Super Star Virgo

[graflea]

I see. I can assure you however, that those punters are not regular cruisers whom Star Cruises attract on Weekends but instead are simply Cruisers who went on the ship with family for vacation and went into the casino. I will put this to the lack of responsibility towards the children by the parents rather than the clientele SC is trying to look for, perhaps they should increase the pricing of cruises.

 

The showband's contract was terminated due to discipline issues the Wednesday/Thursday before your cruise. I agree that the trio is rather bland and average however I emphasize that they are last-minute replacement.

 

I think your opinion is very constructive in a way it informs fellow board members what they can expect. It may be a one-off week that your trip was filled with such small issues, I certainly hope so.

 

On a side note, I think the current management of Virgo isn't doing her reputation any good. We shall see if Star Cruises decides to act on the passengers' feedback.

Hi SSV,

 

We've just returned from our third cruise on the Virgo and I'm pleased to say we had no complaints at all. Yes the prices of drinks have gone up but that's life! The only queue we really came across was getting off back in Singapore. But considering the amount of passengers they deal with I think it moved quite steadily.

We tried to book the relocation cruise last year from Hong Kong to Singapore, but right as I was booking it a group snapped up the last of the balcony cabins. Do you know if there will be another coming up in the future.

[kuldalai]

At this time the Star website which has not been updated for months other than with "scratch their own back" media releases indicates that VIRGO is staying put in Singapore doing the same boring old SOM gambling cruises of 3 - 4 nights duration till April 2010.

 

Costa Cruises - Classica is the nicer of the two ships in Asia . Allegra appears to be a former container vessel converted into a cruise ship . Costa is part of the Carnival Group which includes other brands including P & O, Princess, and Cunard. Have found Costa to be fine but some CC posters have not reported so favourably . Their itineraries in Asia offer wide choice of longer duration cruises out of Singapore, Hong Kong and Shanghai . Destinations now include China and Japan . Costa Allegra will be replaced by the larger Costa Romantica next year .

 

Azmara Cruises also operating in Asia longer itineraries for part of the year, whereas Costa has two boats in Asia now all year round. Princess and Oceania also offering longer duration itineraries in Asia for part of the year.

 

Dining wise whilst freestyle is probably best, we are not fussed by the fixed seating arrangement for dinner. Tip get on a table for six or eight as you will then find others who are compatible . Get on a table for 4 and the others are not friendly and it cannot be so good . On our last soiree to NZ on Sun Princess we were on table for eight, and we all got on like a house on fire , so it works both ways .

[ssv]

Virgo will indeed be sailing the same itineraries unfortunately. We should not expect to see any variations soon.

 

On a side note, this thread is named 'SuperStar Virgo' and hence I believe the main discussions should be on subjects related to the ship and it's itineraries. Just a suggestion.

[electricron]

Is ex-Superstar Leo still Norwegian Spirit? If so, where does she sail.

 

Like many Australians, I loved that ship when it sailed East Coast Australia (during Sars).

 

The N. Spirit, ex-SS Leo, was at least the elder sister of the SS Virgo.

The Spirit sails 7 day Western Caribbean cruises during the winter season from New Orleans, and will be sailing 7 day Bermuda cruises from Boston this summer. The Spirit will also sail two 7 day Canadian cruises this fall to Quebec from Boston before repositioning back to New Orleans.

 

Since May 2004 when the Spirit transferred to NCL, by the end of this year, the Spirit has sailed Alaskan, Panama Canal (Repositioning), Western Caribbean, Southern Caribbean (Repositioning), Eastern Caribbean, Florida & Bahamas, Bermuda, and Canadian cruises. Homeports have been Seattle, Miami, New York, New Orleans, and Boston.

[busseltoncruisers]

Hi SSV,

 

We've just returned from our third cruise on the Virgo and I'm pleased to say we had no complaints at all. Yes the prices of drinks have gone up but that's life! The only queue we really came across was getting off back in Singapore. But considering the amount of passengers they deal with I think it moved quite steadily.

We tried to book the relocation cruise last year from Hong Kong to Singapore, but right as I was booking it a group snapped up the last of the balcony cabins. Do you know if there will be another coming up in the future.

 

Graflea, Would appreciate your response to a few questions as you have recently sailed on the Virgo. What was the entertainment like on board?. Who is the cruise director ?? What were your tender ports ?? Were there many Aussie passengers as we have noted in the South West an increase in ads on tv for Star Cruises.

[graflea]

Graflea, Would appreciate your response to a few questions as you have recently sailed on the Virgo. What was the entertainment like on board?. Who is the cruise director ?? What were your tender ports ?? Were there many Aussie passengers as we have noted in the South West an increase in ads on tv for Star Cruises.

