Ally

Asia-Pacific cruise operator, Star Cruises is promoting its Meetings at Sea concept to the Gulf’s outbound MICE market.

“More companies are seeing cruise ships as suitable venues for business functions; it’s truly different from a land option in that it presents an opportunity to conduct the seriousness of business on a world-class floating resort, while sailing to some of the most enchanting and exotic destinations,” explained Najeeb Mithvani.

“Star Cruises’ ships are equipped with essential facilities, including meeting rooms and boardrooms, and equipment to cater to large or small incentive groups. ”

Meetings at Sea packages, which offer “an uninterrupted schedule, without the common distractions encountered on land”, are available on board Star Cruises’ ships in Asia and Europe, including SuperStar Virgo, Star Pisces, SuperStar Gemini and SuperStar Libra.

Onboard programmes and activities can be tailored to suit individual customer needs, coordinated by Star Cruises’ in-house planners and event co-ordinators.

“Participants will also get to enjoy dining, recreation and entertainment facilities and allow them to visit a number of destinations on one cruise, without the hassle of packing and unpacking,” said Mithvani.

Star Pisces is based in Hong Kong, the SuperStar Virgo in Sinagpore and the SuperStar Libra is currently based in Malta but returns to India next month. Meetings at Sea itineraries are available from each destination.

Recent promotional pushes in China, India, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia and Singapore have resulted in groups from these countries booking MICE trips from Hong Kong and Singapore, Mithvani claimed.

In other Star Cruises news, the company is preparing a range of new itineraries for the SuperStar Libra when it docks in Mumbai next month.

A series of one-night international cruises will kick off the new season on this vessel between October 18 and 22, followed by the first destination cruise to Goa on October 23.

“India remains a very important market for Star Cruises as it has grown rapidly to rank among the top five passenger groups by country on our ships,” said Chong Chee-Tut, the cruise line’s chief operating officer.

(ITPGulf)

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Ally - CruisingTalk Administrator

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Coming up next.....

10/10/2009 - Costa Classica - Grand Oriental Cruise - Shanghai, Nagasaki, Tokyo, Kobe, Naha, Keelung and Hong Kong - 16 Nights Cruising in: 311 day(s), 9 hour(s), 49 minute(s)