Super Star Virgo

[deck 9 001]

Hi Kelly,

 

Let's see if I can answer some of your questions.

 

1. The balcony sliding glass door handles are relatively high. There may be a safety latch as well.

 

2. The balcony furniture is not fixed. You may move it around as you please.

 

3. Balcony railings are of standard cruise ship height. While they are secure and high enough, I would not leave a child unattended on the balcony. I see no reason however, for you to change to a non balcony cabin. Just play it safe with the toddler and all will be ok.

 

4. Sorry, but I cannot help with the childcare centre question. I suggest you e-mail Star Cruises at mailto:starcare@starcruises.com.my and ask for info. They are very good at getting back to you with answers.

 

5. While it is really not the policy of Star Cruises to allow passengers to choose cabins, (they claim it is all computerized) I have never been denied my choice of cabin when I requested it. I would certainly go ahead and make a request. Doesn't hurt to try, right?

 

You will love the cruise to Koh Samui and Bangkok. When the SuperStar ARIES was sailing from Bangkok, I did this itinerary and it was great. The islands are truly spendid, and the sail to the various islands at night is wonderful. Do book it. :)

 

Any other questions, just ask and I am sure other members will be happy to respond, as will I.

 

Regards,

 

Mike--in Taipei

[kelstar78]

thanks for the great answers Mike, I will e-mail star cruises today. I pulled out my photos from the last cruise last night and now I am even more excited!

 

Kelly

[deck 9 001]

Hi Kelly,

 

Glad my answers were of help to you.

 

BTW, if you have not done so on your previous cruise aboard Virgo, check out The Taverna (Deck 13) during sail away. It's a great outdoor bar, perched on the top deck of the ship and has fantastic views.

The proximity of the bar doesn't hurt either;)

 

Regards,

 

Mike--in Taipei

[Doubletrouble_in_oz]

Hi Mike and Nicole,

Many thanks for your advice regarding drinks on board. It sounds like too much hassle bringing duty free on board, so we won't bother with it. Thank goodness for the balcony cabin credit:D .

 

Nicole......our cruise is in mid July and I will post a comment about activities on Redang as soon as we get back:)

 

Kelly.....when I booked our cruise with the local travel agent, I did request specific cabin numbers (on deck 10). Within 24 hours we had confirmation from StarCruises. It's certainly worth a try:D

 

Cheers

 

Justine

[Doubletrouble_in_oz]

Hi Mike and Nicole,

Many thanks for your advice regarding drinks on board. It sounds like too much hassle bringing duty free on board, so we won't bother with it. Thank goodness for the balcony cabin credit:D .

 

Nicole......our cruise is in mid July and I will post a comment about activities on Redang as soon as we get back:)

 

Kelly.....when I booked our cruise with the local travel agent, I did request specific cabin numbers (on deck 10). Within 24 hours we had confirmation from StarCruises. It's certainly worth a try:D

 

Cheers

 

Justine

[Doubletrouble_in_oz]

Oooops, apologies for the double post.

[kelstar78]

Thanks Justine, I will definately try to book the cabin we want.

 

Mike, we spent many an hour (afternoon) sipping long island ice teas in the Taverna... ahh, fond memories! ;)

 

Do you know that if special cruises, such as the bangkok one, that only happen a few times a year book out quickly?

 

Kel

[deck 9 001]

Hi Kelly,

 

Yup, The Taverna is a great spot. Brings back many fond memories for me also (vodka tonics):rolleyes:

 

The special cruises that go to Bkk and Ko Samui are very popular, especially with savvy Singaporean cruisers, who do want the days at sea.

In general, these cruises do book very well and have a wonderful International mix of passengers.

 

If you or anyone else is thinking about these cruises, I suggest making a reservation asap. As with cruise lines in the States and Europe, the Suites and lowest category cabins sell out first.

I love the voyage from Sgp.to Bkk. And at times the view of land while on the ship is great.

 

Regards,

 

Mike--in Taipei

[mummsie]

Hi Thereandback,

 

Thanks for your post. I may be the Mike that you are speaking of, as I have indeed written a few reviews of Gemini.

If you click this link, http://www.cruiseserver.net/travelpage/yourfav/yfc_sr_gemini_18.asp

 

it will take you to my most recent review which I did in May, 2005.

