Superstar Gemini

[Deck10 007]

The new president David Chua is making sweeping changes to Star Cruises and it seems even this most fundamental policy of the company is now history.

I am posting this message here because alot of CC Internet users here especially on the Gemini are Australian and they are known to be good generous tippers. But of course it apply to all nationalities and on all Star Cruises ships.

Mike, on the Libra are you doing your part for the crew there.

Thr crew on the Star Cruises I would say is paid and average of US$300 per month and since the US$ has dropped against all currencies their take home pay has drop also. Any small tip would mean alot to them. For instance if you have 2 beers it would cost you about S$15 (US$10) and if you give a US$1 tip that would mean 10% more pay to them as their pay works out to be $10 per day. Incidentally this David Chua have raised my regular bottle of Australian wine from $25 to $28. But I am not complaining because I don't drink that much.

So for all the wonderful hardworking crew on Star Cruises let us show our appreciation in a tangible way.

[deck 9 001]

[quote name=Deck10 007;11898349

Mike' date=' on the Libra are you doing your part for the crew there.

[/quote]

 

Always have from the very first time I sailed with Star Cruises.

 

And I have seen in the last few years that the Taiwanese are also now more generous when it comes to tipping.

[kuldalai]

Princess are introducing new policy 04/08 on their boats cruising from Australia . For each pax over 13 they will add $ 10Aus to your on-board account daily to cover tipping of all crew. Pax have the option to increase/decrease this daily amount, or direct the $ amount nominated to specific individual (s) . This would seem to be a very good option in that it saves pax the hassles of constantly tipping staff members in small amounts, and for those of us who don't normally tip, it is so simple. Perhaps Star could look at similar policy or allowing pax to nominate an amount that could be charged to daily accounts on board and then shared over the crew ?

[Deck10 007]

You are going from one exteme to the other extreme. From a no tipping policy to an automatic tip deduction system. It becomes like a tax on all services and is very unpopular with pax on the American NCL network. To get the $10 deduction reduced I understand you have to see the supervisor and explain to him why you want this amount reduced.

For Star Cruises in the large outlets like the restaurant your tip will be kept by the crew you tip whereas in small outlets like the bar the tip will be pooled and shared out every 2 weeks.

All in all money is money. So just put down your money and ask the supervisor to arrange payment in which ever way you want.

[Tascat]

Thanks Kuldalai,and Vera for your reply.Vera,look forward to meeting on Cruise.Not long now!!!

[Westaussie]

Hi Tascat - yes, you're right, it's getting close now especially as I received my cruise documents yesterday!

 

What about meeting the day after Bali, Friday 23/11 in the Gemini Bar at 4.00 pm? I'll print out the Cruise Critic header and have that on the table!

I suggest the Gemini bar as it could be wet, there have already been a couple of rainy days there.

 

KONTIKI, if you are reading this, hope you will join us too.

 

What are your plans for Bali? Have you been there before?

 

Vera

[BJC]

The new president David Chua is making sweeping changes to Star Cruises and it seems even this most fundamental policy of the company is now history.

I am posting this message here because alot of CC Internet users here especially on the Gemini are Australian and they are known to be good generous tippers. But of course it apply to all nationalities and on all Star Cruises ships.

Mike, on the Libra are you doing your part for the crew there.

Thr crew on the Star Cruises I would say is paid and average of US$300 per month and since the US$ has dropped against all currencies their take home pay has drop also. Any small tip would mean alot to them. For instance if you have 2 beers it would cost you about S$15 (US$10) and if you give a US$1 tip that would mean 10% more pay to them as their pay works out to be $10 per day. Incidentally this David Chua have raised my regular bottle of Australian wine from $25 to $28. But I am not complaining because I don't drink that much.

So for all the wonderful hardworking crew on Star Cruises let us show our appreciation in a tangible way.

 

Yes I’m still lurking, and sorry but had to put my two penny-worth in on this subject!

 

As a true blue egalitarian Australian, it irks me somewhat that they are still pedaling the old hoary chestnut of “Rewarding Excellence in Service” as the reason for Tipping rather than what it simply is about, that of making up the wages of underpaid Staff!

