Super Star Virgo

[kuldalai]

Don't hold your breath . Star's parent Company Genting is first, foremost and primarily a Casino and gambling business. SS Virgo, Aquarius & Libra are run primarily as floating Casinos . Thus the mickey mouse duration 3 - 4 night cruises out of Singapore, Hong Kong & Taiwan .

 

So the itineraries ahead will in all likelihood just be more of the same boring old S of M stuff.

 

The current focus of the Company is on gaming activities and latest ventures includes so called resorts (really Casino complexes) in the Phillipines, and just this week Genting purchased a huge slab of land in downtown Ft.Lauderdale for a further resort (Casino) .

[seasick_in_a_bathtub]

Compared to our previous cruises, the casino was half empty. With the opening of the 2 casinos in Singapore, the Friday "cruises-to-nowhere" have been discontinued...Virgo now sails to either Malacca/Kl or Redang Island on the weekends.

[Bugis]

I heard that Star have installed Slot machines in one of the side areas of Galaxy of the Stars, is this correct??

[boeckli]

I heard that Star have installed Slot machines in one of the side areas of Galaxy of the Stars, is this correct??

Unfortunately this is correct - Out of Africa is also taken over by gaming machines now :(

[BeeQueen]

Hi

 

I am new to these boards and cruising. I wish to book a 7 night cruise ex-Singapore on SSV next year and have spent the last few weeks going through all of the previous posts. I have picked up some fantastic information and am grateful to all those who have participated in this forum. Does anyone know when the new itineraries for the Virgo will be released? I am hoping to book early so that I can get a discount. Also, is it cheaper to get a combined fly and cruise package or to obtain these separately (from Australia)?

 

Thanks

[Jamin]

Hi BeeQueen,

 

Great to hear the board has been helpful:)

 

I have found that SSV cruises for the second half of 2012 generally come out early Oct.

Qantas quite often have package deals and are very helpful - but it depends on whether you like to fly with them.

 

The earlybird offers seem to be best value - but certain cabins fill quickly.

 

Make sure you book a minimum of Balcony class as the credit and priveleges make it worthwhile.

 

If you can afford Admiral Class - suites - then you will be treated like royalty in every way.

 

The "class" system works well on Virgo if you utilise all of the benefits from priority boarding and disembarkation through to specialty restaurant bookings and personalised service.

 

The deck 10 junior suites are a favourite of mine.

 

Please keep the board members updated as we are always keen to hear how you go.

 

Jamin:D

[BeeQueen]

Hi Jamin

 

Thank you for replying. :) I can't wait until the new deals are released!

 

I will be cruising with my husband and two kids (10 and 12 years old), as well as another family, also with two kids (similar age). I would be happy to book a balcony cabin (even if it will be a bit of a tight squeeze), but not sure if the other family can afford it. I will try to convince them and have a look at the Qantas deals you suggested.

 

I will let you know how we go with our bookings.

 

BeeQueen

[Jamin]

Hi BeeQueen,

 

You should all have a great trip on the Virgo.

 

From memory there are interconnecting cabins in Balcony class and Junior Suites. Also There are inside rooms opposite the Balcony Class cabins which can also work as a means of gaining extra space without the extra cost.

 

It really is worth booking Balcony as you get an on board credit to use and other priveleges. For this type of trip - the extra investment in your holiday and the capacity to get the sea breeze and to watch coming into port is fantastic.

 

We started cruising on Virgo in Balcony and have since gone to a Junior Suite for the next 3 holidays.(Admiral Class which is amazing)

 

There are 3 class categories defined by a colour on your access card - which is your ID and credit card - Blue is world cruiser(standard cabin), Red is Balcony, and Yellow is Admiral (Suites).

 

The crew are always great -and if you can have patience with understanding Indian passenger culture and the way they act on the cruise (they can be a little "different"):( - you will have a wonderful time.

 

There is no tipping - and a smile goes so far with the crew who really appreciate interaction.

 

Let us know how things pan out.

 

Regards Jamin:D

[alphabetsoup]

Hi All

This is mine and my husbands first trip anywhere and we have booked a 5night cruise on the SSV. We depart on Oct 16 from Singapore. We are leaving the kids (4 and 5) with grandma and just going to relax !!!! But I have one question how do phone home (Australia) from the cruise without it costing us a fortune???

Thanks for any help you could give me.

[mbarbi]

hi! it will be our family's first time to go on a cruise this october....we just took the 3 days cruise since this is our first time....

 

is it advisable to join the tour in port klang? or just wander on our own?

 

in your experience...do you really feel the waves or you dont feel it at all??

 

is october rainy season for the cruise on malacca?

 

thanks so much in advance :)

[Jamin]

Hi SSV Cruisers

 

Re phone access - I would invest in a cheap mobile phone with international roaming which any phone retailers should be able to set up. Alternately there are public phones on your travels - but write down the international prefix for the number you are calling as it can be terribly confusing.:confused: You can even reverse charges if need be - if you want it billed home.:eek:

 

Port Klang is a tender trip so it may be worthwhile using the SSV shorex.

These excursions are generally well planned and not ridiculously expensive.

If you haven't been to Port Klang I would recommend erring on the side of caution. The ship doesn't wait for stragglers as it has a fairly tight schedule.;)

 

You dont feel much swell on SSV as the waters are quite protected. She also has stabilisers which assist.

 

We missed out on Halong Bay with one of our cruises as it was cyclonic conditions. The Captain explained the situation of not being able to get into port which was totally understandable. Even during this weather the ship was quite stable with minimal roll and pitch.

The only thing it really affects are the performers trying to undertake acrobatics. But they were amazing in the way they handled the conditions.

