Superstar Gemini

[boeckli]

Thanks Mike for the cabin allocation info - I'll be patient!

 

Hi Boeckli - are you blowing away down south? It's a horrid day here, where's the taste of summer we usually get this time of year! You'll be off and packing soon again, lucky you!

 

Vera

 

Yep, less than 6 weeks till we leave home - time to start thinking about what not to pack ... Fortunately flying to the US there is an increased allowance for check-in luggage (not that we've ever had to pay extra - like Les :rolleyes: )

Quite blowy down here as well but dry until after lunch (have had good rains :) )

We have always requested specific cabin # (or at least location) and received allocation at time of booking.

[Riviera 30]

Hi All

The hotel we are in is the Le Meredian on Orchard Rd. Not to bad a hotel and it is very close to all the obvious shopping malls. It is also a couple of hundred metres to the underground rail so handy.

But to be honest, we have been taking taxi's everywhere because they are so cheap, from our hotel to Boat Quay was SG$3.40, its small change beacause at the moment I am getting $1.265 for AUD$1. Great, its more convenient and they are so easy to find, very courteious and polite and don't rip you of like Thai cabbies. Enjoyed our stay and we have late checkout so off to the Gemini at 2.45pm to go through boarding check in.

Internet cafe's in SG vary but it is SG$3.00 for 39 minute min $4.80 per hour. The hotel wanted ridiculous money and from what I have found out wireless in SE Asia is rare where we are going and if there oh so expensive, so Internet cafe's it is. I have global roaming on phone and it works OK. Most meals in foodcourts are around SG$4-$6, very cheap but good. Hope this helps some of our future travellers and once again will post when I can.

Cheers to all

Les

[ssv]

SSGemini is sold to and chartered back from a conglomerate.

 

This is just a heads-up.

[kuldalai]

SSV why would Star sell SS GEMINI ? 1. Better not to own ships rather lease them and claim that as a business expense on tax ? 2. Too small these days economy of operation wise ? 3. Getting a bit old ? Presumably the charter would take it through with Star till published itineraries to end of 2008 .

[ssv]

I have absolutely no idea. At least now we know the new President is making changes, although it is beyond useless IMO.

[E onboard]

Hi all and especially LES

 

Hope your cruise is progressing better than your flight?

 

Glad you are trying to keep us up to date.

 

SSV and KUDALAI- I wonder what that means for the future of Gemini?

 

E onboard :)

[E onboard]

Hi all and especially LES

 

Hope your cruise is progressing better than your flight?

 

Glad you are trying to keep us up to date.

 

SSV and KUDALAI- I wonder what that means for the future of Gemini?

 

E onboard :)

[ssv]

Most likely means that Gemini will cease to operate for Star Cruises after the 08 season.

 

If Im not mistaken, Hyundai Merchant Marine will be the new owner of Gemini.

[kuldalai]

Now SSV here are a few thoughts if SS Gemini is sold to Hyundai Merchant Marine as suggested .

1. IIRC they have previously owned or had dealings with STAR.

2. They are freight operator only so they would just be the owner legally, and lease it back to an Cruise Operator which is common place in the Industry .

3. Many large businesses these days charter part or all of their fleet from outside owners . For example Qantas charter/hire 61 of their 213 aircraft.

4. Doing this the lease/charter costs are a deductible business expense and the asset is more easily updated in replacement.

5. SS Gemini whilst a much loved ship in reality is small by todays standards and it is getting a bit long in the tooth. The boats Princess & Celebrity are basing in Aus from late 2008 are much larger , and Gemini would struggle to attract pax against them .

6. With the future of NCLA under threat, then Star would have much newer boats ( how many 2 ?) available for its Asian fleet as well as the suggested vessels available by cascade from NCL as the two F3 vessels are delivered to NCL.

7. So Star will not be short of available larger vessels from NCL/NCLA in the medium term.

8. The current Gemini itineraries (just announced ) go up to December 08 which would tie in with the suggested arrival of next cascade vessel from NCL .

9 Potentially if Gemini leaves the Star fleet after 2008 then LIBRA would be its logical replacement as its capacity is larger but not enormous for the markets Gemini currently serves in Asia and Aus.

[ssv]

Libra will not operate Gemini's routes from what I've heard, this is just a rumour though. She will be placed in Greater China instead.

