Super Star Virgo

[Bugis]

Senisble advice to change money on board so you can go ashore with cash and no stress of finding a money changer or being ripped off.

As you cruised recently can you tell me if they still have happy hours, if so when and where there are and do they still sell "bucket of beer" which did make it cheaper. We liked to relax in Bellini Bar, above reception, as it was never crowded, had great attentive staff and each night there was live music by a very talented trio. We did like Out of Africa also but sounds like that is more a gambling area now. Galaxy of the Stars was a first class lounge day or night and does the show band still play there most evenings? Thanks for the feedback here as it allows people planning a cruise on Virgo to gain valuable information before they leave, thus enjoying the experience much better.

[themaxydog]

Senisble advice to change money on board so you can go ashore with cash and no stress of finding a money changer or being ripped off.

As you cruised recently can you tell me if they still have happy hours, if so when and where there are and do they still sell "bucket of beer" which did make it cheaper. We liked to relax in Bellini Bar, above reception, as it was never crowded, had great attentive staff and each night there was live music by a very talented trio. We did like Out of Africa also but sounds like that is more a gambling area now. Galaxy of the Stars was a first class lounge day or night and does the show band still play there most evenings? Thanks for the feedback here as it allows people planning a cruise on Virgo to gain valuable information before they leave, thus enjoying the experience much better.

 

Cant help you with a happy hour if there was one I didn't notice. We were in a group and we were buying two buckets of beer, 8 cans of Tiger, for I think it was SGD$48 plus the normal service charges and the such like. Out of Africa really doesn't exist as such the gambling machines have spilled into this area as far as I could see, again I didn't pay much attention to this because gambling doesn't interest me. Bands in all your mentioned areas are as good as ever and I agree with you as far as Bellini is concerned it is a good secret on board and a great place for that quiet drink. Galaxy of the Stars was a great place after breakfast for a coffee and a sit in the sun.

 

Dont stress over money changing. It seems that alot of people here are a little worried about it. It is alot easier than you think. To add to my previous posts I have a system that has worked for me for 20 years and it involves carrying Australian Dollars, American Dollars and since the ship uses Singapore dollars I will have them as well. In saying this I dont carry them all on me all at once all of the time, but they are available to use if nessisary. As far as amounts, if I were going tomorrow I would have US$100, AUD$100 and SGD$200 in cash a Visa Card or Amex and an ATM card and my wife would carry the same in case we are separated. Now some may concider this over kill but things can and do go wrong, and in Asia all those currencys will be taken in almost any situation. The reason for the US dollars is that everyone takes them all the time even when they wont take their own currency!

If you are taking money with you dont take large notes 5s, 10s, and 20s when you order the cash. The MRT for example, which is the best way to get to the wharf and everywhere else, it's ticket machines wont take notes larger than SGD$10 for a single ticket due to the amount of change that has to be given. You can buy more than one ticket in the same transaction so dont forget the other half they need a ticket too. Those of you out there who can read between the lines can figure out why I have said that and what happened. Taxi drivers dont want SGD$100 notes given to them. There are plenty of ATMs in every city you will go to and everyone takes credit cards just be vigilant.

[OuiselG]

We travelled with our 2 boys aged 11 & 13 in April this year and had a ball on board the SS Virgo. We didn't find that there were that many kids and the majority that were on board were around my kids ages and certainly not "screaming kids" in the conventional sense. They were all very well behaved with the only real noise being from the water slide (which although is near the main pool, is not connected to the main pool). The best place to eat is the Bella Vista, by far. The number of children in this restaurant is minimal but the ones that were in there when we were in there were very well mannered. There were no queues once you were allocated a table and even that process didn't take too long. The buffet was only experience by us a couple of times because my boys found it very disconcerting when adults of certain nationalities would push passed them and display generally bad manners - it certainly wasn't the children that were the problem!

I'm sure that anyone who cruises on this ship will have a lovely relaxing holiday :)

[Bugis]

Thanks baby cruiser 60. I see you did the Singapore to Hong Kong trip on Virgo in March 2008, so did we and it was a spectacular entry into HK just a shame it was so foggy. We stayed there for 4 days and only on the last day did the fog clear but the cruise was great. There were 660 Aussies on that cruise, a record number staff told us as on previous cruises there were as few as 35 once.