Hi Denise,

 

This cruise was the best one so far. The cruise director was Matthew Dason and his assistant was a lovely girl named Myla, who we made good friends with. They organised the shows perfectly. We saw some great shows in the Lido, especially the Olympic Sports. As far as the trio goes, they were a bit bland. The ones they had last time were much better. Our ports of call were Phuket, Penang, Malacca and Port Klang.

At Penang we were tendered to the shore in lifeboats. Unfortunately this time we went to the port at Phuket. Last time we anchored and went to Patong beach by tender. What a beautiful sight it is to see the Virgo out there. And also on this cruise there were a lot more Australians than ever before, especially from Perth! Absolutely brilliant cruise.

[busseltoncruisers]

thanks Graflea. Where did you tender to in Penang. When were there last about 7 years ago we docked at the port I think near georgetown. We then took a taxi to Ferenghi Beach (or however you spell it)

 

ps. Wishing everyone a Happy and safe Easter.

[ssv]

Hi graflea

 

Thank you for providing a (short yet) constructive review of your recent cruise.

 

Glad that you have enjoyed your cruise and I guess it reaffirms my belief that a negative experience by one of our posters is just a one-off experience.

 

Indeed, there may be up to 2550 passengers onboard any cruise at a certain time queues are to be expected.

 

To your query, there are officially no relocation cruises planned for Virgo. Libra yes, but I don't think it will be available for booking.

 

 

busseltoncruisers,

 

there are 2 production shows on Virgo: Sports Unlimited & Musicians of Bremen. The Land of Make Believe is a performance by crew. Terry Parade, a comedy juggler is also onboard the Virgo now.

 

if i'm not mistaken, there will be new production shows soon.

 

cruise director is Matthew from Malaysia he is very visible and approachable. assistant cruise director is Myla from the Philippines, another wonderful lady who has more than 10 years of experience.

 

Virgo docks alongside Phuket Deep Sea Port which is 30 minutes away from Phuket Town, there are temporary stalls selling food; fruits; souvenirs at the port itself. She anchors off Georgetown in Penang and there are tender boats taking you to Swettenham pier/jetty.

[furballPerth]

Hi graflea

 

 

 

 

Virgo docks alongside Phuket Deep Sea Port which is 30 minutes away from Phuket Town, there are temporary stalls selling food; fruits; souvenirs at the port itself. She anchors off Georgetown in Penang and there are tender boats taking you to Swettenham pier/jetty.

 

Hi ssv You are a great source of information. I am going on my 3rd Virgo cruise in August but have always gone in December before when the ship anchors off Patong Beach and it's easy to get off and have a day looking around . With it docking alongside the Deep Sea port in August, is it worth getting off just to have a look around if you don't want to do shore excursions. You say there are temporary stalls set up. I assume they are for the tourists getting off the boat. Are there taxis around that could be hired to go into Phuket Town for a couple of hours?

[anewme]

Hi

 

We're off on our first cruise in a couple of weeks, and need some help. Is the gala dinner optional or a must attend thing? We're trying to work out what to take clothes wise. Dress code, long pants and collared shirt, is that okay for dining in the restaurants? I'm assuming that guys can't wear jeans to dine in the restaurants?

Is it easy to go do your own thing in KL and not take a tour? We want to do a few different things and the tours don't really encompass all the options for us?

Is there an age limit on the waterslide? We've got two kids (10 & 7) and are strong swimmers.

Think that's all! Thanks! Sarah.

[furballPerth]

Hi

 

We're off on our first cruise in a couple of weeks, and need some help. Is the gala dinner optional or a must attend thing? We're trying to work out what to take clothes wise. Dress code, long pants and collared shirt, is that okay for dining in the restaurants? I'm assuming that guys can't wear jeans to dine in the restaurants?

Is it easy to go do your own thing in KL and not take a tour? We want to do a few different things and the tours don't really encompass all the options for us?

Is there an age limit on the waterslide? We've got two kids (10 & 7) and are strong swimmers.

Think that's all! Thanks! Sarah.

Hi Sarah

You will love your cruise. The Gala dinner is not compulsory. You can dine at the Mediterranean Buffet etc if you do not want to take part. Long pants & collared shirt is fine for dining. Dinner dress code states" no shorts, bermudas, bathrobes, swimwear, slippers, rubber sandals . All garments for men must have collar, no sleeveless shirts and no open toed footwear. These requirements apply for the Palazzo at lunchtime as well. It does not say anything about jeans.

 

IMO KL is the one place where you would not do your own thing as the port is so far from KL itself. KL is famous for traffic jams and you would not want to risk getting caught in one and left behind. I guess it depends where you want to go.

I'm not sure about the water slide as it is new but the Star Navigator says children under 12 are not allowed to use the Parthenon Pool without adult supervision. Probably same rules apply.

Enjoy the cruise!

Liz

[anewme]

Thanks Liz, that's great to know!

 

We're really looking forward to it, we've got a few days either end in Singapore, so that will be good too!

