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Shorex for all cities visited by SSGemini for its Pacific season is now posted on Star Cruises' website. Details include hours, cost and max/min pax required. I must say that the cost of most tours are quite steep, up to approx 220AUD!

Ex-frementle to broome etc. is not sold out yet cabins are still bookable if one knows how to source for them. There is also a certain amount(small) of cabin reserved for VVIPs.

Bookings are going on strong when compared to sailings ex-Singapore on the Gemini.

Current management is more far-sighted with plans as far as 2009 being discussed and tentatively confirmed already.

Hope of Gemini having another Pacific season is extremely high especially as there is overcapacity in Winter08(December) if Wasa Queen/Pisces is not sold. Libra, Aquarius and Scorpio(my guess for Dream's new name) will be based in China. Virgo, Gemini, Megastars in Singapore/Malaysia/Pacific.

NOTE: My views do not represent Star Cruises' plan or decision in any capacity.

Kudalai

Indeed, bookings for the Pacific season is extremely strong and I'm 99% sure bookings for shorter trips will not be possible. It might be released in December 07 if there are still spare capacity as some longer trips have loads of cabins left.

Looks like a trip to Asia might be in order. =)

It is available, but I would guess that your friend have to book with Star Cruise directly.

6 Days / 5 Nights

Port Klang – Penang - Krabi – Phuket – Langkawi – Port Klang

3 Days / 2 Nights

Port Klang – Phuket

Port Klang – Singapore – Port Klang

2 Days / 1 Night

Langkawi – Port Klang

Port Klang – Singapore

Singapore – Port Klang

Just a sample of short itinerary available on the Gemini and their respective Port Charges + Tax etc. that is in effect.

Im not sure if any travel agent offer this option(I believe there is, but will have to source for it. Pax on Virgo can embark at Phuket for e.g.). Easiest choice would be to call Star Cruises at

AUSTRALIA office(Sydney)

Level 8, 401 Sussex Street,

Sydney, NSW 2000

Australia.

Tel:+(61) 2 9212 6288Fax:+(61) 2 9212 6188

Contact Person:

Mr Braydon Holland

Director of Sales & Marketing

OR

SINGAPORE office

(+65)6223-0002 <- Reservation hotline(IDD charges apply)

I'll also ask around for information on this issue, will post the result here by 7pm tomorrow evening.

EDIT: Oops, I just realise that you meant the Pacific season, I would say chances are very slim as itineraries posted are already divided into shorter trip. I'll nevertheless ask around, and let you know.

Boeckli - Indeed past the planning stage up to 2009! I hope and believe you'll enjoy the cruises, they all look fantastic. I hope you wont forget the Virgo and Gemini and will return for a cruise aboard them soon!

Ahh, Twice As Nice featuring Westley and Shelly from the U.S.

They were both cruisers on the Gemini(2005/2006) and were casted in the In-House shorex video that is played on the Virgo and Gemini. Both were around for most of the cities in the video("cameo") but was featured in the Penang part especially where a race was carried out.

Glad that my information is accurate, Myla is one of the more experienced Cruise Director in the company. She did set-up for the Taiwan season, when Music Box and Gypsie premiered on the Libra as well as Street Life onboard the Virgo. Just a short bio of her, hope cruisers will enjoy her presence.

Boeckli, I hope you've enjoyed your cruise, maybe its time to start planning the next! Future cruisers, have fun and enjoy!

Yeah. Myla has a strong passion for her job, she is also very down-to-earth and willing to assist in any way she could.

Gemini cruise director for Pacific will definitely be Myla, for now Hedicha is filling in. Myla should be going on her vacation pretty soon(6 month work 1 month off if I'm not wrong).

If I'm not mistaken, cruise director aboard Gemini should be Ms. Myla Catibayan from the Philippines. ACD will be Ms. Heidicha from UK.

If Myla is not onboard, then Heidicha will be filling in for her.

Myla will also be the cruise director for the Pacific season.

Last drydock of Gemini was 2006 Nov.

This drydock will be customary - inspection of facilities for renewal of marine certificates.

drydock is approx 1 week. 28 OCT to 4 NOV, then its 7-night Straits of Malacca.

Very interesting theory and definitely possible. Have to wait and see though.

SIN and PKG as joint-homeport has existed for a long time although SIN is the main port and there was little/no ads for PKG embarkation.

The season's new itinerary in that case will be very attractive and will cater to Australians especially who is looking for longer-trips around Asia during the peak season(Jun-Aug?)

Libra will be homeported at Pklang from December 07 to Early Feb 08 with short cruises around Straits of Malacca.

