SuperStar LIBRA

[deck 9 001]

SSV, it's nice to hear that you enjoyed your cruise aboard Libra.

I too am sure that Star Cruises will take care of some of the worn areas on the ship when Libra enters dry-dock very soon.

Thanks for your comments.

 

Best,

Mike

[ssv]

I went onboard this lady on its first cruise(1 Jan) from Singapore. The ship is very comfortable, warm and feels like "real" cruising. The ship is a little worn out at some spots, but im sure it'll be solved at the coming dry-dock.

 

Surprisingly, I do not miss the Virgo whilst onboard Libra!

 

oops, i meant 1 June 2007.

 

Libra is a lovely ship and I believe folks will like her.

[deck 9 001]

Hi all,

 

Well, just 2 more days until SuperStar LIBRA arrives at Keelung, Taiwan.

 

I will be at the port to photograph the ship coming down the channel and turning in the basin and then docking. I hope the weather clears up here, as we have been having torrential rains lately.

 

I will post some photos after attending the Inaugural Ceremony.

 

Best,

Mike

[ssv]

Ship is arriving tomorrow and Mike, you must be getting excited!

 

Do post your pictures of the beautiful lady here. Thanks!

 

Wish you all the luck with regards to weather and, have you got a booking on her already :) ?

[deck 9 001]

Yes, SSV, I am very excited, and from what I hear, I am not the only one:) After an absence of 2 years many people here in Taiwan are looking forward to having Star Cruises back.

 

I will certainly post some photos of tomorrows events.

 

You bet I have some cruises lined up. One for each month that Libra will be sailing ex-Keelung. All of them of varying durations and itineraries.

 

Thanks for your good wishes.

 

Speak to you and everyone tomorrow:D

 

Best,

Mike

[Westaussie]

Hi Mike - guess by now you are one happy guy!

 

Look forward to your photos and your reviews when you get to sail on her.

 

Vera

[deck 9 001]

Hi again Vera, indeed I am very happy:D .

I will write a few comments about the Inaugural Ceremony and post some photos in a few minutes. Thanks.

 

Best,

Mike

[deck 9 001]

Hi all,

 

The gray, dismal rainy weather that we have been having here in Taipei recently, suddenly cleared yesterday out of what seemed to be respect for "a special lady" who was about to arrive.

 

The Inaugural Ceremony in honor of the Maiden Arrival of the SuperStar Libra to Taiwan was a very special event indeed. To begin with, Libra was escorted down the channel in Keelung by water spraying fireboats and horns/whistles sounding. I made it a special point to find the best location to take some photos and video clips of this first arrival of SuperStar Libra to Keelung,Taiwan. Instead of talking about it, I think photos will tell the story better.

 

This is the first glimpse of Libra coming down the channel, heading towards the turning basin. A very special moment:

 

Here is Libra just entering the turning basin:

 

The Libra starting her turn:

 

Now ready to back in to the berth at the Passenger Ship Terminal:

 

Now fully turned and backing in:

 

This was a thrilling moment and fascinating to watch as well. While all this turning and backing in was happening, horns from the tugs and the whistle from Libra were sounding what seemed like a melody.

 

 

Being that Cruise Critic only allows 5 images per post, I will continue with the final docking and the start of the Inaugural Ceremony in Part 2, to follow soon.

 

Best,

Mike

[Westaussie]

Lovely photos Mike. Look forward to part 2!

 

Vera

[deck 9 001]

Hi all,

 

Libra is getting closer to her berth, as you can see in this shot. Almost adjacent:

 

And finally alongside:

 

 

You will notice that there is a yellow banner with red Chinese characters hung on the side of the ship at the top. This was put up by the crew onboard Libra as a feeling of sentiment. The characters translate into Ebglish as "Long time, no see!". Indeed it has been far too long since Taiwan had a Star Cruises' ship homeported here.

