Cruises from Kota Kinabalu on SuperStar Aquarius

After months of anticipation, SuperStar Aquarius celebrated arriving at her new homeport Kota Kinabalu, the city capital of Sabah, Malaysia for her seasonal deployment from 6 November, 2013 to 30 March, 2014.

An official ceremony featuring local cultural performances was staged by the Sabah Tourism Board at the terminal. Government officials, port authority representatives and locals welcomed the ship carrying over 1,100 international passengers from Taiwan, Hong Kong, Australia, China, the Philippines and Southeast Asia on an 8D7N relocation cruise to Kota Kinabalu and showered our passengers with local souvenirs.

Mr. William Ng, Chief Operating Officer, Star Cruises, said, "Today is a milestone moment for Star Cruises as we become the first international cruise line to homeport a ship in Kota Kinabalu."

"Sabah has been a top tourist destination for decades. With lush primary rainforests, sub-aquatic splendour, magnificent mountain, fantastic local cuisines and colourful cultures, Sabah is an incredible place for adventurers, a paradise for divers, and a playground for families." 

"As an industry leader, Star Cruises has never stopped introducing new routes and creating new itineraries in the region. This deployment denotes our commitment to make Kota Kinabalu an international cruise hub. We are confident our deployment will attract not only domestic but also regional and international passengers to Sabah." 

SuperStar Aquarius

At the ceremony, he also thanked all parties in Kota Kinabalu for supporting this homeport deployment. The welcome ceremony was graced by Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Sabah and other representatives from the government, ministries and authorities. 

After watching stunning performances put on by Star Cruises, memento exchanges were held at Stardust Lounge. The special guests were invited for a sumptuous lunch featuring Star Cruises' celebrated international and Asian cuisines at Spices Restaurant, followed by a tour around the 13-deck luxury liner. 

SuperStar Aquarius offers a 4D3N cruise from Kota Kinabalu to Muara and Bintulu every Sunday with a number of exclusive shore excursions for guests to explore. From Wednesday to Saturday, passengers can immerse in another dimension of cruise fun and entertainment on SuperStar Aquarius' 1-night high seas experience. 

With Star Cruises' unmatched freestyle cruising, passengers will be encapsulated by the world-class dining and high-caliber entertainment options. At the 409-square-meter upscale duty-free shopping gallery, retailers such as China Duty Free, upmarket wristwatch and jewellery boutique Canopus, leather goods specialist Milan Station, gift and souvenir outlet Ports O' Call offer products from around the world for passengers to spoil themselves. The wide selection of onboard recreational activities which include over 30 body and health treatments at the spa will also multiply the fun. Star Cruises' unique Asian style hospitality will make every cruise holiday a memorable one.

Sarawak Cruises by Star Cruises

Star Cruises will bring visitors to the home of adventure—Sarawak. SuperStar Aquarius will call into this “Land of Hornbills” when she commences her seasonal homeport deployment from Kota Kinabalu, the capital city of Sabah, Malaysia, for the first time from 6 November 2013 to 30 March 2014.

As the largest state of Malaysia, Sarawak is one of the most desirable destinations in the tropical country. With natural beauty, rich history, diverse culture, deep-rooted heritage and modern city living all-in-one, Sarawak is a potpourri of experiences appreciated by travelers from all over the world.

The new 4D3N cruises departing every Sunday from Kota Kinabalu to Brunei’s Bandar Seri Begawan and Sarawak’s Bintulu will take visitors to a variety of exotic local attractions. They can also immerse in another dimension of cruise fun and entertainment on SuperStar Aquarius’ daily 1-night high seas experience from Wednesday to Saturday.

Shopping spree and food hunting
Visitors can stroll along the busy streets of Bintulu Town or mingle with locals doing their daily chores at the unique native market, where assorted specialty and farm products ranging from fruits to vegetables to handicrafts are up for sale. Take a bite of the authentic brittle snack tebaloi—a cookie made with sago flour, and other local delicacies such as laksa, cendol and rojak there. One can also check out the wet market where fresh fish caught from sea are sold.

Experience local culture and tradition
Do not miss the tour to a traditional community—long house. Upon arrival, visitors will be showered with warm hospitality by the headman and locals in an Iban welcoming ceremony, followed by a long cultural dance and a warrior dance called Ngajat performed by villagers in traditional costumes. Visitors will have the chance to study the one of a kind architecture as well as the local lifestyle and how tribal craftworks are made.

Explore one of the wooden stilt houses when you visit the Malay village where houses are built on water along the Kemena River. You may pay a visit to the headman’s house to see how this community adapts to the modern economy by producing and selling exquisite craftworks.

