Superstar Gemini

[ssv]

I believe Colin was just onboard to give talks about ports and disembarked in Bangkok for shore duty. He is currently onboard the Aquarius and by September, will most probably be due for vacation. I have a feeling he'll be on the Australia cruises.

 

Sorry to hear about the Norovirus incident! Wish everybody the best of health

[BJC]

Good people,

Please don’t get me wrong, what happened on Gemini first with the Norovirus on the Singapore to Hong Kong Leg and then to a lesser extent HK to Singapore, and then the Cold/Flu Virus on the HK to Singapore leg, could happen to anyone on any Cruise / Ship it was just unfortunate to come one after another.

The unfortunate passing of the gentleman from a Cardio problem is just part of life anywhere any time, and the Medivac of the gent with the fractured hip from a fall while ashore was again something that could happen anywhere.

I am sure that Star and the Gemini Crew will work the little buts off to make sure that they get on top of the situation, and the future cruisers should not be concerned about their up coming trips.

My observations were undoubtedly influenced by our recent Mediterranean Cruise on Celebrity Galaxy which is a true 4 Star Ship, I’m sorry I should not have let that happen, as we knew what Gemini was like, but it was a bit of a “come down” all the same.

As I indicated it is the 1%’s that make the difference between a “good” and a “Great” Cruise, and as previously stated despite the very best efforts of the vast majority of the Gemini Crew, who just tried their utmost to assist you, Star and some of the operational / administration staff simply didn’t get it right.

A special mention of acknowledgement to the Dr and Medical Staff, who under trying circumstances did a splendid job in keep on top of the situation, as Tracey pointed out our meeting on the first night out of HK was for Mrs C who was having problems with some new blood pressure tablets, which the Dr got sorted in a couple of visits.

For Les, please don’t get me wrong in that at no time did I disapprove of the Demographics, but rather at the activities, shore excursions, and entertainment was just not suited to the vast majority of Cruisers, who, for reasons mostly to do with this particular Cruise and Destinations, simply attracted a higher than normal percentage of older cruisers.

The Cruise Director was an English lass with an unpronounceable first name and last name Smith, for me I thought she had just come from a stint as a Red Coat from Butlins Holiday Camp, Hi de Hi, Hi de Ho! There were those who thought she was good but then they probably grew up going to Butlins, sorry did not impress us.

Make up was 96% Australians and of those 45% from WA, we met up with a couple our age (late 50’s early 60’s) from SA during our 4 hour wait to get on in HK and had a wonderful time with them over the next 11 days drinks and dinner each night until I fell to the wog, anyway they are coming over to Perth later in the year and we will have them over for a BBQ, then there is Tracey and Trevor from NSW, much younger but in the minority.

Can’t comment on Virgo, have not sailed on her, and yes we will only go forward from now on.

As for what processes are in place for expressions of concern, there was a customer survey form which we filled in, as for contacting Star direct, unfortunately all my communications with them to date have been very one sided they are not strong on communication for some reason!

Again people please don’t get me wrong, Gemini is a nice ship and ideally suited for people to try out cruising on for the first time, and sufficiently appeals to some cruisers, who come back time and time again.

Like I said in my article in the West cruising is like finding a good wine, you want to come back for more, it’s just that we have moved on from the Cask Wine to Premier Grand Crus Classes, Chateau Mouton-Rothschild.;)

Regards, BJC

[ssv]

CD first name - Hedicha :)

[Riviera 30]

Thanks Bruce

I appreciated your comments, This is our first cruise and one tries to get as much information a possible. The best is always from people like yourself who actually speak from real experience and not hear say as many others I have met in life do. Our expectations haven't diminished as everyone can experience the same trip in different ways due to what they put in to it in effort to have a good time. We are both 51/52 and very active and due to all the "good oil" will make sure the experience is well worth it. I mean, lets face it, cheaper holidays can be found on land resorts etc so one would be crazy not to maximise on all the information and opportunities available.

How did you go getting Duty Free into Singapore airport. Were you allowed in with it from Australia in your cabin luggage or did you have yo have it in your suitcases. I have heard from others that many people are getting caught and losing it due to new regulations regarding on board luggage.

I have read on forum posts of it being quite the scam in Thailand and Singapore especially. It would be terrible if once you cleared customs in Australia that duty free purchased prior to departure was confiscated in Singapore on arrival. Also this might apply to boarding Gemini.

Anyway, thanks Bruce for all the info, its worth it.

 

cheers

 

Les

[Deck10 007]

Have a good rest, get well and you may have a different perspective of things afterwards. Having gone through the experience you had, you may need a little time to get your feet on the ground again.

