Superstar Gemini

[BJC]

Hi Cinnabel,

I note from some of your previous posts you might have done the Infinity cruise out of Vancouver to Alaska is that correct, as we did it in September 2004, and just loved it?

So your thinking about the Gemini next year, are you looking at doing the full 21 day, or just the half cruise like us, and when were you thinking of going?

I see you are from WA, isn’t it funny we linked up with a couple from Mandurah, plus a couple from Texas and two from South Africa prior to our Mediterranean Cruise in May June this year, and shared a mini bus to and from Rome and the Port.

We all met in Rome for Dinner the night before and got on so well together, we all had a ball, and it was all very sad when we parted after another dinner back in Rome post cruise, still good friends with the “Mandurah Mob”.:)

Anyway hopefully someone will read these posts and get back to us with some info on this years Cruise, keep an eye out and if I get any info I will post or you can contact me by e-mail BJC49@telstra.com if you like.

Regards BJ and Mrs C.

[Cinnabel]

Hi BJC

Yes, you are correct. We have just completed the 7 day on Infinity from 23 - 30 July this year. It was absolutely magical! Unfortunately, we only got one fine day - at Ketchikan - but it was still wonderful. The Hubbard Glacier is so awe inspiring. I am so glad that we were away from the beginning of July and did not see the posts regarding the 2 previous cruises on Infinity this year. The 9 - 16 July cruise had a bad outbreak of Norovirus apparently and the 16-23 July was delayed a full 24 hours due to pod problems. We were blissfully unaware of all this so had a wonderful time in our ignorance. However, did not notice any illnesses and we only had 2 minor stoppages due to pods and the time was made up.

 

I am trolling the boards. This 21 day Gemini cruise took my fancy when it was first advertised early this year. My DH has no wish to sail the west coast of Malaysia/Thailand again (I would go in a heartbeat!), but he is very amenable to a different itinerary. We have both harboured a desire to see Vietnam as well. Ideally, the 21 day would be great but time and seasonal variances may mean we can't go in 2007.

 

I am also tracking info about the Pacific Princess cruise next April just through the Barrier Reef and Queensland. Sounds good as well. Unfortunately, we are not in a position to commit to anything as yet.

 

Some of the friendships made on cruises are great, aren't they? It is part of the fun that keeps us coming back!

 

My queries re this Gemini cruise mirrored yours so accurately. Hopefully, there is someone out there cruising to Hong Kong at present - I believe she is en route to Da Nang at the moment - and they will post their impressions for us.

[Goldryder]

Goldryder, you are welcome.

 

Hope you have a great cruise with Braemar.

 

Regards,

 

Mike

 

 

Mike, I had a wonderful mini cruise in July aboard Braemar...booked last minute, needed to escape :)

 

She is gorgeous...and anyone waiting to go onboard Gemini is in for a real treat, the baby ships are so much nicer than the impersonal leviathans :)

 

I have two cruises on Braemar next year and then I am booked on the inaugural cruise for Balmoral in 2008...ex Norwegian Crown...and from the deckplans, she too will be incredible with lots of changes and a reduction in max passengers from 1300 to 950. :)

 

Long live the little ships :)

[deck 9 001]

It's good to hear you had a great cruise Goldryder. Yes, Braemar and her twin Gemini are superb little ships. During the day I love to sit in the Lobby Boulevard area (onboard Gemini) where there are small tables for 2 at the large windows overlooking the promenade deck and the sea. Great spot.

 

Regards,

Mike

[BJC]

Hi Mike,

Thanks for the good oil on the Gemini, we think alike, in not spending much time in your stateroom, it’s basically for sleeping, ablutions and storing your kit.

Despite 10 years in the Navy I can still suffer form Mal de Mer when the sea conditions are just right, it’s the long low swell that does it, as such it’s midships on lower decks, centre of gravity and all that.

As for the two round portholes as opposed to a square window, well it doesn’t really matter, and the $800AU saved will pay for a couple of extra days in Hong Kong and Singapore pre and post Cruise.

By the way how did you find their attitude to bringing a bottle of DF on board, we are partial to a G&T or two while dressing for dinner, purely for medicinal purposed mind, it’s the Quinine that helps us ward off Malaria you know!?;)

On other cruises we simply pop it in one of our big bags, what do you think?:)

Also I still a little confused about the Ocean Palace Main Dining Room, do I understand correctly that there is no seat allocation as such, rather just first in best dressed, and also that there is a “Speciality” Restaurant within the dining room which you pay extra for, and am I correct to assume that the normal dining in here is still “free”?:confused:

Also what would you recommend as attire for the Ocean Palace, we’ve just come off a couple of Celebrity Cruises with the old Formal “Tux” Nights, not that we mind being formal on occasions, it’s good to get the Tux out occasionally, however for Gemini would good pants, a Blazer and collar and tie be ok, even for the Captains Dinner, if invited?:p

Any Assistance would be much appreciated.

