Superstar Gemini

[ssv]

I need to ask for some advice.

Should I join Virgo for the 6d5n City & Island Escapade which goes SIN-PKL-PHU-LAN-PKL-SIN

OR

Should I join Gemini for the weekly trip which goes SIN-PKL-KRA-PHU-LAN-PKL-SIN?

I love the long(er) stopover both ships have in Phuket (but does Gemini dock at Port or anchor off Patong).

If I join GEMINI, I can visit my friends (whom I've not met for a long time) and experience the ship for the first time. If I join Virgo, I can also visit my friends (more like family already) there and I prefer larger ships. I have been to all places both ships offer except Krabi. I'm also worried I'll not like Gemini which is small.

All help and advice is appreciated!

BTW - Boeckli, how was your trip on the Dawn? And I hope cruisers who went on Gemini from SIN-SYD or was any part of that enjoyed themselves despite the (I heard) rough seas.

[boeckli]

I need to ask for some advice.

 

Should I join Virgo for the 6d5n City & Island Escapade which goes SIN-PKL-PHU-LAN-PKL-SIN

 

OR

 

Should I join Gemini for the weekly trip which goes SIN-PKL-KRA-PHU-LAN-PKL-SIN?

 

I love the long(er) stopover both ships have in Phuket (but does Gemini dock at Port or anchor off Patong).

 

If I join GEMINI, I can visit my friends (whom I've not met for a long time) and experience the ship for the first time. If I join Virgo, I can also visit my friends (more like family already) there and I prefer larger ships. I have been to all places both ships offer except Krabi. I'm also worried I'll not like Gemini which is small.

 

All help and advice is appreciated!

 

BTW - Boeckli, how was your trip on the Dawn? And I hope cruisers who went on Gemini from SIN-SYD or was any part of that enjoyed themselves despite the (I heard) rough seas.

 

Hi SSV - the trip on the Dawn was terrific. Great ship (very much like Virgo - felt quite at home), fascinating ports; good weather, food and company. And made very special by cruising with our friend Captain Hakan (ex Virgo) - joining him was one of the main reasons we decided on that particular cruise (and we sure were not disappointed :) - hope we can sail with him again some time).

Will have some photos from the cruise posted soon (I hope)

 

As to your "predicament" of choice - if you really like Virgo (and prefer larger ships) I'm not sure that Gemini is for you - we definitely did not really like the small size (we've been on SSV, Pacific Princess and now Dawn)

 

Incidentally, we came across Gemini's sister ship, the Braemar (saw her in Willemstad, Curacao and then docked next to her in Tortola, BVI - which was when we realised the similarity to Gemini) - sailing for Fred Olsen - looks in good nick.

[ssv]

Thanks! I prefer larger ships but I'm torn because in some way, I want to visit Gemini very much.

 

Did Capt. Hakan mention anything about his future assignments? If following Star Cruises' "tradition" he'll be moving to another ship by end of this year. It'll be lovely to sail with the very friendly and charming captain again.

[boeckli]

Thanks! I prefer larger ships but I'm torn because in some way, I want to visit Gemini very much.

 

Did Capt. Hakan mention anything about his future assignments? If following Star Cruises' "tradition" he'll be moving to another ship by end of this year.

 

What "tradition" is that? Don't think he's the moving type - after all, he was on SSV for 7 years (from her inception until June 2006)

 

It'll be lovely to sail with the very friendly and charming captain again.

Well put - yes it was great, and he found time in his very busy schedule to spend with us and also treated us to a few 'special' moments :cool:

 

On the way over and back we spent a few days in Singapore - could hardly recognise Sentosa :rolleyes:. Would have been nice to meet you - maybe next time (we'll have a stop on our Sun Princess cruise in June - perhaps we can get together for a coffee?)

[Westaussie]

Hi all - thanks for the welcome home Helga/Maggy!

 

Well, where to start - the whole trip was great. Believe everything went smoothly between Singapore and Bali except one rough night before Bali. After that, it was smooth seas all the way to Fremantle, just a slight swell on the last day.

 

There were 585 pax to Fremantle with 85 going on to Sydney and 500 embarking in Freo - so not full capacity but very comfortable at that level.

Embarkation at Benoa took about 10 minutes, the 198 getting on there had arrived before us so there was no queue. We were supposed to leave at 4.00 pm but because the diesel barge arrived late we didn't sail till 11.30 pm but made up time and kept to schedule after that.

 

The five CC members and partners met in the Gemini Bar on the Friday and it was lovely getting to know you and meet up several times after, when we wined and dined together.

 

As for the ports, we were in Darwin on Sunday so alot didn't open till after 10 am. We did visit Lyons Cottage which has a lovely display of early photos of Darwin. It was so hot and humid that we didn't walk as far as we intended but found a park bench on the Esplanade to read the election results! Our other stop was Broome and as we have spent holidays there in the past we had a quick look around. It's an interesting town, especially the pearling museum and talk they give there. Of course, all the pearl shops, Chinatown and Cable Beach.

