SET sail for the first-ever “Nickelodeon at Sea” Cruises in Asia, exclusively on Superstar Virgo & Superstar Libra

SET SAIL FOR THE FIRST-EVER “NICKELODEON AT SEA” CRUISES IN ASIA, EXCLUSIVELY ON SUPERSTAR VIRGO & SUPERSTAR LIBRA

(11 NOV – 30 DEC 2012)

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25th July, 2012 – Star Cruises, the Leading Cruise Line in Asia-Pacific and Viacom International Media Networks Asia, a division of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB) is pleased to announce an expanded strategic partnership to launch the first-ever “Nickelodeon At Sea” cruises in Asia for this yearend school holidays on SuperStar Virgo and SuperStar Libra from 11 Nov to 30 Dec 2012, co-sponsored by Mondial Assistance. The highly anticipated series of 55 exhilarating “Nickelodeon At Sea” cruises will kick off exclusively aboard the SuperStar Virgo from Singapore (16 Nov to 30 Dec 2012) and SuperStar Libra from Penang, Malaysia (11 Nov to 30 Dec 2012) respectively.

 

Nickelodeon at Sea on Star Cruises provides a family vacation option like no other in Asia.  With a host of activities featuring the stars of hit Nickelodeon shows like “SpongeBob SquarePants” and “Dora the Explorer,” Nickelodeon at Sea gives everyone in the family the chance to be immersed in Nickelodeon – with character meet and greets and activities, afternoon tea events, arts and crafts programmes, treasure hunts and even an opportunity to get covered in Nick’s world-famous slime!  With Nickelodeon-themed rooms, activities, souvenirs and meals, Nickelodeon at Sea provides an unforgettable on-board experience, where parents relax, kids play and families connect.

 

Families with children below 12 can seize the irresistible good deal “Kids Cruise Free*” from 11 Nov – 30 Dec 2012 when they book an all-inclusive “Nickelodeon At Sea” cruises on either SuperStar Virgo and SuperStar Libra. Guests whom make a cruise booking at Singapore NATAS Holidays 2012 (Singapore Expo, 24 – 26 Aug 2012) and Malaysia MATTAS Fair 2012 (Putra World Trade Centre,  Kuala Lumpur, 7 – 9 Sep 2012) will be rewarded with an exclusive photography session with “SpongeBob SquarePants” and “Dora The Explorer” at Star Cruises’ booths from 3pm – 3.30pm daily.

In addition to the regular world-class entertainment highlights available on the extravagant SuperStar Virgo and SuperStar Libra, passengers’ experiences will be further heightened in this brand new series of immersive “Nickelodeon At Sea” cruise programmes specially customised for everyone in the family, including:

  • Meet the Nickelodeon Stars with SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick Star, Dora the Explorer and Diego
  • Tea Party With Nickelodeon Stars chases away the afternoon hunger pangs
  • On Deck With Nickelodeon Stars offers interactive activities on deck and poolside
  • Nickelodeon Arts & Crafts where kids and their parents draw, paint and create Nick-themed crafts
  • Nickelodeon Pyjama Jam is a night of games, songs and fun with SpongeBob and Dora
  • Nickelodeon Cookie Club teaches kids how to decorate SpongeBob and Dora cookies – and then eat them!
  • Nickelodeon Slimefest is where kids of all ages get covered in green slime, Nickelodeon’s badge of honour
  • Dora’s Treasure Adventure offers a family-orientated on board treasure hunt
  • SpongeBob Jelly Fishing Competition with slippery and wiggly “jellyfish”
  • Nickelodeon Splash Mob is a spontaneous event with messy games featuring pies, slime and “jellyfish”
  • And a whole list of other exciting and entertaining Nickelodeon-themed activities!

 

*Above onboard programmes are subject to change without prior notice.

