Super Star Virgo

[malamute]

Well, it's just on 2 weeks now before we head to the Far East and about 3 weeks until we board the Virgo. Not only the first cruise for us, but the first holiday for us out of South Africa. Not only are we extremely excited but equally nervous about having all the right things in place and making all the right decisions before leaving.

We left the booking procedure a little late, so didn't have much choice in cabins ... according to our TA, we got the last available cabin - Inside Stateroom ( 6593 ) ... an interesting cabin as it doesn't show on all the Deck Plans .. apparently a new addition (next to 6093) - hope it's OK ?!?

I'm assuming there's no onboard "credit" with these rooms ?

 

We were also just recently informed that we need to get our own Visas's - the TA assisted us with the application for a Multiple Entry Visa ... I assume this will be OK ?

 

On that note, I have read some postings regards the shore excursions and am probably more confused than before. It seems the majority of the time on the Shorex's are spent waiting in line to disembark ... is this true ? I;m really keen on seeing Halong Bay (pics look amazing) -- is it advisable to go on this excursion ? Should we try and pick one or two places, or go for all 3 ? Any advice would be helpful .. thanks. (Also regards the costs for the Shorex in Sanya, Halong Bay and Xiamen)

We're also wondering how easy/difficult or scary it would be to do the shorex without going on an organised tour ... don't want to get lost or "miss the boat" either ..!

 

Oh yes ... may seem like a stupid question .. but, for packing purposes, do we need to bring our own Beach Towels? :-)

 

Also, from a newbie point of view .... is there anything else that can be recommended that we do as soon as we get on board ... don't want to leave things too late and then miss out on the "good stuff" !

 

Thanks for the info !

[malamute]

Hey - where's everyone gone :-)

[maxx]

Hey - where's everyone gone :-)

Not long to go now, I hope you have a fantastic time. I'm so envious.

I can't answer any of your questions unfortunately.

Silly question...but have you checked out the website for info?

I'm also a Virgo Virgin, so I look forward to your review.

[NewbieCruiser_01]

Well, it's just on 2 weeks now before we head to the Far East and about 3 weeks until we board the Virgo. Not only the first cruise for us, but the first holiday for us out of South Africa. Not only are we extremely excited but equally nervous about having all the right things in place and making all the right decisions before leaving.

We left the booking procedure a little late, so didn't have much choice in cabins ... according to our TA, we got the last available cabin - Inside Stateroom ( 6593 ) ... an interesting cabin as it doesn't show on all the Deck Plans .. apparently a new addition (next to 6093) - hope it's OK ?!?

I'm assuming there's no onboard "credit" with these rooms ?

 

We were also just recently informed that we need to get our own Visas's - the TA assisted us with the application for a Multiple Entry Visa ... I assume this will be OK ?

 

On that note, I have read some postings regards the shore excursions and am probably more confused than before. It seems the majority of the time on the Shorex's are spent waiting in line to disembark ... is this true ? I;m really keen on seeing Halong Bay (pics look amazing) -- is it advisable to go on this excursion ? Should we try and pick one or two places, or go for all 3 ? Any advice would be helpful .. thanks. (Also regards the costs for the Shorex in Sanya, Halong Bay and Xiamen)

We're also wondering how easy/difficult or scary it would be to do the shorex without going on an organised tour ... don't want to get lost or "miss the boat" either ..!

 

Oh yes ... may seem like a stupid question .. but, for packing purposes, do we need to bring our own Beach Towels? :-)

 

Also, from a newbie point of view .... is there anything else that can be recommended that we do as soon as we get on board ... don't want to leave things too late and then miss out on the "good stuff" !

 

Thanks for the info !

 

 

Pretty sure you don't get onboard credit, think it is only for Balcony class.