The many things you said about Star Cruises and the Gemini is just not fair to them. We can talk about this at a later time. Let me just say to others giong on the Gemini that it is a 3 star ship with 7 star srevice. I find myself in the unusual position of defending Star Cruises here.

Bruce, you said you have not been on the Virgo and you have now upgraded yourself. The Virgo is a 5 star ship and I think this is what you want.

 

Regards, John

[ssv]

I don't think its very fair to label the rules and regulations of other countries as scam. Each sovereign country have the right to introduce their own law and although the customs regulation might not be smooth/is redundant, it does not warrant the word "scam" Passengers who were caught in such misfortunate incident should blame no one as rules are clearly stated if some research is done.

 

What everybody can do and should do is find out information/ask if you're in doubt thus unpleasant situations can be avoided and/or provide feedback if there are flaws.

 

All in no harm :) Enjoy your cruises everyone!

[kuldalai]

If your'e talking about bringing in duty free grog from Aus in your cabin bag then I can assure you that you will NOT get out of Australia with it that way . You are required to display to security staff that all liquids & gels carried on board into the cabin will fit in a square sandwich bag and not exceeding 100ml. If you take duty free grog from Australia then in it goes in the hold . Save yourself all the drama and buy your grog on arrival in Singapore or HK .

[kuldalai]

Mike,

 

Any idea of details and when Star will release itineraries for SS GEMINI for the period April 2008 to early 2009 . Specifically interested in what Star currently call 21 night Asian Oddysey round trip dates ex Singapore . We did the Singapore - HK leg this year, and want to go back to HK and do the HK - Singapore leg next year .

 

It is puzzling that Star are so slow in publishing forward itineraries, whereas their NCL division publish the program much further ahead and promote the new forward program on board NCL ships in special presentations offering preferential discount for early bookings made on board.

[deck 9 001]

kuldalai, I hear ya!

 

I know that for many people it is inconvenient to not have itineraries published far in advance. Star Cruises usually publishes their itineraries for only 4 to 6 months out.

 

Perhaps this is due to the fact that Asians are well known for making late bookings. It is rare for them to even think of booking a cruise 6 months out. Having said this, if more and more westerners show a strong booking trend on Star's ships, maybe they (Star) will have to publish itineraries beyond a six month period. Time will tell.

 

Usually the last month of the present itinerary period, Star will release the next itinerary, whether it will be an extension of the current cruises or a new itinerary altogether.

 

I suspect that there will be some new changes in 2008.

 

Best,

Mike

[ssv]

Gemini's Australia season itinerary is very tempting however, is there enough to do with so many sea days. Singapore-Fremantle is on my list but it has 7 sea days!Anyone could offer advice on the activities?

[BJC]

Hi Deck 10, still very croaky, and still coughing well, but not angry, and yes they are a 5 star Crew on a 2 (and a half) star Ship, and nothing I have said is anything but the facts as I perceive them to be, if unfair then I’m sorry but if nothing I may be blunt but am honest.:p

Thanks SSV, it was indeed Hedicha, and I was probably a bit unkind, she was only trying to do her job, however continuing to ask us three or four times “are we having a good time?” until we shout out loud enough for her “NO! sorry, YES!” is about as subtle as Drill Sergeant.;)

Also if you do do the circumnavigation of Aus I would take lots of books, games and a couple of jigsaw puzzles, there are only so many napkin folding classes one can do before the novelty wears off, and power walking around deck 5, and kick boxing aerobics did not appeal to this sloth!

Les, sorry mate we flew into HK, and had no problems with the DF purchased inside the security section of Perth Airport, I expect you would not have any problems at Singapore, if in doubt leave it until you get to Changi, they advertise as having the cheapest DF in Asia anyway.

The problem you will have is taking it (DF) onto Gemini, strictly speaking it is not allowed, however some unscrupulous types have been known to put it in their big luggage rather than their carry on bag which is scanned, this unscrupulous type managed to get ours on board with out problem.;)

Hi Mike, I suppose the question that must be asked is when is Gemini going in for a decent Refit, sorry to say but she needs one, you can only put so many coats of white paint over the rust before you need to strip it all off and start from scratch.

Also I was talking to the Second Officer on the Bridge Tour we went on, and he indicated that they spent many thousands of dollars on a new computerised fuel efficiency system that collects data form different areas and advices how many diesels are requires through the different gearbox configurations to obtain the maximum fuel efficiency.

