Super Star Virgo

[Doubletrouble_in_oz]

Hi oatz,

 

Many thanks for the info. The prices look good:D . We are looking at cruising in July 2008, so I guess have to wait a bit longer before we can book.

 

Cheers

 

Justine

[sandydownunder]

We got the early bird email too, so I hot footed it over here to find out more.

 

For some reason I have an impression (false I hope ) that there is a lot of smoking on this ship. Can someone who has been on it put me right.

 

Are the gratuities US$10 per person per day as on other cruise lines ?

 

Who go on these cruises?

Australians, Americans, Asians?

Young, old?

 

Please excuse me if the questions have been answered before.

 

Sandra

[Doubletrouble_in_oz]

Hi Sandra,

 

Welcome to the Virgo boards.

We sailed on her in July (our first cruise ever) and can't to do it again.

Most of the areas are non smoking. Smoking is not allowed in any of the restaurants, near the pools and in most places indoors. Unless you plan to spend a lot of time at the casino, you probably won't even notice the cigarette smell.

 

There are no gratuities added to your bill. Tipping is not mandatory but it's at your discretion. Please see one of the previous posts by deck9 001 where he explains the tipping on the Virgo.

 

The majority of passengers were from various Asian countries (Singapore, Malaysia, China, Thailand etc) and India. A few Australian families and I assume some Europeans and Americans. The Virgo is very much a family orientated ship, I would guess average age was 40s to 50s. Many families ranging from kids to grandparents, with aunties, uncles and cousins. The ship never felt crowded, we never had to wait for a table in the main restaurant, there were always seats available in the theatre and the crew was awesome.

 

Hope this helps a bit, just ask if we can help with any other questions

 

Cheers

 

Justine

[sandydownunder]

Many thanks for your reply Justine.

Good to get first hand information.

Sandra

[oatz]

Hi Justine

 

Yes, the prices do look good don't they? We are also looking at possibly cruising again in 2008, hopefullly the earlybird offers will become a regular occurence as the savings are excellent.

 

 

Hi Sandra

 

I agree with Justine that cigarette smoke on the ship is hardly even noticable, I am an asthmatic and had no problems whatsover onboard.

 

We cruised in June and there was a mix of Asians, Indians a few Americans and Europeans. There were about 250 Aussies onboard, with families, couples, groups of friends etc.

 

Any more questions just ask, there are quite a few recent Virgo cruisers here who are only too happy to help answer them.

 

cheers

Nick

[casu1]

Thanks for Earlybird info - did they include junior suite prices on the email ?. I have checked with travel agents and the prices that are coming back are over AUD1000 up on the 2005/2006 earlybird offers that were around, (something like $2500 pp for the 6D/5N). Was going to be a 25th anniversary present but I guess not at those rates now

 

Hi All

 

 

BTW, The prices listed for the 6D/5N cruise were:

 

Inside from $699

Outside from $845

Balcony From $1025

 

Plus port charges of approx $145

 

cheers

[oatz]

Hi Stuart

 

No, the email didn't mention prices for the junior suites. At the prices you mentioned it's not worth the extra expense is it.

 

cheers

Nick

[Caz99]

Hey Guys

We fly out on Tuesday (2 more sleeps)and I just wanted to thank you all for answering my questions and your advice ...... will be back in a fortnight...woooohoooo!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

[deck 9 001]

Bon Voyage Carole.:) Enjoy your cruise to the fullest.

Let us know how you enjoyed it when you return.

 

Happy sailing.

 

Regards,

Mike

[J33JWA]

Hi folks,

Just back from SSV's sistership SSLibra.after a fantastic Eastern Med.cruise. Crew to Passenger ratio was 4:1 as there were only 250 of us on this leg - also met many wonderful crew staff who previously served on the Virgo. Low pax.capacity due to the fact that Star Cruise just stated offering cruises in this part of the Med.:cool:

 

Carole and all those about to board the Virgo ~ Best wishes for smooth seas and fine dinners.

 

Cheers..........James:)

[Jamin]

Hi all,:D

Back yesterday from SSV SOM - and it was amazing !

Wil post soon with some of the excellent experience.

BTW - planes with small seats are ridiculous, still recovering.:mad:

Who turned off the heater ? Southern Australia is cold.

:) Already rang also re SSV earlybird and am debating.:eek:

Speak soon

Simon

PS hope all current and waiting cruisers enjoy - bon voyage.

[Princess Nic]

Hi everyone,

 

My name is Nic and I have been a cruise addict since I sailed on the Gemini in 2002. It has taken this long to get around to our next dream cruise the Virgo in May. We (hubby and I) are doing the 5 night with stops in Phuket, Langkawi and Redang Island, plus time in Singapore and Siem Reap beforehand.

 

We have decided to splash out and go for a junior suite and was wanting to hear from anyone who has stayed in one, did you think it was worth it and are the suites on the side or the back of the ship better?

 

:)

Nic

[Jamin]

Hi Nic,

Definitely woth it - Deck 10 recommended, although deck 9 is also an

option if you like seeing where you have been.:cool:

The service is excellent and the priveliges likewise.

Although - at the current upgrade prices ( extra $1k ) we are now looking at other options.:confused:

Have you already booked ?

