Super Star Virgo

[walabe]

hello again everyone...not long to go now 21/10/07..we have been reading everything on here that you all have been saying and taking it in...just about jumping out of our skin...so thanks again for helping us...bernard & judy

[furballPerth]

Hi Bernard & Judy, I've been following all the entries too. I'm not going til 16/12/07 so I've got longer to wait til you but I'm getting lots of really helpful info by reading about others' experiences. Thanks to everyone for all the great contributions!

Liz

[Deck10 007]

The cruise ship business is changing rapidly here in Singapore. In their other hub Hong Kong their ships have always been all about gambling.

In Singapore it appears that the government is now allowing casino ships like the Omar and the Royale Star to do overnight gambling cruises to nowhere and homeport here in Singapore. They are doing a roaring business here from what I can tell on my cruises on these 2 ships this week. Why, the Omar is doing so well that their minimum bet of $100 is more than twice that on the Virgo. They also don't have to give out any Comps or incentives. I had to pay $100 for the cabin and $38 for the seaport tax myself.

Where is Star Cruises on all this. Why don't they have their other casino ships here right away. These other casino ships are taking business away from them. Why have 3 casino ships in HK soon when they had 1 previously. Why sent the Libra to HK istead of Singapore.

The cruises ship business in Asia is not about cruising any more but gambling. This is where the serious money is to be made. I was given the choice on the Omar of paying $100 for the cabin or buy $20,000 in casino chips and get the room for free. No doubt the company prefer me to take the second option as they prefer to get a piece of my $20,000.

Cruise ship business in Asia is dead. It is all about gambling

[ssv]

deck10007 = Star Cruises have the 2 babies in the fleet - Megastar Aries and Megastar Taurus in this market and if you have not been onboard, try! Recently many of the big punters are there on MAR/MTA instead of the Virgo.

 

$20,000 rolling provides a basic cabin on Long Jie, $50,000 provides an suite which is adequate for overnight cruises. IMO, the ship(ex-Royal Viking Star/Superstar Sagittarius) is extremely old and have very basic facilities. Minimum bet of $100 applies only to the Dragon room(?), the one on the deck above the restaurant I think. I'm not so sure, I wouldn't go on that ship again though, too run-down. Luckily my 2 trips there is positive overall.

 

Have not tried Royale Star/Leisure World. Anyway, MTA/MAR sufficiently caters to the high-rolling clients of Singapore and Indonesia for SC. Also, Superstar Aquarius will offer one-night cruise every Thursday so that is a boost to the suggested booming market.

[Deck10 007]

The minimum bet in the Dragon Room is $300 per bet.

The Omar (Long Jie) is run down? I was on the ship yesterday and it is anything but run down. When did you go on the ship.

The babies Aries and Taurus do not do overnight cruises to nowhere out of the Harbourfront and is such not competitors.

The Aquarius wont be in Singapore until April 2008 and the 1 night cruise to nowhere a week wont make much diference to the competitors. It should do the 7 nightly cruises to nowhere every week like the Pisces in HK.

[ssv]

ahh, thanks for the clarification. I did not notice the minimum bet limit.

 

In my opinion, and I emphasize this point again, IMO - the ship is run down. Yes the casino, restaurant and karaoke lounge is well furnished ala Aquarius. But its other areas are inadequate, did you visit the outside top deck? Unscrewed railings, worn-out anti-slip floors, cracked glass, light bulb on the floor, loose stairs - poor maintenance maybe, which reinforces the fact that she is rundown as maintenance is not as careful(virtually non-existent).

 

I do not see how the Megastars do not compete. Accomodation and food wise, fantastic compared to the measly buffet offered onboard LJ(you did not mention this point, but I just want to point out everything)

 

Yes, the M series do not offer one-night cruise out of Harbourfront and back @ Harbourfront but they still compete as LJ only offer ONE such trip per week(Thurs night to Fri morn), on other days AT LEAST one ferry transfer is needed(which includes a change of ferry in Indonesia and walking on a gangway over the sea from ferry to ship per transfer).