Thanks for the info on drinks etc, we are going on 2nd August and as it has been 18 months I thought there would be changes. Virgo was in dry dock for 2 weeks in January 09, does anyone know if they did and other major work apart from installing the water slide.

[themaxydog]

Now that upsets me:(. We stayed in Hong Kong only 3 days after the cruise and were most disappointed that the fog didnt clear.

In March however we are staying 2 days before and 5 days after the cruise on Legend of the Seas. You are right about the number of Australians on the Singapore/Hong Kong run. The last cruise we did I think they said there was less than 200. Its a pity that Star doesn't offer a greater itineraries with its ships. We are going with Royal Caribbean in March 2010 and in April 2011 due to the greater variety in Asia they offer. I have read that RCL are moving Legend OTS and a sister ship into Asia full time. At 70000 tonnes each this will be a bit of competition for Star and hopefully get them to rethink their position.:)

The only work I noticed that was done in dry dock was the waterslide and the deck coatings. The pool bar area looked brand new and I suggest that the ships bottom was cleaned if it was in dry dock as well.

I am keeping an eye on Libra to see what she does in the New Year. So far her itinerary is only up until January from memory.

[Bugis]

I was wondering about Libra also as it was laid up in KL for a few months, not sailing so either having work done or Star were considering selling her. Then she went off to Taiwan in May and is coming back to singapore in november BUT on the same old itineraries. We did a 6 day cruise on Aquarius in October 08 for a change and to see how she compared to Virgo...........well she doesn't at all, it really is a casino ship with very average facilities and a handful of Aussies and 2 Americans. I wonder if Libra is the same, structured for the gambling market??

[themaxydog]

If you read the Libra thread those who have sailed her seem more than pleased with the ship. They feel on the whole that she is more intimant than Virgo. I cruised Hawaii on Aquarius when she was Norwegian Wind and for a first cruise she was alright.

[hbellman]

I have been reading this forum, and I have travelled on the gemini twice before and loved it because the passengers mainly australian were so friendly and always someone to have a drink with or just sit and talk. We had booked the virgo ages ago to go in March 2010, but I am considering cancelling, because I am concerned that it will not be a very friendly cruise with more multicultural people on board, I dont want to have a hassel over meals and I hate bad manners and pushing , spitting etc especially around food areas. I enjoy meating people and socializing, Can anyone advise me more on the trip, I am not discriminating, I always travel through asia, but I think I am comparing gemini to Virgo, anyway any advice is appreciated

[themaxydog]

I have been reading this forum, and I have travelled on the gemini twice before and loved it because the passengers mainly australian were so friendly and always someone to have a drink with or just sit and talk. We had booked the virgo ages ago to go in March 2010, but I am considering cancelling, because I am concerned that it will not be a very friendly cruise with more multicultural people on board, I dont want to have a hassel over meals and I hate bad manners and pushing , spitting etc especially around food areas. I enjoy meating people and socializing, Can anyone advise me more on the trip, I am not discriminating, I always travel through asia, but I think I am comparing gemini to Virgo, anyway any advice is appreciated

 

I think you are reading far too much into a very few adverse comments about the Virgo. It is a good ship and there is more than enough to occupy anyone all of the time. Most adverse comments regarding Virgo are really directed at Star cruises and the way they operate their cruise line. They lean more toward the gambling market in Asia rather than the cruise market. This is more than emphised by there lack of variety in there cruise itineraries. You will find the ship friendly and the staff more than attentive. In fact I have found that the staff will look after you more because you are not there just to gamble. I read also this morning That Royal Caribbean which has Legend of the Seas moving to Asia will do all announcments onboard in local languages with english only being used when required. This doesn't happen on Virgo, everything is done in all required languages. One of the most amazing people I have ever met was on Virgo. She was an interpreter and it was amazing to listen to her change from one language to another without sometimes taking a breath. I dont know about you but I am flat out speaking one language let alone the 7 that this incrediable woman was able to speak.

Lastly you are going to Asia for a holiday and to see how others live. The experiance on the ship is half the fun. As far as bad manners go, well, it doesnt matter where you go in the world unfortunatly you will encounter bad mannered people and cruise ships are no different, ignore them, most are only small minded people seeking attention. Also remember your interpretation may be that something someone from another country does is bad mannered but it could be quite normal in their society. As for spitting, I have never seen anyone on Virgo spitting in an inappropriate place.

Dont cancel just because of what you have read. It is obvious that you enjoy Asia, you will enjoy Virgo.