 

Entertainers on the ship were from Brazil and their performance 'hot, hot, hot' was exactly that! There were acrobats/jugglers from China and a couple from Ukraine who are ballroom dancing champions. The highlight, of course, was the crews performance! Heidicha is CD and showing alot more confidence since we last saw her in June. But Harold (ex Virgo) is brilliant - and such a nice guy!!

 

Food was excellent both in the buffet which we preferred for lunch so we could eat in our little spot on deck 7 out of the wind. Breakfasts/dinners in Ocean Palace always good - our compliments to Klaus - head chef from Germany.

 

Capt Steve Pennonen should also get a mention, he gave a very interesting slide-show/talk at which time someone asked if there could be more Australian content on tv and sure enough next day we had channel 9 from WA!

 

SSV - if you're still trying to decide between Virgo and Gemini why not try the latter! To me it is one of the friendliest ships I've been on and I've been on both small and large.

 

Vera

[boeckli]

Hi Vera - welcome back. Glad you had an enjoyable time with smooth seas.

 

We too enjoyed Capt Pennonen's slide show/talk - he has a very dry sense of humour ... we share the compliments for head chef Klaus :)

Harold sure is a nice guy.

So, have you settled down to home life again?? :eek:

[ssv]

Oops, I thought Captains move on to other ship every 4-years. My mistake. Maybe he'll sail the Dawn to Asia.

 

I'll definitely want to try the Gemini. Perhaps I'll sail SIN-PKG to try the ship out before joining her longer cruises.

 

Harold is a great guy. He is prone to seasick though and gets nauseous very easily, he said he's still trying to adjust to the ship the last time we talked(last week).

 

Boeckli - It'll be great to meet up for coffee when you are in Singapore! My plan for next year is still very indefinite and I MIGHT relocate to Australia, the US or stay. You have my email - dittopod @ singnet (dot) com (broken up as I don't want to get spam mail). I'll also be Down Under coming Saturday for ~3 weeks around the South East coast.

[boeckli]

Oops, I thought Captains move on to other ship every 4-years. My mistake. Maybe he'll sail the Dawn to Asia.

 

Do you know anything I don't :confused: ??

I'll definitely want to try the Gemini. Perhaps I'll sail SIN-PKG to try the ship out before joining her longer cruises.

 

Good idea

 

Boeckli - It'll be great to meet up for coffee when you are in Singapore! My plan for next year is still very indefinite and I MIGHT relocate to Australia, the US or stay. You have my email - dittopod @ singnet (dot) com (broken up as I don't want to get spam mail). I'll also be Down Under coming Saturday for ~3 weeks around the South East coast.

 

We're due to be in SIN on Sat 21 June - will make contact with you closer to the time.

[ssv]

I wanted to edit that sentence as it is misleading, but I could not as my trusty modem died on me. Now I just installed a new one and I hope it last as long as my previous one (cause it's pricey)

 

It should read that: A ship MAY be transferred from NCL Int very shortly and the Dawn MAY be the one, meaning Capt Hakan can sail her to Asia. Afterall, the Captain is very experienced with Asia especially Singapore.

 

Just speculation on my part.

[boeckli]

I wanted to edit that sentence as it is misleading, but I could not as my trusty modem died on me. Now I just installed a new one and I hope it last as long as my previous one (cause it's pricey)

 

It should read that: A ship MAY be transferred from NCL Int very shortly and the Dawn MAY be the one, meaning Capt Hakan can sail her to Asia. Afterall, the Captain is very experienced with Asia especially Singapore.

 

Just speculation on my part.

 

Thks for the clarification, ssv. Should you at any time come across info changing the status of the above (from speculation), please make sure to let me know ;) [you can email me : (my screen name) at westnet dot com dot au]

I asked him about any ship transfers but he had no info (especially as he had just signed on from holidays)

 

Good luck with your new modem.

[electricron]

I wanted to edit that sentence as it is misleading, but I could not as my trusty modem died on me. Now I just installed a new one and I hope it last as long as my previous one (cause it's pricey)

 

It should read that: A ship MAY be transferred from NCL Int very shortly and the Dawn MAY be the one, meaning Capt Hakan can sail her to Asia. Afterall, the Captain is very experienced with Asia especially Singapore.

 

Just speculation on my part.

 

Dawn or Dream?

The Dawn is schedule up to April 2009 for NCL. All NCL ship schedules end in April 2009, so far, except for the Dream. The Dream is scheduled up to October 2008 for NCL.

 

I believe you'll find the Dream will be transferring to Star Cruises before the end of 2008, not the Dawn.

 

The Dream was an exact sister to the Wind, which is now the Superstar Aquarius.

[ssv]

I typed the Dawn. It's just speculation on my part (and fantasising), no harm yes? With SC, anything is possible although the ship involved may be different.

[boeckli]

Dawn or Dream?

The Dawn is schedule up to April 2009 for NCL. All NCL ship schedules end in April 2009, so far, except for the Dream. The Dream is scheduled up to October 2008 for NCL.

