Cruise tailor-made for Marianas launched

Media from the CNMI and Guam, flown in by RWM and Star Cruises, take part in the launch of Resorts World Manila‘s Stay and Cruise package tailor-made for residents of the CNMI and Guam who have long pined for a luxury cruise in the region. (Mark Rabago)

MANILA, Philippines—Resorts World Manila, together with Star Cruises, launched its Stay and Cruise package tailor-made for residents of the CNMI and Guam who have long pined for a luxury cruise in the region.

The launch was held with much fanfare last Saturday night at the Winford Hotel, the site of the old San Lazaro Hippodrome in Manila, and was attended by media from the CNMI and Guam, flown in by RWM and Star Cruises all-expense paid.

Staff from KTKB, Guamanian magazine, KUAM, Pacific Island Times, The Post, and the Saipan Tribune were brought in not only to attend the launch but to join travel agents and other partners in a familiarization tour of SuperStar Virgo’s six-day and five-night cruise to Laoag, Philippines, Kaoshung, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, China.

“There is no better time to see the world than when the sun is shining and a soft breeze is blowing. With Manila being a mere 3.5 hours plane ride away, the Philippines is an ideal jump off point for an exciting summer adventure on the high seas,” a statement from RWM read on the launch of its Stay and Cruise.

For a starting rate of just $655, cruise-goers get an overnight stay at any RWM hotels. A free shuttle will then take you from the hotel to the SuperStar Virgo, which has made Manila its newest homeport from March 19 to May 3.

“This is a great chance to experience a round-trip cruise starting from the bright lights of Manila, the picturesque sand dunes of Laoag, the charming seascape of Kaoshung, Taiwan, and the shopping Mecca that is Hong Kong,” the RWM press release added.

After embarking in Manila, cruise-goers would steam toward Laoag, the capital of Ilocos Norte and visit such historical sites such as Calle Crisologo, St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral, Plaza Salcedo, and the Burgos Museum.

Next stop will be going further north to Kaoshung where the itinerary include the Chi Mei Museum, a visit to an old Dutch hamlet called Chikanlou, and the Anping Fort, which was once the administrative capital of the Dutch colonizers.

In Hong Kong, cruise-goers will visit Victoria Peak, known simply now as The Peak, which is the highest part of the former British Crown colony. They will also tour the Aberdeen Fishing Village and The Garden of Stars.

The 882-foot, over 75,000-gross ton SuperStar Virgo, which is also under Resorts World Manila, could accommodate up to 1,870 passengers and was designed specifically for the Asian cruise market.

Guam and Saipan residents can directly avail of the Stay and Cruise package using credit card payments through the SSV RWM BUNDLE option at www.rwmanila.com/stayandcruise. Those interested can also call John Hagemann at +63917878583/john.hagemann@rwmanila.com or Janine Chua at +639178788576/ janine.chua@rwmanila for more details. For other inquiries and reservations, contact Tourist/Visitor Hotline at (02) 908-8833 or visit  www.rwmanila.com.