Westaussie

Hi Bruce - yes, I could do Alaska again. Have you been on HAL - friends say it is one of the best lines they've been on.

Gemini was pretty full on 17 June sailing, we enjoyed the cruise so much that we've booked Bali/Freo in November. Barring a cyclone or two I hope it won't be too rough!

You say most of the staff won't be coming to Australia surely they can't all break their contracts or get transfers? Some of the ones I spoke to said they were looking forward to this part of the world.

'Miss Smith' told me her name originates in Devon UK but she's called Heidi. By end June she'd settled down alot, I think on your cruise it may have been 'nerves' in her new job.

Vera

Hi Just Hooked - and welcome to CC.

Re reserving tables, last month on Gemini there was a large group travelling together, I noticed they had three tables of 8 reserved near the entrance to the dining room, they didn't use them at breakfast though and mixed in with the rest of us.

Re money, I usually change AUD$50 of Malay and Thai currency (exchange at Morely has commission free days at times) and that at least is enough to start you off - sometimes there are no money changers or ATMs that don't work at the various ports.

Vera

Hi Bev and welcome - the WA group is growing! Thinking back to when our boys were your son's age they would have enjoyed cruising as one would have curled up with a book all day and the other would have had his father swimming, playing table tennis or anything active when poor old dad just wanted to relax! However .... a cruise without family is great too!!

Tracey - thanks for the welcome back but I could turn around right now and go anywhere warm! We have definitely booked Gemini Bali/Fremantle for November.

Boeckli - thanks for your comments on Berjaya Resort - I think our favourite spot in Bali still comes up tops.

Frank, are you still staying at the York Hotel? Found the Paragon shopping mall the nicest of all - quieter, a bit more 'up market' and better places to eat. Also large supermarket in basement. Can get to it from their back entrance just down from the hotel. For cheaper souvenirs/electronics etc Lucky Plaza or Far East Plaza are better.

Vera

Hi Kuldalai - we were replying at the same time and seem to agree on all points!

We enjoyed our trip so much I'm now in the process of booking Bali/Fremantle in November!

Vera

Hi Les - yes the steak was really good as well as all other meat/fish dishes. No the portions are not huge but with four courses I certainly wasn't hungry especially eating three meals a day!

Definitely take a cardigan or shawl for the evenings indoors so it's there if needed (had one but didn't use it) as the public rooms are a little chilly. Cabin temperature you can regulate yourself.

Vera

Hi Mike - next cruise booked is Sun Princess from Fremantle 21 May (with 10 other CC members I know and 6 others yet to meet) three weeks to HCMC and then around to Phuket. But I'm looking at the Gemini Bali/Fremantle in November - (husband doesn't know yet!)

E - one night having dinner with another couple the guy asked for more vegetables, he was happy with the steak but was still hungry. The waitress was a little confused by the request but after consultation a plate of mixed vegetables arrived - of course, in the buffet there's heaps of hot and cold foods to satisfy any appetite!

Vera

Hi Les, outside the buffet there are plenty of shady spots and on deck 7 above, or tables that have umbrellas and usually a gentle breeze. Much preferred outdoors to airconditioning.

You won't go hungry in the restaurant for breakfast! I cut my order in half (one egg instead of two). Juices/fruit/cereals/pastries etc are still self serve there, only the hot food is ordered.

In HCMC we used US dollars but they'll take AUD.

No there wasn't alot of shellfish - apart from prawns but had some excellent barramundi! Yes, one definitely should make room to add on a few kilos!!

Vera

Hi Les, CD was still Heidi (from Devon UK) - I think, because she's new to the job was more nerves than a pain as I had a lovely long chat with her in the Gemini Bar.

Re check in - took about 20 minutes in the queue but the ship was late docking (I think due to problems with Aquarius leaving) so had to wait an hour before boarding.

In Koh Samui we used ship's shuttle bus to Chaweng beach and did our own thing there.

HCMC shorex - choice of (1) Historical (2) Mekong Delta (3) Cu Chi tunnels (4) Culinary & sightseeing (5) tfr to city - independent activities. We chose (1) as described in my earlier post. You should be able to get details on Star Cruise website.

Yes, there were different dance classes every day including port days.

Average age I'd say late 50s as there were quite a few couples in their 30/40s. I think the longer cruises tend to have older (retired) people.

There were sanitizers at entrances to food areas, computer/library etc and on returning to ship.