Regards, BJ and Mrs C.

[BJC]

Hi Cinnabel,

What a trip eh, isn’t it just stunning, and we were so lucky with the weather, we were on the second to last cruise of the 04 season in September and had clear skies and beautiful sunshine for two weeks.

The day we were at Hubbard it was so sunny I was just in shirt, and we all got sunburnt from the reflection from the Ice, and it calved every 10 minutes for the two and a half hours we were there, the Crew said it was the best ever in 10 years, simply stunning!

Did you manage to spend time in Vancouver, we had a week there prior to the Cruise, what a special place it is, and Vancouver Island, Victoria and the Buchart Gardens, what can one say simply awesome?:)

Now you must keep buying those Lotto tickets and do the Celebrity Eastern Med, Greek Islands and Istanbul, that’s magic also.:)

Hope we hear from someone doing the MK – Singapore and Vietnam Cruise, it’s such a pity that CC don’t have anything much on the Star Cruise family, but then again this site is targeted at the North American Market!;)

Regards, BJ and Mrs C

[deck 9 001]

Hi BJ and MrsC,

 

Yup, those long swells really can do a number on people. Deck 3 midships is your choice then. But let me tell you that when I was in 3006 it was not uncomfortable. But to be safe, stick with midships. You will be absolutely happy with the portholes cabin. You'll be too busy anyhow to spend much time looking out of the ports.

 

So you suffer from Malaria as well I see:D Generally I have no problem bringing a bottle of medicine onboard. Bubblewrap or similar, or the old bottle transfer seems to work for many people.

 

Regarding the Ocean Palace restaurant, yes, there is an alternative extra charge restaurant called Tai Pan, which is located in Ocean Palace, in the center raised area. They offer made to order Chinese cuisine.

Ocean Palace itself, is inclusive of your cruis fare and the Chinese food served there is quite good.

Star uses the freestyle concept. So there are no set dining times or assigned tables. You show up when you want to eat, during the published dining times. In the evening, "smart casual" attire would be appropriate for Ocean Palace, just as it is appropriate for the bars/lounges. They do state to please not wear a collarless shirt.

No need to pack a tux on Gemini. Of course for the Captains' Gala you may choose to dress up a little more. And mind you, if you do, you will not feel out of place. Gemini is a great ship for casual and more formal attire. The atmosphere lets you do both.

 

Hope this answers some of your concerns. More questions? just ask.

And do be careful with your Malaria;)

 

Best regards,

Mike

[BJC]

Hi Mike,

Once again many thanks for your input, I have a couple more questions if I may tap into your vast cruising knowledge please.

Firstly had e-mailed Star in Aus and unfortunately they were less than helpful, I think like most “wholesalers” they don’t want to talk with the “public”.:(

Anyway the question I asked was can we book the Shore Excursions either via our Travel Agent and or on line like Celebrity, once we get our Booking Confirmation Number?

I would rather do it before we get on board, as from memory it was a bit of a “bun fight” there being a Table for each POC, and the good ones sold out very quickly so you didn’t know which one to queue at first?:rolleyes:

Also I’m a bit confused as to what currency they would use on board, as the website says if your sailing out of HK it’s HK $ and if out of Singapore it’s Sing $, so if you sail from HK to Singapore but the round trip started in Singapore one assumes it will be in Sing $, do you think?:confused:

Given we will be in HK, Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore, would you recommend that we just take Australian $ and change them as required or do we need to get some US$ which seems to be acceptable everywhere but you suffer with two conversion costs?

I know Star promote their Cruises as no tipping, but even as an egalitarian Australian I like to reward service above and beyond, as such what would you recommend for your housekeeper in terms of value and currency?

Finally, I don’t recall, and cant find any reference on the website about bar fridges in the staterooms, or if not would we have access to Tonic Water, for the medicine, or should we take some on board with us?;)

Once again any assistance will be very much appreciated.:)

Kindest Regards, BJ and Mrs C.

[deck 9 001]

Hi BJ and MrsC,

 

Glad my info was helpful to you, and you are most welcome.

 

Let's talk about pre-booking a shorex.

The official stance of Star Cruises is that they prefer the pax to book any/all shorex while onboard their ship(s).

However, should a pax truly want to book pre-boarding, you can do so by contacting starcare@starcruises.com.my with all pertinent info and the shorex you want. But, please note, that this is not always guaranteed, as things can change. If you do decide to do it through starcare, I would absolutely doublecheck the booking at the shorex desk onboard Gemini as soon as they open to reconfirm the booking.

