Super Star Virgo

[Deck10 007]

I don't mean to upstage you. I wanted to use the name deck09 002 but I thought this would be too close an affiliation with you and I should need really to get your OK first. So I thought Deck10 would be OK and add in 007 as some spice to the name.

I have been searching for message board for the Virgo for sometime and only now have I stumbled across this website. But my main interest is actually the ship casino but that would be another story for another day.

You seem to have first class knowledge of the Virgo from what I have read so far in this thread. I can verify that you information is about 100% correct. The question I have for you is how many times have you been on the Virgo and seing that you are based in Taiwan won't it cost you alot of money to fly to Singapore and back everytime. I assume you don't have to pay for the cruise assuming again you are a gambler. Or to put it more politely you are a member of the Star Cruise casino club and you haven't a lost a bundle of you know what.

Now to tell you a bit about myself. I am a local Singaporean now but have lived in Canada for 20 years. My wife still go on the Virgo with me using her Canadian passport. Since I discovered playing Blackjack about 1.5 years ago I have been on the Virgo on 46 cruises and 4 times on the Gemini. Yes we are on the Virgo just about once every week.

Now you would be asking me don't you have to spend a bigger bundle to be on the Virgo this often. The answer is a definite No. We will talk about the casino and its perk at another time.

[cheeky_minx]

Hiya all

Well, it is finally here. Tonight finished work - laundry, packing and last minute running around tomorrow and leave early Saturday morning for Singapore! 2 sleeps !! :)

 

Thanks everyone for posting all your hot tips and info on this site, hopefully I will be able to recall it all at the appropriate time. Mike hope you had a good trip to Thailand and your insights have been invaluable.

 

Will definitely post when I get back and let you know how it was - I am so excited!!

 

Jane

[FrangipaniGirl]

Wow, that went quick ! Have a great time Jane.

Make sure you tell us all about it when you get back !!!! :D :D :D

Caz :)

[mummsie]

Hi Jane, have a fabulous time. tell us all about it. Gayle:D

[deck 9 001]

BON VOYAGE

 

Have a fantastic and memorable cruise Jane. Blue skies and calm seas.

 

Please let us know about your wonderful time aboard SSV.

 

Regards,

 

Mike

[Doubletrouble_in_oz]

Hi Jane,

 

Have a wonderful cruise! :D

 

Can't wait to read your review.

 

Cheers

 

Justine

[Doubletrouble_in_oz]

Welcome back Mike :)

[deck 9 001]

Thanks Justine.

I hope to be able to reply to some queries tonight. Thanks again for the welcome back.

 

Regards,

 

Mike

[J33JWA]

Welcome back Mike - hope you will post some further info.soon. How was work away from your base?

 

Am I too late to wish Jane a great cruise? Smooth sailing to Jane.

 

Nice week end to the rest of you guys.

 

James:)

[deck 9 001]

Hi James,

 

Thanks for the welcome back. I now find that I must go back to Thailand shortly, so I am making time to pop in here and say Hi and do my best to answer some questions.

 

So, let's get started. I will begin with the posts that I was not able to get to because of my traveling.

 

Hi Everyone,

 

James, it seems that your post about Indian curries is the starting point.

To my recollection the Indian curries served at Mediterannean Buffet (Deck 12) is in the "mildy spicy" range. I imagine the food is prepared in this way so as to maybe appeal to more passengers. I do also recall seeing some food with "hot and spicy" description cards next to them.

At THE TAJ (Deck 8) which is an alternative extra charge Indian restaurant, you can request all your food to be prepared in traditional Indian fashion, which is hot and spicy. And may I add the food is very good here.

 

Caz hi, you asked about port or starboard cabins. In my opinion, both are equal. Cruising in Asia will afford wonderful views from either side of the ship. Some people do prefer to have a cabin which faces the pier when the ship is docked. But the views from the other side are equally nice. Also, there is no set rule as to whether the ship will be docked port or starboard. It is a matter of availability. I have had cabins on port and starboard and I truthfully have no preference.

 

Jane hi, I know you are already having a fabulous time aboard SSV as I write this. But for our other posters, I will answer your query about alternative restaurant reservations.

Yes, they do accept reservations and I would suggest making reservations just to be safe. Many people just show up and ask if there are tables available. If the ship is not full, you may be lucky. You can always cancel or change your reservation, but do give the venue enough prior notice.

 

Caz, regarding your question about buying a video cam in Singapore and using it aboard ship, I have seen many people taking their camera out of the box, right in the embarkation hall, and procede to use it there and then carry it aboard the ship. They actually discarded the box it was packaged in. Just remember to KEEP the PURCHASE RECEIPT (and warantee) should any customs official ask about it.

 

Jane asked if there is a Bureau de Change aboard SSV and is it good, or should she get money on shore.

Yes, there is a currency exchange available at Reception. They have a board posted with all available currency exchange rates. I only use it in an emergency, as the rates are not as good as found on land.

Generally, I find using a local ATM machine gives the best currency exchange rates. Many times even better than at a bank.