 

I have no problem of paying a little extra for a cruise in order to pay the staff a reasonable wage, and by that I mean all staff not just those who have direct contact with Passengers.

 

I also have no problem is tipping certain staff for service “above and beyond the call of duty”, and that could be anyone, not just wait staff and room attendants.

 

The other of my pet hates is the double dipping of charging a “Service Charge” for bar and wine waiter service in the lounges and dining room and then being expected to tip as well, because I fully expect that all or most of the service charge goes directly to the cruise line and not to the waiters.

 

But sadly tipping appears to be ingrained in the American cruising and hospitality industry physic and it is spreading down under, and as such it now appears to be no turning back!

 

I’ll get down from my soapbox now!:rolleyes:

 

Regards, BJC

[Deck10 007]

Are you in favour of tipping or not. Do you agree with this policy change or not. If you do get on Star Cruises ships again would you tip.

So much can be said about the American and the Australians and culturally the Australians are now moving closer to the Americans.

That is not to say the American way of doing things is the best way. In Asia tipping has been a spotty matter. The Japanese don't tip. I remember taking a taxi in Tokyo and the fare came to the equivalent of $14.95 and the taxi driver handed me a 5 cent change back.

My message here is to help out and reward the crew and are you on board on this or not.

[BJC]

Are you in favour of tipping or not. Do you agree with this policy change or not. If you do get on Star Cruises ships again would you tip.

So much can be said about the American and the Australians and culturally the Australians are now moving closer to the Americans.

That is not to say the American way of doing things is the best way. In Asia tipping has been a spotty matter. The Japanese don't tip. I remember taking a taxi in Tokyo and the fare came to the equivalent of $14.95 and the taxi driver handed me a 5 cent change back.

My message here is to help out and reward the crew and are you on board on this or not.

 

In answer to your questions in simple terms, I am against tipping when used to compensate for an Employer under paying staff.

I support a fair days pay for a fair days work.

Whenever or wherever we travel I will acknowledge excellence in service, where appropriate by tipping, but always by going out of my way to genuinely thank someone and praising them for their efforts, and I quite often write to management to acknowledge the quality of individual staff.

I do not agree with the change in the Star policy to force compulsory Tipping, simply to make up for the fall in the US$, why not just charge a bit more and pay their staff better.

I am totally against the perceived move of Australians towards the American culture and the way of doing things, I think that the “American Way” is a long way short of perfect.

I totally agree with your sentiment of paying the Crew a decent wage, the only difference between us appears to be in the method of payment, for me it’s not the money it’s the principle, I would rather they pay fairly, and that any tip comes as a genuine expression of appreciation, rather as a top up to a decent wage.

Regards Bruce

[Deck10 007]

Bruce, now I understand you.

 

Regards, John

[kontiki]

 

KONTIKI, if you are reading this, hope you will join us too.

 

What are your plans for Bali? Have you been there before?

 

Vera

 

Hi Vera,

 

Looks like you planned to be the first in the check-in queue at Bali to make it to the bar at 1600. Will look for you there then.

 

No plans for Bali. Been there before in the late 80's for a few days to attend a cardiac conference. It probably still looks like Singapore in the mid 60's.

[braemar12]

A little favour to ask....

 

If anyone has a spare postcard of the Superstar Gemini, I would be interested in obtaining one of them. I seem to be having a lot of problems finding one and living in the UK it's not easy to get Star to send one.

 

I am happy to pay towards postage to UK if that is an issue.

 

Many thanks

[Westaussie]

Hi Kontiki, yes I'll probably be first in line to embark in Bali! However, I'm suggesting the next day, Friday, to meet. That's a sea day. Look forward to seeing you then!

 

Bali has changed alot since the eighties, especially Nusa Dua and Kuta areas, the latter with two big department stores and of course the hundreds of smaller shops and art market, restaurants and lots of new hotels.

 

Vera

[E onboard]

PART 1

Well- we’re home after a seven night straits of Malacca cruise and 2 nights in Singapore! What can I say – thoroughly enjoyed the cruise. Service was great and staff was excellent- very friendly and helpful. 320- 350 passengers on board – 80% westerners and 20% asian with about 25 children on board and about 25% under 55.

SUNDAY: Boarded Sunday September 30th at 2.30 pm and set sail for Port Klang.

