Busan is good

Korea's 1st cruise ready for maiden voyage in April

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As Korea’s cruise ship PanStar Honey is getting ready for its maiden voyage in April, tourists are showing a lot of interest in the trip.

Busan-based ferry firm PanStar Line.Com will operate cruises -- Korea’s South Sea and a Japanese spa tour -- that depart from Busan from April 2.

The firm has been plying ferries within and without Korea -- Korea’s South Sea, Busan and Osaka -- since 2002 during the Korea-Japan FIFA World Cup, and now will become the first Korea-based cruise operator.

Unlike ferry trips, cruise ships require higher number of well-trained staff in different areas in order to meet passengers’ diverse needs, since the ship contains various functions, including accommodation, performance stages and entertainment; it’s not just a means of transportation.

According to PanStar Line.Com, PanStar Honey will carry up to 300 passengers from Busan to Japanese cities such as Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Beppu, Shimonoseki and Hiroshima. The 136.6 meter-high ship will also operate a south coast trip that departs from Busan, passes Yeosu and Jinhae to Hallyeohaesang Marine National Park in Korea’s South Sea.

In order to provide quality service, this cruise ship will employ up to 130 staff, including more than 20 non-Korean members. The ship will hire 23 crewmen, 12 chefs and more than 30 entertainers and performers who will present special acts for the passengers during the trip. The ship has restaurants, a cafeteria, a swimming pool, a parking lot, baby-sitting facilities, conference rooms, duty free shops, a casino, a shopping mall, a sauna and amusement park for children. PanStar Honey will also feature various areas and services that will include magic performances, an English camp for children, sommelier and barista experience programs to satisfy passengers.

Passengers can choose itineraries ranging from overnight to four-night trips, and which ports they want to embark and disembark. They can get off the ship at any port where the ship pulls in and continue their journey by car. The fee will cost from 148,000 won for a standard room to 530,000 won to get a presidential suite room (per person) for one night.

More information about the cruises is available at 02-1577-9996 (English and Japanese language services provided).

The source of news : Korea.net   March 19, 2008