 

I believe you'll find the Dream will be transferring to Star Cruises before the end of 2008, not the Dawn.

 

The Dream was an exact sister to the Wind, which is now the Superstar Aquarius.

 

Thank you for the "education" :eek: - we are well aware of the above ... but, as ssv rightly put it, that doesn't mean we can't fantasize and speculate a bit - or does it, Ron? :rolleyes:

[electricron]

Thank you for the "education" :eek: - we are well aware of the above ... but, as ssv rightly put it, that doesn't mean we can't fantasize and speculate a bit - or does it, Ron? :rolleyes:

 

You can "speculate" all you wish :D

Just wanted to keep some "reality" in this thread.

 

Both the Dream and Majesty are owned by the Star Cruises division, which NCL leases from Star. As I wrote earlier, the Dream will probably be sailing for Star by the end of 2008. I believe the Majesty could be as well by the end of 2009 at the earliest, the end of 2010 at the latest.

 

More likely, if NCL sent another ship early to Star, assuming Star Cruises division is willing to purchase one they don't already own, it'll probably be one of the two remaining ships in NCLA, ie the Aloha or America, or return the Spirit (ex-Leo).

 

The America was customed built for the Hawaiian marketplace and doesn't even have a space reserved for a casino. I find it hard to believe Star would want it. The Aloha can have a casino reinstalled fairly quickly, it once had one. The Spirit (ex-Leo) could also be returned into its original Leo condition quickly.

 

Another possibility would be NCL's last smaller ship, the Sun. I believe it would be the last small ship NCL would want to transfer to Star, because it has a fairly large loyal customer base, and many profitable mini-suites.

[Deck10 007]

Electricron , now who is really doing all the speculation.

[boeckli]

Electricron , now who is really doing all the speculation.

 

LOL ... ;)

[ssv]

electricron = Oh, I assure you Star will want any "new" ship now if offered and after what happened on the Wind , I'm sure there is no problem finding space for casinoS. I'm not a big fan of the America though, she looks sick with bumps.

 

deck10007 = I must say that you have very humourous posts. Never fail brighten my day. Thank you eh, we should meet up on Virgo someday (my next trip is Dec 30)

 

Boeckli = Your email is noted. Imagine the Dawn in Asia as Superstar Scorpio, I'll pray for the (almost impossible) day to come...

[boeckli]

Have now uploaded photos of the recent Caribbean cruise - http://picasaweb.google.com/boeckli/NorwegianDawnOctNov2007 (or click the smiley in my signature) :)

[Deck10 007]

electricron = Oh, I assure you Star will want any "new" ship now if offered and after what happened on the Wind , I'm sure there is no problem finding space for casinoS. I'm not a big fan of the America though, she looks sick with bumps.

 

deck10007 = I must say that you have very humourous posts. Never fail brighten my day. Thank you eh, we should meet up on Virgo someday (my next trip is Dec 30)

 

Boeckli = Your email is noted. Imagine the Dawn in Asia as Superstar Scorpio, I'll pray for the (almost impossible) day to come...

 

I will be on the Dec 30 cruise. Sure we can met up if you promise not to step on my tail.

[Westaussie]

Hi boeckli - have just enjoyed your photos - thanks for putting them up here - have you done a review of the cruises?

 

Vera

[boeckli]

Hi boeckli - have just enjoyed your photos - thanks for putting them up here - have you done a review of the cruises?

 

Vera

 

Not yet - still hope to do so ...

Glad you enjoyed the photos

[kuldalai]

SS GEMINI departing Port Of Melbourne 07/12/07 at 2000 hrs OT through Port Phillip Heads :

 

[ssv]

I will be on the Dec 30 cruise. Sure we can met up if you promise not to step on my tail.

 

Deck10007 - Now now, why would I do that? Lets meet at GOS after the emergency drill, just approach the staff and say you're looking for SSV. Do tell if the time isn't good for you.

 

Boeckli - Thank you for the pictures! The Dawn is still as beautiful as ever. Braemer looks exactly like Gemini! Too bad she is going for a "stretch."

 

Kudalai - Thank you for Gemini's picture! I'll see her soon in Brisbane.

[Riviera 30]

Hi All

Great photos's Boeckli, plenty of happy memories there, Gemini has been and left in Melbourne, lucky people sailing on her.

One thing that comes to mind is that when she sails her usual ports in SE Asia the pax enjoy low cost shorex as far as taxi and local transport and food costs, but in Australia all these added items amount to considerable cost. Taxi prices are very expensive here, it cost me $89.00 on Friday night to go to Xmas function 30 minutes away and a further $46.00 for the return later that night, I wouldn't like to be a foreign pax trying to get around on the cheap as it just isn't possible. I suppose that's one of the attraction of the Asian ports over Western.

Cheers

Les

[Deck10 007]

SSV,

Do you not line up for the Gala Dinner before the fire drill. Look for me there before the fire drill ends as we will be ushered into the Lido after the fire drill. Just ask for Deck 10 007 and I will tell my wife to look out for you.