We asked about an upgrade as soon as we got on- were looking for same deck with porthole and were quoted $800 Singapore dollars each- we couldn’t believe this price because through our Travel Agent the difference was only $300 Aus dollars each. So needless to say we left it. We also picked up our One World Card- we had not received these before we left but had been sent an email with the numbers on them- I showed the email to reception and they found our cards out the back. Our baggage was waiting outside our cabin and our cabin (deck 3 inside room 3222) was adequate- clean and roomy enough.

On arrival there was free champagne, fruit juices and wine. (Beer is available if you ask) Sailing away from Singapore was amazing with the crew staff and Heidicha providing great musical entertainment to sail away to. They were doing mini massages around the pool deck - $2 for 2 minutes- very good and you got a 10% discount voucher for use on the cruise. We checked out the menus at both restaurants and on the first night looked at the food on offer in the Mariners but we mostly ate at the Ocean Palace. We went along to the Welcome aboard show and bought tickets in the “Executive Suite Lucky Draw”.

This raffle gives you the opportunity to be upgraded free of charge to an executive suite (Scorpio Suite – Room 7315).

MONDAY: Breakfasted in the Ocean Palace – although we looked at Mariners- but we prefer a cooked egg not scrambled so headed for Ocean Palace. We hadn’t booked a tour and were not sure what to do. When you get off at Port Klang if you’re not with a tour there is a list of prices for Taxis displayed on a board at the bottom of the escalators. Price quoted was 250 ringgit for 5 hours around Kuala Lumpur. ($82 AUD) This actually compares favorably with the Asian Melting Pot tour offered by Gemini ($48 Singapore each) however the coach tour was 7 hours and we opted for a more personal approach. We seen the same things but did not stop for lunch and were back onboard within 5 hours- our taxi driver spoke good English and we also got to go around Petaling Street (Chinatown). Here we bought some bits and pieces (DVDS etc). This is the only day where rain was an issue but it is the topics and you get by. We seen the Petronas Towers, went up the KL tower and visited the Thean Hou temple as well. We were back on board for afternoon tea and although Dance lessons were offered, drifted up to poolside for the evening barbecue. There was lots on offer- dancing, quizzes; music and you could do as little or as much as you wanted. The barbecue was wonderful and I’m afraid we both over indulged in the food and cocktails (me). (All the prawns you wanted, and great deserts). We headed down to bingo and the show (Ladyboys of Bangkok). Both entertaining. The rest of this night is a blur because WE WON THE EXECUTIVE SUITE UPGRADE!!!

My hubby had his name called out and we were both escorted to the cabin (which we hadn’t looked through when it was open- so we had no idea what we had just won) by the Manager of Hotel Services, Guest Services Manager (Joyce) and other staff. WOW, WOW, WOW!! Absolutely amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We couldn’t believe it!

We won suite 7315- king bed- (we had been in twins), two windows, lounge, larger shower, fridge (not in our other cabin) and double size balcony with 2 chairs, a table and 2 banana lounges and plenty of room leftover!! But the most amazing part of the win was the ability to phone Joyce and book tours at the last minute (not that we did). Part of being in a suite is being classed as a CIP (I think it stands for Cruise Important Person), this means that you are taken onto the tour coaches first, assisted off the ship first on arrival and Joyce ensures everything is AOK. We were amazed and it certainly made for a smooth cruise.

[E onboard]

PART 2

TUESDAY: Arrived Penang after much celebration the night before- although we had been told we could book at anytime with Joyce we were too happy to think about the day in Penang and not quite sure of the way things work as a CIP. Hubby had well and truly indulged last night (free bottle of red in the suite when we arrived) and yours truly was not far behind. When we arrived at Penang it was not like Kuala Lumpur with prices well displayed and instead you ran a gauntlet of taxi drivers, rickshaw drivers and coach drivers all wanting your business. I’m afraid after the night before this was all too much for us and we ran across the road to get away! LOL We then walked around the block down to the Fort and clock tower and back to the jetty where we headed back to the ship. That night we went to the Captains reception and dinner and this was the most people we ever seen in the Ocean Palace restaurant. The captain announced we wouldn’t be going to Krabi due to a high swell and not being able to disembark safely. A beautiful dinner once again. After not doing much during the day we rang Joyce and organized tours for the next couple of days. We retired early this night after a very late night the evening before.