 

Happy Easter

 

Sarah

[graflea]

Thanks Liz, that's great to know!

 

We're really looking forward to it, we've got a few days either end in Singapore, so that will be good too!

 

Happy Easter

 

Sarah

Hi Sarah,

 

The gala dinner is optional but well worth attending. Generally smart dress is acceptable.There was a captain's cocktail party first which was great and you can have pic's taken with the captain. We chose to dine at the Bella Vista and the whole presentation was fantastic. As far as jeans go, this is the only time you can't wear them.

There is no age limit for the water slide, but I think I remember seeing a height limit. Our first impression of the slide was nothing much, it was rather slow. We had one male in his late 20's and one mid-fifties and they managed to re-live their childhood. After 'several' attempts they worked out how to go fast. You finish at the end in a little pool of water. I think it was a challenge to see who could make the biggest splash!

When you're in Singapore some must see places are Clarke Quay (take a bum boat ride, beautiful), night safari, and the Jurong bird park. We love Singapore and always have a couple of nights either side of a cruise there.

 

Hope I've helped you.

[hbellman]

can anyone tell me if you have to book for the captains dinner when you first board and what about other dining outlets do you need to book these as well,

hazel

[kuldalai]

I would'nt miss the Captains Gala Dinner especially in Bella Vista, rather grand and a few nice surprises that prove irrespective of Nationality we are all out basically to have a fun cruise . STAR NAVIGATOR Newsheet delivered to your Stateroom nightly will give you the date and times and when and how to book. Two sittings early 1800 ish and late 2030 ish . You go to the early Floorshow if you are for the late dinner sitting, and the Late floorshow if you are on the early dinner sitting . Captain hosts drinks before both sittings in the Grand Piazza on Promenade Deck 7 .

 

Don't miss the Olympic tribute floorshow for sensational acrobats and trapeze etc; and the Musicians of Bremen is also very good .

[human bean]

We've just booked the 5 nights SOM cruise in Oct this year and are looking forward to it. I've enjoyed reading all of the comments in the thread, both positive and negative, and look forward to more feedback before we go :)

 

Cheers,

D

[busseltoncruisers]

Can anyone help me with regards to advising Star Cruises about celebrating a special occassion onboard. We also need to request a bath chair. Do we do this through the travel agent or can we contact Star direct ?

[furballPerth]

Can anyone help me with regards to advising Star Cruises about celebrating a special occassion onboard. We also need to request a bath chair. Do we do this through the travel agent or can we contact Star direct ?

I have never done either of the above but I am sure they can accommodate. However I have always gone to the trouble of early checkin the day before the cruise at the Star Office in the Park Mall building which is near the Dhoby Ghaut MRT station. I am sure you could make your requests then. Some people think it is not worth the trouble of doing this but I found it easy enough to do. I think the times to do it are 10-12 and 4-6pm on the Saturday before the cruise. You are issued with your cabin card at that point.

[kuldalai]

E-mail request and details of sailing date etc to starcare@starcruises.com.my or IIRC there is a link on their website under "Contact Us' .

[anewme]

Next question...tea and coffee making things in your cabin. I searched the forum and there was mention that these were only in the Balcony cabins (knew I should have upgraded for a reason!). Do all the cabins (we're obviously not in a balcony cabin!) have their own coffee maker etc or is it like irons & deemed a fire risk...which would then lead onto the next question of it's not worth taking my own travel kettle then is it?

 

Trivial question I know!

 

Thanks, Sarah!

[kuldalai]

If there are not tea/coffee making facilities in your Stateroom, then there is a free 24 hr tea/coffee station always accessible in the Mediteranean Buffet.

 

Do NOT take your own electrical appliances as their use is expressly forbidden and they are likely to be confiscated .

[creeno]

Oh dear. So if I am travelling with a hair-dryer (as we are doing stuff pre & post cruise), is this likely to be confiscated?

[boeckli]

Oh dear. So if I am travelling with a hair-dryer (as we are doing stuff pre & post cruise), is this likely to be confiscated?

 

No - on six Virgo cruises since 2002 I have never had a problem with bringing my own hairdryer (heating items like styling tongs or whatever they are called may be a different matter ...)

 

Irons (for clothes) are definitely not allowed.

 

PS : Welcome to the wonderful world of Cruise Critic !

[kuldalai]

Why bother bringing your own Hair Dryer when IIRC they are provided in all Staterooms on VIRGO anyway .

[boeckli]

Why bother bringing your own Hair Dryer when IIRC they are provided in all Staterooms on VIRGO anyway .

 

Oh dear. So if I am travelling with a hair-dryer (as we are doing stuff pre & post cruise), is this likely to be confiscated?

 

The OP stated the reason.

Personally (apart from pre- and post-cruise usage) I dislike the Virgo's hairdryers immensely and have therefore always brought my own :p