 

From Changi Ferry, only one ferry of 1hr is needed to directly reach Tj Belungkor, then a 2-mins walk on solid ground onto either of the twins compared to the 1hr 30min needed per transfer to LJ/RS/LW.

 

The comps/incentive and service offered by Star Cruises can attract me to cruise onboard MTA/MAR anyday whenever I have the urge to game. The twins are attracting very high-rollers(I know several and seen many) and are generating good revenue/profit that the rule "if it ain't broken, don't fix it" applies.

 

Positioning them out of Harbourfront only attracts low-yielding customers IMHO as shown by SSQ/SSR's June deployment(1 week of one-night cruise each, loads were terrible and mostly leisure customers = poor revenue/profit).

 

MTA/MAR is here to stay for at least another season with the release of operational schedule on the twins. Also, if Harbourfront operation is really so crucial and profitable, Wasa Queen will be here instead of PKL.

[wizofoz]

My family and I have just finished a cruise with P&O. We enjoyed ourselves and have just booked a balcony room (2 in fact) on the SSV. My question is this, What are the prices of drinks, both alcoholic and non alcoholic on board the ship and what is the duty free shopping like on board?

 

This is a great website, a wealth of information for cruisers,

 

regards

 

Wizofoz

[casu1]

In a Balcony you should get credit to use for drinks anywhere on the ship from memory beer is $5 plus tax per can, similar for cool drinks - but there are happy hours, Wouldnt be too concerned about drink costs, I have never utilsed our full credit allowance yet (not for want of trying) and that includes the cakes and ice creams plus Blue Lagoon snacks. must admit I am not a spirit drinker so unsure of those prices

Stuart

[wizofoz]

Thanks for your reply Stuart. Were the balcony rooms good value? Did you enjoy the ship.

 

wizofoz

[Westaussie]

Hi wizofoz and welcome! Have always enjoyed the balcony cabins on Virgo especially in Asia where you can enjoy being outside from the warm mornings to the balmy nights. Alaska I'd think twice ....

 

You'll love the ship. We, also, had "trouble" using all our cabin credit.

[boeckli]

wizofoz - welcome to the CC boards :)

I agree with the previous posters - we have always had a balcony on the Virgo and made good use of the F&B credit that was part of the deal - how far it goes of course depends on what you drink (or eat) but we have always found it quite sufficient.

Which P&O ship did you sail on and what itinerary?

[Princess Nic]

After our most wonderful trip on the Virgo in May, we were so keen to go again but wanted to try some different ports of call.

 

With news of the redeployment of the Virgo I was excited but had already booked my annual leave for next year and wondered if we would be able to try one of the new cruises.

 

I was so excited to find out that my leave fitted right in with the Virgo's redeployment cruise from Singapore to Hong Kong - so we booked!!!

 

We booked the same Junior Suite as we had in May and I am just thrilled to be heading back onto the Virgo for another cruise and explore some new ports of call.

[ssv]

Princess Nic = The relocation cruise should be fantastic. HCMC though is a problem if the ship does not dock near the city(once, it was a 2hr ride from port to city!). Sanya is a very nice beach town and the Tian Ya Hai Jiao(End of the World) is a must-see IMO. Hong Kong is one-word - wonderful.

 

As this is a high-profile cruise, I'll expect nothing but the best(always delivered on SSV, even on weekend cruise) so you'll have a great time!

 

By then, there should be a new theme and production show so there'll be something new entertainment wise although Street Life/Musicians of Bremen is one of the nicest already.

 

I think the arrival of Virgo to Hong Kong will be a bigger event than SSQ's. Not wanting to pull up your expectations, but IMO it'll be great.

 

Enjoy!

[wizofoz]

Boeckli - Which P&O ship did you sail on and what itinerary?