 

Gemini is chartered back, but it will not last. She is sold to Hyundai for perhaps 1-2 years, then my guess is that she will be reduced to a casino ship ala Superstar Sagittarius(Now Long Jie from Singapore).

 

My predicted sale of WSQ and another main ship did happen, just didn't thought it would be Gemini.

 

Plan now is that Norwegian Dream and Majesty will be transferred. Dream first.

[BJC]

I know there will be a certain sadness with the pending, sorry but for the want of a better word, demise of the Gemini, as there are still many cruisers that just love what she had to offer.

 

There has been some discussion here as to what may have been contributing factors including “Size” and “Age”, to Gemini being sold.

 

However another very valid argument is the way Star has “managed” the operation of the Gemini in the past, and I am one of those that believe that if it is a “commercial” reason, falling numbers, cost v return, etc, for the demise of Gemini, then it is as much the fault of Star Cruise Management, rather than the Ship as such.

 

While Gemini is classed as a Small Cruise Ship, there are a number of major cruise line that recognize that there is an expanding market in small ship cruising, as I have identified in an article to be published soon in the West entitled “When cruising does size real matter”!

 

There are a number of major cruise lines that have embraced small ship cruising, and have identified a niche market, being cashed up 55 plus couples looking for that little extra in their cruise experiences by way of the ship, the food and service, the entertainment and enrichment programs, and destinations not always accessible to the Big Ships.

 

The Oceania Cruise Line has been doing this for a number of years now, and Celebrity have just commissioned their second small ship into the newly formed Azamara Cruise Line, and let me tell you from personal experience, the ’08 Cruises are all but booked out, and the ’09 Cruises are filling fast!

 

Then there is age, well what can one say about that other than to remind everyone that the QE2 came into service in early 1969, and that there are a number of ships still in service that are nearly twice the age of the Gemini, which is just 15 years old.

 

So it all comes down, I believe, to the way in which Gemini was “managed” and promoted by Star, starting when, at the height of her popularity in the late 90’s, she was “pulled” from service on the Singapore and Asia Cruise run and taken to Hong Kong to service the Casino trade.

 

At that time Star lost a lot of momentum, and I believe that many Australian, British and European cruisers looked else ware to meet their cruising needs, something from which I don’t believe Star, and or Gemini, ever really recovered from.

 

But that’s just my personal thoughts on this matter, I’m sure a lot will disagree, but the facts appear to support the hypothesis.

 

Regards, BJC.

[boeckli]

I know there will be a certain sadness with the pending, sorry but for the want of a better word, demise of the Gemini, as there are still many cruisers that just love what she had to offer.

 

There has been some discussion here as to what may have been contributing factors including “Size” and “Age”, to Gemini being sold.

 

However another very valid argument is the way Star has “managed” the operation of the Gemini in the past, and I am one of those that believe that if it is a “commercial” reason, falling numbers, cost v return, etc, for the demise of Gemini, then it is as much the fault of Star Cruise Management, rather than the Ship as such.

 

While Gemini is classed as a Small Cruise Ship, there are a number of major cruise line that recognize that there is an expanding market in small ship cruising, as I have identified in an article to be published soon in the West entitled “When cruising does size real matter”!

 

There are a number of major cruise lines that have embraced small ship cruising, and have identified a niche market, being cashed up 55 plus couples looking for that little extra in their cruise experiences by way of the ship, the food and service, the entertainment and enrichment programs, and destinations not always accessible to the Big Ships.

 

The Oceania Cruise Line has been doing this for a number of years now, and Celebrity have just commissioned their second small ship into the newly formed Azamara Cruise Line, and let me tell you from personal experience, the ’08 Cruises are all but booked out, and the ’09 Cruises are filling fast!

 

Then there is age, well what can one say about that other than to remind everyone that the QE2 came into service in early 1969, and that there are a number of ships still in service that are nearly twice the age of the Gemini, which is just 15 years old.

 

So it all comes down, I believe, to the way in which Gemini was “managed” and promoted by Star, starting when, at the height of her popularity in the late 90’s, she was “pulled” from service on the Singapore and Asia Cruise run and taken to Hong Kong to service the Casino trade.