[ariellejesse]

For those of you who live in the US, are you booking your Star cruise with a private TA or internet based company? Sneak a name in!

[4us2]

I have been reading this forum, and I have travelled on the gemini twice before and loved it because the passengers mainly australian were so friendly and always someone to have a drink with or just sit and talk. We had booked the virgo ages ago to go in March 2010, but I am considering cancelling, because I am concerned that it will not be a very friendly cruise with more multicultural people on board, I dont want to have a hassel over meals and I hate bad manners and pushing , spitting etc especially around food areas. I enjoy meating people and socializing, Can anyone advise me more on the trip, I am not discriminating, I always travel through asia, but I think I am comparing gemini to Virgo, anyway any advice is appreciated

 

Never saw anyone spitting. The good far outwieghs the bad mannered passengers. We are booked for another cruise in October, if it was that bad do you think we would be going back?

[boeckli]

We have sailed on Virgo seven times now and would go again any time (in preference to any cruise from Australia ...)

[Bugis]

If anyone has cruised on Virgo recently can you let me know what the enterntainment in the show room is. When we last cruised in March 2008 it was Street Life and Musicians of Bremen, so hopefully it has changed.

[ssv]

If anyone has cruised on Virgo recently can you let me know what the enterntainment in the show room is.

 

Production shows on Virgo are constantly evolving, the stunts you have seen on your first cruise may be significantly different for your next cruise for e.g. New dancers; acrobatic stunts; dance choreography. However, Street Life; Musicians of Bremen; Sports Unlimited have been phased out.

 

May I direct you to a previous post for current highlights:

 

Star Cruises Entertainment proudly presents

 

1) Maestro & Muse featuring dancers and gymnast from Belarus' date=' Ukraine and Russia

 

The highlight of the show includes:

Aero Gymnastics

German Wheel

An extremely talented young contortionist from Russia, watch out for the piano!

 

2) Love Bites: A Las-Vegas Styled Topless Show

 

I have not seen this show yet, but each performance is packed so that may be a sign that it is good.

 

3) Terry Parade is a comedian and juggler, his antics and amazing use of ping pong balls will humour as well as impress![/quote']

Not forgetting a new crew show The Land of Make Believe.

 

 

A Singapore news source has an article on the show:

Maestro & Muse by Channel News Asia

 

 

The contortionist mentioned is the young Alexey Goloborodko, he appeared in many acrobatic events as well as TV show (inc. Minute of Fame).

[Bugis]

Thanks SSV, very informative and we are looking forward to the shows and the total cruise experience.

[lolabunny77]

I am a thirty something looking to do a Cruise on Superstar Virgo.Is It worth doing and is there anything on board in regards to daily activities for the younger generation?.

It is just that I have been out checking out South Pacific Cruise Pricing for Single Travellers out of Australia and the pricing is ridiculous even if you include the air flights and travel insurance and I am considering a different kind of cruise for my next holiday.

Any positive feedback will be welcomed

[kuldalai]

Heaps of activities on SS VIRGO for all ages. If you go suggest you take one of the fly/cruise packages available from Aus. Be sure to take the 7 day cruise (which is actually a 4 + 3 Day back to back). check out details with your TA or check out cruise co australia website .

 

Alternatively Costa Cruises now have two boats permanently in Asia operating out of both Singapore and Hong Kong offering some excellent 7 and 14 day itineraries. Check out their website or again Cruise Co in Aus offer complete fly/cruise packages .

 

Hope that helps .

[bendigoboy]

We just got back from the 3 night Phuket, Penang cruise on the Virgo. we've travelled before with Star cruisers and found this cruise different to our other cruises.

The good - The ship is in good condition it was very clean and the staff were always busy cleaning. Swine flu was a worry and the precautions were visible but ok.hand washes encouraged and heat scanners on entry and exit, also medical sheets to be filled in at each port but apart from that no real worries. Staff were excellent and our cabin steward was hard working, friendly and eager to help ( we had a balcony cabin on deck 10). The room credits just covered our expenses which was great. Money changing on board no worries and at good rates. Food we ate at Bella Vista for all meals, the buffet to be avoided at your own peril. The ports were not really picturesque but we had shuttles at Penang and docked at Phuket. If you havent booked an excursion then you can look forward to an hour plus wait on the ship before they let you off. We went to James Bond island at Phuket and enjoyed the trip, by coach and boat. At Penang we got a taxi and went to the main monuments - easy but haggle.