WEDNESDAY: Arrived Phuket at 10 am. We took the Transfer to Patong Beach tour ($24 SD each and worth it for comfort and ease.) I know this is not adventurous but booked tours worked out much better for us- for some you may prefer to go it alone and so I guess to each his own. Did heaps of shopping for gifts in Patong Beach and we think we got some great prices. Headed back to the ship and rushed for shower and dinner before heading back out for the Phuket Fantasea in the evening. (Cost $85 SD each- included entry to Fantasea) Left at 7.30 and returned at 1230. Really great show- thoroughly enjoyable and a surprisingly professionally well done production.

THURSDAY: Still in Phuket and had booked for the Elephant riding Adventure ($70 SD Each). This was wonderful. Our first stop was a Budhist temple (Wat Chalong) where our Coach Translator was absolutely wonderful (Puoy). We had also had her on our coach last night and she was so helpful, easy to understand and knowledgeable. After the temple we took a short coach trip to Adventure Safari- where we first off seen a short elephant show- they asked for volunteers and I was quick off the mark to get an ‘elephant massage and kiss!’ You lay down on an exercise mat and then the baby elephant gently puts his paw on your back and raises it up and down to massage you. Amazing experience and as I have collected elephants since I was a kid and used to be known as Elly elephant this was the highlight for me. We then went on an elephant ride and I would say that although the experience was brilliant (they’re so sure footed for such a large animal), it was disappointing that suburbia is encroaching on this area and where we walked was mostly cleared land; however they apparently have plans to move into denser jungle within the next 18 months- that would definitely be better. The elephant ride was then followed by a short monkey show- very entertaining. From there we went to Thai Naan Restaurant for a buffet lunch (also included in the price). After lunch we went to Patong Beach for an hour of more shopping and this was finished with a visit to Phrom Thep Cape (southern most point of the island). Altogether this was an amazing day full of interesting cultural and social aspects of the island. We were back on the ship around 5 and had time to shower and get ready for dinner. After dinner we went to the Bingo and this night we had the Crew Extravaganza Show- what a hoot- hilarious – couldn’t stop laughing. We left the show and did the usual ‘happy hour tour’ (following the happy hour prices around the ship). A few couples we met were anxious to take a look at our prize and we took them up to tour our suite. One couple who are doing a 14 day tour said seeing it made them more determined to get extra rickets for the next draw (so glad we weren’t doing 14 nights otherwise we would have had to return to cabin 3222 after the 7 days- that would have been extremely difficult to do!!! LOL)

FRIDAY: Arrived at Langkawi at 0900. WOW what a beautiful sail into Langkawi- exactly what you expect in a tropical area- beautiful azure coloured sea and many small islands with fishing boats dotted all around!! We had selected the transfer to Langkawi Cable Car tour today ($20 SD each). This tour doesn’t include the Cable Car entry price (25 Ringitt each- $8.25 AUD each) and the entry price to Underwater World (38 Ringitt per adult); however the underwater world the week before we arrived had a disaster and someone added poison to their main tank- although it was still open they made sure you were aware of this before you entered. It never worried us because we’ve seen enough underwater worlds in our time and were not intending on going in anyway (plenty to look at around the outside if you wanted). So the Langkawi Cable Car was definitely worth the visit- the views at the top were spectacular and Langkawi itself seemed less touristy although we never went into the main town. After the cable car we were transferred to Underwater world- some went in, some went shopping, others to the beach and ourselves and 2 other couples decided to head back to the ship (cost 20 ringitt between us to get back). Spent that evening doing the ‘happy hour tour’ and put a few cents into the pokies.

[E onboard]

PART 3

SATURDAY: Relaxing day, massages and time by the pool. Won a gold medal in the trivia quiz and did a tour of the ships bridge in the afternoon. This was very interesting and the crew on the bridge was really informative. In the evening we were invited to the repeaters drinks (even though we hadn’t toured before) and this was great as well. There was the Chocolate Buffet for afternoon tea and this was a chocaholics nightmare (or dream depending on where you’re standing). Dinner was wonderful as usual and we retired early for an early start in the am.