Here is a close-up of the banner, with some of the staff/crew lining the rails:

 

I now had to make my way back to the Keelung Harbor Bureau (passsenger ship terminal) from my photo vantage point on an elevated foot bridge. Upon arrival there it was wonderful to see that Star Cruises decorated the entrance and escalators with festive balloons for this special occasion:

 

Once upstairs, I presented my invitation at the check in desk and shortly afterwards I and others were escorted to board SuperStar Libra.

We boarded the ship from the Deck 4 gangway and entered the Crystal Court, which is the reception lobby. The tall glass fountain that once was here is now replaced with the water bowls filled with beautiful plants. I thought I would miss the fountain, but I was quite impressed with the floral arrangements:

 

Small groups of invited guests were then escorted up to the Stardust Lounge (showroom) on Deck 5 forward. Once there, we were greeted and treated to a fabulous buffet and trays upon trays of all kinds of beverages carried by smartly uniformed stewards and stewardesses. This buffet reception was set up in the Hall just outside the entrance to the Lounge. The buffet tables were laden with every imaginable hot and cold foods. The display was pure art. The display was a treat for the eyes and the fare just tantalized one's taste buds. Truly first class.

 

The serving staff, ever smiling and friendly made sure that all guests had everything they wanted, and more. I believe they were just as happy to be there as were all the guests. You could tell from their faces that this was indeed a very special occasion and they were proud of it.

 

After a respectful amount of time we were then invited to enter the Stardust Lounge for the beginning of the official welcoming ceremony

of SuperStar Libra's Maiden Arrival at Keelung,Taiwan

 

In Part 3 I'll tell you about the ceremony and show you some photos.

This will follow soon.

[deck 9 001]

After being seated, there was a short intro about the Welcome Ceremony and then there was a performance by the Star Cruises Dancers from one of the production shows. They did a wonderfully professional performance with great enthusiasm. The costuming was bright and Vegas calibre.

It was a fun and relaxing opening to the ceremony.

 

Sorry for the photo quality below in the show room, but as you can see, my seat was obstructed and there was no way that I could set up my tripod for better photos.

 

 

After the performance the events host came on stage and introduced all the dignitaries attending the Inaugural Ceremony. Among the dignitaries were the "top brass" of Star Cruises Corporate Office, the Mayor of Keelung, Minister of Tourism, Keelung Harbor Bureau Administrator, etc.,

Of course the General Manager of Star Cruises Taiwan, Mr. Andy Lew was introduced and opened the ceremony. Speeches were made by the above dignitaries thanking everyone for their support and also explaining what hopes Star Cruises has for the future.

Many awards were then presented to Star Cruises, including the maiden arrival of Libra, Outstanding Cruise Line etc. It was a very nice awards presentation enjoyed by all attending.

 

Here are just a few photos, and again, sorry for the quality:

 

An award being presented:

 

All dignitaries thanking the audience for attending:

 

 

The highlight of this ceremony was when an electronic globe was wheeled onto the stage. All the officials and dignitaries gathered around this globe and at the end of a countdown, they all placed their hands on the globe, and "magically" the horn/whistle of SuperStar LIBRA sounded. This was a truly wonderful and fitting end to the ceremony, but also heralding the beginning of a season of what promises to be, exciting cruises aboard Libra ex-Keelung.

 

 

 

Then there was the obligatory photo session with the media attending and covering this event.

This ceremony was done with great dignity but also with a sense of true appreciation and welcome to the guests. The guests responded by shouting "welcome back!".

 

All the invited guests were then invited to form small groups, according to our visitor sticker number, and join a host for a personal tour of the ship.

Due to time constraints of having cruise pax boarding the Libra soon, the tour was a little rushed and we were not able to see the whole ship.

I did manage to get a few photos of the areas we visited. These will be shown in Part 4, coming soon.

[J33JWA]

Hi Mike,

 

What fantastic pictures of the SSL.

Great work and thanks for sharing and the update.

