Super Star Virgo

[Nicole Joan]

Mike, you are an absolute legend mate. Thankyou so much for your valuable information. Look forward to hearing again soon Nicole;)

[deck 9 001]

Nicole, you are very welcome. I am really glad that my info is helpful for you. By answering your queries, I am re-living my fantastic times aboard Virgo.

 

I know you will have more questions before your cruise in Sept. Great!

More fond memories for me to recall, and even better, just knowing I have helped someone to make their cruise just a tad bit better.

Keep the questions coming Nicole:D

 

Regards,

 

Mike--just back from Hong Kong

 

[Emdee]

I havent been able to find too many details about the cruises and would like to take one for either christmas or new year this year. Can anyone give me information and maybe a vendor in the US /Canada.

 

Thanks

[Doubletrouble_in_oz]

Hi Emdee,

 

Star Cruises have a website with lots of information including itineraries and sailing dates. Maybe you could have a look at that as a starting point and any questions you have, just post them on here. I have found this board to be most helpful and so many people willing to share their experiences.:D

http://www.starcruises.com/

 

 

 

Hi Oatz,

 

Many thanks for your posting!

That's great news. Even though we will probably spend most of our time sipping cocktails by the pool:D , I'm sure I will enjoy a quiet drink sitting on our balcony watching the world sail by.

 

Sigh.....if only July came straight after February:p

 

Cheers Justine

[Emdee]

Hi Justine, I think I would like to do the Straits of Malacca for either Christmas or New Year. Cant seem to get the prices on the web and my local agents dont sell Star cruises.

 

Miriam

[deck 9 001]

Hi Miriam, let me jump in with some advice which may help you.

 

You can e-mail Star Cruises and ask them for a list of their GSA's (general sales agents) in your area. They will be happy to help you. Contact Star at this link: starcare@starcruises.com.my

 

Also, you can have your local travel agent contact NCL (owned by Star Cruises) and get names and contacts for booking with Star Cruises.

 

I am sure that with either of these two ways you should have a positive outcome.

 

You will love the Virgo.

 

Regards,

 

Mike--in cold, rainy, dreary Taipei

[Nicole Joan]

Hi everyone. Mike I'm pretty enthused about the tiger temple so if you could get some information from your local contacts if this is possible that would be much appreciated Regards Nicole from windy rainy Australia (thank goodness because it will put out the bushfires):)

[deck 9 001]

Hi Nicole, I'm working on it now for you.

 

Will reply when I receive the info.

 

Regards,

 

Mike

[Doubletrouble_in_oz]

Hi Mike,

 

Just a couple of more questions for you:) . Can you recommend any not-to-be-missed excursions in Phuket? We are travelling with 2 kids (12 and almost 8), so we would need something suitable for the whole family. I think we have an evening (4pm arrival) plus a whole day stopover in Phuket.

We will be meeting friends in Langkawi (they actually live there), so hopefully they will show us around.

 

Also, what is the usual mix of nationalities on board the Virgo?

And last, but not least, does the Virgo usually sail fully booked? I guess I have trouble imagining 3000 people on board!:eek:

Soooo looking forward to July!

 

Many thanks for all your help

 

Cheers

 

Justine - on a sunny, warm but a bit too humid early evening in Perth

 

(sorry, couldn't resist):D

[deck 9 001]

Hi ya Justine,

 

I sure can answer your questions! (with pleasure)

 

In Phuket, you MUST go to see PHUKET-FANTASEA!

 

It is an family oriented complex Theme Park, featuring absolutely breathtaking elephant production shows in the Elephant Palace theatre. The theatre alone is not to be missed.

 

There are restaurants, attractions, photo ops with real elephants and lots more. I absolutely loveit there. Kids have a blast, while we "older" people love it as well. I won't say more, as I do not want to spoil the surprises that you will find there.

Here is the link to their web site: http://www.phuket-fantasea.com/

 

You can book this tour on the ship. Some people I know (from the ship) have done it independently, but by the time you secure a taxi (a must) and then have your dinner and pay admission, it really works out better to join the ship's tour.

 

 

As far as nationalities onboard Virgo, you will find a mix of Asian (Singaporean (naturally), Chinese, nationals of India, Australia,New Zealand, England, USA and other European countries. This is in general, but it also depends on the time of year you cruise. And may I add, that in all the times I have cruised in Virgo, ALL these nationalities have blended together beautifully, showing respect and friendliness to each other.:)

 

Does Virgo usually sail full?

Well, it's luck of the draw. But even when full, I dare say it will not feel that way.

