VESSEL REVIEW | PanStar Miracle – Large luxury cruise ferry to serve Korea-Japan route
South Korea's PanStar Group has commenced operational sailings of a new luxury cruise ferry, which the company said is the first vessel of its kind to be built in the country.
PanStar Miracle was built by Daesun Shipbuilding and Engineering. For its inaugural voyage on April 13, the ferry departed Busan Port International Passenger Terminal and set sail for Osaka, Japan.
Built for point-to-point sailings and sightseeing cruises
The ferry will be operated round trip between Busan and Osaka three times a week. On weekends, it will be used for a one-night cruise off the coast of Busan where guests can enjoy various performances and fireworks shows against the backdrop of the coastal scenery and the nighttime view of the Gwangan Bridge.
Future sailings of the ferry will include other international routes to China and Taiwan.
PanStar Miracle has a length of 170 metres (560 feet), a beam of 25.4 metres (83.3 feet), a gross tonnage of 22,000, a capacity of 353 passengers, and a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system that can deliver a service speed of 25 knots.
The ferry may also be used in a secondary freight transport role with deck space for up to 250 TEUs.
The vessel features 102 passenger cabins available in multiple categories including suites with balconies and rooms for disabled individuals. Among the cabins available for travellers in groups are those with bunk beds.
Broad selection of amenities
The other amenities are indoor and outdoor dining areas, cafes, fitness rooms, a sauna, outdoor pools, jogging tracks, game rooms, VIP lounges, convenience stores, duty-free shops, a conference room, children's play areas, and a live entertainment area.
One of the pools has temperature control to permit use even during winter.
PanStar said the vessel’s interior has been laid out to ensure the same feel as that of a five-star hotel.
Satellite intercent connectivity is also available on board, allowing passengers to work remotely during transits, while panoramic windows in many interior spaces provide unobstructed views of the outside while underway.