Regards to shore excursions, we only went on one in Halong Bay. I think it cost $340 HK. We were waiting for ages to get off the ship but the weather was terrible and they were having trouble with the tenders because of it. I wouldn't have wanted to organise anything myself because you would have to go ashore in a tender (waiting until all the tours had gone) and then find your tour leader, which would waste heaps of time. We found the tour was fine, we were on a boat for about an hour then went ashore and had lunch and wandered around the markets for another half hour. All this was much shorter than it was supposed to be because of the weather. Though it was very nice that the staff on the shop handed out rain ponchos. :)

Disembarking in Sanya and Xiamen didn't seem to take that long, (we were watching from our balcony) I think because we were at a wharf and the tenders didn't have to be used. I talked to a couple of ladies about Xiamen, they just got the shuttle bus and did whatever they wanted, they didn't seem to have any difficulties.

As far as I know you don't need your own beach towels. Not sure if they let you take them off the ship but for the pool they have them pool side.

We didn't really do much on the ship as we had our 6mth old son with us, but will recommend the food in the Bella Vista. We went to the buffet for lunch one day and couldn't believe how rude some people are so we didn't go back. (it wasn't staff!)

We also did bingo a couple of times in the Galaxy of the Stars. It was silly but fun.And we went to the arcade. (we are just big kids)

Oh nearly forgot, I can recommend Oscars Hair and Beauty, I had a facial and had my hair blow dried and they were cheap and did a good job.

Don't forget to be on time for the safety drill otherwise you get glared at but other passengers who have been waiting for ages and yes we were the ones glaring. ;)

Any more questions, just ask. We didn't do a lot but we didn't feel bored either. Hope this helps.

Judy

[whizzeypurr]

Hi

 

Can anyone comment on smoking in public areas of the ship - we're a family of non-smokers living in Australia - here smoking is regulated in public areas such as restaurants and laws generally are upheld.

 

I know more cruise lines are adopting stricter "laws" on where smoking is allowed - what is SSV like?

 

We're sailing 6 July from HK for a 6 day trip (Halong Bay, Xiamen and Sanya).

 

Thank you - this will be our first cruise.:o

[seasick_in_a_bathtub]

Hi Malamute,

 

Not long to go now:) . Your cabin on Deck 6 sounds just fine.....unfortunately no credit onboard, but I remember most extras (eg. drinks) being reasonably priced.

Not sure about the visas.....here is Australia only one visa is included and if we want to go onshore in both Sanya and Xiamen, we need to get the second one by ourselves.

There are plenty of beach towels on board.....no need to bring your own.

We only cruised once before, Straits of Malacca on the Virgo, so I'm not an expert by a long shot.......but it was one of the most relaxing holidays ever.

When we boarded, we went to our cabin, left the hand luggage, and explored the ship with a glass of campagne in hand:D . From the Bella Vista restaurant on deck 6, to the karaoke rooms, specialty restaurants, shops, the video arcade. LOL.....we probably behaved like kids in a lolly shop.

 

Favourite spots: The Taverna on deck 13.......the Observatory in the Galaxy of the Stars, the library and the kids pool on deck 10....never too crowded, lots of shade, perfect for relaxing, reading a book, napping or just daydreaming:rolleyes: .

 

Most onshore excursions can be booked as soon as you board.......there is a desk in the main lobby. We tend to do things on our own, but I always leave plenty of time to make our way back to the ship.

 

If you need any info on Hong Kong, things to do and places to see, check out the Trip Advisor Forums:)

 

We are on the same sailing, so might see you on board......2 weeks and counting:D

 

Cheers

 

Justine

 

 

 

Whizzeypurr - we are also non smokers and I seriously cannot remember any problems with cigarette smell. All the restaurants are non smoking, as are most public areas.

I think smoking might (?) be allowed in the casino and there is a cigar room on Deck 12, but we never found it to be a problem.

 

Have a great cruise, I'm sure you will love it:D

 

Justine

[furballPerth]

Whizzzeypurr

 

I'm a non-smoker and I was never troubled by other people's smoke. The Star Navigator states the policy as follows:

"smoking is not permitted in any of our restaurants or indoor public areas including lifts. Smoking is only permitted in our bars and on the open decks."

From memory I don't think passengers were allowed to smoke in cabins either because of the risk of fire.

 

Have a great trip!

 

Liz

[whizzeypurr]

Thanks for the responses from the Perth Sandgropers (me too!) - looking forward to a relaxing time on board;)

 

 

Whizzzeypurr

 

I'm a non-smoker and I was never troubled by other people's smoke. The Star Navigator states the policy as follows:

"smoking is not permitted in any of our restaurants or indoor public areas including lifts. Smoking is only permitted in our bars and on the open decks."