 

Currency:

Normally, the currency used onboard any of Star's ships, would be that of the home-port country. In your case, the cruise does not originate in Hong Kong. You are joining the ship at one of the ships port of call.

Star uses a "cashless system," which means you use no cash at all aboard their ships. All purchases are charged to your "Access Card" which also serves as your cabin key. All bills and accounts are settled at the end of the cruise. You may use major credit cards to do this.

 

Pockey Money: Well, I would take AU$ and some small bills in US$.

In all the cities that you will stop at, there are ATM's available, which many times give a better exchange rate than banks, and definitely better than onboard ship. Take whatever you feel comfortable with, as there is always the ATM.

 

Cabin fridges:

Only the Suites onboard Gemini have mini fridges. Tonic Water is readily available at all outlets on the ship. I see no reason why you couldn't bring on some cans of Tonic if you wish, for your medical condition, of course;)

 

Tipping:

Ok, here we are getting into personal matters. Although Star Cruises has a "no tipping policy," my thinking is like yours, and I always express my thanks to the cabin steward/ess with some cash in an envelope with a note of thanks. I used to also give International Phone Cards. But now, most crew/staff have their own cell phones. But I guess, a phone card would still be appreciated, as it does save them money on calls.

How much you give in cash is entirely up to you. Go by what you feel is appropriate as to the services rendered. Your heart will know:)

 

Well BJ, hope this has given you more help and insight as what to do and what to expect.

Fire away if you have more questions. We are all glad to help.

 

Best,

Mike

[BJC]

Hi Mike,

Once again you’ve nailed it, many thanks.:)

My family say "why do you ask all these silly questions", and I say the only silly question is the one not asked!

Anyway that about covers it for now, please keep an eye out I will probably have some more later on, and by the way, can you recommend any good Restaurants in Taipei?;)

Thanks Mate, catch you on the high seas sometime.:D

Regards, BJ and Mrs C.

[suexxx]

Hi all. I have friends going on Gemini soon. Would like to know 1- Is there a cruise cam on her like on (for example P&O Pacific SUN) 2-Is there a web site to see virtual tour of ship( as above ). Have been looking for ages and can only find limited information. Came across this thread by accident and loved what I have read about the Gemini. I am sure my friends will have a great cruise. May do a trip in 2008 our selves if our friends give the thumbs up. We will do our first cruise in Feb 2007. Thanks Suexxx

[mummsie]

Hi Sue, Yes there is a web cam on board but I can't remember seeing a virtual room like on P&O on any of the Star's web sites. The Gemini is a beautiful ship and probably the easiest I have been on to find your way around. Your friends will love it. The staff are just wonderful. Gayle :D

[hbellman]

I am planning my frist trip on the gemini, can anyone recommend a room on deck floor or deck 6. both have windows

please help:)

[hbellman]

sorry last post meant deck four or deck six

[mummsie]

We were on deck 6 around midships and it was a fantastic location. The Gemini bar was just up the stairs and the restaurant was just down the corridor. It was really convenient. :) Mummsie

[lovesimba]

Hi BJ and MrsC,

 

Yup, those long swells really can do a number on people. Deck 3 midships is your choice then. But let me tell you that when I was in 3006 it was not uncomfortable. But to be safe, stick with midships. You will be absolutely happy with the portholes cabin. You'll be too busy anyhow to spend much time looking out of the ports.

 

So you suffer from Malaria as well I see:D Generally I have no problem bringing a bottle of medicine onboard. Bubblewrap or similar, or the old bottle transfer seems to work for many people.

 

Regarding the Ocean Palace restaurant, yes, there is an alternative extra charge restaurant called Tai Pan, which is located in Ocean Palace, in the center raised area. They offer made to order Chinese cuisine.

Ocean Palace itself, is inclusive of your cruis fare and the Chinese food served there is quite good.

Star uses the freestyle concept. So there are no set dining times or assigned tables. You show up when you want to eat, during the published dining times. In the evening, "smart casual" attire would be appropriate for Ocean Palace, just as it is appropriate for the bars/lounges. They do state to please not wear a collarless shirt.

No need to pack a tux on Gemini. Of course for the Captains' Gala you may choose to dress up a little more. And mind you, if you do, you will not feel out of place. Gemini is a great ship for casual and more formal attire. The atmosphere lets you do both.

 

Hope this answers some of your concerns. More questions? just ask.

And do be careful with your Malaria;)

 

Best regards,

Mike

 

 

Hi Mike,

 

We'll be cruising this December with Gemini and your informations here are sooooo helpful, but I still have a question for you :-) We have booked the inside stateroom on deck 6, what is the best cabin for us ( family of 4 ) ? Is cabin # 6212 a good one ? Can we reserve the cabin ? How about the first seating for dinner ? do we need to make reservation ahead of time or when we are onboard ? So, no tux, just suit and tie for captain's gala ?