 

As an update, SSG just recently went through an extensive refurbishment in Singapore before her current cruise season. Many alterations have been done, such as reconverting the Royale Club (casino) back into an entertainment bar/lounge with dance floor and band stand. New location for the previous outdoor gym. New card and mah jong room, etc.

New carpets, draperies and wall coverings are also part of this extensive refurb.

 

The Chief Purser (Hotel Manager) aboard Gemini was kind enough to send me some photos post refit, which you can view at this link:

http://www.*****/travelpage/aspgallery/view_ad.asp?Ad_ID=2245

 

The Gemini is a great little ship with much charm and a very happy feel.

I am positive that you will enjoy your cruise with Gemini. I also am looking forward to my next cruise very soon.

 

If you have any further questions or comments, I am sure that everyone here would not mind. Or, if you prefer, you can start a new thread about SSG which I think would be great and many other people will see it and hopefully add input. I for sure will be most happy to participate.

 

Happy sailings,

 

Mike

 

Yahoo finally something about the Gemini. Have been looking for weeks for some info about her. Hopefully we can get our own thread going. We are leaving Singapore on the 2nd July. Gayle

[deck 9 001]

Hi Gayle,

Wow, you sure are excited about Gemini. Don't blame you one bit.

Gemini is like my "home away from home." Can't remember how many times I have sailed this ship:cool: The staff/crew are absolutely superb.

So, why don't you start a new thread re:Gemini. I am sure that there will be many posts and replies to it. I know I will participate.

Regards,

Mike--in Taipei

[mummsie]

Done. Have started a thread on the Gemini. Hope to get lots of replies :) Gayle

[deck 9 001]

Great!!!

I have already made two posts to your new SuperStar GEMINI thread.

Regards,

Mike--in Taipei

[Mahjong77]

:) Hi everyone , Hi Mike :) enjoy reading your posts .

 

My hubbie and I are cruising on the Virgo in March 2007 , a bit far away yet but we are soooooooooo exited ! Even more so everytime we read about passengers having such a great time and what a wonderful ship she is.

 

Anyway in a moment of madness we decided that the 6 day 5 night cruise on the Straits of Malacca would not be long enough to see and do everything onboard as well as Land Excursions so we booked an almost b2b cruise leaving 2 days after the 1st cruise returns , to do the whole thing again !!!! :D We have booked Balcony class , so the few extras that come with that will be a nice bonus

 

What I hope someone can help me with and maybe you can answer this Mike,

 

1. Hubbie realllllly would like an invite to the Captains dinner , being a retired Veteran who served in the Malay/Thai conflict in the 60's going back to Malaysia for the 1st time since then has made this trip even more special .

 

He would like the opportunity to "dress" for dinner and wear his Medals , something you never get to do :) but I heard that the Captains dinner is reserved for frequent cruisers and VIP's ?

 

What are our chances ? None ? :D Anyone in particular we could see onboard to swing it ?

 

Well its worth a try and it would make him happy lol.

 

2. What is the shopping onboard like ? Duty free , good prices ?

 

3. Is KL a good place to shop ? although I think time's limited there

 

4. I would love to do the Canoe trip at Phuket , is it safe ? and managable for someone in their 40's and 60s ?

 

 

ohh I have more questions but plenty of time yet , thanks in advance to anyone who can help with my questions .

[deck 9 001]

Hi mahjong77,

 

Welcome to CC boards.

 

You and hubby certainly have an adventurous spirit. That's great!

 

Before I begin to answer your questions, I have one for you.

Have you actually booked your cruise for March 2007?

The reason I am asking is that to my knowledge, Star Cruises has not as yet published the itineraries for 2007. Although the Straits of Mallaca cruises are tried and true, Star may come up with different itineraries for the 2007 cruise season.

 

Now, for some answers.

 

1. It is wonderful that your husband is proud of his past military service and would like to proudly wear his uniform with medals at the Captains Gala Dinner.

I would suggest that you compose a letter stating your request and the reasons why you would like to be seated with the Captain.