 

Caz, you asked about a cashless system aboard Virgo. I believe it has been answered already, but anyway, yes,,,,,,Virgo uses a cashless system. Your cabin access card is used for all purchases aboard ship. You can go to the Cashier and ask for updated charges anytime you wish. Payment can be made the night before disembarkation, or sometimes early the morning of disembarking (depending on itinerary and time)

 

Deck10 007, hi. It is no problem with me at all, your using this handle. Any special reason you chose this board name? My board name Deck 9 001 is special to me, as you can see from my avatar. If anyone is interested, just ask and I'll explain.

You sure have been aboard Virgo many times. Although I do go into the casino, I am not a VIP member. Usually I play the slots for a few hours and enjoy watching and listening to other passengers while they win and lose. It is a great study of human nature.;)

 

 

Well, I think I have covered all the questions to date. I hope that all of you who will be cruising with Virgo soon, will have a fantastic time and find all of our info helpful and useful to you aboard ship. All of our talk about this splendid ship is making me yearn to be aboard again. Maybe I should do something about this!:D

 

Keep your comments and questions coming. It's always such a nice feeling to know that a little care, respect and willingness to share info with others, does TRULY make a difference.

 

Ok everyone, stay well and safe until next time.

 

Regards,

Mike

[FrangipaniGirl]

Thanks for the great (as always) reply Mike :)

[J33JWA]

Hi Mike ~ Thanks for the further info.regarding 'spicy Indian food' on the ship. We would have sampled lots of local food when we touch down in Penang at the start of our vacation, and make our way south to Singapore via K.L.to join the SS.Virgo cruise a week later:p.

Meantime we are counting the days to fly to the Far East.

With the strong GB£ lately, DW should have a great time shopping too:rolleyes:.

 

Please do explain why you choose 'deck 9 001' as your signature? Like you and unlike the 'Singaporean D/9 007:confused:' I am not a complusive gambler and normally try the slots and black jack for only 1/2 an hour or. Most evenings we watch the shows or hang out in coffee bars with fellow pax.that we made friends with.

 

Hope Jane is back from her SSV cruise, to post a few lines before we leave.

 

Hi to the rest of you ladies ~ Justine, Caz, Gayle and Carole.

 

Cheers.....James:)

[mummsie]

Hi James, We only have a few weeks until we go on the Gemini - getting excited now - ttyl Gayle.

[deck 9 001]

Hi Everyone,

 

Caz, glad that my info and input helps, although it is far from "great." But thanks anyway.

 

James, here is the story behind my board name.

 

When Norwegian Star 1 (ex-Royal Viking Sea) was sailing from Keelung,(Taipei) Taiwan, I was aboard the ship countless times. Because of very good pricing I was able to stay in this Owners Suite quite often.

My main reason for wanting this suite is because it had a veranda, which I used all the time.

Being that I have been to Okinawa and Ishigaki, Japan so many times, sometimes I did not get off the ship, just stayed aboard, enjoyed the almost empty ship and stayed on the veranda during sailaways.

 

Anyway, many of the staff/crew who have known me for many years started greeting me with "Hi Mike, Deck 9," in a loving, friendly show of affection. Of course it was usually just "Hi Mike," but, it stuck in my mind, and thought it would be a great board/forum name.

 

That's it!--No deep underlying reason:D

 

Photo below shows location of Deck 9 001 cabin.

 

James, indeed with your good exchange rate, Mrs. James should be in shoppers paradise. Do tell her however, to check-out the shops onboard Virgo as well. They offer some beautiful merchandise, fair prices and usually towards the end of the cruise, they have "sales."

 

Regards,

 

Mike

[Doubletrouble_in_oz]

Hi everyone,

 

Just a quick hello before I get back to the mundane task of vacuuming:eek:

 

James - you must be counting down the days before you go away on your vacation. How exciting!

 

Gayle - have a wonderful time on board the Gemini. We did look at it when planning our cruise, but were worried it might not have enough kids activities being a smaller ship than Virgo. I will certainly consider it though in a few years when the kids are old enough to stay home:D

 

Mike - thank you for sharing the story behind your deck name.:) Have a safe trip back to Thailand.

 

Caz - what day in June are you sailing? Maybe you and James are on the same cruise!:cool:

 

Carole - September is just around the corner!:D When I booked our cruise back in October, I thought it would never get here. We have 7 weeks left!

 

Everyone - have a wonderful weekend, it's going to be mild and sunny in Perth, with chilly nights and mornings....brrrrrr.

 

Cheers

 

Justine

[FrangipaniGirl]

Yes, you're right - it is getting chilly here in Perth :eek:

Well, we're off on the Virgo on Sunday :D where hopefully it will be a little warmer. When in June are you going James?

Started packing today so that means the countdown is finally on !!!!

Quick question for those in the know (Hello Mike ;) ) ... do the bathrooms on board the Virgo have bar soap or liquid soap?

Thanks everyone for your help with all things Virgo, hopefully I can return the favour when we get back.

Caz

[FrangipaniGirl]

Apologies - double post.

[J33JWA]

Hi Caz ~ have a safe flight, and a great cruise and fantastic time on board the SSVirgo.

4 of us Brits, leave for the Far East on 3 June and cruise on the 11 June.