Thank you for your help!

 

LS

[hbellman]

We were on deck 6 around midships and it was a fantastic location. The Gemini bar was just up the stairs and the restaurant was just down the corridor. It was really convenient. :) Mummsie

 

we are doing the straits of Malaca can you give me any tips on what to do also do they have acasino on board:p

[deck 9 001]

Hi LS, Regarding your query about Deck 6 cabin #6212, I have not been in that cabin personally, but from what I see from the deck plans, this cabin seems to be the widest of all of them. Therefore, in my past experience, I would say that 6212 would be your best choice for comfort. The extra width will give you a little more elbow room.

If you are booking through a TA, then by all means ask her/him to request cabin 6212. If you are booking directly with Star Cruises, ask them if they will confirm this cabin for you.

 

Gemini is usually run as a "freestyle ship," which means that there are no assigned dining tables or times. You just show up when you want, during the opening hours, of course.

If for some reason there is assigned seating, you can do this when you board the ship, or have your TA put in your request.

 

As for attire, as I said before, smart casual is the way to go. You can never go wrong with that look. But on the otherhand, if you wish to dress up a bit more, you will certainly not be out of place, as others do so as well.

 

Need more help? Just ask:)

 

Regards,

Mike

[deck 9 001]

Hi hbellman, yes there is a casino onboard the Gemini. Let's wait and see what some of our most recent cruisers can say about what to do on your Straits of Mallaca cruise. Should be some good input from them.

 

Regards,

Mike

[mummsie]

hi, You will find its a very busy cruise. There is only one sea day which is the second last day so you will find that you will be off the ship pretty much all the time during the day. There is a small casino on board - we didn't try is as you need special tokens. We thought it used Singapore Dollars but they just fell through.

Don't miss any of the shows in the evening - they are fantastic. There are also 3 live bands that are excellent. In the Gemini Bar they usually play in the evenings so you can have a quiet drink. The other 2 bar areas they have dance floors and will play requests if you wish. The big band is very good in the main Galaxy Lounge where the shows are.

Also as was mentioned by Mike - there is free style dining but if you turn up at 6pm the service is a little slow. We always eat early so it gives our food time to digest before we go to sleep so we were waiting to be served sometimes. The food is excellent quality - not huge serves but adequate. If you want to sit alone they will accommodate you without any problems. Likewise if you don't mind sharing they will also be happy. We did both - we shared a few nights and ate alone the rest of the time. Formal night isn't really that formal on the Gemini. We decided not to go to the dining room that night because you have to make a reservation (do this straight away after boarding) and because we didn't take any formal clothes with us. We could have easily gone because many people didn't dress up or even wear a tie. That is the only night when there are set times for eating - there are 2 sittings. :D Mummsie

[Deck10 007]

Money is money to the casino in whatever currency you have. If fact if you have to change currency on board, the casino will give you a better rate of exchange than the reception counter on the ship. Like any machine on land or elsewhere your currency note is rejected very often for unknown reasons. So if you want to gamble the casino will take any currency you have.

The casino is only open from 8pm to 4am, much to the dismay of the local pax.

 

John from Singapore

[hbellman]

can you dine 24/7 on the gemini,

also looking at cabin 6014 or 6010 any one recommend either

[BJC]

Fellow Cruisers,

 

For those who may be interested, I have started a Roll Call for the Gemini’s Asian Odyssey Cruise in May / June ‘07, it can be found in Roll Calls, All Other Cruise Lines.:)

 

 

Hope to get some responses, but not holding my breath!:rolleyes:

 

 

Regards,

 

 

BJ and Mrs C.

[mummsie]

hi hbellman,

No dining is not 24/7. They close the buffet for short periods between breakfast, lunch and dinner. I am not sure about late night because I never eat anything after dinner. The dining room is open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner only from memory. Again we don't graze between meals so didn't check out if it was open any other times. We were in cabin 6011 which was in an excellent position - we loved the convenience of it. So close to the Gemini bar - just up one flight of steps and just along from the restaurant. Mummsie

[BJC]

Hi Gemini Cruisers,

 

 

Can anyone confirm that the Gemini would normally dock at the Ocean Terminal in Kowloon, just over the way from the Marco Polo Hotel?

 

 

Also anyone stayed at the Majestic Hotel in Nathan Road, and if so I would like to know what is it like, could you walk to the Cruise Terminal from there, or best catch a Taxi?

 

 

Hi Mike, if you are reading this, what is the situation with Laundry on the Gemini, does it have somewhere passengers can do their own washing, and not just your "smalls" in the hand basin but real washing, or do you have to use the ships service?:)

 

 

Any assistance much appreciated.

 

 

Regards, BJ & Mrs C