Super Star Virgo

[boeckli]

I have cabin 11578 which is mid ships and under the seating around the Parthenon Pool. Would it be worth my while to ask to be 'waitlisted' for Deck 10 if there is a cancellation. Not sure if you can do that. Can't wait for August anyway!!!

 

If you can't get a cabin on deck 10, why not try to be moved further forward on deck 11 (we have been in 11500, 11006, 11022, 11032 and did not have any noise problems from above)

Main thing - plan to enjoy your cruise !!

[skittles11]

What sort of shows are on SSV presently.

[jancy]

Hi everyone

 

Well we have just returned from 6 nights on Superstar Virgo and what a shock we were in for. This cruise is a casino ship! Just ask the crew and they will confirm. We had 700 Indians and 1000 Chinese on this cruise and they were all there for one thing - the casino. There were about 100 Australians and we were all surprised at this cruise. Apparently Austaralins fill the empty cabins...... We had an inside cabin as we usually do and did not sight our cabin steward for the entire 7 days. The room was cleaned once in the morning and the bedcoverings were very shappy with no fridge ot tea making facilities. Must say the bathrom was large though.

 

The ship sails back to Singapore on Day 4 and picks up an entire new passenger list as nearly all guests are on for the casino experience of 3 nights. In fact some of the crew told us that some passengers never even unpack their bags! The entertainment is repeated on a 3 day cycle. This is very ordinary with a lot of dubbing.

We enjoyed the shore excursions but needed to tender at nearly every port. (Thanks to other cruise critic members for their advice on these.)

 

There are few activities on days at sea as the casino caters for nearly all on board. Smoking seems to be permitted everywhere on board. There was no respect for the queue system at the buffet and you had to fight your way out of the elevators. The crew were friendly but were continually lamenting the demise of the real superstar Virgo and absolutely hate the casino style. There is little opportunity to build up rapport with the crew but they do LOVE Australians! We were on board during the bushfires and they were genuinely concerned.

 

The restaurant Bella Vista was good but again no rapport with staff.

 

The Taj was great value at $18 a person for aan Indian buffet.

 

We like our wine which was at $40 a bottle for a basic Australian wine.

 

We took Australian gifts for crew but honestly could not find anyone that we wanted to congratulate on excellent service.

 

The casino in Sinapore is due to be finished in 2010 and the crew cannot wait as they hope to regain the "old" Virgo.

 

It is all a bit sad - we would love to try the Virgo again but may wait a couple of years!

 

Jancy

[themaxydog]

Jancy

 

Thanks for the post it is a bit disappointing to read though. My first trip on Virgo was as you have discribed here and I really didn't want to go back. We booked Libra after reading only good reports about her but as you can see we sail in a matter of days after being moved from Libra to Virgo on Libra's demise. Just a quick question or two, with everyone in the casino does that mean that the rest of the ship was empty? The pay restaurants, is it easy to get a booking? Do they still have a gala night or has this gone by the way side too? The main reason for asking this is weather or not to take a jacket. I would also be interested in your thoughts regarding your trip on Costa Allegra, Singapore - Hong Kong, we have been thinking about it but the ship has very mixed reviews.

 

Cheers John

[johnauf]

Currently in phuket, having a wonderful time so far.

 

Have to say that the service and quality of everything has been sensational. Sure 3/4 on board are Indian/Chinese and most of those are here to gamble, however that leaves more room at the other venues to party. There's only Aussies left to party after midnight anyway.

 

We are traveling Admiral Class, which would makes some difference to the level of service we receive, but none of the queues I saw where to long.

 

Will do a more comprehensive report after our honeymoon, but I'll post a few pics for now. Won't have internet again until tomorrow night if anyone has any questions.

 

John

[johnauf]

more pics

[bendigoboy]

Just joined the board. We will sail in June on Virgo. Wondered about excursions in Phuket and Langkawi from anyone who has done the cruise. Read the star cruise site info but its rather basic. Also any information on drink prices on board would help. We are in balcony class and have some credits.

[furballPerth]

Hi everyone

 

Well we have just returned from 6 nights on Superstar Virgo and what a shock we were in for. This cruise is a casino ship! Just ask the crew and they will confirm. We had 700 Indians and 1000 Chinese on this cruise and they were all there for one thing - the casino. There were about 100 Australians and we were all surprised at this cruise. Apparently Austaralins fill the empty cabins...... We had an inside cabin as we usually do and did not sight our cabin steward for the entire 7 days. The room was cleaned once in the morning and the bedcoverings were very shappy with no fridge ot tea making facilities. Must say the bathrom was large though.