SUNDAY: Up early for preparation (bags need to be packed and left inside your cabin by 0800). Then to breakfast- we were able to head back to our suite until 0840 when all CIP guest were to meet at the Star Lounge. We met Joyce there who escorted all of us from the ship through immigration. Our baggage was on a trolley ready to be collected and then we headed through customs. Altogether the process was extremely smooth and we were off within 10 minutes.

We had a wonderful cruise- food was great and staff were wonderful. All tours were extremely well organised and the tour translators were knowledgeable and spoke fairly good English. I believe that we would have found the cruise a wonderful holiday without our prize win but the upgrade just made it special.

Probably the only complaint for the whole cruise was the price of beer (my husband drinks beer) - beer cost $6.80 Singapore each can. ($5.20 Aus- he thought that might have been the in port charge and once out of port the cost would decrease but this was not the case). This price included the 15% service tax that we never knew existed in Singapore. It didn’t take long to realize that when you went on shore you could buy beer and bring it back on with no problem. We met some Aussies who were told by their TA to take an esky on board and they said their Cabin Assistant was filling it with ice each day for them. It also didn’t take us long to follow the happy hour around the ship and this way you got half price beer, wine and cocktails between 6 pm and 2 am. They also have bucket promotions which brings the price down – you buy 4 beer and it cost $21 SD.

[boeckli]

E onboard - have not had a chance to read all of your review - but WOW - to win the Exec Suite - phantastic !! They had the same kind of draw on our cruise - congratulations :)

Being in a JS we also enjoyed being able to organise things through Joyce - very nice and efficient lady.

[ssv]

Eonboard - Congratulations on winning the upgrade!

 

15% Service Charge is SC's policy that exists on All its ship, nothing to do with Singapore's law.

 

Glad you had a great time, are you already booked for your next cruise? :D

 

 

Anyway, have not heard from Mike for a long time. Hope he is okay(with the typhoon and all).

[Tascat]

Hi Vera,love to meet at Gemini Bar.We know Bali well(regular visitors up to second bomb),so we will go straight from Gemini to Kuta,and shop till we drop!Do you know where the ship docks at Bali,and how far from Kuta.

[kuldalai]

Itinerary for Sydney - Singapore shows BALI as :

 

Port Benoa, Jl. Raya Pelabuhan Benoa

[furballPerth]

Thanks E on board for a great review of the cruise. I am going on Virgo in December (getting closer now) but I am sure a lot of the things are similar so found it helpful. I'm getting excited now!

[Riviera 30]

Hi E and welcome back.

Lucky lucky you, winning the raffle, we didn't buy tickets because my luck is that I never win, glad you enjoyed the trip, the crew are just fabulous and they way they treat you is beyond compare.

We also had Krabi cancelled due to swells, but this actually suited us because we had 2 full days in Phuket, we did our own thing as we have been there before, but if you go back you will find you can do all those activities cheaper,

We only ate in the Ocean Palace and found the service excellent, who was your regular waiter,

Anyway you have many precious memories now, i hope you took plenty of vids and pictures of your trip.

Cheers

Les

[E onboard]

Thanks Les- we never win anything so this was extremely surprising and lucky for us. We enjoyed all of our cruise and agree all the staff were wonderful- they were able to get to know your regular requests before you even asked. We thought the servcie beyond compare.

 

E onboard

[E onboard]

Boeckli- a couple of questions for you.

You are obviously a seasoned cruiser- I was wondering what N.Y.M.P.H.S AND M.A.N.I.A.C.S stand for?

Not long until your off on your B2B caribbean adventure- looks great!

Do you usually stick to calm waters or it doesn't worry you - the rough seas. When we sailed with P&O Fairstar I was quite unwell with vertigo and nausea but I only experienced a little on the Gemini - definetly much better.

 

E onboard :)

[Westaussie]

Hi E - congrats on the upgrade win, that really must have made your cruise! Thanks for your detailed report, enjoyed reading it.

 

Tascat, Benoa harbour is across from Kuta before you get to Nusa Dua (same place that the Bali Hai cruises go from) so about 20 minutes from Kuta. We can board from 3.30 pm - can't wait!

 

Vera