Super Star Virgo

[furballPerth]

Hi Deb

I'm just back from my first ever cruise. I was in a balcony room (10058) and am so glad I had the freedom to go out there and enjoy the view. It was certainly worth the money as far as I was concerned. My cabin was starboard side, between fore and mid ship and that was a great position. On starboard side you get to see all the wonderful Malaysian coastline as you travel up to Penang and on to Phuket, if you are taking the cruise up through the Staits of Malacca. On the way back to Singapore from Phuket, the ship was further away from the coast so views weren't as good from the port side. That it just my opinion and I am sure others would see it differently. I don't know why suites on deck 9 are more expensive. Happy planning

Liz

[kuldalai]

The Junior Suites on Deck 9 look out over the aft end of the boat giving a 180 degree view and are classed as AC and come at a higher price for that reason. The Junior suites on Deck 10 are along both sides offering slightly less field of vision and are classed as AD - and they come at a lesser price.

[ssv]

The end of another year is upon us. As a big and loyal fan of Star Cruises, I just want to take this opportunity to thank all the staff; crew; officers; managers of the Group, including the port; immigration staff for making all my travels onboard ships an amazing one, as usual for the past eight years.

 

A big THANK YOU & KUDOS to everyone involved in the following fantastic trips I've been for 2007:

 

Superstar Virgo

 

February 02-04 (High Seas)

March 13-16 (PEN/PHU); 30-01/Apr (High Seas)

April 13-15 (High Seas); 20-22 (High Seas); 27-29 (High Seas)

May 04-06 (High Seas); 18-20 (High Seas)

June 08-10 (High Seas)

July 06-08 (High Seas); 13-15 (High Seas); 27-29 (High Seas)

August 10-12 (High Seas); 24-26 (High Seas)

September 02-05 (PHU/LAN); 14-16 (High Seas); 21-23 (High Seas); 28-30 (High Seas)

October 05-07 (High Seas); 19-21 (High Seas); 26-28 (High Seas)

November 02-04 (High Seas); 18-23 (PKL/PHU/LAN/PKL); 25-28 (PEN/PHU)

December 30-02/Jan (PEN/PHU)(Upcoming, but I have a feeling its gonna be fantastic already)

 

Superstar Aquarius

June 17-22 (HCMC/SAN)(Relocation from SIN-HKG)

 

Superstar Libra

June 01-02 (High Seas); 05-06 (High Seas)

 

Megastar Taurus

Once this year, however I forgot the date.

 

29 trips in total.

 

 

I have several trips planned for 2008 on almost all of Star Cruises' ships, and I believe they'll be better than before, if not great.

 

 

 

Towards A Greater 15!

[Deck10 007]

SSV,

Are you a gambler or a tourist.

I notice that apart from the 3 cruises on the Virgo and 1 on the Aquarius all your other cruises are high sea cruises or gambling cruises.

Do you use the points from the casino to pay for the cruises or do you pay cash for the cruises.

[ssv]

I do try my luck however my main purpose onboard is to relax and enjoy. The only free time for some months are the weekends, thus the high sea cruises.

 

See you onboard on Sunday!

[furballPerth]

Thanks for the welcome back Vera. I did have a wonderful time and can't praise the staff enough. My cabin boy was Mantri- a delightful young man- who could not do enough for me. I did notice that the cabin staff seemed to work very hard and very long hours by Australian standards. yet the work was always done cheerfully and to a very high standard.

 

The efficiency of the running of the ship was something that struck me. I could not believe how well they organised every aspect of the ship. At one point on the cruise, the captain said there were 2400 guests on board, with 1340 staff. I thought it was absolutely amazing that everything went as well as it did, particularly when a lot of people needed to be moved in a small space of time (e.g. for shore excursions). That was not the nightmare that I thought it would be. Embarkation and disembarkation were both very smooth, although I think being balcony class did help. I seemed to disembark very quickly at the end and could not believe that all the suitcases were already neatly lined up with signs indicating which deck they were from. I grabbed my bag and got through immigration quickly. The slowest queue was the taxi queue to go back to my hotel in Singapore after the cruise which wound its way through the shopping centre by the time I joined it. Fortunately it was only half an hour til I worked my way to the front of the queue.

 

The food onboard was absolutely fantastic. After an initial visit to the Mediterranean Buffet on arrival (it was open for lunch on the Sunday when we boarded around 2pm) I steered away from that as it was very crowded. I ate most meals in Bella Vista, which provided a wonderful menu with choices at all meals. I had a $400 cabin credit which was great for purchasing drinks with meals as they were not included, but by the end of the trip I had only used about half of it up.

