Super Star Virgo

[graflea]

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,

 

We've been on the Virgo 3 times now and are off again on the 29th March. We have 2 in a balcony cabin and 1 inside cabin. You're Mum will actually been boarding and departing after you, I hope she'll be O.K. on her own. You might be able to request some assistance. Also you only need to show one card for your balcony priority seating, so she can just slip in with you for the shows and meals.

 

Hope she enjoys it.

[busseltoncruisers]

Thanks to those that have responded to my queries. We have decided to book everyone into balcony cabins. Turning 90 is a terrfic milestone and deserves to be celebrated in style. The number of family members sailing is increasing and to date we have 7 definites and another 3 that are still deciding.

[kuldalai]

Re your Mothers 90th birthday . Be sure to let Star Cruises know direct in advance of the occasion and your date of sailing and mothers Stateroom Number . They usually arrange something special for such esteemed guests .

 

The e-mail address is: starcare@starcruises.com.my or use the contact us link on their website .

[jessicaa]

Re your Mothers 90th birthday . Be sure to let Star Cruises know direct in advance of the occasion and your date of sailing and mothers Stateroom Number . They usually arrange something special for such esteemed guests .

 

The e-mail address is: starcare@starcruises.com.my or use the contact us link on their website .

 

Do they really do this! Wow :eek: I'm letting them know its my 21st when i'm on the ship!!! Free stuff is awesome.

[themaxydog]

Hi all

 

Just got back from what I must say was a fantastic cruise on Virgo. The ship is in great condition and the staff are better than ever. The water slide is interesting but not a world beater, I thought it a bit of a eye sore on an otherwise good looking ship. Food is great, forget the Meditaerranean restaurant for breakfast its a waste of time Bella Vista is the way to go, no waiting after 8am and the food is spot on. We had suites this time and if you can pay the extra it is well worth it having been in balcony class. Great weather, great food, great staff, and plenty of room everywhere, apart from the casino. Beer drinkers the Tavana bar 8 in ice bucket is the cheepest onboard SGD49 plus service charges.:eek: Nightly meal you cannot go past Palazo the food is the best. Gala night slacks and a nice shirt is alright unless you are dinning with the gold braiders, then I would suggest a suit and tie. The show was good you only need to go once. You can take alcohol on board, good for drinks before dinner. BBQs are held around the pool unless the weather is bad then they move, its all free. Shore excursions were typical but mostly enjoyable its the same everywhere. I think the most expensive one is SGD79.

 

We dinned with the Chief Engineer and Executive Office on Gala night and they said that no decision had been made regarding Libra. She is in Port Kelang and they are working on her. All her crew did not have their contracts renewed apart from about 6 who ended up on Virgo. They also said that even in the company her fate changes from week to week.

Crew rumours were that they were going to start rehiring for her in April with May June sailings on the cards. Personally when you look at her she looks like a ship being prepard for sale not sea.:(

 

Great holiday, any questions just ask.:)

 

Cheers John

[hbellman]

Hi all

 

Just got back from what I must say was a fantastic cruise on Virgo. The ship is in great condition and the staff are better than ever. The water slide is interesting but not a world beater, I thought it a bit of a eye sore on an otherwise good looking ship. Food is great, forget the Meditaerranean restaurant for breakfast its a waste of time Bella Vista is the way to go, no waiting after 8am and the food is spot on. We had suites this time and if you can pay the extra it is well worth it having been in balcony class. Great weather, great food, great staff, and plenty of room everywhere, apart from the casino. Beer drinkers the Tavana bar 8 in ice bucket is the cheepest onboard SGD49 plus service charges.:eek: Nightly meal you cannot go past Palazo the food is the best. Gala night slacks and a nice shirt is alright unless you are dinning with the gold braiders, then I would suggest a suit and tie. The show was good you only need to go once. You can take alcohol on board, good for drinks before dinner. BBQs are held around the pool unless the weather is bad then they move, its all free. Shore excursions were typical but mostly enjoyable its the same everywhere. I think the most expensive one is SGD79.

 

We dinned with the Chief Engineer and Executive Office on Gala night and they said that no decision had been made regarding Libra. She is in Port Kelang and they are working on her. All her crew did not have their contracts renewed apart from about 6 who ended up on Virgo. They also said that even in the company her fate changes from week to week.

