seri Begawan. Modern architecture along with Islamic designs are iconic of the Jame Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, where gold-topped domes tower The Jame Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei over artfully landscaped gardens and fountains. Head over to the biggest residential palace in the world; the Istana Nurul Iman Royal Palace. The 1,788-room lavish residence is the home of the nation's revered monarch, His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei. For more information on the cruise, visit www.starcruises.com. Emeraude embarks on luxury chartered cruises HALONG – Exotic travel, elegant living and nostalgia for the Gatsbyesque glamour and good times of the 1920s are all elements of a new charter option to come out of famously beautiful Halong Bay in the north of Vietnam. Emeraude Classic Cruises is launching an exclusive overnight charter offer for creative party planners and corporate groups looking for an out-of-the-ordinary venue to stage a milestone event, corporate getaway or special occasion. The all-white Emeraude vessel, with its 34 cabins and 3 suites, was modeled on a historic paddle wheel steamer by the same name that plied the bay and Gulf of Tonkin from 1906 to 1937. The aesthetic of the modern-day Emeraude is reflective of its predecessor – polished wooden floors, beadboard walls and brass fittings evoke the charm of colonial Indochina. Customisable itineraries and bespoke activities aboard the ship or in the bay are among the options open to groups chartering the boat, along with tai-chi and cooking classes, spa services, kayaking, film screenings and stopovers at the bay's top attractions. The Emeraude is dropping its gangplank to individuals, businesses and families from anywhere in the world who want to experience the UNESCO World Heritage Site in style from the freedom and privacy of their own boat. The Emeraude's award-winning Swiss chef Marcel Isaak will collaborate with organisers on menus tailored to each group of guests. "The only thing better than cruising Halong Bay on the Emeraude is cruising the bay as part of an extended party where you know all of the other passengers," said Kurt Walter, the cruise's general manager. "It's a magical mix we've got with the pristine, old-world charm of this vessel, the breathtaking beauty of Halong's seascape, and the camaraderie of good friends on an adventure together." Overnight charters on the Emeraude are priced from US$12,000 to $13,500. In the coming issue... We explore the right marketing ingredients required to cook up a successful travel trade event. 20 | ■ TRAVELWEEKLY ASIA | AUGUST 2013 www.travelweeklyweb.com