Yes, the Asia 1,2,3,4 itinerary is new however I am not able to reveal any information. Each trip mixes ports-of-call around South China Sea, Straits of Malacca. Each trip has slightly different port of calls.

The previously said 26-night to Hong Kong was mistaken in my part, it should be 21-night, more or less the same as current Hong Kong schedule aka Asian Odyssey.

All trips except Asian Odyssey will call at Port Klang, thats why I am confused cause it does not make sense travelling from Singapore-PKG-Ho Chi Minh City for e.g.

Sorry for the lack of information, the full schedule ought to be released BY early-Oct.

Hi Kudalai, saw your post on the Virgo thread

What I've posted is more or less firm just that you cant book the trips with your agent yet, maybe just do some planning first? =)

The ship homeport might not be Singapore anymore, the schedule is very very confusing. If new homeport is PKlang it makes more sense schedule-wise however I doubt there will be traffic for such long cruises.

7-night Straits of Malacca dates :

6, 13, 20, 27 APR08

4 MAY08

22, 29 JUN08

17 AUG08

5, 12, 19, 26 OCT08

2, 9, 16, 23, 30 NOV08

7, 14, 21, 28 DEC08

21-night Straits of Malacca dates :

1 Jun08

21-night South China Sea/Hong Kong dates :

11 MAY08

6 JUL08

21-night Asia 1 dates :

27 JUL08

21-night Asia 2 dates :

24 AUG08

21-night Asia 3 dates :

14 SEP08

14-night Asia 4 dates:

21 SEP08

Update as of 14 Aug,

Superstar Gemini's season in Singapore will be extended till end-Dec 2008. Straits of Malacca 7 night cruise with perhaps slight port change will be available also, 26-night special cruise to Hong Kong will be available as well as trips on South China Sea.

Basically the current season schedule will be in use again with slight changes.

Pacific cruise season for Gemini might return however it is unlikely as of now.

This information is as of today and might be unvalid without prior notice

NCL was projected to be much more profitable and is a priority for SC. Casino revenue and profit can contribute up to 80% of the group's full-year statement or even 100% on a sailing's P/L.

I'm sure you'll be able to enjoy your cruise and any concerns you might have whilst onboard will be taken care of professionally by the staff. Its usually the shore office staff which give "unhelpful" answers.

Even if I have not been on the Gemini before, SC's ship staff are all fantastic service wise, as well as helpful and friendly. So fret not and just enjoy to the fullest!

The ships run everything, casino deal with luck and office pisses customers.

Yep, welcome to Star Cruise! :D

Yep, Australia cruises. So far bookings have been very very encouraging and I am certain of another Pacific season or probably even a permanent ship as IMO, there is plenty of spare capacity lying around.

Its unlikely for NCL to transfer any "new" ships over but I was just pointing out the importance of the Virgo being based in Singapore and that only a larger ship for e.g. Pearl, Dawn will replace her. Importance in terms of revenue and public awareness of the ship.

I agree with Kudalai. Fleet planning at SC seem very short term however the company will not be operated like RCCL IMO and if it is planning Grand voyages it will be operated by NCL.

Superstar Virgo will NOT drop Singapore as its homeport unless there is a larger newbuild or transfer from NCL nor will she take up Gemini's schedule. Maybe a destination or two changed and more special cruises but she will stay for the lucrative Singapore gambling market at least until 2010.

I think Star is still waiting for results from its Pacific deployment then decide where Gemini will stay.

Current plan is that Norwegian Dream, will enter SC's fleet late '08.

Currently planning for my maiden Gemini trip(while shes sailing in Australia). Very ambitious but the cost and length, :(

On the whole, it was indeed a great cruise.

Dining options are most probably sufficient for the Hong Kong itineraries however, is definitely lacking on a longer cruise. Food wasn't great as well, maybe staffs are not familiar with the ship yet.

This ship had quite abit of public space with new and beautiful interior enough for even this 6d 5n cruise(as I spent some time in the clubs). I like the facilities for sure, but just did not feel as comfortable in those places compared to many venues on the Virgo.

Embarkation procedures will definitely be smoothen out, to avoid such long queues again knowing Star Cruises' efficiency.

There are always hiccups on any holiday trip and I just took it in my stride, rather than make a big fuss over it(like some reviews on NCL board)

Any questions, just shoot! =)

Anything for you Mike!

The Superstar Aquarius is definitely a nice ship that should cater well to her homeport. I had a great time onboard this relocation cruise.