 

Building upon Star Cruises and Nickelodeon’s successful “SpongeBob at Sea” cruises launched in 2011, the “Nickelodeon At Sea” cruises will offer an expanded experience that includes Nickelodeon-themed cabins, onboard family activities, themed retail merchandise sale, passenger mementos and specially-created breakfast and high-tea menu items based upon Nickelodeon’s hit properties “SpongeBob SquarePants,” “Dora the Explorer” and “Go, Diego! Go!”

 

“Based upon the success of 2011’s ‘SpongeBob at Sea’ with Star Cruises, it became clear that there is strong demand to create richer family-friendly at sea experiences for passengers,” said Viacom International Media Networks Asia, Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Indra Suharjono. “By launching “Nickelodeon At Sea” and leveraging our audiences’ passion for Nickelodeon characters creates a unique customer offering in the tourism marketplace, one that is bound to have kids of all ages excited.”

 

“As the leading cruise line in Asia-Pacific, we are proud to present the ‘Nickelodeon At Sea” cruises on SuperStar Virgo and SuperStar Libra. Star Cruises is constantly innovating new once-in-a-lifetime cruise experiences to add sensation to our valued passengers’ family vacation. During these cruises, they will get to see their favourite Nickelodeon characters – SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick Star, Dora the Explorer and Go, Diego! Go!, and immerse themselves happily in interactive family activities. Importantly, they can spend precious quality time bonding together in top-notch Nickelodeon themed programmes exclusively onboard SuperStar Virgo and SuperStar Libra enter their ultimate cartoon fantasy, says Mr. Michael Goh, Senior Vice President – Sales, Star Cruises.

 

On SuperStar Virgo and SuperStar Libra, heaps of fun is always afloat. Day and night, there are fun-filled Nickelodeon themed activities for the whole family. Guests can wake up to an exotic destination each morning, and soak in the sights and sounds of Asian hotspots such as Phuket and Krabi (Thailand) and Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Malacca (Malaysia). With awe-inspiring destinations, luxurious accommodation, up to six sumptuous meals daily, and captivating Nickelodeon entertainment offerings in an all-inclusive “Nickelodeon At Sea” cruise on SuperStar Virgo and SuperStar Libra, a Star Cruises vacation is undoubtedly the perfect family vacation for holidaymakers seeking a hassle-free experience at the high seas. For more information about “Nickelodeon At Sea” cruises, please log on to www.starcruises.com/nickelodeon, or visit our appointed travel agents today.

“Nickelodeon At Sea” Cruises on SuperStar Virgo & SuperStar Libra

Kids Cruise Free* on SuperStar Virgo

(Selected 16 Nov – 30 Dec 2012 departures ~ 20 cruises)

Cruise Itineraries

2-Night Malacca/Kuala Lumpur Cruise (Wed)  

Departures: 21 & 28 Nov; 5, 12  & 19 Dec 2012

2-Night Weekend Cruise (Fri)  

Departures: 16, 23 & 30 Nov; 7, 14 & 21 Dec 2012

3-Night Penang/Phuket Cruise (Sun)  

Departures: 18 & 25 Nov; 2, 9, 16 & 23 Dec 2012

 

 

Kids Cruise Free* on SuperStar Libra

(Selected 11 Nov  – 30 Dec 2012 departures ~ 35 cruises)

Cruise Itineraries

3-Night Penang/Phuket/Krabi Cruise (Sun) 

Departures: 11, 18 & 25 Nov; 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 Dec 2012

1-Night High Seas Cruise (Wed – Sat) 

Departures: 14, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 29 & 30 Nov;

5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28 & 29 Dec 2012

*To enjoy “Kids Cruise Free”, kids below 12 years old must be accompanied by 2 paying guests sharing the same stateroom. Fares are per family of 4 (2 adults and 2 children) based on quad-sharing in an Inside Stateroom (DB), unless otherwise stated. Fares include passenger handling fee and fuel surcharge, correct at time of printing. Applicable to new bookings only and subject to stateroom availability. Other terms and conditions apply.