 

We left Brisbane for Noumea, Lifou and Port Vila on the Pacific Star. The ship was delayed leaving Brisbane for about 4 hours so by the the time we did leave port, it was dark and I did not get to see Morten Bay. This was our first cruise and I really enjoyed the time. The ship, from what I understand is not rated highly so hopefully, the next cruise will be much better. We have booked SSV (balcony) for September next year from Hong Kong, can't wait, really looking forward to the cruise.

[boeckli]

Princess Nic = The relocation cruise should be fantastic. HCMC though is a problem if the ship does not dock near the city(once, it was a 2hr ride from port to city!). !

 

Princess Nic - Lucky you!

Even though the Virgo docks further from the city than the Gemini, the trip up the river on the Virgo is far more exciting on the much larger ship (I think - having done both). We did Virgo to HCMC in 2003 and the ride from port to city was more like 1/2 hr - and even that is interesting, especially if you have never been there! The somewhat chaotic traffic is something you need to experience to believe ...

The Virgo on your trip is due to arrive in HCMC at 8 am (meaning she would take the pilot at Vung Tau when still dark) - make sure you get up as early as you can, to experience the full length of the river (we sailed both up and down river in full daylight and bright sunshine - what an experience). On our recent Gemini cruise the lower end of the river was in darkness both up and down, missing out on a lot of scenery).

[ssv]

Boeckli = What I mean was once, SSV docked at Vung Tau(or other port) and it took a 2 hours bus ride to reach HCMC. Usually she docks at Lotus Port which is 1/2 hour away from city.

[cheeky_minx]

Dear Wizofoz

I agree with the others re the drink prices they are like Aussie pub prices $5 beer, $10 glass of champagne ($17 a glass for Verve), $10-15 cocktails. A bottle of Margaret River Evans & Tate Cab Sav ~$35. We enjoy our beverages and we did not use up all our credit, including speciality restaurants.

 

We loved the balcony - for the sunrise in the morning to the sunset in the evening ...

 

You will have a wonderful time.

 

We have booked NCL Gem Med cruise for May, but I saw the SSV HK itineraries at the weekend and we booking for next September - cant wait.

 

Jane

[cheeky_minx]

we too are planning on a SSV Hong Kong Cruise June /July 08 - Great early bird specials on offer but again not extended to the suites (Must have been lucky in 06 to get 40% off a Junior Suite) I am also wondering about the weather that time of year in the waters around Hong Kong,

Anyhow ...Looks like I WILL get my fix of a Virgo cruise to Vietnam after all :)

 

 

Dear Stuart

That is great news about SSV HK itinerary including Vietnam. Did the Vietnam itinerary with SSV in June and it was fantastic, a real eye opener, you'll enjoy it. Vietnam put on such a wonderful welcome for SSV at the port ...

 

What surprised me the most was that the crossing from Singapore to Vietnam was so calm and flat (early June) and while the Strait is quite busy - we saw no other ships for days on end and the water was brilliant saphire blue ... it was magic ...

 

Jane

[cheeky_minx]

Dear All

I have been trying to follow the thread over the past month or so in regards to what ships are moving around etc...

 

I might have missed something, but with the Gemini sold and SSV to HK, do you know whether Star will be bringing a SSV style ship to Singapore in the future to do either the Singapore run or the Fremantle/Singapore run?

 

Jane

[cheeky_minx]

Princess Nic - Lucky you!

Even though the Virgo docks further from the city than the Gemini, the trip up the river on the Virgo is far more exciting on the much larger ship (I think - having done both). We did Virgo to HCMC in 2003 and the ride from port to city was more like 1/2 hr - and even that is interesting, especially if you have never been there! The somewhat chaotic traffic is something you need to experience to believe ...