 

Enjoy your cruise and remember a smile goes a long way on SSV.:D

[ssv]

Virgo's upcoming drydock (January 2012)

 

For starters:

1. Hull Art

2. Carpets

3. Upholstery

 

Also, good bye to slot machines in GOS. Deck 8 mid-ship will be re-designed, and yes, extension of the Genting Club.

[Bugis]

Great to hear Virgo is getting an upgrade and removing the slots from GOS is fantastic, pity they don't remove them from Out of Africa and return it to the way it was.

 

Are they refurbising the cabins, especially the balconies as they are not on par with other modern ships. What is happening on deck 8??

 

Cannot see cruise routes after end March, I wonder if they are revising the SOM, I hope so!!

[boeckli]

Great to hear Virgo is getting an upgrade and removing the slots from GOS is fantastic, pity they don't remove them from Out of Africa and return it to the way it was.

 

Are they refurbising the cabins, especially the balconies as they are not on par with other modern ships. What is happening on deck 8??

 

Cannot see cruise routes after end March, I wonder if they are revising the SOM, I hope so!!

 

Have seen itineraries for April onwards on two or three sites already - unfortunately more of the same (SOM) just with variations in ports of call (e.g. Langkawi) and they also include Redang on quite a few.

 

The only "special" itinerary I could see was on June 10 - a 7 day cruise to Thailand [singapore, Redang, Ko Samui, Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Singapore, Redang, Singapore]

[ssv]

Deck 8

- Genting Club (VIP Casino) on Deck 8 will be enlarged

- Picture house will be gutted.

- Bellini will be refurbished (and I think it'll be Casino VIP-only ala Genting Lounge on Pisces)

- Installation of slot machines

- Wine shop will be renamed and specialise in chocolates instead

[Bugis]

Thanks SSV, if Bellini becomes VIP only there will be NO quality bar on the ship where you can have a quiet drink and listen to the Trio etc, it is/was a lovely relaxing place. so no picture house??

[cruiser_elston]

Hi everyone! I'm new here and I've enjoyed reading this thread. Also I've cruised onboard SSV millions of times and never had a disappointing cruise!

 

Anyway, what upholstery will be carried out on SSV drydock and are there any more details of the drydock? I'm really hungry for information!!! :)

 

Are the upgrades only carried out on Deck 8 or will other areas like the buffet or pool be refurbished as well?

[ssv]

Thanks SSV, if Bellini becomes VIP only there will be NO quality bar on the ship where you can have a quiet drink and listen to the Trio etc, it is/was a lovely relaxing place. so no picture house??

 

Yes, from what I understand Picture House will be converted into a casino.

 

-RANT-

Many of their staff esp those of mgmt level lack creativity, knowledge of, and passion for the service industry, this is one huge problem that plagues SC, the Genting group as well as many companies. There are things they can implement to improve customer satisfaction, at a very low cost e.g. more rigorous training, and motivational/pep talks for frontline staff...

 

The cruise industry has progressed so much, so did SC between 1997-2011: 1) Higher prices that doesn't translate to a better cruise experience

2) more surly and unmotivated workers that can bring everyone else down as well(I blame the company)

3) and the ever-expanding casino and offerings.

 

:(

[cruiser_elston]

Any other decks that will be refurbished?

[jackiedanny]

hi i am going on the ss virgo next year 2012 april 29 and i have been looking at the excursions ex phuket has anyone done the snorkelling at khai island and lunch at rang yai island? if so how much time did you get at each place? did you consider it worth it?

thanks jackiedanny:)

[abhirup_basak]

Hi all! This is my first post on cruisecritic and a warm hello to all fellow cruisers! We are a family of 3 adults and we would be sailing on the awesome Superstar Virgo on 26th February 2012 for the 3 nights Penang - Phuket cruise from Singapore. Any fellow cruisers who would be joining me on this cruise date out here?

A few queries:

1. Where does the ship anchor at Phuket in February - the Phuket Deep sea Port or off Patong Beach?

2. I am interested in going for the Phang-nga bay tour, but I find that Star Cruises is charging a bit on the higher side. Online travel forums say it is possible to go for this tour by hiring a longtail boat at Ao Por pier in the north-east of Phuket for 3500 baht (150 Singapore dollars) in total for 8-10 persons. Any fellow group(s) of cruisers who might be interested in sharing this trip with us?

[kuldalai]

One needs to understand that for some years since Star sold SS GEMINI the focus has been very much on gambling . Sadly these days Genting as owners of Star Cruises are totally focussed on gaming businesses in on-shore Casinos. Their Star boats are sadly just an extension of that business these days masquerading as floating casinos primarily aimed at the Asian gambling market , offering 2 - 3 day "Mickey Mouse" itineraries often visiting Singapore or KL twice on the same cruise.

 

Those looking for a more traditional cruise experience in Asia best look elsewhere to Costa, Princess, RCL etc .

[cruiser_elston]

According to many reviews, Costa is not living up to expectations in Asia.

[kuldalai]

Classica is an old boat and totally unsuited to Asia with so few balconies.

 

To address this Costa is introducing another newer vessel there in 2012, and then Classica is to be upgraded as Neo Classica the same as is currently being done with Romantica to Neo Romantica. the upgrade includes addition of many more balcony staterooms .

 

Best cruise option in Asia a the moment is OCEAN PRINCESS when it does some seasonal cruises there on the way to/from its South Pacific season each year .

[Bugis]

I notice Star have increased the price of cruises on Virgo significantly from mid next year, will be more expensive than HAL, Celebrity etc which is very difficult to justify. Is it because of the upgrades from the planned dry dock or just because they feel they have a captive market??