By TRAVELER Luxe / Reported by Ren Xiang
Thanks / Hong Kong Tourism Board
Star Cruises’ flagship vessel, SuperStar Virgo, has launched Asia cruises with Hong Kong as its home port since April this year. By the end of October, there will be a total of 31 round-trip voyages between Taiwan and Hong Kong. If you’re looking to explore Hong Kong at a leisurely pace, what could be more relaxing than a cruise? Leave behind the hustle and bustle of city life, grab your suitcase, and set off. This time, no rushing to catch flights, no frantic shopping—just a slow, sea-breeze-filled journey.
From April 7 to October 26, SuperStar Virgo offers 31 round-trip voyages between Taiwan and Hong Kong. Taiwanese travelers can choose to fly to their departure port and cruise back, or cruise there and fly back. (Image credit / TRAVELER Luxe)
Upon arriving at Kaohsiung’s Banana Pier, you’ll see SuperStar Virgo peacefully docked at the harbor. The 13-deck cruise ship features bright yet not overly extravagant colorful designs—each Star Cruises vessel has its own unique livery. With excitement in my heart, I dragged my suitcase and joined the crowd boarding the ship via the gangway.
The biggest difference between taking a cruise and flying is that once you board, check-in at your hotel is already done. It’s not just a means of transport—it’s a moving hotel, shopping mall, and even an amusement park. I cheerfully tossed my luggage into my cabin, ready to begin my laid-back maritime life.
The Veranda Deluxe Suite offers a private living room and bedroom, with expansive views. (Image credit / TRAVELER Luxe)
Slow Time at Sea
At night, I headed up to the top-floor open-air bar to gaze at the bustling activity of Kaohsiung Harbor. A friendly waiter handed me a drink. With nearly as many staff as passengers, everyone enjoys VIP-level service. Plus, the ship operates on a no-tipping policy—all transactions are recorded via your room key card and settled all at once upon disembarkation. In other words, no need to carry any cash on your sea adventure—just relax and enjoy. While I sipped a drink and listened to live music, a slight commotion broke out nearby. Turning my head, I watched as the lights on shore gradually faded—the SuperStar Virgo had officially set sail.
The ship’s “Samurai” restaurant serves a variety of authentic Japanese cuisine. (Image credit / TRAVELER Luxe)
Life at sea is both relaxing and fulfilling, with exciting activities non-stop from night to day. Strolling on the deck, you’ll often see passengers lounging in chairs, feeling the fresh sea breeze. Bathed in warm sunlight, all worries seem to drift away. No need to worry about being bored during the day at sea—the 12th-floor outdoor pool, three-story waterslide, spa pool, and mini-golf course offer a dizzying array of leisure options. If you’re more of an indoor person like me, the ship’s various performances are a great choice—comedy shows, magic acts, live music, and even topless shows. World-class entertainment runs all day long.
And of course, while you’re deciding which entertainment to try first, don’t forget to treat your taste buds. Cruise life is known for its six meals a day—breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, and late-night snacks. There’s a full range of dining options, whether you crave Eastern delicacies or Western fare—cuisines from around the world await your pick.
VINCENT VIGNAUD in DREAM is a diverse magic show led by a French magician, combining music and dance. (Image credit / TRAVELER Luxe)
With a gross tonnage of 76,000, SuperStar Virgo ensures a smooth and comfortable voyage—even the ocean waves at night feel like a mother’s gentle lullaby. Here, you don’t have to worry about sleeping poorly, going hungry, or missing scheduled activities. That’s also why the leisurely moments pass by especially quickly. As the sun sets, the voyage draws to a close before you know it, and Hong Kong Island comes into view.
Known as the Pearl of the Orient, Hong Kong is famed for the nighttime scenery of Victoria Harbour. As SuperStar Virgo slowly sails into Victoria Harbour, the glittering lights of iconic skyscrapers on both Hong Kong Island and Kowloon Peninsula—such as Bank of China Tower, Hong Kong City Hall, International Finance Centre, and Harbour City—weave a stunning panorama before our eyes. Suddenly, several laser beams light up the sky. When the clock strikes eight, it’s the exact start time of the world’s largest light and sound show, “A Symphony of Lights.” Even more thrilling is that, from the sea, we get to witness the unique lighting transformations on both sides of the harbor. The dazzling lights shine brilliantly, undoubtedly making the cruise the best front-row seat to this nightly visual feast.
Hong Kong’s Sheung Wan POHO district features many boutique shops with European-inspired designs on street corners. (Image credit / TRAVELER Luxe)