SuperStar Aquarius

The 1993-built/2022-scrapped SuperStar Aquarius cruise ship is owned by GHK (Genting Hong Kong, part of Genting Group Malaysia) and managed by the GHK's subsidiary Genting Cruise Lines via the Star Cruises brand. Fleetmates are Star Pisces, SuperStar Gemini (sistership), SuperStar Libra.

The vessel (IMO number 9008421) was last Bahamas-flagged (MMSI 308273000) and registered in Nassau.

NEWS: In late-April 2022, was announced that the docked in Malaysia ships Star Pisces and SuperStar Gemini (both in George Town Penang) and SuperStar Aquarius (in Port Klang) are listed for scrapping and soon to be beached at Alang India. According to online media sources, the liners' last crew signed off on May 17th, as new/skeleton crew were hired to take them to the scrapyard for dismantling and recycling.

SuperStar Aquarius left Port Klang on May 23rd, and Malaysia on June 2nd, being en route to Bhavnagar India (approx 40 km to the north from Alang). The AIS data showed as ETA (estimated time of arrival) the date June 20th.

In June, the vessel was renamed ARIUS and reflagged to St Kitts & Nevis (MMSI 341488000) and registered in Basseterre. On July 11th, MV ARIUS arrived and docked at HIP-Hambantota International Port (Sri Lanka) for a month-long layup. The sistership MV GEM (SuperStar Gemini) arrived there on July 14th.

SuperStar Aquarius' AIS transmitted for the last time on November 25, 2022 (at 23:58 UTC) showing the vessel anchored off Alang.

History - construction and ownership

Star Cruises is part of Genting Cruise Lines (subsidiary of GHK-Genting Hong Kong Corporation) - the world's 5th-largest cruise shipowner, after Carnival Corporation, RCG-Royal Caribbean Group, MSC and NCLH-Norwegian. The company (listed on Singapore Exchange and Hong Kong Stock Exchange) dominates the Asia-Pacific cruising market. Star Cruises was established as a subsidiary and travel brand of Genting Group of Malaysia (incorporated in Bermuda in 1993), with corporate headquarters in Hong Kong China.

The fleet's first ships were two cruiseferries bought from Rederi AB Slite (1947-founded/1993-bankrupt, see VIKING LINE). In the following years, Star Cruises purchased several other second-hand ships, then followed two newbuilds - SuperStar Leo/Norwegian Spirit (1998) and the sistership SuperStar Virgo (1999).

The 2150-passenger ship SuperStar Aquarius debuted in 1993 (as "Windward”) build by Chantiers de l'Atlantique (shipyard in Saint-Nazaire France) for Kloster Cruise (now NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line). In 1998 the boat was renamed "Norwegian Wind" after being drydock-lengthened by inserting a 40-m / 130-ft long midsection. In 2007, SuperStar Aquarius was transferred to Star Cruises.

Star Cruises ships are recognized by their funnel design. Star Pisces was the first with such design. Later the company based all of its ships on the Star Pisces' funnel design.

Decks and Cabins

SuperStar Aquarius provides a total of 765 staterooms in 18 categories. The largest accommodation is the Owner Suite (710 ft2 / 66 m2). All suites are equipped with HDTV, DVD player, mini-fridge, separate lounge area.

The boat has 13 decks, of which 10 are passenger-accessible and 8 with cabins.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

SuperStar Aquarius is operated as a "freestyle" cruise ship, which means passengers have the choice to dine when, where and with whom they choose. All food presentation is a treat for the eye. Oceana, Mariners, Spices and Dynasty restaurants offer a good variety of dining. All meals are included during the voyage at the main dining restaurants.

Follows the complete list of SuperStar Aquarius restaurants and food bars.

• Oceana Barbecue (outdoor international buffet & grilled specials; also the location for welcome and farewell party)
• Spice Restaurant (Halal Restaurant; serves Malaysian cuisine)
• Mariners Restaurant (Buffet-style restaurant, offers International cuisine of high quality with fresh ingredients - a hallmark of Star Cruises)
• Dynasty Restaurant (family-style Chinese restaurant)
• Tai Pan (a la carte Chinese restaurant for more upscale Chinese cuisine)
• Blue Lagoon (serves fast food and snacks).

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

A curious fact about Star Cruises' ship SuperStar Aquarius is that on board there is a no-tipping policy, and the highest crew-to-passenger ratio in the cruise industry (with 1 staff member for every 2 passengers).

SuperStar Aquarius has to offer many features and activities to her guests. The ship has a stylish design and spacious cabins, all expressing the Asian culture and style. Travellers are attracted by the comfortable amenities and activities like playing Mah Jong and watching shows with stunning flexible Chinese acrobats. The ship offers extensive karaoke facilities and private rooms for parties.

Follows the complete list of SuperStar Aquarius lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens and adults.

• Star Club; Skyline Karaoke Lounge
• The Health Club; Oscar's Beauty Salon
• Ins' Spa & Sauna
• Star Boutique; Internet Cafe; Card Room
• Lagoon Bar (Wine bar); Tea Corner
• Aquarius Lounge; Champ's Bar
• Video Games Arcade; Child Care Centre
• Genting Palace; Genting Club; Genting Lounge
• Stardust Lounge (Theater)
• Pool Deck, 2 swimming pools, 2 Jacuzzis; 18-hole golf putting range; Sun Deck; Jogging Track.

Itineraries

SuperStar Aquarius itinerary program was based on Asian voyages (to Japan) leaving from Taiwan. The ship was homeported in Keelung (Taipei City) and offered roundtrips to Naha, Ishigaki Island and Miyakojima Island,