The five star cruise liner, SuperStar Virgo, will be moving its base to the Port of Fremantle for one month from 24 April 2003 for a series of six cruises.

The 76,800 tonne ship, which was launched in 1999, is one of the biggest and most luxurious in the world, with capacity to carry 1960 passengers. It is operated by Star Cruises and is normally based in Singapore.

Itineraries from Fremantle on the SuperStar Virgo will include two cruises to nowhere, each lasting two days, a 12 day return cruise to Melbourne via Bunbury and Adelaide and two seven day return cruises up the West Australian coast to Exmouth and Broome. The final cruise will be a 10 day trip from Fremantle to Singapore via Broome and Darwin.

Fremantle Ports Chief Executive Officer, Kerry Sanderson, said Fremantle was very pleased to have been approached by Star Cruises to provide berthing for the SuperStar Virgo.

"Fremantle Ports has a key role to play in encouraging cruise ship visits to the region. As part of this, we are represented on the executive of Cruise Down Under, the national body established several years ago to develop Australia's potential as a cruise shipping destination. Our Manager Commercial Development chairs the WA Chapter, Cruising Western Australia, which assists in marketing the Western Australian region to international cruise companies.

"We look forward to welcoming the SuperStar Virgo to Fremantle, and we are working with Star Cruises, the Western Australian Tourism Commission and other ports to ensure a very successful outcome."    

Media contact:

Ainslie de Vos
9430 3380