Crew rumours were that they were going to start rehiring for her in April with May June sailings on the cards. Personally when you look at her she looks like a ship being prepard for sale not sea.:(

 

Great holiday, any questions just ask.:)

 

Cheers John

 

Hi John,

havent been on virgo, just wondering are there a lot of Australians on board, have been told, often people just to gamble. which I am not interested in, Also with itinerary the stops don,t seem to be for very lo9ng is this enough time to get off and explore the places, also are the pools/ and shows packed, hard to get seats etc, any help or advice appreciated, have cruised gemini and loved it

thanks Hazel

[furballPerth]

Hi John,

havent been on virgo, just wondering are there a lot of Australians on board, have been told, often people just to gamble. which I am not interested in, Also with itinerary the stops don,t seem to be for very lo9ng is this enough time to get off and explore the places, also are the pools/ and shows packed, hard to get seats etc, any help or advice appreciated, have cruised gemini and loved it

thanks Hazel

Hi Hazel

 

I cruised for the second time last December and there were about 90-100 Aussies with nearly 2000 others, mainly Asians, but that didn't bother me. It's true the casino is crowded but that means the rest of the ship isn't. I was always able to easily get seats at the shows. There was certainly ewnough time to get off and explore. One thing about Virgo they are very efficient in getting people off the shipo for shore excursions etc. It takes about three quarters of an hour to disembark 2000 and they do it in a very orderly way. No pushing and shoving. If you can afford it go for balcony class! The poolarea never seemed to be that crowded to me.

[themaxydog]

Hi Hazel

 

Furballperth is quite right. Our cruise had 260 odd Australians and it varies depending on the cruise. Last year on the Singapore Hong Kong cruise we had over 700 we were the majority. I have never entered the casino so thats a part of the ship I cant tell you about. Balcony cabins are comfortable and suites are more comfortable. Time in port is ample for you to do a good organised tour or your own thing. Our group in Phuket did long and short tours and one couple did there own thing and everyone had had enough at the end of the day. If you go to the pool area you will get a spa, a swim and a go on the waterslide with no problems. There are plenty of deck chairs and quite spots to do your own thing. We only went to the late shows and there was always plenty of seats everywhere. The only place its hard to get a seat is the Mediteranian Bistro and its not that good so go to Bella Vista its far better. I always go to breakfast after 8 and dinner after 8 and never had any problems. Make sure you choose your shore excursions on the Starcruises web site before you go. Write down the code number and when you get on board just go and book them straight away and you wont be disappointed.

 

Cheers, John

[hbellman]

Thanks everyone for there help so far, decided to book march 7th cruise, a BB cabin which is deck 10 balcony, is there a better area to request eg: front of ship mid ship or at the back, of any particular area, near lift etc

 

any help

thanks Hazel

[anewme]

Hi

 

We're hoping to get on the Virgo on the 10th May...2 adults & 2 kids 10 & 7. We've just got our quote back from the travel agent (which was all fine, but thought I'd ask the dopey questions here first!). She has us in a quad share room, but I wasn't aware that you could get them, I thought they were all only 2 people rooms. Are they really tiny? Will we be tripping over eachother? I know you only sleep in the rooms.

 

Do the balcony rooms come as quad share, we're currently quoted for an Oceanview Stateroom with window.

 

I'm sure I'll have more questions, but this will do for a start!

 

Thanks! Sarah

[kuldalai]

The cabins are set up for two lower beds, but then several Staterooms have added what they call Pullman beds which are upper berth fold down beds, so that is how you get a 4 berth cabin . Get your TA to check that is what you have been allocated, alternatively you can book an Oceanview with Balcony for yourselves, and across the passage an Inside Stateroom for your "billy lids".

[anewme]

Think we'll be riding it out this time, we're having a few issues with our TA, mainly attitude :rolleyes:, and she's reluctant to change the booking. But thanks for your help though, that's really appreciated!