Once you board the ship, go directly to Reception and ask them to give your letter to the Hotel Manager. Currently, the Hotel Manager is Mr. Eddie Teo, who is a marvelous man and goes out of his way to please his passengers. All requests made to him are taken seriously and he does do his best to comply. Being that March 2007 is quite far away, Eddie may not be Hotel Manager of Virgo at that time,as he may transfer to another ship, but nevertheless,address the envelope with the Hotel Manager's name and have your letter delivered to the Hotel Manager who is onboard during your cruise.

 

2. Shopping: I truthfully cannot say that the onboard duty-free prices are a fantastic bargain, but they are reasonable. I do not remember seeing any electronic items for sale, but there is clothing, some jewelry and logo items.

 

 

3. KL is ok for shopping as is Singapore. Just check around for prices and then compare to what the prices are back home.

 

4. Canoe shorex:

I have not done this excursion myself, but have heard from other pax that they enjoyed it very much and found it quite manageable. To put your mind at ease, go to the Shorex desk onboard Virgo and ask their opinion for guests who are no longer "spring chickens:D ." But from what I have heard, there should be no problem for you and your husband. All shorex are checked out very carefully for safety.

This is the description of this tour:

 

SEA CAVE CANOE ADVENTURE (VPHU-7E)

Discover the hidden caves and inland lagoons of Phang Nga Bay. You'll be thrilled by the collection of unique geographic formations, flora and fauna. Paddle quietly through the dark silent passageway, which brings you into an atmosphere of anticipation and excitement, offering you an unforgettable experience of a lifetime.

 

Hope that my answers have helped in your planning. It's fun to look forward to a cruise, isn't it!?!

 

Regards,

 

Mike--in Taipei

 

 

[Mahjong77]

Hi Mike

 

Yes the cruise/s has been booked , the Early Bird Special offer ended on 31st Dec 05 , I think March/April 07 was the last available period of that offer , the iteneray was still as the current one (although I guess there could be changes but the Travel Agent said they would most likely occur after the last cruise around April)

 

I will compose a ltter closer to the time and do what you've recommened , perhaps Eddie will still be there if not at least I now have an idea what to do , thank you so much :D

 

 

2. Must have some logo items , at least the obligitory been there got the T-shirt lol.

 

3. Thanks I'll check prices , just after small stuff , love shopping for bits and pieces so I think the markets will be very exiting .

 

4. Ohh yes ! Thats the excursion . I recently saw a small documentary on the area on TV , only snippets of the caves and the incredibly green water , a must do !

 

 

It sure is fun , we even have a photo of the Virgo as a desktop pic :)

[deck 9 001]

Hi mahjong77,

 

I did not know that Star had Early Bird Specials that far in advance. I am glad that the 6d/5n itin is still available.

But if Star does come up with a new itinerary for the 2007 season, I am sure you can switch your booking if you choose.

Whatever, just being aboard SSV is reason enough to cruise.:)

 

Thought I would attach this photo so we can both recall great memories:D

 

Regards,

 

Mike--in a cloudy, gray, quite cool Taipei

[kelstar78]

Hi mahjong77,

 

just a quick note about the canoe trips...Phang Nga is unbelievably beautiful. In 2002 we spent an amazing 4 weeks touring Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand (including the same Virgo cruise you are doing) and one of the stand-out highlights is the canoe trip. Although we didn't do it as a Virgo shore excursion (we did it when we were staying in Phuket) I assume it will be pretty similar. We had 2 passengers and a guide for each canoe and we went into amazing grottos and sea caves. The trip is not at all difficult as the water is so calm. You will have an amazing time!

 

Great photo Mike!!! ;)

 

Kel

[Doubletrouble_in_oz]

Hi Mike,

 

I know this sounds like a silly question, with over 5 months to go before our cruise, but what is the earliest time we can board the ship for a 4pm departure? I have read somewhere that around 11am is best and that gives us plenty of time to explore and even have lunch on board!:eek:

 

Thanks,

Justine

[deck 9 001]

Hi Justine,

 

Your question is not silly at all. As a matter of fact, I feel it is important, as you need to plan your embarkation day.

 

Ok, so, on my last cruise with Virgo, it was a 4pm departure as well.

 

I arrived at SCC about 12:00 noon expecting that embarkation would start shortly. No, it did not. Star Cruises adheres very closely to their stated embarkation times. The lines were already long with anxious pax to board, but the check-in desks did not open till 1pm.

