Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, June 7:

Following encouraging response in India, Star Cruises, the leading cruise line in the Asia-Pacific has entered Nepal, which is a viable choice as a potential market for cruise travellers.

The company has appointed two preferred sales agents in Nepal and marketing and sales will continue to be driven out of its New Delhi office. Star Cruises intends to tap into the substantial base of travellers in Nepal and present them with the option of a world-class cruising experience in addition to destination-oriented travel, states a press release issued here today. “The introduction of Star Cruises’ products in Nepal stems from our confidence in growing tourism in Nepal where the appetite for outbound travel has witnessed growth in recent years. In particular, the potential of developing cruise tourism is significant, given the growing awareness and demand for cruise holidays”, said Sumit Banerji, Star Cruises sales and marketing manager, East, North India and Nepal.

Star Cruises showcased its products — SuperStar Libra and SuperStar Virgo at the recently-held NATTA Travel Mart on May 13 and 14 held in Kathmandu. Formerly known as Norwegian Sea under the NCL brand, the SuperStar Libra is a 42,000 gross-tonne ship with 740 well-appointed cabins with a passenger capacity of 1,480 lower berths. Measuring 216 metre long and 28 metre wide, the ship has eight restaurants and bars, seven entertainment outlets, meeting facilities and a host of sports, health and recreational facilities. It is the first of six ships that will be progressively transferred over to the Star Cruises Asia fleet. With Mumbai as its home port from September 2005, SuperStar Libra will sail on regular four-night cruises to Lakshadweep and Goa, two-night to Goa plus one-night weekend cruises on the high seas as the third option.