 

At that time Star lost a lot of momentum, and I believe that many Australian, British and European cruisers looked else ware to meet their cruising needs, something from which I don’t believe Star, and or Gemini, ever really recovered from.

 

But that’s just my personal thoughts on this matter, I’m sure a lot will disagree, but the facts appear to support the hypothesis.

 

Regards, BJC.

 

Personally, I do not believe that without some major changes to the layout/usage of the public rooms on the Gemini, it would have the possibilities of being a contender for the up-market small ships niche. We found a distinct lack of daytime inside areas to relax over a drink or coffee watching the scenery outside go by - sue, you can sit around the pool or the promenade deck, or at the rear of the Mariner's buffet. But what happens if it rains? Neither the Star Lounge nor Galaxy of the Stars offer any views to the outside and are often during the day not available for 'normal' usage anyway. Leaves only the Gemini Bar area, part of which is really just a thoroughfare. The really "cashed up" people who would cruise on luxury brands like Azamara and Silversea etc. would expect more I believe. We only experienced a half full ship but I wonder what happens with a full complement of passengers when there is bad weather outside :eek:

 

Bruce - you seem to be becoming a regular cruise topic contributor in he West - how many cruises (and which lines) have you actually been on?

[BJC]

Hi there Boeckli,

Not as many as we would like, but will hopefully make up for it when I finally get around to retiring, this next one will be our sixth for this round of cruising, that is in the last 10 years, prior to that in our misspent youth, both my wife and I did what could be called world cruises, she circumnavigated and I Aus to England, Europe and back, P&O and Chandris Lines, also State Ships to Singapore and back.

I also had 10 years “cruising” with what we jokingly called the “Grey Funnel Line” aka RAN, but for me it should have been the “Black Fin Line” as the last five years I spent in Submarines, and didn't get to see much!:p

Anyway we came ashore and became landlubbers, and only in the last ten years we rediscovered the joys of Cruising, having had a couple of trips on Gemini, but mostly we cruise with Celebrity.

As for my contributions to the West, I do so mainly as a bit of fun and to get others interested in Cruising, but not only on cruising, I also contribute to other “publications” here and in the US on our land based holidays, anything to get people up and about seeing the world, before we lose it to one manmade disaster or another.:rolleyes:

Regards, Bruce

[E onboard]

Hello everyone-

 

Just did a trial fill up of suitcase- took into account hints from Boecklii and Kudalai about packing- with the bag packed and toiletries in- came to 12 kilo- very very pleased with myself. :p

 

Now must avoid temptation to keep adding unnecessary items!!

 

E onboard :)

[Westaussie]

Hi E onboard - just want to wish you a great time on your cruise (I'm off to Adelaide tomorrow). Look forward to hearing all about your travels.

 

Wow 12 kg (I think 16 is my minimum ever!).

 

Vera

[boeckli]

E onboard - that's great ! just leave it as is and you'll be laughing ...

When do you fly out?

[E onboard]

Hi all

 

Flying out noon Saturday 29th Boeckli,- very excited now as you can imagine!

 

Thanks for the wishes Vera. Enjoy Adelaide- I was there in July - cold but enjoyable.

 

Just looking forward to being spoilt and doing nothing!!

 

E onboard :)

[Riviera 30]

Hi All

Well wow, what can I say, we have finished our first leg and this is simply magnificent, it is better than I imagined it would be, the crew is as Kuldali once said 7 star, entertainment has been excellent, crew show was a reral blast, the Ladyboys of Bangkok show was great, I can honestly say the food has been first class in the Ocean Palace, we eat there everyday fopr breakfast and dinner, lunch also when on sea days. Cabin boys do our romm at least 3-4 times daily, we had 573 on first leg and 87 staying for next leg with 300 odd boarding today. ( its Sunday in SG today)

E and Hazel, dont worry about anything, one comment I have is that the woman ( this cruise) are definitley better dressed than the men, alot were too casual and let the woman down, nearly all the woman in Ocean Palce and later Galaxy of Starts were very well presented, so from that perspective I feel OK about all the extra outfits that Carol and I took along.

We dance every night ( Mummsie, I feel there should be more as it seems to be in limited qty in Galaxy) and music in 3 locations at any time. Gemini Bar Loung has great music but dancing is awkward as pax pass through.

