“Star Cruises SuperStar Virgo” Makes Its Kaohsiung Debut! Mayor Chen Chu: 50 Cruise Ships to Call This Year

Reported by You T-Ru / Comprehensive Report

“Star Cruises SuperStar Virgo” Makes Its Kaohsiung Debut!, Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chu led a municipal government team this afternoon, the 8th, to attend the maiden voyage ceremony at Banana Pier. In addition to warmly welcoming cruise operators to establish Kaohsiung as their home port and operate routes connecting Kaohsiung with major global cities—bringing international visitors to experience vibrant Kaohsiung—she also stated that the city government is actively collaborating with the port authority to promote the development of Kaohsiung’s cruise industry. It is estimated that around 50 cruise ships will call at the Port of Kaohsiung this year, bringing approximately 100,000 visitors and generating around NT$700 million in tourism business.


▲ “Star Cruises SuperStar Virgo” Makes Its Kaohsiung Debut!, (Photo / Provided by Kaohsiung City Government)

As international cruise companies are increasingly valuing and optimistic about Kaohsiung’s tourism resources, the number of cruise ships docking at the Port of Kaohsiung this year is expected to rise significantly compared to last year, with an estimated 50 ships calling. The city government will also continue promoting the Port of Kaohsiung as an international cruise home port while constructing the Harbor Travel Center. Upon completion, the center will be able to accommodate two international cruise ships simultaneously, bringing around 25,000 tourists. Coupled with improved customs clearance speed and service quality, this will help align Kaohsiung’s cruise industry with international standards.


▲ SuperStar Virgo (Photo / Provided by Kaohsiung City Government)

The city’s Tourism Bureau noted that Star Cruises’ “SuperStar Virgo” has a displacement of 75,338 tons and is the flagship vessel of Star Cruises’ Asia fleet. On its maiden voyage to Kaohsiung, it carried approximately 1,700 tourists from Asia, including India, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, and mainland China. In addition to SuperStar Virgo from April to October this year, the 48 scheduled cruise sailings throughout the year are expected to bring over 100,000 visitors to Kaohsiung. These tourists will also visit various renowned attractions in the city, generating considerable cruise-related business opportunities for Kaohsiung.