 

Cheers...............James:)

[cheeky_minx]

Hi everyone, I'm back!! Cant believe it has come and gone already ... but wowee what a trip!

 

Caz, the bathroom in the balcony cabin we had had a liquid soap dispenser at the vanity and a shampoo and soap liquid dispenser in the shower.

 

Will right some notes in a general post for everyone.

Jane

[cheeky_minx]

Hi guys

Well, there is no way your info and descriptions prepared me for the 'wow' factor of the SSV - it was amazing!! Fire away with questions, I'll see what I can remember, but here are a couple of things that I think would be useful to you:

 

There are 3 main stair wells - back, middle and front and as the ship is 270 metres long - one thing that was really useful to know (but only told 2nd night) was that the carpet at the back stair well is green, middle blue and front red and when you get the hang for how big the ship is you will see why this is useful for getting your bearings, finding your way around. Also, note that the folio in your cabin contains a colour coded map - very useful together with coloured maps up long the walls and stair/lift wells.

 

Also some decks do not run from front to back without the need to go up or down a level and then along - bear this is mind

 

Another thing - the gala dinner - just be aware that this means some of the pay restaurants are also free on that night, but everyone who intends to eat dinner MUST book into a restaurant for either a 6pm or 9pm sitting, Some were under the impression booking for the gala dinner was optional. Be aware that in Bella Vista they will offer 2 menus - indian/asian or western on Gala Dinner night and you should stipulate which one when you book - some people got stuck in the wrong part of the restaurant with unfortunately food they couldnt eat.

 

Jane

[cheeky_minx]

Dear Caz

Yes, it is chilly back here in Perth _ I know where I would rather be !!!

 

Have a fantastic trip - I now know that you will!

Jane

[cheeky_minx]

Dear James

Mike is right the food at The Taj is fantastic and is only S$12 for the buffet.

 

The mediterranean restaurant also has 2 indian food counters and is north indian style - not too hot, with a separate vegetarian counter.

 

Please note that the Meditterranean buffet has two sides to the restaurant and 4 central food counters - 2 western/international and 2 indian - the reason I say this is that if you enter on one side of the ship it is easy not to realise that the cuisine at the 4 separate food stations is different - one couple we met thought it only indian and hadnt been back to the mediterranean the whole cruise.

 

Jane

[FrangipaniGirl]

WOW! Sounds like you had an excellent time!

It's great to get feedback from someone who's been on board so recently so thanks for your answer to my soap question (now I know to take my shower puff along :D )

The info you provided about the Gala Dinner was interesting. What's the best option for that night in your opinion? Bella Vista or somewhere else?

Hope you don't mind but I have one more question :o ... I'm thinking about doing up a small door decoration for my in-laws who'll be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on the cruise. Firstly, do you think something like that would be out of place on the Virgo? and secondly, if I do go ahead with the idea, can you recall if the doors are metal (for magnetic decorations) or should I bring blue-tack?

 

James, looks like we'll be leaving as your group is arriving :D Have a great trip and I look forward to hearing all about it when you get home!

 

Caz :)

[cheeky_minx]

Dear Caz

All the food on board is fantastic, but I think Bella Vista and the Taj were my favourites. Each night the Bella Vista has a choice of 3 entres, 3 soups, 3 mains and 3 sweets and 1 of each of those courses is vegetarian - fine restaurant quality food! The setting itself is pretty magnificent too!

 

But you may want to use the opportunity to eat in one of the extra charge restaurants which are free on that particular night.

 

As for the decoration for the door - am sure that would be fine, but would explain it to your cabin attendant just in case so he can explain it if he gets asked. The doors are painted or lacquered so would need blue tack - which would remove easily without leaving a mark.

 

Yes, the bathrooms are well equipped - just one thing though - have the different range of towels etc.. but no face flannel which is unusual so I got caught without one - take one or as you say your puff. The cabins are made up every day and every afternoon they come back and turn down the bed and draw the curtains.

 

Our cabin attendant, Robin was fantastic and topped up our ice buckiet each afternoon, especially just as we arrived back from our shore excursions.

 

We took a litre of scotch and a litre of baileys and it was fantastic to sit on the balcony sip our drinks and watch the world sail by.

 

You will have a great time. Carl was so overwhelmed that he is already talking about doing another cruise - but he says it has to be with a balcony cabin and 'freestyle' so is exploring the others in the Star Cruises/NCL fleet - he is hooked!!

 

Jane

[J33JWA]

Hi Jane,

 

So glad to hear that Carl and you enjoyed the cruise. We will definately look forward to boarding this ship, being our first cruise in this part of the world. Thanks for the info.re the Indian cuisine. Some questions.

 

Was the embarkation smooth and how long did it take?

Are there more locals than foreign tourists on your cruise?

 

If we book a late dinner at 9:00pm, will we miss the main shows?

Did you go to any and what were they like?

 

Did the passengers dress up for the Gala nights and will light suits and dress suffice?

 

Not too long for us to wait for our flights to Penang, for our first leg of our vacation. We are leaving this Sat.3 June!

 

Cheerio........ James:)