From memory I don't think passengers were allowed to smoke in cabins either because of the risk of fire.

 

Have a great trip!

 

Liz

[NewbieCruiser_01]

We were a little annoyed by smokers because they seemed to be everywhere outdoors. We didn't spend much time out on deck because we were constantly walking away from them. :( But we did have lots of fun indoors, too hot to be outside anyway. :)

I think you can smoke in cabins because there was an ash tray in ours. And when we walked past some cabins you could smell cigarettes.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. But I can say it wasn't as bad as when we visited China a few years ago where people were smoking everywhere inside, restaurants included.

Judy

[seasick_in_a_bathtub]

Whizzeypurr,

 

You are welcome.

 

See you on board:D

[malamute]

Hey Whizzeypurr, seems like we're on the same trip - as well as with seasick-in-a-bathtub .... ! :D We'll prob walk past each other though, seeing as we don't know who's who .. ... :p :eek:

 

By the way, we've been advised to drink only bottled water wherever we go .. I assume the water on the ship is OK though .. is it ?

[cruisingpete]

Hey Whizzeypurr, seems like we're on the same trip - as well as with seasick-in-a-bathtub .... ! :D We'll prob walk past each other though, seeing as we don't know who's who .. ... :p :eek:

 

By the way, we've been advised to drink only bottled water wherever we go .. I assume the water on the ship is OK though .. is it ?

The water in Hong Kong is fine. You can drink that. Drink only bottled water in China and Vietnam.

[ssv]

SUPERSTAR VIRGO will be back in SINGAPORE from OCT08 to......!

 

She'll be doing the usual short cruises out of Singapore:

 

1) Singapore - Penang - Phuket - Singapore

2) Singapore - Port Klang - Singapore

3) Singapore - Singapore

 

Duration and embarkation days remain the same, times are slightly changed.

[furballPerth]

SUPERSTAR VIRGO will be back in SINGAPORE from OCT08 to......!

 

She'll be doing the usual short cruises out of Singapore:

 

1) Singapore - Penang - Phuket - Singapore

2) Singapore - Port Klang - Singapore

3) Singapore - Singapore

 

Duration and embarkation days remain the same, times are slightly changed.

 

ssv

 

Do you know what the new embarkation times are for Singapore? I'm sailing on 21 December (Sunday departure)

Thanks

Liz

[ssv]

I'll be on that sailing too.

 

Ship sails 1 hour earlier, at 1500 hours and will arrive back in Singapore at 1900 hours.

[Jamin]

Hi all:D

 

Just a quick note to say that I hope you all enjoy the cruise.

 

I hope to hear some great reports and feedback.

 

Please let the rest of the SSV board surfers how the shows are and any shorex opinions.;)

 

Happy cruising

 

Simon :)

[casu1]

Hi all

Just returned from another holiday and thought i would share a few of the experiences.

 

China Visa

You only need to acquire your own visa for Xiamen. A visa is not needed for Sanya if you book a shore tour (this includes the shopping shuttle). However if you want to do your own thing independently, you will need an additional entry visa -

 

Shore Ex

Sanya - in my opinion a waste of time, the tours were of limited interest and trying to buy anything is a nightmare. The ship will only change a maximum of HKD 500 into chinese money and money changers do not exist on sanya - or that we could find

Halong Bay

Terrific, apart from the torrential downpour - no problems here, welcomed and highly enjoyed the halong bay cruise

Xiamen

What a surprise - a terrific port of call and totally unexpected. A vibrant cosmopolitan place - and as my wife called it a shoppers paradise. You can change money here but only in banks with a HKD2000 minimum usually applied.

Boarding and checking in

A nightmare !!! The usual Singapore efficiency has not translated to Hong Kong. we were there at 11am which I know is early but everywhere we looked people were lugging around suitcases and being given conflicting information by star staff as to where to check in their baggage. (it is opposite Panache Bakery on the first floor of Harbour City Shopping mall we eventually found out) we were constantly being sent upstairs then downstairs , signage pointed the wrong way and know one seemed to know what was going on. After we did manage to check in our bags (at 1pm) we were sent upstairs to check in and encouter some of the rudest immigration and star cruises staff we have ever come across. It may have been a bad day as people we met said this was totally unlike what usually occurs.

