Asian cruise giant Star Cruises has announced that it will deploy the 1,530-passenger SuperStar Aquarius to Taiwan for the summer sailing season. Previously operating out of Hong Kong, the ship recently underwent a month-long refurbishment to update the onboard facilities before arriving in Kaohsiung on 6 April 2011.

SuperStar Aquarius will operate a series of short itineraries between Taiwan and the Japanese southern islands. These include 2-, 3- and 4-night roundtrip cruises from Keelung, with calls at Ishigaki, Naha and Yonagumi, as well as 2-night sailings visiting Hualien and 1-night getaways to waters east of Taiwan.

As part of Star Cruises’ ongoing fleet upgrade, SuperStar Aquarius received a US$ 1.6 million Refurbishment and Enhancement which included a new graphic design of a beautiful maiden cradling a vase filled with the treasures of the sea on her hull, visibly enhancing the exterior.

Inside, her cabins and staterooms were revitalized with new carpeting and upholstery, while her dining outlets and concepts, such as Dynasty the Chinese Restaurant gained a new grand wine cabinet centerpiece and the new Lagoon Bar for wine and cigars was also redesigned.

For recreation and entertainment, the ship’s driving range has been refurbished and complemented with a new, 18-hole mini golf putting green on the open deck, while the Skyline Karaoke Lounge, Stardust Lounge and Star Club caters to guests who prefer to stay indoors.

Also new are a child care center and video arcade and, on the open deck, an 18-hole mini-golf putting green beside the refurbished driving range.

Star Cruises has also partnered The Valiram Group to retail some of the world’s most desirable and exclusive luxury goods at the Star Boutique.

SuperStar Aquarius was welcomed to Kaohsiung with a ceremony hosted by the city government. The cruise line hosted 80 underprivileged youths from six social welfare organizations on board for a tour, dinner and entertainment.

The ship also hosted another charity event during its maiden call on Keelung on Friday when a group of underprivileged youths from Keelung and Taipei were welcomed on board.

SuperStar Aquarius will offer three- and four-night cruises to Naha and Ishigaki, as well as two-night cruises to Hualien. A one-night get-away is also available.