SuperStar Aquarius

Discover true nature
The Similajau National Park is famous for its unspoiled sandy beaches and its rich and vibrant flora and fauna. Dare yourself to cross the suspension bridge spanning the Likau River and go on to the education trail to learn more about the mixed Dipterocarp forest and species that live in the ecosystem. Enjoy the relaxing wildlife sounds of insects and birds along the way.

Heritage attractions
Bintulu is also a place of historical and cultural significance. The Sarawak Legislative Council Monument, where the first Sarawak State Legislative Assembly was held, is a photo spot that should not be missed. The scenic beauty of the oldest Chinese temple in Sarawak—Tua Pek Kong Temple—is equally noteworthy.

SuperStar Aquarius, currently home ported in Keelung, Taiwan, will offer a 8D7N special cruise, departing from Kaohsiung on 30 October 2013 with stops at Hong Kong, Manila, Boracay and arriving in Kota Kinabalu on 6 November 2013.

Source : Discover Sarawak’s extraordinary natural wonders and cultural treasures with SuperStar Aquarius starting November 2013

Cruises to Brunei with SuperStar Aquarius starting November 2013

Asia Pacific's leading cruise line Star Cruises will take visitors on a voyage of discovery to Brunei’s Bandar Seri Begawan, a land of majestic opulence and traditional respect. SuperStar Aquarius will be commencing her seasonal homeport deployment from Kota Kinabalu, the city capital of Sabah, Malaysia, for the first time from 6 November 2013 to 30 March 2014.

The 51,309-tonne cruise liner will sail to Seri Begawan and Sarawak’s Bintulu every Sunday. You may also immerse in another dimension of cruise fun and entertainment on SuperStar Aquarius’ 1-night high sea experience from Wednesday to Saturday.

Brunei, a Muslim country well known for its vast wealth, is also known as the “Abode of Peace”. It is a refreshing tourist destination offering a rich diversity of natural and centuries-old majestic heritage and an exciting contemporary side. Visitors on 4D3N 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.

A Look into the Royal Life
Brunei-Muara is the district housing Brunei’s capital, Bandar Seri Begawan. One can admire the magnificent Islamic fused modern architecture—Jame Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, where gold-topped domes tower over artfully landscaped gardens and fountains. The mosque was built to commemorate the 25th anniversary of His Majesty’s reign and to capture the wide angle view of the biggest residential palace in the world—Istana Nurul Iman Royal Palace—from Damuan Park. The 1,788-room lavish residence is the home of the nation’s revered monarch, His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei.

Visitors can get a glimpse into the life of the Sultan of Brunei when they tour the Royal Regalia Museum. The galleries display sultanate artefacts which serve as a glorious symbol of the unique Bruneian Monarchy. Take a close look at the Royal Chariot, which was established in 1992 to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of His
Majesty’s accession to the throne.

World’s Largest Water Village
Join River Cruise and board on an open deck local wooden boat to sail along the Brunei River and experience the contrasting sceneries of the modern, rapidly developing capital city of Brunei versus the nostalgic serenity of the largest Water Village in the world.

Another choice is to take a short water taxi ride to visit the Water Village where centuries-old web of houses, markets and mosques, along with schools, clinics, police and fire stations are built on stilts in the Brunei River. You can get an insight into the water village life while enjoying local cakes and tea during the trip.

SuperStar Aquarius

Walk on the Wild Side
Get into the exotic wilderness Brunei has to offer at Mangrove Safari where visitors can meet wild animals up-close. Keep an eye out for mudskippers, small red kingfishers, white egrets and night herons as well as rare endangered primate species—the proboscis monkeys—which can only be found on the island of Borneo and Sumatera of Indonesia.

The Royal Experience
One does not normally relate polo to Asia, nor to a tropical climate, but surprises run deep in Brunei! His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei is an enthusiastic and accomplished polo player, known for his precise skills on the field. Running a country allows His Majesty little time to play, but it is not uncommon for foreign
dignitaries or other members of the Royal Family to join him on one of the three magnificent fields found in Polo Grounds and the Polo Club. The extensive number of stables accommodating a superb collection of horses would be make any horse enthusiast envy. It is also a perfect opportunity for connoisseurs to sample authentic Bruneian delicacies prepared by a team of internationally acclaimed chefs.

SuperStar Aquarius, currently homeported in Keelung, Taiwan, will embark on a special 8D7N cruise, departing from Kaohsiung on 29 October 2013 with stops at Hong Kong, Manila, Boracay and arriving in Kota Kinabalu on 6 November 2013.

Source : Embark on an exploration journey to Brunei with SuperStar Aquarius starting November 2013