 

 

–Ends–

About Star Cruises

Star Cruises is represented in more than 20 locations worldwide with offices and representatives in Hong Kong, Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and the United States of America. Star Cruises, together with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), is the third largest cruise operator in the world that owns a combined fleet of 18 ships visiting over 200 destinations in the world, offering approximately 35,000 lower berths. The fleet cruises to over 200 destinations and islands in Asia-Pacific, North and South America, Hawaii, Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, Mediterranean and Bermuda.

 

Star Cruises is represented in more than 20 locations worldwide with offices and representatives in Hong Kong, Australia, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States and Vietnam

 

About SuperStar Virgo 

SuperStar Virgo, at 75,338-grt, is the largest cruise ship in Star Cruises Asian fleet. The 13-storey high SuperStar Virgo offers 915 cabins with 1,830 lower berths. The full range facilities include 13 restaurants and bars offering international cuisine which satisfy all tastes, show lounge, cinema, karaoke, disco, swimming pool, water fun pool and Jacuzzi, beauty salon, rock climbing facilities and meeting rooms. The endless entertainment program onboard guarantees spectacular cruising experience to cruisers of all ages.

 

About SuperStar Libra

SuperStar Libra is 10-storey high and offers 732 cabins with 1,472 lower berths. The full range facilities include 8 restaurants and bars offer international cuisine which satisfy all tastes, Show lounge, Disco, Karaoke, Golf Driving Range, Outdoor Spa and Jacuzzi. The endless entertainment program onboard guarantees spectacular cruising experience to families, youths and couples.

 

About Nickelodeon Asia

Nickelodeon, now in its 32nd year globally and 14th year in Asia, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. The company has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does with a portfolio that extends across television, music, publishing, digital media, mobile and consumer products. Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. are seen in more than 60 million households throughout North and Southeast Asia region with 24-hour programming services including Nickelodeon Southeast Asia, Nickelodeon Japan, Nickelodeon Korea, as well as Nickelodeon branded program blocks and syndications. For more information, visit www.nick-asia.com.

About Viacom International Media Networks 

Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN), a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), is  comprised of many of the world’s most popular multimedia entertainment brands, including MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, BET, Paramount Channel, VH1, VIVA, COLORS, Game One and Tr3s: MTV, Música y Más. Viacom brands are seen globally in more than 600 million households in more than 160 territories and 35 languages via more than 160 locally programmed and operated TV channels and more than 550 digital media and mobile TV properties. 

For media enquiries, please contact:

 

Star Cruises

Christine Lim                                                                        Tan Xue Jing

Senior Manager                                                                     Assistant Manager

Marketing & Product Development                                        Marketing & Product Development

Tel: +65 6832 9656                                                                 Tel: +65 6832 9662

Fax: +65 6832 9651                                                                Fax: +65 6832 9651

Email:chris.lim@starcruises.com Email: xuejing.tan@starcruises.com

 

 

Viacom International Media Networks Asia

Omar Gepiga

Nickelodeon Marketing & Communications

Tel: +65 64207184

Email: omar.gepiga@vimn.com

Website: www.nick-asia.com

Comcast Xfinity leverages NBCUniversal to bring multiplatform Olympics access and 3D

July 24 2012 – Xfinity TV will offer NBCUniversal’s Olympic content live and on-demand, across multiple digital, mobile and tablet platforms, and for the first time ever, the Games will be available in 3D.

In total, coverage of the London 2012 Olympic Games will leverage NBCUniversal’s more than 5,535 hours of programming, which represents the largest number of total Olympics hours ever.

Read more: http://www.rapidtvnews.com/index.php/2012072423191/comcast-xfinity-leverages-nbcuniversal-to-bring-multiplatform-olympics-access-and-3d.html?utm_source=newsletter_741&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=rapid-tv-news-current-edition-2407

News Corp. restructures top FOX leadership

July 24 2012 – Peter Rice, who has served as chairman of entertainment for Fox Networks Group since 2010, has been elevated to chairman and CEO of FNG, where he will oversee all programming and operations for the group, which includes FOX, FOX Sports, FX, Fox International and the National Geographic Channels.