 

The ship sails back to Singapore on Day 4 and picks up an entire new passenger list as nearly all guests are on for the casino experience of 3 nights. In fact some of the crew told us that some passengers never even unpack their bags! The entertainment is repeated on a 3 day cycle. This is very ordinary with a lot of dubbing.

We enjoyed the shore excursions but needed to tender at nearly every port. (Thanks to other cruise critic members for their advice on these.)

 

There are few activities on days at sea as the casino caters for nearly all on board. Smoking seems to be permitted everywhere on board. There was no respect for the queue system at the buffet and you had to fight your way out of the elevators. The crew were friendly but were continually lamenting the demise of the real superstar Virgo and absolutely hate the casino style. There is little opportunity to build up rapport with the crew but they do LOVE Australians! We were on board during the bushfires and they were genuinely concerned.

 

The restaurant Bella Vista was good but again no rapport with staff.

 

The Taj was great value at $18 a person for aan Indian buffet.

 

We like our wine which was at $40 a bottle for a basic Australian wine.

 

We took Australian gifts for crew but honestly could not find anyone that we wanted to congratulate on excellent service.

 

The casino in Sinapore is due to be finished in 2010 and the crew cannot wait as they hope to regain the "old" Virgo.

 

It is all a bit sad - we would love to try the Virgo again but may wait a couple of years!

 

Jancy

I went on my second Virgo cruise in December and am not a gambler, however at one point did go to have a look and was shocked that there were so many Asians gambling! However I had a wonderful time. There were only 90 Aussies on my cruise in December. I enjoyed the meals (esp Bella Vista), the shows, the tours and just chilling out and relaxing.

 

In fact I enjoyed it so much I am going again in August, just for a chill out week from a busy work life. I can't wait. I figure with so many people in the casino it means the rest of the ship is not so crowded.

 

I must admit Jancy that I didn't think the cabin service (I was balcony class) was nearly as good as the first time I went a couple of years ago. Didn't leave a tip this last time!

 

I only booked a couple of weeks ago but was shocked that the only balcony cabin I could get was on Deck 11 under the pool area! Still I am determined to enjoy it anyway!

[jancy]

Hi John

 

Sorry did not mean to sound so off putting . I am sure you will enjoy the trip it is just quite different to previous cruises. We were also booked on Libra like you!

 

Yes, during casino times the rest of the ship is very quiet and it is easy to get a seat and drinks etc at the bars or lounge. It is easy to get bookings at the pay restaurants again, if during casino times. The main time when it is really busy and you notice the crowds is when the casino is closed and then it is elbow time!! Yes gala night is still on but it is the least formal gala night I have been to. My husband just wore a shirt and tie and was very comfortable as there were many men without ties.

 

I got very stressed at the way many of the passengers treated the staff. They are all lovely staff but opened up to us how much they loathe the current gambling style on board. They love Aussies!

 

Any other queries just fire away befor you head off.

 

Reagrsd

 

jancy

 

For a different cruise experience again go on the Costa Allegra .A different mix again and a great itinearay!

Jancy

 

Thanks for the post it is a bit disappointing to read though. My first trip on Virgo was as you have discribed here and I really didn't want to go back. We booked Libra after reading only good reports about her but as you can see we sail in a matter of days after being moved from Libra to Virgo on Libra's demise. Just a quick question or two, with everyone in the casino does that mean that the rest of the ship was empty? The pay restaurants, is it easy to get a booking? Do they still have a gala night or has this gone by the way side too? The main reason for asking this is weather or not to take a jacket. I would also be interested in your thoughts regarding your trip on Costa Allegra, Singapore - Hong Kong, we have been thinking about it but the ship has very mixed reviews.

 

Cheers John

[delphinos2005]

Hello all!

 

My fiance and I are having our honeymoon cruise on April 12-15. Singapore-Penang-Phuket. Balcony Class. Deck . Cabin 90028. Both of us are first time cruisers. We are so excited!

 

We booked last February 8 thru a travel agent. And I just received our e-tickets this afternoon.