 

We were told there were 900+ passengers on board from Singapore (Singapore school holidays in December) and about 23 nationalities in total. There were 140 Aussies.

 

The shows were fantastic. I managed to see Street Life twice and the Musicians of Breman once. The Chinese acrobatics in both shows were brreathtaking.

 

If anyone wants to ask me any questions do feel free. I found this website so helpful in preparing for the trip.

 

You ask if I'm going again. Absolutely, as time and finances allow. Certainly within the next couple of years. I would love to go on the Virgo again and a cruise out from HK sounds very appealing. Does anyone know if those cruises will operate at Christmas time or is the weather too rough then? That's the best time of the year, work wise, for me.

 

Regards

 

Liz

[kuldalai]

Liz,

 

Glad you found SS VIRGO the wonderful holiday experience most of us have. Most Companies would give an arm and a leg for the customer service culture and dedication of the Star on-board crews ; and the best thing is that is not a forced synthetic (have a nice day ) type culture it is one of genuine warmth and love of their jobs . It seems to me the crews enjoy the cruise as much as the passengers .

 

SS VIRGO will only be based in Hong Kong from late March to late October, 2008 ; then she will be back in Singapore and itineraries are currently posted up to March 2009 . (Supposed to go into dry dock in Singapore IIRC for 2 weeks during Jan 2009) . Itinerary details here ex Perth all inclusive :

http://www.creativecruising.com.au/cruises/cruise.asp?id=4011

 

 

If you want to do something out of Hong Kong then we will have to see what Star posts for late 2008 . SS Aquarius is going back there late October, 2008 and a new Star ship ex NCL is expected to join the Asian fleet late in 2008 to expand operations in China. This Decembers (2007) Star Itineraries ex Hong Kong should give some idea of what to expect for late 2008 : For SS Aquarius http://www.starcruises.com/newweb/our_fleets/superstar_aquarius_itineraries.aspx

For SS Libra

http://www.creativecruising.com.au/cruises/cruise.asp?id=3987

 

The Star website is undergoing a revamp at the moment and to be kind it is a bit of a mess with incomplete itineraries, out of date trips, and lots of links that do not work , and itineraries previously posted now missing in action .

 

 

Hope the above helps .

[gidget79]

Thanks for your help!!

 

I have decided to go and book a cruise for April 08. Fits in nicely with my holidays which are WA school holidays as I'm a teacher. Will let you know more when I know myself haha

 

Deb :)

[furballPerth]

Thanks for your guidance re checking out future cruises Kuldalai. It really got me going and guess what! I've booked again for next December. It is the best time for me because I'm a teacher. I found a really good website with dates, prices etc but I don't think I'm allowed to mention it here. I discovered that the early bird rates on the Virgo are really very reasonable and in fact it is costing less than what I paid in 2007 (because I was a novice and didn't book so early). So now I've got another wonderful cruise to look forward to all year. I tried to book the same cabin as I had this year (10058) as I though there were real advantages being on the starboard side when travelling up the Straits of Malacca but I was told they could only book on the port side on Deck 10. (10558) but I'm sure that will be fine.

 

I'll continue to check this website out and seeing what everyone else is doing while I contemplate my next cruise!

 

Liz

[gidget79]

Hi all

 

Just wondering if anyone has any information regarding shore excursions operating when the Virgo is based in Hong Kong. I've had a look on the star cruises web site and from what I could see the optional tours listed are based on the Singapore cruises.

 

I'm hoping to get a bit of an idea whats on offer (excursion-wise) while on board so I can plan to see some of the other sights during my stay in Hong Kong before and after.

 

Thanks in advance :)

 

Deb

[cheeky_minx]

Dear Kuladai

Thanks for the Star update. Any idea which NCL ship may be relocating to Asia? I have read that NCL have cancelled their scheduled Pearl cruises for end of 2008 to 2009 - is that a possibility?

 

Another Virgo or larger size option would be fantastic addition to Star in Asia. I love the Virgo have cruised her many times (funny how I perceive her to be a her), and am sailing NCL's new GEM from Barcelona in May - apparently Pearl is similar in size and layout.

 

Jane

[boeckli]

Dear Kuladai

Thanks for the Star update. Any idea which NCL ship may be relocating to Asia? I have read that NCL have cancelled their scheduled Pearl cruises for end of 2008 to 2009 - is that a possibility?

 

Another Virgo or larger size option would be fantastic addition to Star in Asia. I love the Virgo have cruised her many times (funny how I perceive her to be a her), and am sailing NCL's new GEM from Barcelona in May - apparently Pearl is similar in size and layout.