In general, major holidays and especially Chinese/Asian holidays the ship will be full. Other times less so. Put your mind at ease, you won't be lost in a sea of people. The ship has great pax flow, and there are numerous public rooms and spaces for all onboard. Plus, you will find areas where you can almost be alone. Like this small little alcove which I love. Get a drink from the nearest bar, bring it here, and it's just you and the great sea views:cool:

 

Hope I helped Justine.

 

Regards,

 

Mike

[Doubletrouble_in_oz]

Mike,

 

Many thanks once again.

 

Justine

[deck 9 001]

Justine, you are more than welcome. It's my pleasure.

Keep asking!:)

 

Mike--in cold (10C) rainy Taipei

[Nicole Joan]

Hi Justine We also did Fantasea in Phuket and thought it was great. Another thing which we did was go to the zoo, which the kids might enjoy. It was very hands on (nothing like in Australia) and our daughter absolutely loved it. She got to ride an elephand, play with a monkey and cuddle a tiger. This was about 4 years ago now, but it was a blast. I bet you guys are getting really excited now - not long to go;) Nicole

[FOZZIE]

Hi to all cuisers

Kevin and I did Virgo 18 months ago, not really impressed, we previously had done Gemini same itenarie, this time seemed lots of asian gamblers on board and catered for accordingly, we met friends from UK who we met on Gemini and both agreed not a touristy ship, having said that, the ship is great and the staff just as friendly just the people on board were not tourists as we were, plain gamblers. We ddi spend some time atb casino ourselves, all in all a good trip just not a friendly ship as in Gemini. We have just some back from a med cruise wich was great and we are now booked on Funchal from Fremantle to Hull (UK) 36 nights leaving 20 March

Enjoy all Virgo has to offer and it is a very friendly ship with all the amenities you want just remember it is a gambling ship for southeast asians, they even have there own card and you do not see them during the day so the poolside is deserted.

Denise and Kevin

[Nicole Joan]

Hi Justine As another thought, I don't know if you have girls or boys but on Patong beach in Phuket you are able to get hair braiding with beads which my daughter is looking forward to getting done again, and while this is being done I got a fantastic massage. All the copy clothes and shopping is great fun too. Nicole:rolleyes:

[deck 9 001]

Good suggestions Nicole. Also, the vendors selling their wares while strolling the beach can offer some good prices on the sarongs and hand carved teak statues et al., and teak wall panels.

If you bargain (friendly and fairly) with the vendors, good deals are to be found on the beach.

 

Mike

[Doubletrouble_in_oz]

Nicole,

 

Many thanks for all the info! Did you go to the zoo on an excursion or just by yourselves? We still have 5 months to go, seems such a long time.....but my first post was in early October (!):eek: , so the time is certainly flying....

And yes, I do have a 7 year old daughter, I'm sure she will want to get her hair braided <LOL>.

 

Cheers

 

Justine

[Nicole Joan]

Hi everyone, Justine we hired a taxi from Patong Beach who actually waited for us at the zoo, then took us back to patong (which was pretty unbelievable and really easy). Carly (our 12 year old) says your daughter must get her hair braided (because it is sooooo cool). You now have lots to think about

Cheers Nicole:rolleyes:

[tmat4636]

l will be going aboard the SSV i three weeks time on 12 March. l had a few questions

-is it possible to ger a room upgrade when you check in if u request one

-how do you get flowers delivered to your room prior to sailing

l am realy looking forward to this cruise as it is my first proper one(l sailed on the spirit of Tasmania ferry )

[deck 9 001]

Hi tmat4636,

 

When you board SSV go to Reception Desk and ask about cabin upgrades. Usually they will not be able to tell you for sure if one is available, until after the ship sails. They will call you in your assigned cabin to let you know. If a cabin is available, they will charge you the price difference at rack rate.

 

As far as flowers being delivered to your cabin, I suggest you contact Star Cruises and ask them.

Use their Customer Service Dept. e-mail. They are very good at replying in a speedy, informative fashion.

 

E-mail: starcare@starcruises.com.my

 

Hope this helps.

 

Regards,

 

Mike--currently in dry-dock:( in Taipei

[Nicole Joan]

Hi everyone I have a question from my daughter. Does anyone know if they sell copy ROXY clothes in Phuket (I guess you have to be 12 to appreciate this);) Nicole

[Doubletrouble_in_oz]

Hi Nicole,

 

Try posting the question re: ROXY clothing on trip advisor forum

www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g293920-i5037-Phuket.html

 

I'm sure you will get plenty of answers....well, a lot more than on here :p

 

Cheers

 

Justine

[Doubletrouble_in_oz]

Hi Mike,

 

Hope you are well.

I have a question about tipping.....I have read that there is a "no tipping" policy on the Virgo, but would like to leave small thank-you gifts. What would you suggest? Will money be best (I wouldn't want to offend anyone though) or maybe something from Australia? Any suggestions will be most welcome.

