Northstar

www.travelweekly-asia.com | 9 C M Y CM MY CY CMY K COVER STORY: FAMILY TRAVEL Six-year old Sarah happily poses with her favourite cartoon character Hello Kitty for a keepsake snapshot. Is this a scene out of Hello Kitty Land? No, it's on board Star Cruises. Sarah and other children aboard Star Cruises can get up close and personal with cartoon celebrities like SpongeBob and Hello Kitty during a special breakfast party or Hi-Tea buffet. Star Cruises is currently hosting NICI Toys Story on SuperStar Virgo where children can participate in its NICI Junior Cruiser Programme. Star Cruises is a draw for families who usually book about two to three cabins. About 30% of Star Cruises' business consists of families with a spike during school holidays and festive seasons. Michael Goh, senior vice president – sales, Star Cruises, said, "In Asian cultures, families and extended families are hugely important to the fabric of society and cruising is the perfect holiday option for them to dine, play and bond together. "Not only do we ensure that our adult guests have plenty of entertainment choices but, for the little ones, we have also offered exhilarating theme cruises. Our goal is to offer fun activities where families can spend quality time bonding together." As part of Star Cruises' special theme cruises, families can experience live musical shows, exclusive meet and greet sessions, a host of theme-inspired fun activities, specially branded goodies and much more. Fun family portraits can be taken at Star Illusions @ Sea 3D art gallery found across Star Cruises' fleet. According to Goh, "This region has enormous potential as evidenced by the Asian cruise market continuing to take a bigger percentage of the global cruise industry each year, and families are an important contributing segment to the cruise industry. "Star Cruises offers excellent options for older guests since the majority of the ship's facilities and services are strategically located together and limited walking is required." However, most cruise lines are designed with active families in mind. Royal Caribbean Cruise ships in Asia, for instance Mariner of the Seas, feature a full-sized sports court, rock climbing wall, mini golf course and in-line skating track. There is an ice-skating rink, DreamWorks Entertainment and 3D movies on top of the street dance parties in the Royal Esplanade. Next year Ovation of the Seas, which will be arriving in Asia, will offer first- at-sea innovative amenities such as the skydiving simulator, North Star elevated glass capsule and transformative venues such as Seaplex indoor sports space. RCCL also has fleetwide programmes for young cruisers such as Adventure Ocean for kids and teens and the Royal Babies and Tots Programme. CRUISING IS ALL IN THE FAMILY By Natalie Chen Spongebob and the captain at the helm on Star Cruises.

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