 

Jane

 

From what I read the Pearl's sailings for late 2008/early 2009 have not been canceled altogether but rather they have changed itineraries from a 9-day/5-day pattern to all 7-day Western Caribbean cruises - following link shows Nov 2008 thru to Apr 2009 (http://www.ncl.com/nclweb/cruisesearch/cruisesearch.html)

[kuldalai]

Well GEMINI has been sold and goes at end of 2008 . Presumably LIBRA will take over her itineraries. The word has been on Norwegian Dream coming over, but as Wind (Aquarius) has not been popular in Asia Star may well think twice before bringing its sister over .

 

The best thing would be for Spirit (formerly SS LEO) to come back to the Asian fleet; as it is the sister of VIRGO it was built for the Asian market (NOT for America) and then VIRGO and LEO would be interchangeable, less spare parts etc - economy of scale.

 

Finally there has been the suggestion that a newer boat ex NCLA like Pride of Aloha might come over to Star. These boats were built for the US market, and IMO it would make far more sense to bring back SS LEO to Asia.

 

If Star are to grow the cruise business in Asia as distinct from the floating casino business, then they really need two boats over to Asia by the end of 2008, for with GEMINI going will still be only net gain one vessel .

[cheeky_minx]

Thanks for the clarification on the Pearl.

 

I agree, we do need another decent option for Asia. It's a personal choice, but I know we will only do the Virgo or similar with Balconies, and less interest in the casino space. We loved the Virgo and will still do it from Hong Kong - just a bit further for us that's all. I am really hanging out for a Singapore to HongKong on Virgo itinerary.

 

Star could even consider increasing their Australian offering from Perth to Singapore?

 

Jane

[ssv]

cheeky minx - SIN-HKG on the Virgo will be loads of fun(because I may be onboard)

Don't hesitate!

Speculation and rumours, myth and legends. Lets just wait for Official Release OR leaks from me(just kidding, wont happen).

[cheeky_minx]

If any of you hear first, promise you'll post!

 

I am on NCL Gem from Barcelona in May - I am curious to see how it compares to our Virgo cruises. Star, especially with Virgo have everything just perfect! The service offerings, the fabulous crew, the beautiful ship, the great itineraries and all delivered with such flawless precision ... they have set the bar high

 

Am looking at Virgo for later in 08 or early 09, keeping an eye on itineraries.

 

Jane

[cheeky_minx]

Dear Boeckli

Thanks for the clarification on the Pearl - I got all excited there for while ... have heard Pearl is beautiful ship and thought it might enjoy a stint in Australasian waters.

 

Jane

[seasick_in_a_bathtub]

Hi Gidget79,

 

My family and I will be cruising on the Virgo in July. I have just started looking at accommodation in Hong Kong and all the excursions. In Halong Bay I will be booking a private junk cruise (http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g293923-i9984-k1629563-Halong_Bay_for_7_hours_on_cruise_stopover-Halong_Bay.html) , still not sure about Sanya and Xiamen. Hubby and son want to play golf at one of these places:rolleyes: , have to find the best golf course!

Have a look at the TripAdvisor Hong Kong forums, there is a wealth of information there....anything from accommodation to food, transport, things to see and do.

 

We cruised on the Virgo 2 years ago from Singapore....one of the most relaxing holidays ever:D

 

 

Cheers

 

Justine

[kuldalai]

Based on your criteria of SS VIRGO, Hong Kong to Singapore, and later in 2008 there is only one itinerary option available for you to book . Good advance purchase (Early Bird) all inclusive packages covering return air with QF, the cruise and accommodation in Hong Kong and Singapore available till end February 2008 from Aus . (Cabins Balcony and higher categories receive bonus $ 2000HK bar credit too).

 

Indicative pricing ex East Coast Aus :

 

http://www.creativecruising.com.au/cruises/cruise.asp?id=3949

 

Ex West Coast Aus :

 

http://www.creativecruising.com.au/cruises/cruise.asp?id=3950

 

Also further detail here on Star website :

 

http://www.starcruises.com/Itineraries/Hongkong/index_default.html

 

Hope to see you on board Superstar VIRGO on 19/10 ???

[boeckli]

If any of you hear first, promise you'll post!

 

I am on NCL Gem from Barcelona in May - I am curious to see how it compares to our Virgo cruises. Star, especially with Virgo have everything just perfect! The service offerings, the fabulous crew, the beautiful ship, the great itineraries and all delivered with such flawless precision ... they have set the bar high

 

Am looking at Virgo for later in 08 or early 09, keeping an eye on itineraries.