 

Thanks a million

 

Justine:)

 

 

Yay!!!!.....Less than 4 months till we sail:cool:

[deck 9 001]

Hi Justine, nice to hear from you again. I am very well, thank you and hope you are also.

 

First things first! Go get yourself a cup of coffee, or better yet, a nice cold beer, as my response will be rather lengthy and it is always good to have something to drink while reading:D

 

You raised a very good question concerning tipping.

 

Ok, here is Star Cruises official statement re; tipping

 

"Tipping

Your smile is the most valuable return you can give our friendly crew. We have a ‘No Tipping’ policy onboard."

 

This is wonderful PR for the cruise line, but in reality tips are very much appreciated. The keyword here is appreciated, not expected. Be warned though, all or most staff will try to refuse your "gift of thanks." Just tell them that you insist, and you will feel hurt if they do not accept your gift.

Unfortunately there are those people who do take Star Cruises tipping policy as gospel, and leave no manner of thanks to the staff/crew at all. To each his own, this is just not my style. I have been in the hospitality business for about 35 years, so I know how much a tip, or a small gift of thanks means to waitstaff.

 

That being said, I know that most of us would very much want to say "thanks" to the staff/crew for their outstanding service.

 

Money is always most welcome, needed and appreciated.

 

This is what I do:

 

I always give cash in an envelope with a thank you note to my cabin steward(s). I know that this money helps them a great deal, especially being that they send most of their money back home to help support family.

 

Usually I like to sit with the same dining room waiters at my evening meal in Bella Vista. And yes, you can ask for the same waiters everytime you dine here. Here again, I will give them an envelope with a thank you note.

 

In the bars and lounges, a 15% gratuity is automatically added to your bar bill. So additional tips is not required. But, if you have the same bartender or server at the tables every night, or very frequently, you may want to give them a little tip to say thanks each time you are seated with them.

 

Alternatively,I have also given International Phone Cards to staff members whom I am in contact with often aboard the ship. This is also appreciated, as they do very much like to speak with their families. Your idea of a souvenir from home, is also an excellent one. Staff do have shore leave, and they do like to wear T-shirts given to them by pax. Just remember that cruise ship staff have to share cabins. Their space is very limited. But a T or the like, is useful and does not take up space. Many times I have gone ashore with staff, and they certainly DO wear T's given to them by pax. It is also a sign to other staff members, that their work and performance was appreciated by their passengers.

 

I suppose you might be wondering "how much money should I tip?"

This Justine, is of course a very personal matter. It is up to you, and depends upon how good the service was, and if you requested them do do things for you that you feel should be rewarded. From all your previous posts, I know that your good character and judgement will guide you correctly.

 

Remember that in Asia, the tipping scale would be lower than in the US on mass market ships. I always let my heart, as well as my head decide what to do.

 

One more tip for you.

Giving a smile and saying thank you to the staff, especially Asian staff, means more than you could ever know. Not only is it appreciated, but the staff actually do talk to each other and comment about how appreciative Mr. so and so is. And, Mrs. so and so is always smiling and saying thanks for everything. In all my years of sailing with Star and knowing so many staff, never once, did I hear derogatory comments about pax from the staff!!! And I am quite sure that comments could indeed be made.

 

Well Justine, I hope that I have helped you a little and you now have a clearer image of how to deal with the tipping issue. I am so happy that you asked about this issue. Hopefully other readers have learned from it as well.

 

More questions? just ask, and I'll do my best.

 

Good regards to you,

 

Mike

 

P.S. Bet you are really getting excited now. 4 months is nothing! The time will fly. You'll have a great time.

[J33JWA]

Hi Mike and everyone who uses this excellent and informative thread.

 

Four of us from the UK will be cruising for a couple of days on the Virgo and would appreciate some assistance if you have any experience on the following -

We arrive in Singapore Changi airport on a Sunday around 1:00pm ~ how long will it take to check out at the airport and the convenience to grab a taxi to the cruise port, bearing in mind we have to check in 1.5 hrs before Virgo sail out at 4:00pm? Any Sunday traffic jam and what is the cost of a cab to the port?

 

Any of you been on the ship's snorkling tour in Phuket or Langkawi and what would you recommend?:confused:

Anyone been on the elephants tours?

Any nice quiet beaches to recommend?

 

Dressing up - bearing in mind the Equitorial heat (35*C) do we still require a suit or jacket for dining or will a Batik shirt suffice?

 

Is it recommended to carry GB£ or US$ on board. Can we change GB£ into S'pore$ currency on board and where? We need S$'s for post cruise stay in S'pore and Raffles!;)

 

Cheers for now and more questions later.:rolleyes:

James:)