 

It took me 3 weeks to finish reading the entire (as in the entire!) SSV thread.:) I was too shy to ask questions coz it might have been answered already in previous discussions. And true enough, most of the answers were there!

 

I got so worked up and really excited after reading all the wonderful time you had while onboard. I truly appreciate all those who have shared their tips and stories. (Btw, I miss poster Mike.)

 

Anyhow, I got a bit disappointed after reading Jancy's and furballPerth's latest reviews. Too many gamblers and smokers onboard?! Oh no. Staff service deteriorating?! Oh my. Gala night not so special anymore? Tsk. Tsk.

 

I'm really looking forward to an awesome experience, like most of you had (in earlier posts). But this bad review set me back to reality. Well, I guess for now, I will just lower my expectations, and consciously decide to enjoy this trip whatever happens.:)

 

I just have one question. We are from the Philippines, and we dont have a national/identity number.

 

When I tried to register online at starcruise website (http://www.starcruises.com) and when I tried to apply for a starcruise worldcard, (http://www.starcruiser-worldcard.com/Application.asp) -- the forms are asking for this identification number. Any idea what should I place there?

[vozzie]

First of all ... don't panic.

Second .... you WILL enjoy the cruise.:)

Third ... You will find that experienced cruisers will find little things to make big things about , because, all in all, every cruise is good. Just some experiences are better than others.:o

 

Yes, there are gamblers on board ... more room for you

Yes, there are smokers on board ... but you can normally avoide them

Yes, the buffet can get a bit hectic ... but you need never eat in the buffet, if that worries you

 

Lastly, I can't help with the ID thing.

[delphinos2005]

^Thank you so much Vozzie! Thanks for putting my "worries" in a nicer perspective. I am decided to enjoy this trip come what may. :)

 

Would anybody know what shows/entertainment are currently being shown, or will be shown on April? I hope somebody can upload their star navigator. The first and last one I saw was from page 4 or 5. :)

 

Also, may I know what time the casinos usually close? Just want to plan ahead on how to avoid the busy crowd.

 

Maraming Salamat (Thank you so much).

[seasick_in_a_bathtub]

Hi delphinos2005,

 

First of all, congratulations on your up and coming wedding and honeymoon.:)

 

Just to add to vozzie's posting......

Smoking is only allowed in certain areas of the ship.......all restaurants, most public areas are smoke free. We travel with kids and I'm a reformed smoker, but I have never ever had a problem with cigarette smell on board.

 

If you plan to eat in the buffet, do NOT go as soon as it opens....wait 30 minutes or so and you will miss most of the pushing and shoving.

 

We have always had great service from our room steward and everyone else on board. Just smile and they will smile back.

 

I believe people who have cruised on more formal lines, might find the gala night too casual....shirt and tie for men, and a cocktail dress for women is more than sufficient.

 

The casino closes about 1 hour before docking and opens 45mins to 1 hour after sailing.....due to gambling laws it cannot operate when in port.

 

As vozzie said.....RELAX, enjoy the cruise, don't stress the small things.

 

Book a couples' massage:D, enjoy a glass of champagne on your balcony while watching the world sail by.

 

Any other questions, please ask.

 

Cheers

 

Justine

 

 

PS. WE have just booked the Virgo for July 2009, our 3rd cruise on her in 4 years!

Took me years to convince hubby to try cruising amd now he is hooked.:rolleyes:

[furballPerth]

^Thank you so much Vozzie! Thanks for putting my "worries" in a nicer perspective. I am decided to enjoy this trip come what may. :)

 

Would anybody know what shows/entertainment are currently being shown, or will be shown on April? I hope somebody can upload their star navigator. The first and last one I saw was from page 4 or 5. :)

 

Also, may I know what time the casinos usually close? Just want to plan ahead on how to avoid the busy crowd.

 

Maraming Salamat (Thank you so much).

 

Delphinos the shows last december were Sports Unlimited (great...former Olympic sports stars), a crew show Land of Make believe & The Musicians of Bremman which has been on for a couple of years.

 

Sorry Delphinos I've got no idea how to upload Star Navigator. If you contact me privately I'm happy to post in Australia

[kuldalai]

The World Cruiser Card registration on line is very troublesome and tricky .

The ID number thing is only for Singapore residents.

IIRC the rest of us put the Country and Passport Number .

 

If not just join up on board SS VIRGO before she sails, and make sure they activate your card and give you the brownie points for the type of cabin you have purchased .