 

Jane

 

Hi Jane,

As the Gem was built at the same shipyard as the Virgo (and Norwegian Dawn), you will most likely see some similarities. We have cruised several times on the Virgo and in late October spent 3 weeks on the Norwegian Dawn - we felt very much at home and were not disappointed. Quite a few crew members from Asian countries with the same great service attitude and friendliness as you find on the Virgo. Also lots of items in the cabins and on the ship in general showed that the ships have the same origin.

Nothing to do with the shipyard but we even had the same captain as previously on the Virgo :D (a good friend to us and reason we sailed on the Dawn).

I'm sure you'll enjoy the Gem.

[cheeky_minx]

Based on your criteria of SS VIRGO, Hong Kong to Singapore, and later in 2008 there is only one itinerary option available for you to book . Good advance purchase (Early Bird) all inclusive packages covering return air with QF, the cruise and accommodation in Hong Kong and Singapore available till end February 2008 from Aus . (Cabins Balcony and higher categories receive bonus $ 2000HK bar credit too).

 

Indicative pricing ex East Coast Aus :

 

www.creativecruising.com.au/cruises/cruise.asp?id=3949

 

Ex West Coast Aus :

 

www.creativecruising.com.au/cruises/cruise.asp?id=3950

 

Also further detail here on Star website :

 

www.starcruises.com/Itineraries/Hongkong/index_default.html

 

Hope to see you on board Superstar VIRGO on 19/10 ???

 

Great, thanks for the info and links - will check it out !

Jane

[techie99]

Hi guys, I finally booked the junior suite on deck 9 for travel in march, this is for our honeymoon and we are really excited about it, we didn't get any balcony available so had to go for the suite.,

 

this would be our first cruise and just wanted any tips you could give us first timers. Do they do anything special for honeymooners? should i email them before hand? we are booked on the 5 day cruise and wanted help about which are must try restaurants and other things to do? should i try for an upgrade on boarding to the executive suite is it worth it? also should i open the star cruiser world card? we had to spend a bit more than our original balcony budget so don't know we can spend on any expensive extras on board, how much should we budget for the extras on board? our flight lands at 7am on the day of the cruise so we were just wondering if we could keep our bags someplace for 5 hrs or check in early? We are also spending 5 nights in singapore (our first time in singapore) later after our cruise, we'll probably book the shangrila hotel. thanks in advance mike and you guys i hope i can get help from all of you frequent cruisers. I'm very envious of you guys.

[TurtleMania]

Hi All

 

My wife and I have just booked our first ever cruise departing from Singapore in March 08 arriving in Hong Kong early April on the SS Virgo. We have stops in Xiamen, Saigon, and Satay. We have a private balcony room.

We are interested in hearing from people who have recently travelled on the Virgo as far as I dont know what to really expect. We are travelling for 6 nights so how much do I budget for with food if I want to have a meal or two in a paid restaurant? Are there any hidden costs associated with activities? Are the queues for everything as bad as i have read (from old posts)? Are there any TIPS you can give us for an easier experience?

We are interested in going to some markets at each stop so can anyone recommend some. I dont know how far the city is from each port we dock in so want to know how much time we have to shop etc.

Any info you can provide would be very much appreciated.:)

[kuldalai]

Junior Suites on Deck 9 on Virgo come with balcony and all three overlook the stern of the boat . Don't bother about upgrading those Junior Suites are very palatial . Yes let Star know at starcare on weblink that you are on honeymoon and they will do something extra for sure . In above balcony class on Virgo you should normally receive on board bar credit included, check with your TA. Join Star Cruiser via website before you travel (free) and collect your card on board , then accrue points for all on board purchases plus the value of your cabin purchase . Staying in Singapore recommend Allson or Redezvous hotels very central, close to Raffles Centre, Bugis Street, Orchard Road etc . Ask for better suites if you want them . Have a great honeymoon and great cruise . Leave the meal and tour costs to others to respond.

[kuldalai]

The SS Virgo placement cruise departing Singapore on 28/03/08 for Hong Kong has only two ports of call - Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) and Sanya (China) . Ho Chi Minh City is up Saigon River and Virgo berths approx 30 mins from city centre at Lotus Port . If you go on Star City Highlights Tour you will automatically be taken to the main markets . Sanya is an island and basically a photo stop . They will offer tours or transfers, look for the on board briefing in Star Navigator immediately on departure from Singapore . Don't worry about any queues as this is placement cruise will not be full , and you will have a great cruise with comfortable passenger numbers, but normal crew complement . Balcony class and above cabins you have $ 2000 HK bar credit ($300 Aus approx) which you will struggle to spend as a couple .