Boeckli - the tide was in so we managed to swim in the sea - though I did have a swim in the pool too. How did you enjoy Berjaya for 10 days? I'd love to go back especially if they have 'gula malaka' on their menu! Forgot to take a look!

Vera

Hi all

Returned yesterday from a wonderful week on the Gemini.

All went smoothly from check in/boarding etc. right through each day.

First day at sea was sunny so enjoyed being out on deck. Second day Koh Samui, last time we were there it poured, this time it was sunny but the tide was out exposing coral and rocks so no one swam but we enjoyed lunch overlooking the beach and a long walk. Sea was very choppy so the tender ride was 'exciting' believe the last boats back took almost an hour to do the 30 minute trip.

Third day was another day at sea, there were plenty of activities on board (had my palm read) but chose to spend the rest of the day outdoors reading - there was a bbq that night.

HCMC we opted for the 'historical tour' - very interesting - visited the old Presidential Palace, Water Puppet Show, Museum, Temple, tri-shaw ride and a delicious lunch at a restaurant opposite the Sheraton Hotel. Last stop was the markets.

Next day at sea it poured almost all day so we were happy to see the sun once more at Pulau Tioman. People who went snorkeling there said it was fantastic we just spent a lazy day swimming and enjoying the facilities of Berjaya Resort - five minute walk from the tender pier.

Then all too soon the cruise was over. Disembarking was a breeze, didn't even have to wait for a taxi. All this being the beauty of a small ship.

As for the Gemini, I can only compare her with NCL and Princess but we are still very happy with Star Cruises. We had breakfast and dinner in the restaurant and lunch, when there, at the buffet and ate outdoors. Can't complain about the food. As for the crew, they get top marks, not just service but they seem genuinely happy despite the long hours they work.

Also, I did not hear of any mishaps, sickness etc. Passengers were mostly Australians (majority from Perth) but met people from Germany, France, UK and South Africa. At HCMC about 70 pax boarded there. Very few, and fortunately well behaved children on board despite it being school holidays in Asia.

So, the verdict - still in love with the Gemini! And I wish all future cruisers as enjoyable a time as we had.

Vera

Hello from somewhere at sea between Koh Samui and HCMC.

Tracey it was great meeting you in Singapore - yes the SSlings are pricey but lovely place and company so well worth it!

So far everything has been perfect. Yes, cabins are not large but they're spotless and I was surprised to see coffee/tea this time.

I guess with a shorter cruise average age may be lower as not so many people can take three weeks. We have met up with so many people from Perth. Also a delightful French/German couple who live in Switzerland.

So far, from a friend of ours who works on the ship, we're told there have been no further cases of any viruses - so it was a shame for those of you whose cruise was spoilt getting sick and I hope you're well and truly over it.

My only complaint is lack of computers, only two and it looks like I'm hogging one but it took 27 mins to read/answer two emails -

Frank, I think you said you were booked in at the York. It's been refurbished and we had a lovely new room. I still think it's in a very good position. So fire away with questions but I'll answer after I return to Perth next week!

Vera

Hi everyone -from a very shonky keyboard in our hotel in Bali.

Sorry to read of so much sickness etc on the ship - hope you all get over it very quickly.

Tracey I'll get in touch Friday evening - I think Sunday lunch time is when we can board so may have to be some other time.

I'll report back after the cruise as to how things have been.

Regards

Vera

Hi Kuldalai - thanks for your report good to hear the positives! Have you met up with Bruce and Tracey? Enjoy the rest of your trip - wish there was a web cam but have been keeping an eye on your itinerary. I'm looking forward to when we board in two weeks.

Vera

Hi Ambient - hope things are picking up for you and even though there seem to be only a few people in your age group, that you are enjoying their company and activities together. Would like to know what you think of KKB when you stop there on Wednesday - I've not been there.

Boeckli - my 'lists' are ready and tomorrow is the big day to put it all together!! The Panorama tour in HCMC interests me as I'd like to see the Water Puppets - missed them when they were here in Perth during the Arts Festival. In Koh Samui we will probably do as we've done before and head out to Chaweng Beach. Friends have recently returned from a week there and said it poured the whole time - so maybe by mid June the sun will shine!

Vera

Hi Okno - thanks for your input - yes it did cross my mind that many people would be suffering from eating spicy foods they're not used to rather than a virus!! Glad it's all under control - I'll be joining you on 17 June and looking forward to a calm and peaceful cruise.