 

Sarah

[1united]

hi all.... I'm new here. so I have a few question to ask, hope that someone could help me out. I'm going to cruise on the virgo this sunday, which is just around the corner. my question is what is the last call for boarding?? it start sail at 1500hrs. or is there any such thing? and my most concern about is the ship docks back at singapore at 1900hrs, and my flight is 2140hrs. is there any chance I might be on time for my flight?? usually how much time is needed to get off the ship, custom??? is it more easier to get a cab to airport or by mrt?? help needed..... thanks in advance if someone could give some advice.

[ssv]

Gate closes 1.30pm on Sunday.

 

You might want to inform the concierge of your flight situation and request priority disembarkation as if the ship is full and immigration is slow(many unhappy experiences there), you may not make it in time for your flight.

 

From Harbourfront to Changi Airport will take you more than 35 minutes by MRT. Take a taxi instead, it isn't very costly(~15SGD) and will be a lot easier with all the luggages you may have.

[Barbs007]

Hi guys I'm new on here..I'm going on a 5 day Virgo cruise next week with my husband and 20 yr old daughter, we are all quite excited one question, could someone tell me does everyone get off at all the ports of call or do some people decide to stay on board and if so are there still things to do on board?:)

[jessicaa]

Hi guys I'm new on here..I'm going on a 5 day Virgo cruise next week with my husband and 20 yr old daughter, we are all quite excited one question, could someone tell me does everyone get off at all the ports of call or do some people decide to stay on board and if so are there still things to do on board?:)

 

Totally up to you whether you get off at every port of call or just pick and choose. Some people never get off!! Totally up to you. Heaps to do on board when it is in port - pools and bars are still open, just wont be any shows or many planned activities.

[1united]

thanks ssv.. by the way, is there any area at harbourfront which I can store my luggages? cos I plan to have a walk around sentosa while waiting for the time to board the ship. what is the earliest time that we can start boarding??

[1united]

thanks ssv.. by the way, is there any area at harbourfront which I can store my luggages? cos I plan to have a walk around sentosa while waiting for the time to board the ship. what is the earliest time that we can start boarding??

[furballPerth]

thanks ssv.. by the way, is there any area at harbourfront which I can store my luggages? cos I plan to have a walk around sentosa while waiting for the time to board the ship. what is the earliest time that we can start boarding??

Last time I was on Virgo, luggage check in opened at 10am. I then went for a walk around until it was time to board

[resordanis]

Hi All, We just got off Virgo on 20/3/08 after our 3rd cruise and I cannot tell you how dissappointed we were with this cruise. After this cuise in the past 2 years, we have come home and booked immediatley for the next year but we will never go again! From the start the queues were unbeilable , we lined from everything from getting on board, to all meals and it was something we had not experienced with Virgo in the past. They seemed to have made this a casino ship that caters for gamblers with familiies!! We originally booked on Virgo because we just love the ship, but most of the people on our cruise were people that had booked on Libra and most were unhappy campers!! The staff were also unhappy with the way they now have to cater for patrons with children. The food and service was still great but it was not the shipe we have been on in the past

[jessicaa]

Hey

 

Is anyone booked on the virgo - 5n departing singapore 12th April??? :o

[furballPerth]

Hi All, We just got off Virgo on 20/3/08 after our 3rd cruise and I cannot tell you how dissappointed we were with this cruise. After this cuise in the past 2 years, we have come home and booked immediatley for the next year but we will never go again! From the start the queues were unbeilable , we lined from everything from getting on board, to all meals and it was something we had not experienced with Virgo in the past. They seemed to have made this a casino ship that caters for gamblers with familiies!! We originally booked on Virgo because we just love the ship, but most of the people on our cruise were people that had booked on Libra and most were unhappy campers!! The staff were also unhappy with the way they now have to cater for patrons with children. The food and service was still great but it was not the shipe we have been on in the past

Oh no resordanis, it sounds dreadful. I'm going for the third time in August. Were you balcony class or world travellers? Balcony class travellers are supposed to have prioity check in etc.

Does anyone know how long they are going to have the overflow of Libra passengers or is that going to settle down soon?