Maybe the hassles left a bad taste in our mouths but the cruise itself was not as enjoyable as previous, the staff were friendly enough, facilities magnificent and food first class - but something didnt seem right to us .....most of the staff we talked to said they couldnt wait for the ship to go back to Singapore, maybe that in itself says something. So I would give this trip a 6.5/10 rather than the 8 or 9 I would have given previously.

[malamute]

Hi - that does sound disappointing ... we'll be going next week. Your advice, especially regards the boarding will be very useful. Does this apply to all cabins ? Is it worth our while then to have extra chinese currency for Sanya before boarding? We'll probably go on the Shore Ex, but dont want to be caught off-guard.

We wont have anything else to compare the cruise with, so hopefully it will still be great, despite the problems they seem to be having ...

 

Thanks again !

[casu1]

Yep in hindsight i would take extra Chinese currency (not a lot to buy in Sanya though and most of it fake as far as electrical items) - plenty of money changers in the vicinity of Harbour City. Dont get me wrong we still had a great time, just little things bugged us and others on the cruise. The boarding info is the same for all cabins as far as baggage goes - I guess if we had arrived later we wouldnt have had the hassles - You will have a great time the shipboard staff are incredibly efficient and friendly - cant say the same about their ground staff though. My tip.... save the shopping for Xiamen, enjoy the experience of Halong Bay..and let me know if you agree with me on Sanya :)

[whizzeypurr]

Have to admit that I've read similar "disappointing" reviews on Sanya(Rough Guide to China etc) so we're intending to givie it a miss and will enjoy using the ship's facilities instead (no real loss!). Xiamen + Halong Bay sound great though.

 

A couple of queries (before we sail on 6 July) -

 

;) what clothes to take - I'm assuming it'll be warm + fairly humid so summery clothes wil be in order together with some smart things for Dinner

 

;) Teen Club - our daughter is 13.5 years and keen to enjoy the new cruise experience with us oldies - does anyone have a comment on the quality of the Teen Club activities?

 

Thanks

(looking forward to seeing you too Malamute!):)

[seasick_in_a_bathtub]

We might just take a shuttle to Sanya city centre, have a quick walk around and back on board to enjoy the almost empty ship:D

 

1 week and counting.....looking forward to escape the winter for a couple of weeks!:rolleyes:

 

 

Cheers

 

Justine

[bodget]

did you do the ship organised ex at halong bay on the junk or did you organise your own?

[kuldalai]

1. Drinking water - the tap water on board is desalinated and quite safe to drink . Two (2) bottles per day free still water provided in Staterooms. Ashore play safe always drink bottled water which is cheap by Aus standards.

 

2. Halong Bay - the Star Shore excursions on the bay are excellent . We prefer the shorter half day version when it is offered . Halong Bay is a very pretty town, and a very dramatic bay and landscape when seen from the launches.

[cheeky_minx]

hello everyone

Havent been on for a little while, but glad to see everything is still going strong. Just got back from NCL Gem Western Med cruise, and despite her size and newness (if that's a word), for a number of reasons SSV is still our favourite!!!

 

I know SSV will be doing Singapore itineraries from Oct 2008, but does anyone know, is it the plan that SSV will be returning to Hong Kong itineraries from Apr/May 2009? Really want to sail her out of Hong Kong next time.

 

If anyone hears the new itineraries are out can they please let us know. I'll do the same if I hear.

 

Thank you

Jane

[casu1]

did you do the ship organised ex at halong bay on the junk or did you organise your own?

 

We did the ship organised one . we took the option without lunch so we were taken by the ships tender to the jetty, saw the markets first and then did the Halong bay cruise at the end. The junk then took us straight back to the ship - pretty ideal.

 

Just an aside:

Lots of beggers awere round the ship shouting for money to be thrown. The local police in boats had their handsful trying to move them and kept circling the ship - as they cleared one side the beggers would move to the other side and so forth.