 

David Hill, who has served as chairman and CEO of FOX Sports since 1999, has been elevated to senior executive vice president of News Corp., where he will focus on programming, digital initiatives and other opportunities spanning the breadth of the company’s operating units across Latin America, Asia, Australia, Europe and the U.S.

Read more: http://www.rapidtvnews.com/index.php/2012072423190/news-corp-restructures-top-fox-leadership.html?utm_source=newsletter_741&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=rapid-tv-news-current-edition-2407

Celestial Tiger channels reach top rankings on ASTRO after launch

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Celestial Tiger Entertainment’s HD channels reach top rankings on ASTRO three months after launch

Hong Kong (July 23, 2012) – Celestial Tiger Entertainment (CTE), the operator of the largest bouquet of pan-Asian channels dedicated to Asian entertainment, announced today that Celestial Movies HD and KIX HD both rank in the top three most-watched high-definition (HD) channels among all HD channels in Malaysia with ASTRO PMEB viewers from May 1 to July 15, according to Nielsen ratings data.  Both channels launched on ASTRO, Southeast Asia’s largest pay television platform, on March 1, 2012.

“The remarkable rate at which Celestial Movies HD and KIX HD have attracted an audience on ASTRO’s platform is a testament to both channels’ intrinsic appeal. Celestial Movies HD is now bringing the latest Chinese blockbusters into many non-Chinese households through ASTRO’s HD pack, and the result is fantastic. And KIX HD’s mix of all-action programming has definitely fulfilled an audience demand for combat events as well as action series and movies,” said Ofanny Choi, Executive Vice President, TV Networks.

Celestial Movies HD is the only HD Chinese movie channel in Malaysia. Through its output deal with the most prolific Chinese movie studios and distributors, Celestial Movies HD delivers the biggest stars and the biggest blockbusters first and exclusively.  The channel recently rolled out the Celestial Superstar Club, a summer campaign showcasing the biggest Chinese blockbusters from late 2011 through early 2012 such as Jet Li’s Flying Swords of Dragon Gate, Nicholas Tse and Jay Chou’s action movie The Viral Factor and Tony Leung, Zhou Xun and Sean Lau’s The Great Magician.

In June, Celestial Movies HD aired the number one, most-watched program among all HD channels on ASTRO for ASTRO’s PMEB viewers and ASTRO Chinese Malaysian audiences age 4+. The program is Jet Li’s epic fantasy The Sorcerer and the White Snake.

KIX HD is the ultimate destination for action entertainment in Asia with a diverse mix of combat events, action series and reality shows, and action movies. Localized with Bahasa, English and Chinese subtitles, KIX HD’s all-action programs include such top-rated Korean series as Blood Thirsty Prosecutor and the world’s largest tournament-style mixed martial arts promotion, Bellator Fighting Championships.

*Source: Nielsen Media Research Malaysia, 01/05/2012-15/07/2012.  Ranking performance based on average audience among all ASTRO HD channels.

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Media enquiries

 

Pauline Poon

Celestial Tiger Entertainment

T: 852 2239 6131

E: pauline.poon@celestialtiger.com

About Celestial Tiger Entertainment

CELESTIAL TIGER ENTERTAINMENT (CTE) is a diversified media company dedicated to entertaining audiences in Asia and beyond. The company focuses on the operation of branded pay television channels, content creation and content distribution targeted at Asian consumers.

CTE operates a powerful bouquet of distinct pay television channels including: CELESTIAL MOVIES, the most broadly distributed 24-hour Chinese and Asian movies channel in the world; CELESTIAL CLASSIC MOVIES, the gateway to an unparalleled array of Chinese movie masterpieces; CELESTIAL MOVIES ON DEMAND, Celestial’s subscription Video On Demand service; KIX, the ultimate in action entertainment; Thrill, Asia’s only horror and suspense movie channel; and KIX HD, featuring the best of action with a late-night dose of thrillers in high definition.

As one of Asia’s largest vertically integrated entertainment companies, CTE produces original content which complements its channels business. CTE is also the exclusive sales agent of content in all media in Greater China and Southeast Asia from independent Hollywood studio Lionsgate.