[ssv]

Hi All, We just got off Virgo on 20/3/08 after our 3rd cruise and I cannot tell you how dissappointed we were with this cruise. After this cuise in the past 2 years, we have come home and booked immediatley for the next year but we will never go again! From the start the queues were unbeilable , we lined from everything from getting on board, to all meals and it was something we had not experienced with Virgo in the past. They seemed to have made this a casino ship that caters for gamblers with familiies!! We originally booked on Virgo because we just love the ship, but most of the people on our cruise were people that had booked on Libra and most were unhappy campers!! The staff were also unhappy with the way they now have to cater for patrons with children. The food and service was still great but it was not the shipe we have been on in the past

 

Problem is that you picked a week where Singapore (and maybe Malaysia) are having school holidays hence it's natural that the ship is FULL (beyond the 2 Berth capacity and with children) especially after the overwhelming response from NATAS Travel Fair. Heard of the Spring Break cruises in US/Schoolies in Gold Coast?

 

I don't understand the issue about many gamblers being onboard by several posters. They only go three places - Cabin; Casino; Restaurant, so may I know what is the problem? I'd actually be happy as they do not crowd up the lounges and showroom.

 

Cruise passage agreement/contract stipulates that the carrier reserves the right to cancel any sailing for virtually no reason. I think it is then up to their decision (not taking into the fact Airfare/Hotel cancellation) whether they will like to join Virgo or get a refund (and future cruise credit?). If those who originally booked Libra felt so strongly against sailing Virgo, and are out to NOT enjoy their cruise by being 'unhappy campers,' it defeats the purpose of cruising.

 

Except for the issue with Queues, I see no problems although the post is set in a rather negative tone. Thanks for the opinion though.

 

 

To furballperth: the flow over is not significant for any sailing (perhaps other than last week due to the holiday)

[resordanis]

We were in Balcony Class and the queue to board was long, much longer than usual. I felt this time there was limited benefits to the Balcony Class except for the on board credit. The drink prices have gone up substantially since last year by about $8.00S per bottle for a bottle of wine. 2 cups of coffee cost approx. $13.00S. We were in love with this ship, crew and the whole Star package but not any more. I do hope our cruise was an exception. The staff and the condition of the ship, plus the food (after you waited up to 45 minutes in Bella Vista to get it!) was great. The food in Samurau fantastic.

To SSV we have been on this cruise around the same time each year and yes, we did know it would be a full ship, but we found (any our opinion only) that they now cater for gamblers with families. Gamblers stay in the Casino, everyone else has to look after the families. Even some crew that we have known for the past 2 years confirmed this. If this is being negative well, so be it. We have come back each year and immediately booked for the next years cruise, but not this time.

Many, many people we spoke to were unhappy and we kept assuring them that this was not the norm, as we have had a great trip in the past. We did not go to the shows, but apart from one act were the same as last year. We like to listen to the live music but even the lounge band was not there this year, being replaced only a week before by a very ordinary trio.

I could go on but won't and believe me I never thought I would ever say anything against this ship.

We will not be going on this ship again in the near future, but will once again go on Rhapsody of the Seas out of Sydney on 2/4/08.

If anyone wants any more information, please just let me know.

[resordanis]

We were in Balcony Class and the queue to board was long, much longer than usual. I felt this time there was limited benefits to the Balcony Class except for the on board credit. The drink prices have gone up substantially since last year by about $8.00S per bottle for a bottle of wine. 2 cups of coffee cost approx. $13.00S. We were in love with this ship, crew and the whole Star package but not any more. I do hope our cruise was an exception. The staff and the condition of the ship, plus the food (after you waited up to 45 minutes in Bella Vista to get it!) was great. The food in Samurau fantastic.

To SSV we have been on this cruise around the same time each year and yes, we did know it would be a full ship, but we found (any our opinion only) that they now cater for gamblers with families. Gamblers stay in the Casino, everyone else has to look after the families. Even some crew that we have known for the past 2 years confirmed this. If this is being negative well, so be it. We have come back each year and immediately booked for the next years cruise, but not this time.

Many, many people we spoke to were unhappy and we kept assuring them that this was not the norm, as we have had a great trip in the past. We did not go to the shows, but apart from one act were the same as last year. We like to listen to the live music but even the lounge band was not there this year, being replaced only a week before by a very ordinary trio.

I could go on but won't and believe me I never thought I would ever say anything against this ship.

We will not be going on this ship again in the near future, but will once again go on Rhapsody of the Seas out of Sydney on 2/4/09.

If anyone wants any more information, please just let me know.