 

Enjoy your cruise, albeit you will surely say it will be far too short .

 

The Casino seems to close about 4.30am and re-open at 5.00am and is always closed in port . Don't worry they annoyingly announce ship wide when it opens . Some of the Asians on our last cruise ex Hong Kong still had their bags outside the cabins next morning, they had been in the Casino since the boat sailed and all night too - sad .

 

Treat yourselves to a specialty dinner at either Palazzo (Italian) or Noble House (Chinese) . If you have F & B Credit for Balcony, Junior or Executive Suite then your Credit can be used in those restaurants. Otherwise you charge to your on-board account .

 

If the boat is full avoid the Mediterranean Buffet. Do breakfast in Bella Vista, and other meals in Bella Vista (Western) or Pavilion Room (Chinese.)

[honeybee28]

Thanks so much for the pics. We went on the Virgo in October and loved it so much we have booked for May and taking our son this time. It was great to see the waterslide and it was hard to picture what it would actually look like. Not even the website has a photo of this yet. Thanks again....

[jessicaa]

HI All,

 

I have been reading pages 71 & 72 of this board and LOVING the advice.

My parter and i (20 & 21) are going on a 5n Cruise departing Singapore on 12th April 09. Ports of call are Penang, Phuket, Singapore (Technical stop - what is this - do we get off?!?!), Malacca / Port Klang / Kuala Lumpur.

 

Just wondering if anyone knows where the ship docs at these ports of call? Esp Phuket? We are meeting Friends who are also staying in Phuket and its hard to say where to meet when we have no idea on the port of call! :eek::confused:

 

I'd like to book tours etc but i hear booking on the ship is expensive and sometimes a waste ofo time (dont see much for the time or are rushed through:mad:). Any tips on booking tours or what tours to do? We'd love to take an Elephant Trek at Phuket, should i book prior?

 

Would love to hear more recent stories and any tips are great appreciated!!

 

Cheers,

 

Jess

[vozzie]

Welcome to Cruise Critic Jes.

 

The "tech stop" at Singapore is to drop off and pickup passengers. You can get off ... but who'd want to ...there's plenty to do on the ship... cocktail party in Galaxy of the Stars for one!

 

However, if you're still awake, the departure at midnight is pretty spectacular ... the ship heading sideways down the channel ... with a couple of metres spare at either end. Great turning circle for a big girl!

 

When we were at Phuket, we anchored off Patong Beach and were tendered into the jetty ... which is where your friends could meet you. However, there's talk of the ship berthing at Phuket now, so you might have to check with the Cruise Line.

 

Yes, you probably pay a premium for Ship excursions ... but you are guaranteed to be on the ship when it departs ... anything can happen in Asia. Having said that, there are many people who arrange their own excursions ... it all depends on your risk apetite.

 

Our friends went on the Elephant ride at Phuket and loved it. We went on the sea canoeing and loved that also. It all depends on your likes and dislikes.

 

Have a geat cruise.

 

P.S. At Malacca, only those doing the bus trip to Kuala Lumpur get off, by tender.

At Port Klang, only those arriving back from the Kuala Lumpur bus trip get on. However, you can get off and stretch your legs around the Wharf.... but, once again, who'd want to ... too much to do on the ship.

[jessicaa]

Welcome to Cruise Critic Jes.

 

The "tech stop" at Singapore is to drop off and pickup passengers. You can get off ... but who'd want to ...there's plenty to do on the ship... cocktail party in Galaxy of the Stars for one!

 

However, if you're still awake, the departure at midnight is pretty spectacular ... the ship heading sideways down the channel ... with a couple of metres spare at either end. Great turning circle for a big girl!

 

When we were at Phuket, we anchored off Patong Beach and were tendered into the jetty ... which is where your friends could meet you. However, there's talk of the ship berthing at Phuket now, so you might have to check with the Cruise Line.

 

Yes, you probably pay a premium for Ship excursions ... but you are guaranteed to be on the ship when it departs ... anything can happen in Asia. Having said that, there are many people who arrange their own excursions ... it all depends on your risk apetite.

 

Our friends went on the Elephant ride at Phuket and loved it. We went on the sea canoeing and loved that also. It all depends on your likes and dislikes.

 

Have a geat cruise.

 

 

Thanks for your reply :D

Will definitely be away at midnight to watch the ship depart Singapore - that sounds spectacular!!!