The Virgo on your trip is due to arrive in HCMC at 8 am (meaning she would take the pilot at Vung Tau when still dark) - make sure you get up as early as you can, to experience the full length of the river (we sailed both up and down river in full daylight and bright sunshine - what an experience). On our recent Gemini cruise the lower end of the river was in darkness both up and down, missing out on a lot of scenery).

 

Yes, the river trip was amazing - we were due in HCMC for 8am - we got up about 4am and sat on the balcony, the river was in darkness, but you could make out the houses on the river - we sat there as the sun came up - the most impressive thing was the way they turned the ship around in the narrow of the river, no mean feat I can tell you ...

 

Jane

[casu1]

Jane

Thank you for your insights into the weather in June - I heard it can be pretty wet and steamy but sounds like you had a great cruise.

 

Wizofoz,

Balcony class is terrific - we upgraded to a suite for our last cruise but are heading back to balcony in 08. We didnt utilise the balcony enough on our last cruise, I like the idea of sitting out and waiting for the sunrise, perhaps we may even try the room service breakfast . Service was impeccable, we had ice delivered twice daily after we asked for it on day 1, nothing was too much trouble for the steward. Enjoy

[ssv]

Dear All

I have been trying to follow the thread over the past month or so in regards to what ships are moving around etc...

 

I might have missed something, but with the Gemini sold and SSV to HK, do you know whether Star will be bringing a SSV style ship to Singapore in the future to do either the Singapore run or the Fremantle/Singapore run?

 

Jane

 

Hi Jane :

 

SSV will be in HK from Apr to Oct after which, she will return to Singapore for the regular cruises. During her absence, SSQ(Aquarius) will take over her with a different route structure.

 

SSQ will be doing one 4-night cruise to Penang and Phuket, one one-night and one two-night cruise per week. After SSV's arrival in Singapore, SSQ will be back in HK for the regular one-night and two-night cruises.

 

SSG will only leave the fleet on December 08. After which there has been little news but I'd say SSR(Libra) will take over from Singapore with a co-port probably Port Klang or Laem Chabang as the Greater China route SSR is now on can be taken over by NCL Dream which will be here late-08.

 

 

I have heard speculation about some unplanned fleet movement in the Group(Asia, NCL, NCLA). Which if true, can bring a relief for shortage of premium capacity(newer, larger ships) in SIN/HKG.

 

 

BTW, there is a special cruise to Keelung, Taiwan on SSV ex-HK in September 08, are you joining that?

[boeckli]

I have heard speculation about some unplanned fleet movement in the Group(Asia, NCL, NCLA). Which if true, can bring a relief for shortage of premium capacity(newer, larger ships) in SIN/HKG.

 

We'll be on the Norwegian Dawn very soon :) - I'll try and see if I can find out anything as well.

[Jamin]

Hi all,

great to see the SSV thread is as strong as ever!

Also great to see new board members and excellent reports and feedback on Virgo and her itineraries.

We too have now booked 2 x JS on the new HK itinerary, 5N6D, HK - Sanya - Halong Bay - HK - Xianen - HK. ( SUN 12 OCT 2008 )

 

Cannot wait !!!

 

Cruise well

Simon

[ssv]

I wish they'll transfer the Dawn to Asia. Hopefully Singapore and I'll gladly give SSV up to HKG. :D

 

But seriously, with a huge influx of NCL capacity these 2 years, they can afford to give up 1-medium(Dream) and 1-large(Sun & above) ships IMO with the large ship based either in HKG or SIN.

 

The Libra can operate Thailand & Port Klang(where there is good traffic despite my pessimism some time back) while the new transfer can operate Greater China(homeport in Shanghai will be interesting IMO). And a large-sized ship will operate leisure routes out of HKG ala SSV's current itinerary.

 

That said, I'll send SSQ away to the breakers as there is overcapacity.:p or retrofit her for Japan or India.

 

 

Jamin - The last HK sailing before relocation back to Singapore! Maybe you'll join the relocation cruise as well to "complete" the South China Sea on SSV.