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Star Cruises, "The First Global Cruise Line" and "The Leading Cruise Line in Asia-Pacific" is pleased to announce that its flagship cruise terminal in the port of Laem Chabang, Thailand was officially opened
Wednesday by Deputy Minister of Industry, Mr. Pichate Satirachaval on behalf of the Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, Mr. Pitak Intrawityanunt at a ceremony attended by senior officials of the port and tourism authorities, travel trade, corporate bodies and members of the media.
The USD15 million project began in February 2000 when Star Cruises signed an agreement with the Port Authority of Thailand to develop the nation's first world-class passenger cruise terminal. The terminal has since been the new home for Star Cruises' SuperStar Capricorn.
"The opening of this world-class passenger-cruise terminal will certainly establish the port of Laem Chabang as an important cruise hub in South East Asia. Built at an estimated cost of USD15million, this terminal will eventually provide a seamless cruise experience right from the very start during check-in and embarkation through to disembarkation," said Star Cruises' Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Dato' KT Lim in his opening address.
"Though operated and managed by Star Cruises, the terminal will be open to international cruise operators thereby further promoting Bangkok / Laem Chabang as an international port of call with modern cruise facilities capable of handling thousands of passengers," added Dato' KT Lim.
"The opening of the terminal is also timely and in line with the ongoing "Be Our Guest" campaign currently running internationally to promote Thailand as a tourist destination. I believe that Thailand will benefit tremendously from the growth of cruise tourism which was virtually non-existent a decade ago," said Mr. Pitak Intrawityanunt, Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand whose speech was read out by Mr. Pichate
Satirachaval.
"I also envision that Thailand will one day be the leading cruise hub in the region and towards this, I would like to encourage all parties and authorities to support cruise tourism which can contribute significantly to the economy in time to come just as how tourism has contributed to our country in the past," added Mr.
Intrawityanunt.
ABOUT THE STAR CRUISES TERMINAL LAEM CHABANG
The Star Cruises Terminal, Laem Chabang is less than two hours drive away from Bangkok. The terminal's world-class facilities include a berth measuring 365m, ample parking bay for buses and passenger cars, passenger hall accommodating 1,500 persons, passenger baggage trolley, air-conditioned departure hall, arrival / baggage claim hall, telephone (domestic and international calls), ticketing and check-in counters, tourist information centre, food and beverage outlets, souvenir and gift shops, duty free shops, taxi and bus service, terminal security for visitors, passengers and crew and office space. |
