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www.travelweekly-asia.com 10 | ATF OFFICIAL SUPPORTING DAILIES product focus ///Cruise "This deployment reflects the effectiveness of Asia Cruise Cooperation in enhancing the development of cruise tourism in the region, and the benefits it has for the member ports through their strong ties and mutual support." –ANTHONY LAU, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, HONG KONG TOURISM BOARD S tar Cruises will triple homeport flagship SuperStar Virgo in Hong Kong, Manila and Kaohsiung with the launch of the "Jewels of the South China Sea", which the cruise line says is, "an unprecedented itinerary that marks a milestone in the cruise travel industry". Star Cruises says the Hong Kong homeport deployment of Genting Dream, the first ship of luxury cruise brand Dream Cruises, has been creating a huge buzz in Hong Kong. In response to "overwhelming demand", Genting Hong Kong, parent company of both Dream Cruises and Star Cruises, will return SuperStar Virgo to homeport in Hong Kong in March 2017. The first-ever "Jewels of the South China Sea" journey is an itinerary pioneered by Star Cruises that connects four cities in Asia - Hong Kong, Manila, Laoag and Kaohsiung - across a 6 Day/5 Night cruise. "In 2013 and 2015, Star Cruises launched the Hong Kong – Kaohsiung itinerary, which was extremely well-received by travellers from Hong Kong; in 2017 we are taking this itinerary up a notch and extending the journey to Manila - the East-meets-West cultural melting pot - as well as Laoag, known for its natural landscape and white sand beaches," says Ang Moo Lim, president of Star Cruises. "We look forward to collaborating with travel and tourism institutions in Hong Kong, Taiwan and the Philippines on the promotion of this unique 'Jewels of the South China Sea' to international tourists as the hottest new cruising choice," Lim said. Anthony Lau, executive director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, added, "This deployment reflects the effectiveness of Asia Cruise Cooperation in enhancing the development of cruise tourism in the region, and the benefits it has for the member ports through their strong ties and mutual support." To mark the launch of the "Jewels of the South China Sea", passengers who sail during the promotion period, March 17 – May 26, 2017, can enjoy special rates. DREAM JOURNEYS ACROSS THE SOUTH CHINA SEA Superstar Virgo By Travel Weekly Asia PHOT0S CREDIT: STAR CRUISES