I might have to check with the cruise company about docking at Phuket. Would hate to send my friends to the wrong area!!!

Its very hard deciding if we should book tours through the ship, wing it on the day or organise before leaving Brisbane! I guess price will be a factor and convenience. Who wants to panic/stress on a holiday!!

 

I hear that the formal nights aren't as formal as other cruises (say Princess cruises i've been on in the past) - is this true?

[vozzie]

Yes, formal night on our cruise was less formal than Princess.

On Sapphire Princess I wore a tux ... on SSV, slacks and a "party" shirt. But there were plenty with ties on.

 

The formal night is the departure night out of Phuket ... after a long hot day ... so that was another reason to plan "semi formal".

[kuldalai]

Your friends will not be let anywhere near the ship or onto the wharf . Very tight security these days after 9/11 . They can meet you outside the gate of the Wharf . Best take your mobile (arrange Overseas roaming with Telstra before leaving Aus) then go on the shuttle into town and ring them there to meet you .

[jessicaa]

Your friends will not be let anywhere near the ship or onto the wharf . Very tight security these days after 9/11 . They can meet you outside the gate of the Wharf . Best take your mobile (arrange Overseas roaming with Telstra before leaving Aus) then go on the shuttle into town and ring them there to meet you .

 

Ah yes didn't think of that. I'm sure they will be able to meet us within the area though. :rolleyes:

[busseltoncruisers]

Hi all, We are about to book for August 5 nighter on Virgo to celebrate my mothers 90th birthday. We will have 3 x balcony cabins but Mum will be travelling single in an inside cabin hopefully opposite us. A couple of questions to those of you who have travelled recently

1. Are there any benefits other than the OB credit that Mum will be excluded from. I note on the Star Website they talk about priority seating in the theatre and the main dining room. Obviously we would all want to be together.

2. Can you take alcohol on board for consumption in your cabin. This has probably already been asked somwhere on this thread..sorry.

3. If anyone has sailed in August to Phuket will this be tender or port.

4. Is the grill near the pool included or is this extra.

5. Do they have an island night on the pool deck during this cruise. Need to know if we should pack our island night clothes.

[furballPerth]

Hi all, We are about to book for August 5 nighter on Virgo to celebrate my mothers 90th birthday. We will have 3 x balcony cabins but Mum will be travelling single in an inside cabin hopefully opposite us. A couple of questions to those of you who have travelled recently

1. Are there any benefits other than the OB credit that Mum will be excluded from. I note on the Star Website they talk about priority seating in the theatre and the main dining room. Obviously we would all want to be together.

2. Can you take alcohol on board for consumption in your cabin. This has probably already been asked somwhere on this thread..sorry.

3. If anyone has sailed in August to Phuket will this be tender or port.

4. Is the grill near the pool included or is this extra.

5. Do they have an island night on the pool deck during this cruise. Need to know if we should pack our island night clothes.

 

Hi Busseltoncruisers

 

I have travelled twice on Virgo and am booked for 9th Aug too. Always balcony class. I do know that for the shows balcony class have priority upstairs seating in the theatre and can purchase drinks etc during the show. Others sit below in theatre rows and cannot order drinks etc. Balcony class board and disembark from a different point to other travellers and also have welcome drinks on arrival. I'm not sure what the shipping company does when a party of travellers has both cabin types. Maybe someone else can answer that. I always take alcohol in my carry on and no-one has ever challenged that although the official line is that you shouldn't. There are ice buckets in the rooms and the crew readily always brought me ice on request. I am also interested to know about docking at Phuket in August. the other two times I travelled were in december when the temporary jetty was in place on patong Beach. i think that will be down in August. There is usually at BBQ on Monday nights and it is included. It is on the terrace outside Meditaerranean restaurant. Having said that I have never been to it but maybe I will this time. I have not heard of them having an island night on the Virgo. Enjoy your cruise. I'm sure your Mum will too!

[hbellman]

I Have sailed on the gemini and loved it .the staff the relaxed atmosphere and the large contingency of aussies.

We now would like to go on the virgo, is this the same type of relaxed and friendly cruise, also told a lot of people go just to gamble. Do they have activities like the gemini and is the food and rooms good. were planning the 07 march 2010 cruise.

is it worth the extra for a balcony cabin or is a window just as good

 

thanks for any help

hazel:o