The problem is that at the most efficient settings the ship vibrates badly, and the Engineers can not work it out, they suspect it may simply be cavitation of the variable pitch props, or harmonics from having two diesels through one gearbox on one prop and one on one on the other, anyway they are not able to get the settings right and Star are a bit upset that they are getting no return, by way of efficiency, from their investment.

The problem is that apart from the fact you can’t eat your dinner in the Ocean Palace with the vibration, it will eventually chew up the stern glands, and that will require a docking, and that’s the opinion of both Jim and I with over 50 years combined Marine Engineering experience, by the way we offered to help by casting our eyes over the situation, but they would not let us down in the Engine Room, I wonder why, a couple of pirates if ever I saw one!:p

Anyway you all enjoy your time on Gemini, and don’t listen to this “grumpy old man”, you’ll have a ball, so will catch you on the high seas sometime, Mrs C wants to go somewhere “COLD” next time, so may do another Alaska Cruise but with different ports, anyway this old pirate will collect his buccaneers and sail off into the sunset! :D

Regards, Bruce

[Cinnabel]

Hi Bruce,

Sorry to hear that you were unwell on your long awaited cruise. I can understand the disappointment when the expectation has been so excruciating!!! The thought of 12 days when 7 never seems quite enough was sooooo tempting.

 

We are in a very similar position to you and Mrs C. We have travelled Gemini twice - in '97 and 2001. Since then, we have travelled SS Virgo when it was based in Fremantle and Celebrity Infinity. I am worried that we may suffer the exact same fate as you. I think we have moved on........ Also, of course, Gemini is another 10 years older herself. DH always says, it is never as good the second time round because you know what to expect. He didn't enjoy the second adventure in '01 as much, even then.

 

As a first introduction to cruising, she is excellent. I may take a couple of girlfriends and do a 7 dayer on her as a quick, short, getaway but think that for another adventure with my DH, it may be time to try another ship or line. Thankfully, there are many more options here now.

I don't know if I am ready for the Aurora or QE 2 yet though!

 

Hope you recover soon.

[ssv]

No worries, I guess she was just trying to be spontaneous but everybody have different expectation. She is new to the company if Im not wrong.

 

I guess I'll skip the Gemini for Australia. Im extremely afraid of itinerary with lots of sea days after the QM2.

[kuldalai]

Guess it's all a matter of personal preference - we found the sea days great just to sleep in, late breakfast, leisurely morning, loooooooooong lunch in the Ocean Palace . Then a traditional Italian siesta before freshen up for pre-dinner drinks in Gemini Bar before a gourmet dinner in the Ocean Palace.

then the ever changing nightime entertainment .Catch up on reading and just bludging .

 

On the Australian trip most you get is two successive sea days, just relax and soak it all in; or if your'e the active type then there are heaps of activities, latest film screenings etc to participate in. If you want sample program of on board activities e-mail direct at kuldalai@pipeline.com.au and will send you a copy .

[Ambient]

After surviving the 22 day cruise from Singapore to Singapore without any incidents would you believe it, I got a virus late Monday afternoon that my GP said I probably obtained a few days earlier on the ship. This turned into a secondary throat infection; nothing I could do about the virus but at least I'm on antibiotics for the infection and just coming good now! Just when I thought I was the lucky one...

 

Now, let's make this thread get a little longer :)

 

Also the pool is just too small for the number of passengers and the number of sea days in such a hot climate, at best it takes no more than a dozen people standing shoulder to shoulder, I miss being able to do laps in a half size Olympic pool available on other bigger ships.

If you had looked at the deck plans, you would have been aware of this.

 

boeckli, I fail to understand this form of sarcasm in your post - I'm sure that we don't just blatantly and randomly go on cruises without looking and doing research! I'm looking at the deck plans right now and they're not to scale. In fact they're kind of misleading and indicate that there's a big pool and a small pool with "twin hot tubs". Sure enough they were there but I have to agree with the statement that the pool was too small as well.

 

Any information on our next port of call you had to get from the Excursion Desk and was heavily slanted towards you booking your Tour from them,

 

I do agree with this entirely. The best bet we found was to obtain the shuttles (S$15pp) to and from the ship. However, don't be afraid to use Taxi's where possible because for around AU$6 three of us got to the shopping places and back rather than paying for them.

 

pax were 60 - 80, it is hard to believe that people this age group would be so lax

I saw one male pax at the dessert buffet when there was scones with jam and cream. Now there were utensils for everything, but did you think that this would help this person? Nope - he grabbed a couple of scones, broken them open then and there with his hands, jammed them on one side -- oops, jam on the finger! LICK! then creamed the others using the serving spoon with the same fingers that he licked.

