Written/Compiled and Reported by MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Net, Chen Guanxin
Hong Kong tourism gets a fresh twist as Star Cruises deploys its flagship vessel in Asia, the SuperStar Virgo, to Hong Kong for a six-month series of homeport cruises. The line will offer routes such as Hong Kong–Taiwan, Hong Kong–Sanya–Ha Long Bay, and Hong Kong’s two-day-one-night Happy Ocean Holiday. Among these, 31 sailings will call at Taiwan, where travelers can choose to embark or disembark at Keelung, Taichung, or Kaohsiung. Special promotional offers for Taiwanese travelers include the “Value-Packed Maiden Voyage Deal under NT$10,000” and the “Free Second Cruise for Virgo Passengers.””
As well as the “Value-Packed Maiden Voyage Deal” and the “Free Second Cruise for Virgo Passengers.”
The SuperStar Virgo docks at the Tsim Sha Tsui Ferry Pier, allowing passengers to walk straight to Harbour City mall upon disembarking. (Photo provided by Star Cruises)
From April 7 to October 26, the SuperStar Virgo will operate 31 round trips between Taiwan and Hong Kong. Taiwanese travelers can opt for a “ship there, plane back” journey (take the SuperStar Virgo from Taiwan to Hong Kong, then fly back to Taiwan on China Airlines), or a “plane there, ship back” option (fly to Hong Kong in advance on China Airlines, then return to Taiwan via the cruise). Departures are available from all parts of Taiwan — Keelung, Taichung, and Kaohsiung.
Under the maiden voyage promotion, two special sailings departing from Hong Kong to Kaohsiung on April 7 and 9 offer a bundled cruise-and-flight freedom package. For three days and two nights, prices start from NT$9,900 (excluding tax, original price NT$13,900), and for four days and three nights, from NT$11,900 (excluding tax, original price NT$15,900). The package includes a one-way China Airlines flight, one night’s accommodation on the cruise, and one or two nights at a Hong Kong hotel.
Additionally, the first 88 travelers born under the zodiac sign Virgo who sign up will receive a free one-way cabin stay on the SuperStar Virgo for the Hong Kong–Taiwan (or Taiwan–Hong Kong) route. On their next trip to Hong Kong or return to Taiwan, they can enjoy a complimentary cruise and experience the ship’s rich facilities and travel fun.
Furthermore, the four-day-three-night Sanya–Ha Long Bay itinerary departing from Hong Kong starts from just NT$18,800 (excluding tax, excluding Taiwan–Hong Kong airfare). To thank returning guests for cruising with the SuperStar Virgo again, Star Cruises is offering a “Buy One, Get One Free” deal on the Hong Kong–Sanya–Ha Long Bay route for those who can provide proof of previous travel on the ship, such as a cruise card or photo (regardless of time or location). This offer is valid for registrations between March 6 and 18.
Ride the Ding Ding tram through Wan Chai and admire the blend of old and new at the heritage pawnshop “Wo Cheong Pawnshop.” (Photo provided by Star Cruises)
The 75,338-ton SuperStar Virgo is the flagship vessel of Star Cruises’ Asian fleet, with 13 decks in total and a professional crew of over 1,300. It features 12 restaurants and bars, serving a diverse selection of Eastern and Western cuisines, and is also home to a German executive chef ensuring top-tier dining. The ship’s expert entertainment team presents an exciting lineup, including the newly staged Atlantis Stone, performances by Chinese Shaolin kung fu masters, a violinist from Alaska, USA, an acrobatics troupe from Europe, and more. A highlight is the magic show Magic by Vincent Vignaud, a top European illusionist, which combines music, dance, and stage effects. These spectacular performances are sure to leave travelers amazed and filled with lasting memories.
Upon arriving in Hong Kong, the SuperStar Virgo docks at the Tsim Sha Tsui Ferry Pier, right next to Harbour City, Hong Kong’s largest shopping mall. Passengers can head straight to the mall for shopping or stroll to nearby attractions such as the former Marine Police Headquarters (1881 Heritage), the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, the Avenue of Stars, and the Star Ferry Pier. The area offers round-the-clock dining, entertainment, and sightseeing. Additionally, the Hong Kong Tourism Board recommends that cruise passengers ride the Ding Ding tram — especially fitting in this, the 110th anniversary year of the tram. Riding the tram is a wonderful way to savor the charm of Hong Kong, from sampling authentic street food hidden in alleys in Sheung Wan and Sai Wan, admiring the modern high-rises of Central and Admiralty, exploring trendy boutiques in heritage buildings in Wan Chai, enjoying afternoon tea at the historic Wo Cheong Pawnshop, hunting for local street snacks in North Point known only to locals, to dining at stylish open-air restaurants along the Lei King Wan waterfront. A single tram ride offers a journey through Hong Kong’s blend of past and present, East and West.
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