The bad -The passenger make up was very different! The Singaporean gamblers make up less passengers - Singapore is building casinos and they wont travel on the ship very much in the future. So the line is clearly chasing new customers to replace them and on our cruise we had a lot of passengers from India. The main pool was always crowded all spas were always crowded. The water slide has now encouraged kids to the main pool and the cruise line make no attempt to see if they are supervised! Either did the parents! We passed men who were getting dressed on deck and getting in the pool in their y fronts (underpants) and they made no effort to hide their modesty. Perhaps that is acceptable in their own country! In the corridors the Indian groups walked in straight lines and pity you if you got in the way! When required to line up to make reservations or dining bookings it just didnt happen they literally stormed the ropes. The crew were ripping their hair out trying to deal with this poor behaviour. It really was confronting behaviour. We were glad to get off the ship and we do hope it was just a bad group and not a taste of things to come!

[busseltoncruisers]

Oh dear. This was same as our experience on the Virgo last time we sailed many years ago and we were put off by people's behaviour. Taken us a while to book again. Was it maybe school holidays!! I am really worried as we are travelling with very elderly parents. Will avoid the buffet at all costs. Did you have any problems getting into the shows ? How did you find the standard of the shows ?

[bendigoboy]

No it wasn't school holidays that caused our issues. The Singapore schools had returned. The water slide has changed the dynamics of the main pool. We actually spent evenings before meals at the rear of the ship on the decks overlooking the "childrens pool" having a quiet drink. That area is now rarely used. I think the line should shift the childrens pool to the main pool area (where they have room, after closing the band area near the mainpool) and revamp the childrens pool and make the rear pool an adult only zone!

As for shows we didn't go, we ate later and wanted to get up early. But others we dined with didn't see it as an issue, particularly if you have a balcony cabin.

[busseltoncruisers]

No it wasn't school holidays that caused our issues. The Singapore schools had returned. The water slide has changed the dynamics of the main pool. We actually spent evenings before meals at the rear of the ship on the decks overlooking the "childrens pool" having a quiet drink. That area is now rarely used. I think the line should shift the childrens pool to the main pool area (where they have room, after closing the band area near the mainpool) and revamp the childrens pool and make the rear pool an adult only zone!

As for shows we didn't go, we ate later and wanted to get up early. But others we dined with didn't see it as an issue, particularly if you have a balcony cabin.

Bendigoboy, what dates did you cruise. I note Indian school holidays ended 1 week after Singapore. The Indian term ended 30/6/2009. It's not that we dislike seeing kids having fun but just really concerned about any pushing and shoving whilst trying to manouvre Mum's wheel chair. Also as we are a party of 10 will we all have to queue at meal times at the main dining room (wheelchair and all) or can we book beforehand.

[bendigoboy]

Yes perhaps we lucked out there. We travelled on the 28th so we may have got the remnants of their holidays. However the kids stuck to the pool adult behaviour was more of an issue. Meals at bella Vista are no issue. Plenty of room, they tried to sit where we asked and couldn't have been more helpful! Perhaps it may pay to send someone down early to explain your seating needs, i'm sure they will accomodate you easily. Specialty restaurants may be a bit more tricky but are overrated. Bella Vista food is fine. Access to Bella vista is quite good as some corridors run the length of the ship (eg deck10).

[Pean]

Hi

We were on the cruise that left on the 5th July and it was the same as mentioned before with children yelling around the pool and rude adults pushing everywhere. It was our fourth trip on the Virgo and we went with another family who were new to cruising. We have raved about previous trips and they wanted to come with us but we felt quite embarassed about the way it has all changed. The staff as usual were fantastic and couldn't do enough for us. There were 11 of us in our group and the Bella Vista were great with accommodating us. We could'nt always get on the one table but always managed to at least get two tables next to each other. Some of our party ate at the buffet for lunches and said it wasn't too bad apart from the first day (Sunday). The check in was the worst we have seen. You could check in from 11.00, we got there about 11.30 and didn't get on until nearly 2:00.

[themaxydog]

It sounds like Starcruises is going to lose the Western market for Virgo from what I have just read here. Our last cruise of 5 days was fine until the stop back in Singapore when some passengers got off and a large amount of Indian nationals got on. Around the pool on the last day was very similar to Bendigoboy's account of his cruise. Maybe it didnt bother our group as much because the first part of our cruise was so good. Being in suites may have made a large difference too because we were escorted anywhere we wanted to go and everything was booked for us.