Frank - don't panic - like any confined space these little bugs can spread. Star and NCL are very good with the hand sanitizers. The automatic dispensers are at the doorways into the public rooms - just one squirt before entering restaurants, using computers etc. Probably something we should have here at all buffet restaurants.

Vera

Hi Mike - thanks for the info. Hope Bruce and Tracey and some other friends of ours on board haven't been affected. Will be extra vigilant with hand sanitizers in a couple of weeks' time!

Vera

Hi Riviera 30 and welcome. Hope you have found answers to your questions but fire away if you haven't.

There will be a couple of 'formal' nights where majority will wear jacket and tie - otherwise trousers/shirt in the evenings. You will need some local currency particularly for taxis. We change Aussie dollars at a money changer outside Patong Beach shops and in the larger shopping centres in Langkawi. Though I'm sure ATMs are everywhere.

We're on the Gemini in a couple of weeks' time - one of my favourite ships - so really looking forward to this trip.

Vera

Hi RB35 - I've never heard of young children 'falling overboard' but I would make it quite clear that they do not climb on the railings and keep an eye on them! Being January school holidays I would think there would be a few other children.

Larger ships we've been on have good kids' programs, not sure what facilities Gemini has for children that young but will have a look when on board next month.

Vera

Hi Bruce

Just enjoyed reading the article you wrote (it's in today's travel supplement - not June 9).

Hope you're enjoying the fairy party!!

Vera

Hi Mike - lovely photos - have friends from Perth currently on their thirtysomething cruise with Star and have one of those suites - must ask them which one they prefer!

Bruce - glad you were able to 'close up shop' on Friday, enjoy the granddaughter's birthday party today - mine's tomorrow ..

Dicky Beach - my TA said to take passport photos for Vietnam visa which is done on board as a group visa. Will be interesting to see which TA has given the correct advice. Even going to St Petersburg last year the visas were done as a group, didn't even need photos there but had to get ppts stamped first time off the ship.

Boeckli - glad you've booked the 11 June cruise - we're still wavering as I'm also dreaming of a river cruise in Europe next year.

Vera

Kuldalai - glad you're enjoying cruise - we have friends from WA on board too. I'm looking forward to the four hours to Ho Chi Minh City on our 17 June cruise - any idea whether this cruise is fully booked?

Bruce hope your computers behave themselves today and you don't have to work over the weekend. Have a wonderful cruise and we look forward to your review/comments on the trip/ship etc.

Boeckli - we're looking at Sun Princess too May/June - yes it will be so nice to drive to Fremantle and for once not pay so much for airfares and try to keep within the 20kg allowance!

Vera

Hi Boeckli

I've got four photos of the cabin which I've just scanned (pre my digital camera). If you could email me at vscover@ozemail.com.au I'll email them to you. They're not very flattering of us that's why I don't want to put them up here!!!

Vera

Hi Mike - Yes, I'm sure there are alot of happy Aussies to see Gemini in our waters. If you haven't been to this part of the world you have no excuse now!! And I'm sure you'll be welcomed by many of us to whom you have given so much help and advice!

Boeckli - we are doing the same Gemini cruise as you but on 17 June. Have been to Koh Samui but the other two ports are new to us. Hope Tioman Island is as good for swimming as the Perhensian Islands - stopped there on the Leo years ago.

We had a Jnr Suite on the Gemini last time, I think there was an in-cabin safe but not 100% sure.

Vera

Hi Tracey

Gemini's return to Singapore is from Brisbane 1st Feb via Cairns, PNG, Bali. Seventeen days. If you get into www.bestcruises.com.au (or any of the other on line agencies - creativecruising etc) you will get detailed itinerary and pricing.

Yes, John, I think we're all happy to have Gemini cruising from Perth and hope it is a success for Star Cruises so it becomes an ongoing venture!

Vera

Hi Kuldalai - Bookings are already open with TAs and internet (e.g. Best Cruises and Creative Cruising) Just had a look at the itineraries/prices there so that I can compare the on board price (assuming one can do that with Star Cruises). Qld over the top to Perth is the part that interests me!

Vera

Hi Bruce, and all Gemini lovers, in this morning's West Australian (p.7) there's an advert for Gemini cruises based in Fremantle from this November to January 08. One in particular looks interesting 26 nights round Australia and PNG. Hope this is the start of more Star cruises from WA!

Vera