Star Cruises opens terminal,jetty in Vietnam SINGAPORE - Star Cruises recently celebrated the opening of its new cruise terminal and jetty on Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam. The Star Cruises Jetty and Terminal consists of a 30m long by 8m wide jetty with link bridge to the terminal building, concrete walkway and umbrella-shaped shelter. SuperStar Aries will be calling at Phu Quoc Island from Laem Chabang, Thailand on a weekly basis and is expected to bring through more than 38,000 passengers annually. According to Star president and chief executive officer, Colin Au, the company has actively worked with local governments and authorities to develop port and cruise infrastructure along routes which Star vessels ply. "Proper cruise infrastructure is vital for the development of cruise tourism," he said. Phu Quoc Island will now feature prominently on the cruise map of South-east Asia." "This will augur well for the development of tourism in Vietnam, particularly Phu Quoc Island as there are tremendous spin-offs from disembarking passengers who spend on shopping, leisure and sight-seeing. "The construction of the jetty and cruise terminal is a realisation of this aspiration," he noted. On hand for the opening were officials from the Ho Chi Minh City People Committee, Saigon Tourist and top officials of Vietnam's National Steering Committee. The event coincided with the opening of the 3-star Saigon-Phu Quoc Resort. The 1,320 sq km island is known for its beautiful scenery including unspoilt beaches and turquoise water. The island is also famous for its production of fish sauce and features numerous fishing villages scattered around the island. By Donald Urquhart - The Shipping Times - May 19, 2000.