SuperStar Aquarius

Launched in 1993, SuperStar Aquarius is one of the Star Cruises ships, together with Star Pisces, SuperStar Gemini and SuperStar Libra.

History - construction and ownership

Star Cruises, member of Genting Hong Kong, is the 3rd biggest cruise line in the world, following Carnival Corporation and Royal Caribbean Cruises. The company dominates the Asia-Pacific market. It is owned by Genting Hong Kong and is listed on the Singapore Exchange and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Star Cruises was established as an associate of Genting Group of Malaysia, incorporated on November 10, 1993, in Bermuda, with corporate headquarters in Hong Kong. The first ships of the company were two cruise ferries bought from the bankrupted estate of Swedish Rederi AB Slite. Star Cruises purchased several other used vessels in the following years. In 1998, the company took delivery of its first newbuild - SuperStar Leo (Norwegian Spirit). Sistership SuperStar Virgo followed in 1999.

The 51,309-ton, 2,150-passenger cruise ship SuperStar Aquarius debuted in 1993 as "Windward” for Kloster Cruise (now NCL). In 1998 the ship was renamed Norwegian Wind after being lengthened by a 130-ft midsection. In 2007 SuperStar Aquarius was transferred to Star Cruises.

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

Cruise itinerary program

SuperStar Aquarius itinerary program is based on Asia cruises (to Japan) leaving from Taiwan. The ship is homeported in Keelung (Taipei City) and offers round-trip itineraries to Naha, Ishigaki Island and Miyakojima Island,

Cabins

SuperStar Aquarius provides a total of 765 staterooms in 18 categories. The largest aboard SuperStar Aquarius is the Owner Suite (708.05 ft2). The suites are equipped with a DVD player, mini-fridge and a separate sitting area.

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 pools, 2 Jacuzzis; 18-hole golf putting range; Sun Deck; Jogging Track.

Having been built in France by Chantiers de l'Atlantique for USD 240 million, the vessel debuted in 1993 for Kloster Cruise (currently NCL) as "ms Windward". Five years later (1998) she was renamed to "Norwegian Wind" after being lengthened by 130-ft insertion (as midsection). SuperStar Aquarius was transferred to Star Cruises in 2007. She has one sister vessel sailing currently as SuperStar Gemini.