Cabin #7262

Oceanview with Obstructed Window

--Check-in--

Lines were atrociously long, even though being one of the first few passengers, I only got onto the ship at 11.40am. Ship departed late at ~13.45. The cruise centre and Star Cruises might have underestimated the crowd as check-in for Virgo is much much better. Very frustrated and a disappointing start.

--The Voyage--

Rough weather on day of departure and 1st sea day, many passengers had sea sickness. I enjoyed myself thoroughly exploring each corner of the ship to the surprise of some people(I am immune to sea-sickness). Ship was rolling from left to right pretty significantly, no idea why stabilisers were not used.

Arrival into Ho Chi Minh City was delayed to 9am(originally 7am), departure was delayed by 1 hour due to congestion in city which lead to late arrival of tour groups

Arrival into Sanya was on-time, departure on-time. Arrival into Hong Kong was pushed forward to 2pm(from 3pm).

--Ho Chi Minh City--

Booked the transfer to city. Weather was very warm and humid, did not enjoy the city and took the first bus back. Many fellow cruisers felt the same about HCMC too. Ladies wearing traditional costumes welcomed the arrival of the ship and its departure with balloons, displaying Vietnamese's warm hospitality.

--Sanya--

Docked at the new Phoenix International Cruise Terminal, a wonderful facility that is 5mins by taxi away from city. Only had lunch there so no further comments.

--Food--

This ship definitely lacked dining venue and option. Food was mediocre in main dining restaurants and the menu offered very limited food options. I think I lost weight on this trip :eek: Had most meals at Blue Lagoon instead where food is above average, slightly better than the one on Virgo. Menu lacked variety at Blue Lagoon too.

--Public Space--

My favourite place on the ship is deck 7 aft, at the stern where I felt very comfortable, able to look at the shimmering stars and the sea go by. Surprisingly, extremely little/virtually no vibration was felt here at full speed compared to the Virgo/Libra, no idea why.

Aquarius Lounge was alright, lots of traffic bypassing. Skyline Karaoke felt just like a karaoke. I'm amazed by the new interior though, the ship felt very new in these areas. Stardust was alright, satisfactory sight-lines however it felt crowded.

--Entertainment--

Star Cruises never fail in this area. 4 shows were planned - Tropicalia, Kingdom of Kungfu, Bangkok Lady Boys and the Extravaganza show.

The Extravaganza show truly revealed the hidden talents(or not:D ) of passengers or crew. It is a great show by great performers and great audience. Elvis came back to life and a scottish man tried to prove his chinese heritage.

Most cruise staffs were transferred over from the Virgo, so it was nice to chat with them and engage in some gossip sharing =X

--Arrival--

The Hong Kong Tourism Board and Star Cruises held a welcoming ceremony that included the traditional chinese lion/dragon(?) dance, a band playing and greeting of guests by executives of the company.

--Etc.--

The Clubs were indeed HUGE! Most probably the largest at sea by a cruise company.

In all, this trip was a great trip despite some hiccups in embarkation that I'm sure will be better managed in future, and also the Aquarius being a new ship. The layout and facilities of the ship IMO suits the Hong Kong market very well, but not so much for this 6d 5n cruise.

This ship also did not feel as comfortable and homely as the SS Libra/SS Virgo

I'll no doubt want to sail with the lady again, but for now, back to my darling Superstar Virgo.

Skyline Karaoke - Karaoke Competitions are held and there are 4 private room for those who are more self-conscious :P

Aquarius Lounge and the back - Blue Lagoon(Deck 9Mid), this area look like the ship is fresh off the yard.

Superstar Aquarius' and Star Cruises' maiden call in the new Phoenix International cruise terminal, a fantastic facility 5 mins away from city by taxi.

Welcome to Hong Kong! Superstar Aquarius' Home Port and a water canon welcome by the port authorities.

Note: There was also a huge celebration portside by I do not have any picture of it, there was a traditional dragon ceremony and a band, passengers disembarking were greeted by executives of Star Cruises and HK Tourism.

A nice touch from Star Cruises' for passengers on its newest gem - Superstar Aquarius' relocation and "inaugural" voyage.

That was all the pictures I have(minus 1), sorry for the lack of quality and quantity.

Full word review tomorrow(its 3.21am SG time now!)

Back into the real world. Ship looked virtually new in many public areas.

Some disappointments however I still enjoyed the trip. Will post the photos and full review when I'm more up to date with the real world(tomorrow).

Finally June 17th! Will be leaving in a hour to board the Aquarius, cant wait!

Will try to take pictures whenever I can and post them here.

Hello to all cruisers onboard Aquarius today, good bye Singapore!