It may also be caused by the short cruises being offered. A 2 or 3 day cruise means that Mum Dad and all the kids can get onboard and play up for a very little money. Where as if the cruises were 7 days or longer I dont think you would see as many children or shall we say "poor behaviour."

I agree that the waterside was a problem waiting to happen and if I was an executive for Starcruises I would listen very carefully to this and most likely take the advice of "Bendigoboy" and revamp the childrens area at the rear into an adults only solarium idea :cool: like RCCL has on their ships. We are changing to RCCL for this reason, there is a definite divide between children and adults when you require it. We have booked one already and have three others in mind if it turns out ok.

Libra is now running the same cruises as Virgo and while it is not as large or as luxurious as Virgo, if you read the thread, those who have sailed on her never speak of the problems like those experianced on Virgo. Unfortunatly I missed out on Libra due to its cruises at the beginning of this year being cancelled.

I wouldn't give up on Virgo or cruising if I was you though. I think we have to reasearch our holidays more and understand when others around the world are taking theirs so we dont clash.;) Personally I cant see myself going back to Virgo but I may one day try Libra if they dont sell her and give her different itineraries. In the mean time RCCL is moving Legend of the Seas to Asia full time from October for the next 3 years and a sister ship may also be going there as well in 2010, there is a choice.

[dlf aust]

Just returned from 5 day cruise in Malacca Strait on Virgo - dates 12 to 17 July 09. The Indians are noticable plus the odd Chinese but it certainly did not detract from our experience. The pool/spas are generally busy and to be honest if that is your primary motivation go to a good resort. We travelled as 2x adult couples and hence avoiding children of any nationality becomes somewhat of a goal (our friends are teachers, otherwise never travel in school holidays). In short we had a good time and the Virgo allows you to keep yourself away quite easily.

 

Some tips:

(a) don't eat at the Meditaranean Buffet. It is the source of most comments above and is a bit like a cafeteria anyway. Put on a polo shirt and shoes and eat in the other restaurants. For free meals we ate mainly in the Bella Vista (Western) with couple meals in the Pavilion (Chinese). As we were balcony class with $400 dining credit we also ate at Noble House (Chinese) and the Palazzo (European-French-Italian).

(b) eat at second sitting for dinner and lunch and mid-session for B'Fast. You will avoid the rush and get much more effective service and seating options. i.e. 8-8:15pm dinner, 12:45-1pm Lunch, 8:30-8:45 B'Fast.

© get a balcony cabin - deck 10 mid-ships recomended. Then if it gets a bit much you can relax on your balcony and sip a nice stiff drink on ice. With Balcony you get S$400 dining and drinks credit so the price difference is partially offset.

(d) On alcohol - we took a duty free equivalent on board in baggage and had no issues. You can also buy duty free alcohol on board. The rule seems to be officially no, but OK if you do not flaunt/excess it. No fridge but ice etc is no problem - we did a $10 tip at start of cruise with stewardess to arrange ice 4pm and 9pm every day so it was there when returning to ship after excursions and after dinner. Do not buyv too much as there is no duty free concession when disembarking. Smokers note - Singapore is very strict on cigarettes.

(e) avoid the pool - it is one of the few free places/activities and hence people and families congregate there. Use the front decks and sides to relax. Go to the Galaxy of Stars (front viewing bar deck) or Out of Africa. Children/Indians etc are less frequent in these areas. Go to the library or your cabin for a quiet break.

(f) trips are fine. Get the odd Indian/other/older people who does not own a watch but usually guides allow for it. If you are proven punctual your guide will often give you few extra minutes if you ask/advise them as long as you are not last on bus holding people up. For once we found that late booking was often slightly better than being early as the groups often get in first - later buses usually couples, singles etc.

(g) take a small power board and British/Singapore adapter. Only one plug in cabin.

 

To hbellman: don't read too much into the comments and do not cancel. The Malacca Strait is an experience, just the sheer volume of shipping is an eye opener. If you are a born whinger then it will be an issue. The negatives are only as bad as you let them become - and are usually much less than the positive experiences anyway. I have found quite a few US and low class Aussies to be just as bad in their own way. ;)