Star Loung has great band and the DJ will play whatever you want to dance to so we drive him crazy and dance there until we are totally pooped out.

I won the Elvis competition and 1 night also the Karoake champ. ( 2 gold medals so far!! )

Got to go, we haven't done any ship shorex only our own thing, prices vary and some people I spoke to would have rather done it on their own.

KL people said not crash hot, 4 hours total on bus didn't impress, Penang was great, missed Krabi because rough seas so 2 in Phuket which was great, In Phuket deep Sea port go outside gatyes to catch tqxi, dont use the ones at the ship they ripoff, from Ship to Phuket Town I paid 100 baht and to Kata I paid 400 baht, we came back from Patong Beach in Tuk Tuk and paid 500 baht, haggle or walk away and they will come running, Langkawi we hire car for 70 RM for dayu, really cheap and duty free booze is cheap, , will try to write from Koh Samui.

Cheers

Les

[E onboard]

Thanks for the update Les- glad to hear you're enjoying yourself and things have been better than you expected.

 

Getting excited about leaving next Saturday and sailing on Sunday.

 

Hope rest of cruise goes as well or better than first half.

 

E onboard :)

[just hooked]

Hi Les thanks for the update looking forward to your next report.Not long until we go now (8.5 days of work until we leave:) )

 

Thanks

Roger

[E onboard]

Last minute question- probably been answered before but scrolling through posts couldn't find an answer.

 

If you get off and decide to visit a beach- do you need your own towel from home or can you use one of the ships poolside towels??

 

Don't really want to add more weight to a well packed and underweight suitcase if I can help it!!

 

E onboard :)

[boeckli]

Last minute question- probably been answered before but scrolling through posts couldn't find an answer.

 

If you get off and decide to visit a beach- do you need your own towel from home or can you use one of the ships poolside towels??

 

Don't really want to add more weight to a well packed and underweight suitcase if I can help it!!

 

E onboard :)

 

Hi E onboard - no need to bring towel from home, they allow you to take ship's pool towel to the beach :) - I bet your excitement is building ...

[E onboard]

Thanks for the quick reply Boeckli- yes getting excited and yet starting to panic (just me- I know that its not necessary to panic)- trying to make sure I have crossed all the t's and dotted the i's.

 

E onboard :)

[Riviera 30]

Hi All

I couldn't think of a better place to be. At the moment we are about to depart from Koh Samui and then on Thur HCMC. Wow, that will be great, from all the feedback I have been getting from the crew it will be the cheapest place to shop by far.

Hi E, we always snuck out our towell with us but today they said anyone needing a towell could get one of the ship's pool towells signed out for the shorex. Here is a tip E and others, on any shorex which is a tender the ship excusion pax get priority in leaving the ship, after they go then the rest can go. Sometimes it isnt that bad but in Koh Samui, we arrived at 10.00am and the cruise shorex guys vould leave then, but the rest had to wait until 12.00 noon. Then 30 minutes n tender and with last tender returning to ship at 4.00pm doesn't leave much time to see anything, in this instance we thought it wise to just get the shore transfer and get off at the same time as the others. When docked it doesn't matter because it is only a few minutes and they are gone.

This crew is just the best, Heidichas has settled down but still says things are SUPER all the time, it can get annoying but she means well, they are changing sonme of the entertainers at the end of this leg, which is a pity because they are absolutely marvelous, also they have 2 pairs of world champion ballroom dancer teams who do the most incredible routines, they also give classes and are so good at teaching the steps, I have put on so much weight, the trousers I let out already are again too small, the food is just so good,

Anyway, hope to post at least one more time, maybe from HCMC, there are less pax on this leg, we nbow sail with about 425 approx. and the best part is that all the kidlets left and it is all adults. average age from late 40's upwards. A couple of younger couples. About 1/3 Asian and 2/3 Western.

Cheers All

Les

[kkmad]

A long way off I know but my TA has booked our cruise of the Straits departing on the 19th of October 2008. She has booked JS 7319. Has any one stayed in this room or 7019? Is it as large as it appears on the deck plan? We have to pay our deposit next week.

I have really enjoyed reading the posts on this site – it has been very helpful and I'm looking forward to hearing more of Les’ cruising adventures when he gets back.

:D

Bev