For a special occassion you won't regret the investment.:D

Regards

Simon

[Doubletrouble_in_oz]

James and Simon.....welcome back:D

 

Glad to hear you have enjoyed your cruises:cool:

 

I have heard that the Norwegian Wind, currently part of the NCL fleet, will be joining Star Cruises at the end of next year. I'm sure we will find out about itineraries and pricing soon enough.

 

Cheers

 

Justine

[deck 9 001]

Hi Justine, indeed the Norwegian Wind will be joining the fleet of Star Cruises next July after a refit in Singapore. The new name will be SuperStar Aquarius and the ship will be homeported and sailing from Hong Kong.

 

Of course it's yet too early for a definite itinerary, but I think the ship will sail overnight cruises during the week, and on the weekend will sail 3D/2N destination cruises. In the summer the ship may go to Xiamen and during the winter the port of call may be Haikou.

No word of fares at the moment.

 

Best,

Mike

 

P.S. Welcome back James and Simon. Glad you both had great cruises.

[J33JWA]

Mike ~ we anxiously await further news and fares for SS.Aquarius and it will be nice to sail from a different homeport (H.Kong). Gives us a chance to visit HK too, after all these years.

 

Simon - welcome back. Any more interesting stories beside the 'compact plane seats'? Have you booked your next SSV cruise?

We are debating whether to do the SS.Libra - Eastern Med:Greece and Egypt next June - great inclusive prices offered by our TA ~ £650 p/p.:p

 

Cheers for now.........................James:)

[casu1]

Nic

I'm with Simon on this one, the suites on Deck 10 are fine, I believe that the back of ship suites on 9 are a little larger but not of any significance. Quite a huge jump in price for a junior suite for the 2007 season (up at least $1000 pp on 2006 prices) Not quite sure if the suite and services justify that type of increase :( , but if it is a very special occasion then you would not regret the move. A balcony cabin with the credits is great value on the earlybird offer and a excellent cheaper option:).Hope this helps

[cheeky_minx]

Hi Mike, HI everyone

That is great news about the SS Aquarius. Have been away from this site the past couple of months - work has been crazy and as a result have been arranging a new job!! Gald to be back!

 

We did the SSV at end of May for my birthday - and absolutely loved it!

 

We love HongKong and were hoping that SSV would do HK itinieraries so will wait for further news on SS Aquarius. Were interested in the Sing - HK itinerary offered by others, but Carl is hooked on both balconies and SSV!

 

In the meantime we are looking at the SSV itinerary Singapoare to Ho Chi Minh next June.

 

I noticed that it only does this itinerary once a year - do you know why that is? Is there a special reason/ocasion?

 

Have you done this itinerary?

 

we are interested as it will spend more time at sea (Straits of Malacca we did shore excursions each day and missed some of the magic of the ship) and also have always wanted to go to Vietnam and this may give us a some brief taste for future planning.

 

Any info will help us as we want to book an early bird special next week.

 

Thanks

Jane

[Princess Nic]

Thanks for all of the advice everyone.

 

Just another quick question, in the balcony staterooms is it a double bed or just two twins pushed together?

 

Nic

[Belvidere]

Hi, I am new to these boards but have been reading everyone's postings intently and I hope you can help me with a couple of queries.

 

We are booked to go on the SSV on Sunday October 1st, can anyone tell me the best time to board please. Our documentation says 11.30 is it better to arrive around 11.00am or wait for a bit for the crowds to go through first. Is it better to have lunch before we board or will we be able to have lunch on board. We are booked in for an ordinary outside window cabin, no balcony unfortunately.

 

Should I worry about sea sickness, from what I have read so far, it seems that the boat is in very calm waters, is this right.

 

We are looking forward to the trip very much.

 

Thank you all in advance.

[Deck10 007]

Princess, I have the answer to your question but I like to know first why it is important for you to ask such a trivial question on this thread.

Belvidere, ship sails at 4, checking in is 12 and boarding is 12.30. Difficult to say what is best time is to avoid the crowd as there may or may not be a large party boarding the ship. I myself normally checking in at 1pm hopefully breeze through boarding and have lunch on board which could be sometime after 1pm. Sea sickness, nothing to worry about at all.

[smeyer418]

Princess, I have the answer to your question but I like to know first why it is important for you to ask such a trivial question on this thread.

.

 

My my what a stupid response. You the question checker? Nice to welcome a new poster

[Belvidere]

Hi all,

 

Thank you for the information Deck 10 007. How about at the end of the cruise. When do you have to leave the ship. I am aware that it get's in at 2pm, but do you have to get off straight away or can you linger a while.

 

Or at the other end of the scale, if you need to get off straight away to catch a plane, what time can you expect to be off the boat and through customs.

 

I hope you don't mind my questions.

 

Thank you everybody.

[Princess Nic]

Princess, I have the answer to your question but I like to know first why it is important for you to ask such a trivial question on this thread.

 

Gee, many apologies for offending you with my question. Just wanted to let you know that your response was a bit unfair and there is a real person with feelings behind that question, there is no need to be cruel.

 

I have a lot to offer, but now you wont find out because you have run me off.

 

Bye

[Deck10 007]

They will let the Balcony Class pax off first.

If you have to get off the ship as soon as possible again it depends on the number of pax on board. But I would say if you are first in line then you will clear immigration and custom by 3pm. On the other hand if you want to wonder on board for the crowd to clear you can wait for the first annoncement that all departing pax have to leave the ship at 2.45pm and the second announcement at 3pm. You can leave anytime between these 2 announcement.