Headquartered in Hong Kong, CTE is a joint venture among Saban Capital Group, a leading private investment firm specializing in the media, entertainment and communications industries; Celestial Pictures, a major Asian entertainment company wholly-owned by Astro, the owner and operator of the leading DTH platform in Malaysia; and Lionsgate, the world’s largest independent filmed entertainment studio.

MNC Skyvision 1H up 37%

July 18 2012 – Media Nusantara Citra, the country’s largest listed media group, booked a 41 percent year-on-year increase in net income in the first half of 2012, the company has said.

Net income in the January to June period rose to Rp 749 billion ($79 million) from Rp 530 billion in the same period the previous year.

“Net income was boosted by a rise in operating net income and a lower interest cost as we paid our bonds in September 2011,” MNC said in a statement on Monday.

Read more: http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/corporatenews/indonesian-media-group-mnc-net-income-jumps-41-to-79m-in-first-half/531077

Astro relisting

July 20 2012 – KUALA LUMPUR: The relisting of Astro on Bursa Malaysia will drive a re-rating for the media sector as the company is likely to emerge as the largest media stock by market capitalisation.

OSK Research Sdn Bhd (OSK Research) said although Astro’s long-term prospects appear to be less attractive, the company might be positioned as a dividend play with its highly cash generative local pay-TV business.

“If we were to exclude its overseas operations, Astro is actually a cash cow, chalking up earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation of RM800 million to RM1 billion a year and thereby could be positioned as a dividend play,” it said in a research note yesterday.

It said Media Prima would benefit the most from the sector’s re-rating with it being the closest peer to Astro.

Media Prima is currently the largest free-to-air TV operator in the country, commanding the lion share of viewership at 48 per cent, followed by Astro with a 39 per cent share.

Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/07/20/astro-relisting-on-bursa-malaysia-will-drive-re-rating-for-media-sector/#ixzz218t2qCJ8a

Netflix and YouTube are Must Have Apps for Smart TV Owners

NEW YORK, July 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Smart TV manufacturers are hoping that the popularity of apps with smartphone and tablet users makes its way to the living room.  Manufacturers and retailers are selling more and more televisions preloaded with Internet-connected functionality, frequently referred to as Smart TVs. This provides an environment where consumers can use apps to do anything from surfing the Internet using a fully functional web browser, to streaming their favorite movies, TV shows and music right on their TV sets.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100517/NY06256LOGO)

Streaming video apps are the most popular apps for both Smart TV owners and consumers who don’t yet have a Smart TV. Three of the top five “must have” apps are Netflix (Owners 47%/Non-owners 34%), YouTube (Owners 44%/Non-owners 31%) and Amazon Instant Video (Owners 34%/Non-owners 23%).  Social media giant Facebook (Owners 35%/Non-owners 29%) and online radio leader Pandora (Owners 28%/Non-owners 18%) round out the top five.

These are some of the results of The Harris Poll of 2,634 U.S. adults (ages 18 and over) surveyed online between May 7 and May 15, 2012 by Harris Interactive.

Younger adults (those 18-35) chose YouTube (Owners 57%) as their top “must have” app over the more traditional experience offered by Netflix (Owners 54%) and Amazon Instant Video (Owners 38%).

Almost three-quarters (73%) of non-Smart TV owners indicate that they are not that familiar (39%) or not at all familiar (33%) with Smart TV or Internet Connected TV, despite the fact that shipment data suggests that manufacturers are continuing to ship more and more Smart TVs.

This could be a major barrier to future purchase consideration, as only 7% of those who are not familiar with Smart TV are likely to purchase a Smart TV within the next 12 months.  Conversely, non-Smart TV owners with a greater level of familiarity are four times (4x) more likely to purchase a Smart TV, with 29% suggesting that they are likely or very likely to purchase a Smart TV within the next 12 months.

Read more: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/netflix-and-youtube-are-must-have-apps-for-smart-tv-owners-163014526.html