 

And that was after it was well known about the sanitisers!

 

Gemini is a nice ship and ideally suited for people to try out cruising on for the first time, and sufficiently appeals to some cruisers, who come back time and time again.

 

One of my friends that came with us made a comment to me; he's been on the Gemini 4 times now and this was the worst time. Not because of the staff of even pax, just the food (variety) and it's presentation, excursions and entertainment (or lack thereof). He put it on the survey at the end anyway, I hope they take heed.

 

as for contacting Star direct, unfortunately all my communications with them to date have been very one sided they are not strong on communication for some reason!

I echo this. I'm still waiting for a reply 10 days prior to the cruise with an enquiry. I think I'll give up now.

 

Gemini's Australia season itinerary is very tempting however, is there enough to do with so many sea days. Singapore-Fremantle is on my list but it has 7 sea days!Anyone could offer advice on the activities?

All I can say is that on the sea days we experienced - we found them to be boring unless you're a reader, like to play Bingo or dance. The Star Navigator leaned very heavily to music and dancing every day. I hope this changes!

 

they are a 5 star Crew on a 2 (and a half) star Ship

This is the absolute truth. The staff were so good! The best bet is to make good with your cabin steward; they can help with off-ship info too! They've been to a lot of the ports and when he told us that it was crap shopping, he was always right! Heh, gave him a pretty big tip on leaving too :P

 

I do believe and echo some sentiments that should I cruise with Star again, it'll be on at least the Virgo - 5 star ship with pampering is what's required.

[DICKY BEACH]

Hi Folks,

Just a general question. I read somewhere on this forum some concern re' money exchange on board Gemini and I'm not sure I uunderstand the problem. I thought all transactions were Card based? That is the Card the ship issues at the start of the cruise. Am I correct in presuming this would include the payment for shorex? Or is there something I'm missing?

Advice please.

Best Wishes

Frank

30 days to go

[BJC]

Hi Frank,

You are correct, as with all other cruise ships, that I am aware of, Gemini is a cashless ship, except for the Casino where you buy chips and pokie tokens with cash.

What I was referring to was that if you had to change currency on board say from $AU to Malaysian Ringit, they would first convert it to Singapore $’s at a rate, which of course is less than favourable for you, and then from Singapore $’s to Malaysian Ringit, again at a less than favourable rate, hence my ascertain that they double dipped.:(

Now on this Cruise, had you not done so before, you could possibly have to change from $AU to Singapore $’s, Malaysian Ringit, US $’s for Vietnam, and HK $’s, and if you happen to have any large amounts left over, then back again, it makes for quite an expensive exercise.:rolleyes:

OK people will say why not do it ashore, well if you go ashore independently then you very may well have an opportunity, however if your locked into an organised excursion you may not go anywhere near a money changer before they take you to a market, or pottery, or silk factory.

Some places like in Vietnam are happy to take payment in $AU or $US but then try to give you change in Dong, so have lots of small notes and work out your best price with no change, which is a bit hard with $AU as they don’t like $1-2 coins, and at the market stalls nothing costs less than $1US, so you just have to bargain them down to 2 for a $!;)

Hope this clears this up for you.

Regards, Bruce

[Deck10 007]

This double dip in currency exchange as you call it is the universal way the money changing business is conducted world wide.You have not been short changed by Star Criuses and it is done in the same way as with any bank or in any country.

My wife did do the double dip exchange once on the Gemini and I scolded her for her ignorance and also the ship will give you the worst rate comparatively. I did not blame Star Cruises for this transaction.

Just like you change your money here, if I go Australia and want to change my Singapore $ to Kiwi $ your bank will take this as 2 transction, 1 Sin to Aus and 2 then Aus to Kiwi.

[BJC]

Mate you should look to change your bank, as this is not they way they do it at the one I use in town here to change my money!

They charge a flat fee of $8, less with a pension card, on transactions less than the equivalent of $10,000AU.

Any currency to any currency at the daily rate they have set, which at the start of the day is about 1-2% less than the quoted Bank to Bank Foreign Exchange Rate, which they hold firm for that day irrespective of fluctuations during that day, no passing through $AU, so no double dip!

I also changed Malaysian Ringit and Singapore $’s to $AU at Changi airport and they did not convert the Ringit to $Sing first either, sorry mate but your statement “the universal way the money changing business is conducted world wide” is incorrect.

Look I know it’s just good business on behalf of Star, you want to use this service then you have to pay for it, that’s life, take it or leave it.

Regards, Bruce

[Deck10 007]

She did not ask the money changer about the double dip first and the money changer just process the change in one shot.