 

This means that check-in begins 3 hours prior to sailing.

But check-in for Virgo is relatively painless, as there are distinct seperate "check-in lines" for different cabin categories ie; Suite/Balcony/World Cruiser, and there are many check-in desks, so the lines move pretty quickly.

 

One good thing that Star does, is that they have staff that go to each line and inform everyone, that only one person of your family or group should be in the check-in line. They tell everyone to give their passports/documents to your chosen group member and that person will do the check-in for the whole party/group.

 

This policy really works!

There is less confusion, less pushing and shoving and much shorter waiting lines.

Once your designated check-in person has completed the process, he/she can go back to the waiting hall and give everyone their Access Cards and everyone may proceed to board.

 

Having said all this, I would still arrive earlier, just to get a good place in the check-in lines, and maybe, just maybe, they will open the counters earlier.

 

So you see, your question is not silly at all:) there's lots to know about check-in procedures for Star Cruises.

 

Hope I have helped.

 

Regards,

 

Mike--in rainy, dreary and cold Taipei

[deck 9 001]

Dear Everyone,

Wishing you a very

Happy

,

Healthy

and

Prosperous

Lunar New Year

 

May the Year of the Dog bring peace and joy

 

 

Mike

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Doubletrouble_in_oz]

Mike,

 

Many thanks for your wishes.

Hoping the Year of the Dog will be a happy, peaceful and prosperous one for you.

 

Justine

[deck 9 001]

Justine, you are very welcome:)

 

I hope that peace and happiness will be granted to ALL the world.

 

Regards,

 

Mike--just got back from Hong Kong

[Nicole Joan]

Hi everyone I was watching a travel show on TV the other night and it had a tiger temple in Bangkok called Kanchanaburri (or something like that). It looked sooooo cool. Does anyone know anything about this, and if you are able to visit while Virgo is in port. Loved the photos Mike, can't wait to sit on one of the bar stools and indulge in a cocktail or 6. ;) Nicole:p

[deck 9 001]

Hi there Nicole,

 

It's good to plan in advance to make the most of your vacation.

 

The Kanchanaburri Tiger Temple is a cool place to visit. It is located 47 km north of Kanchanaburri. It will be a couple hours drive from BKK. It is also located very near the infamous Bridge of the River Kwai. (you can combine both places in a tour)

 

According to Star Cruises web site, Virgo will be in Bangkok (laem Chabang) from 08:00am until 23:59pm (midnight)

 

Don't forget the drive from Laem Chabang port to Bangkok is approx; 1 hour 45 minutes,,,,,,,and that's in good traffic! Usually the traffic is horrendous.:eek: Then there is another 2 hour drive to the Tiger Temple further north of Bangkok. I believe the temple is open only from 1pm till 5pm.

 

If I were you Nicole, I would e-mail Star Cruises and see if they offer this as a ship's tour. This way if you are late, the ship will wait for the group. If you go independantly, the ship can, and will sail without you.

This is the e-mail for the enquiries dept. at Star.

starcare@starcruises.com.my

 

Also, here is the link for the web site for TIGER TEMPLE.

 

http://www.tigertemplethailand.com/

 

Hope I have helped you some Nicole. Let us know what responses you get.

Also, you may be able to hire a private taxi to take you to Tiger Temple from Laem Chabang. I'll check around with my local contacts and see if I can get a few names of reliable taxis for you and the approx; costs.

 

Happy Sailing

 

Mike--just back from Hong Kong

[oatz]

Hi Everyone.

 

We are cruising on the Virgo in June after having a brief taste of what it was like on one of the weekend cruises from Fremantle a few years ago. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and can't wait for this next cruise!!!

 

I also have a work colleague who is going on the Virgo in March and he was wanting to know if he could bring alcohol on board to drink in their cabin. After seeing some of the posts here, I decided to email Star Cruises and ask, here is the response I received from one of their customer service officers today.

 

 

"In response to your query, your friend may bring his/her own beverages onboard, however please note that there will be a corkage charge imposed should he/she wish to consume at the restaurants and bars onboard. For the charges, please refer to the respective outlets as it changes from time to time."

 

 

Hope this helps.

Cheers

Nick