Brings back wonderful memories of our sailing with the SSL in the Eastern Med.last Summer.

 

Cheers and enjoy your vovages on this excellent ship.:p

Best regards. James:)

[deck 9 001]

Hi James, great to hear from you. Thanks for your compliments, although I hope to have better photos when I can relax and take my time with them, when I am aboard Libra as a pax.

 

I remember you saying that you had a lovely cruise in The Med with Libra, and you were disappointed that she was not returning. Glad though, you have good memories of the ship and your time cruising.

 

I know I will have a brilliant time aboard Libra this month. Naturally, I will write about my experiences. Keep checking in and thanks for posting James.

 

Cheers,

Mike

[ssv]

Hi Mike.

 

I believe you enjoyed the ship and the tour. This ship although 18years of age, is still extremely beautiful.

 

The crystal court was already with the flowers, like your picture when I went onboard in Singapore, so I guess it was removed after NCL or India.

 

The only "problem" with her is the intense vibration aft of the ship, small bathroom in cabins/low ceiling in the suite bathroom. Hopefully the engine is tuned and the vibration will be less obvious for the Taiwan market and VIPs like you.

[Deck10 007]

Just got off the Gemini and spoke to a Mr Hussain ( if I remember the name correctly ) who was the hotel manager of the Libra before relocating to Taiwan. Mike, you would like to know that he said the the cruising season in Taiwan may be extended depending on the booking and it is unlikely that the Libra will return to India because of red tape, corruption, custom problems,etc.

Spoke to the staff captain of the Gemini and he said that the vibration is due to the "cavition" of the ships propellers and you get that even on the newer ships like the Virgo. Not much can be done and I have seen the plates rattling in the 12 floor restuarant. Just a side advice, avoid the aft cabin if you can.

[deck 9 001]

Hi SSV, yes the Libra although an older ship is still beautiful and very well maintained. The fountain was indeed removed before the India service started. I have heard about the vibration at the aft, but have been told that it usually is only really noticeable when docking and getting underway. While cruising it is less constant. I'll let you know after my first cruise. Regardless, I still plan to have a helluva time and enjoy every minute aboard.:D

 

Don't you have another cruise coming up again soon?

 

Mike

[deck 9 001]

Hi Deck 10 007 John, thanks for your post. Yes, you are correct it is Mr. Hussain who was hotman onboard Libra during India service. Indeed the future season and deployment for Libra is being discussed at Star Cruises Corporate. I would love to see Libra return to Taiwan next year.

 

I also have felt vibration while onboard Virgo. Guess we have to go with the flow and try to overlook small annoyances.

 

My cabin onboard Libra will be on Deck 8 midship for my first cruise so vibration should be minimal in that location. But I plan to spend some time in the aft section, especially during docking to see what all this talk is about concerning vibration. Thanks for your input.

 

Mike

[deck 9 001]

I was very impressed with the public rooms that I was able to view on this short and fast tour. Quite visible and obvious is the high maintenance that is performed onboard Libra. While some furniture and carpeting is not brand new, they are in good condition. As on all Star Cruises ships, the public rooms are always neat and tidy. One can never tell that the room was just used. They are put back in place immediately and ready to go again.

 

Although I am not quite happy with the results of my photos, below is a sampling of some public areas. As I said before, when I am aboard as a pax soon, I will have the time to take better photos for all of you.

 

New signage is visible throughout the ship:

 

This is the Blue Lagoon located on Deck 10 extreme aft. A very casual and comfortable venue which I know will be popular with the Taiwanese pax. I imagine I will be found here a few times also.

 

This photo was taken from the railing of Blue Lagoon looking down into the Mariners Buffet Restaurant located just below on Deck 9:

 

A photo of Boomers Disco. Just doesn't seem "right" without people in there. But that will surely change in a few hours.

 

 

Next I went to have a look at the new Tai Pan Restaurant. Coming up next in Part 5.