In times of heavy currency fluctuation the banks will change their bid and sell rate every hour or minute if they have to.

There is one exception to this for US to Euro conversion and vice versa but this is for large amount in offshore accounts and not in bank notes.

[Riviera 30]

Hi All

Hope everyone is fine and well. In the past ( before march 2007) I have always bought my DF in Tullamarine and taken it in to my destinations OK in the DF bags they pack in. Im still unsure of the new laws for entering other countries ie. Singapore, not wishing to lose my DF I think that now Australian Customs let you take it out in main luggage but a docket or some sort of paperwork has to be produced. Thats OK if that is the case , one only risks that it is damaged by baggage handlers so more careful preparation is required when packing, but assuming this is not the case and one cannot carry on any DF into Singapore, is Changi cheaper to but your bottles of alcohol than Tullamarine, I have heard it is expensive now in comparison, I cannot find accurate prices to compare. Do they also enforce heavily the correct amount of alcohol one brings in.

I know it seems maybe trifling to worry about small things in the total scope of a holiday but savings are good wherever they are found.

I hope that my cruise in September will be fine and hope that Star being professionals as they would have to be to manage the fleet and logistics will have listened to and taken notice of what seems to be a cruise totally out of the norm and rectify the problems/complaints and continue to monitor them. Going back to what Bruce mentioned about not really supplying the correct entertainment for the age group one would think this would be an easy task as they know so long in advance the age and nationality of every passenger and this could be graphed out and suitable activities for the majority organised, and also for the others in the odd category. In these days of computers and such it is a simple 5 minute excercise.

Never the less, still waiting for our first cruise and counting every sleep till then.

 

Cheers

 

 

Les

[FControllor]

Hi All

Hope everyone is fine and well. In the past ( before march 2007) I have always bought my DF in Tullamarine and taken it in to my destinations OK in the DF bags they pack in. Im still unsure of the new laws for entering other countries ie. Singapore, not wishing to lose my DF I think that now Australian Customs let you take it out in main luggage but a docket or some sort of paperwork has to be produced. Thats OK if that is the case , one only risks that it is damaged by baggage handlers so more careful preparation is required when packing, but assuming this is not the case and one cannot carry on any DF into Singapore, is Changi cheaper to but your bottles of alcohol than Tullamarine, I have heard it is expensive now in comparison, I cannot find accurate prices to compare. Do they also enforce heavily the correct amount of alcohol one brings in.

I know it seems maybe trifling to worry about small things in the total scope of a holiday but savings are good wherever they are found.

I hope that my cruise in September will be fine and hope that Star being professionals as they would have to be to manage the fleet and logistics will have listened to and taken notice of what seems to be a cruise totally out of the norm and rectify the problems/complaints and continue to monitor them. Going back to what Bruce mentioned about not really supplying the correct entertainment for the age group one would think this would be an easy task as they know so long in advance the age and nationality of every passenger and this could be graphed out and suitable activities for the majority organised, and also for the others in the odd category. In these days of computers and such it is a simple 5 minute excercise.

Never the less, still waiting for our first cruise and counting every sleep till then.

 

Cheers

 

 

Les

 

Hi Les

When we went to Singapore we bought our alcohol from Changi airport as it was cheaper ( for us anyway) and easer than to get it from a Australian airport and less to carry onto the plane. The same applies when returning to Australia. Get it from the Changi Airport after you have entered Customs where they secure it in a clear plastic bag and take it for you to your departure point after you have gone through screening just before you board the plane home.

[DICKY BEACH]

Good morning Bruce,

Did you stay at the Majestic in HK? Do I need to pack my ear plugs or is the Disco not as noisy as I've been told?

Frank

[DICKY BEACH]

Hi All,

There's been plenty said about the recent cruises but so far I've seen no comments about the cabins. Are they roomy/small/clean/not so clean?

Do they have a fridge?

Does each cabin have tea/coffee making facilities or do you have to wait till 7am for that early morning cuppa?

 

Frank

28 days to go

[deck 9 001]

Hi Frank, All the cabins onboard Gemini are kept in very good condition. While they are not huge, they are comfortable and functional.

On all my cruises, there has not been a hot water kettle or mini fridge in any cabins except for the Suites and Junior Suites.

 

Here are 2 photos of the vanity for a category CA (larger ocean view) Deck 6 forward.

You will have an ice bucket, glasses and bottles of mineral water.

 

 

 

This is a category CAB on Deck 6 (this particular one is a handicapped cabin)

 

 

Hope this helps you.

 

Best,

Mike