[deck 9 001]

This is the entrance to the new Tai Pan Restaurant. This dining venue originally was Le Bistro during Norwegian Sea days. Tai Pan is an extra tariff Chinese food venue:

 

The small lounge area of Tai Pan, which leads to the main room:

 

The main dining room of Tai Pan:

 

I just love this table setting with wonderful attention to detail. Makes for a lovely start to a fine meal:

 

Next up was a quick peek into the Skyline Karaoke Lounge, located on Deck 10 aft starboard. This is a great room! I love the seaview windows. During non-Karaoke times, I think this Lounge will be great for cocktails, conversation and relaxing:

 

Coming soon will be a look at the outdoor decks. But first, I must go to work. I DO have to pay for these cruises you know!

[ssv]

I think Mike is right about the vibration only during docking, can't remember though. Indeed, the Virgo also has vibration, perhaps its due to the type of engine and propeller? The Aquarius virtually does not have vibration even while full speed ahead, but I noticed it takes a longer time for it to dock compared to Virgo. Must be the Azipod vs Conventional.

 

I was onboard the Libra twice, both times on deck 8. Its in between all the public decks so its good. Taipan was called Spices(?) whilst in India and Singapore, catering to Admiral Class passengers only which meant this area was underused.

 

I think the Libra will not return to India anymore as Taiwan bookings are very very strong and India is a weak market. Just weird because Virgo always have got a strong number of Indian nationals as its passenger.

 

Thank you Mike at last for the beautiful photo of Libra ex-drydock! If you support her enough, Libra might stay there for good =)

[Deck10 007]

The Virgo has the conventional twin propellers and not the Azipod.

[kuldalai]

It would be great if Star would publish their itineraries much further out as it hard for us down under to plan ahead when Star are so tardy in this area .

P & O and Princess have itineraries out for cruises as far as into 2009 whereas Star have nothing out beyond March/April 2008 .

 

If Star need a home for a medium vessel in our Winter then Aus would certainly welcome some innovative and new itineraries from Sydney / Melbourne / Brisbane to the Pacific and New Zealand and Singapore/Hong Kong in our winter months.

 

Finally with Marco Polo sold from Orient Lines fleet they are shipless are they not ? Any likelihood of SS Gemini being re-badged and going over to Orient Mike ? If not do Orient Lines die a natural, or where do they get a suitable replacement for Marco Polo ? Guess Orient is a luxury now given NCL have so many vessels cruising European waters .

[deck 9 001]

HI SSV, thanks for your compliments about the photos. I promise I will do my best to have better photos after my first cruise.

 

Indeed the bookings for Libra ex-Keelung are doing very nicely. I will of course do all I can to support Libra in Taiwan. I am already doing so. There is high hopes that Libra will return next year.

 

Ciao,

Mike

[deck 9 001]

Hi Kuldalai, I really have no idea what plans Star Cruises has for the Gemini. At the moment, I understand she will return to Singapore at the end of the Australia cruise season.

 

But anything is possible I guess.

 

Best,

Mike

[deck 9 001]

Okay, so we have seen some indoor venues, so now let's take a look at some outdoor (weather) decks. Of course with all the new Astroturf carpet installed, (I hesitate to use the name Astroturf, as this carpet seems a much higher quality) the outdoor decks look fabulous. I wanted to jump in the pool right then and there.

 

This photo is to just give you an idea of how great the new carpeting looks. This is on Deck 10 just above the pool deck:

 

Here is a shot of Coconut Willy's one of 2 pool bars. This is located on Deck 10. Looks very inviting I must say:

 

This is the other pool bar right on the pool deck (Deck 9). Very convenient for those who like jumping in and out of the pool for a quickie!:

 

A nice long view of the pool deck:

 

A closer shot of Coconut Willy's:

 

I have just a few more photos to share with you, until I return from my cruise. So stay tuned for Part 7, which hopefully will be the last!