Superstar Gemini

[deck 9 001]

Hi Tracey,

 

Just heard from my contact at Star Cruises and she stands corrected on the month. Indeed Virgo will be calling at Laem Chabang in April and Gemini in May. It was a typing mistake while reading the schedules.

 

There are no changes/alterations to any itineraries.

 

Regards,

 

Mike

[sunflower1]

Hi Ouiselg,

 

Yes the massages were roughly $65 for an hour... The tours really vary depending on which ones you do the cheapest we did was beach bumming $10 SD and most expensive phuket patong beach transfer $20SD. But the phuket fantasea is about $60 SD. And some of the 8 hr tours e.g. elephant riding / kayayking vary from $50 SD - $130 sd.

 

We took Singapore Dollars (we changed our Aussie dollars at the airport) There was no fee because we changed more than $500 Aussie dollars. It was a promotion at the time. Changing currency is easy on the ship and no fees associated. They can even give you money that they just charge to your bill at the end of the trip Kind of like using credit is spose.

 

I'm sure your husband will love it!! Any other q's feel free to ask!

 

Sunflower1

[Cynicor]

Went on this cruise for the second time last month, 23rd Nov-3rd Dec. Just thought I'd answer a couple of questions that seem to recur- Drinks are cheap, especially from an Aussie viewpoint. Cocktails on the ship were 9SGD, or 4.5 SGD during happy hour. And happy hours run continuously from about 6pm-1am or earlier, if you wander from bar to bar. The staff are really good about letting you know when it is ending too. Beers are well priced 3-6 from memory, but I am not sure about spirits. Why bother when a cocktail is so cheap?

 

Moneywise, I prefer changing in Lucky Plaza, Singapore. It seems like you can get the best rates in Asia there, and you can shop around for the best rate. It is not essential to have cash anytime on the cruise though, so you only need to change what you think you'll be spending in port.

 

For people aged 20-30, the ship it can be slightly boring if it is at lower capacity, so we went as a group of 6 and entertained ourselves. Kids will have plenty to do and they rent out playstations of some sort. The TVs also have a tiny smattering of fox channels and the 'video arcade' (2 machines) will keep them occupied for a little while. Ferrenghi beach in penang is a good place for the kids as they do jet skiing and parasailing much cheaper than back in aus. The water is nothing flash though so don't plan on swimming.

 

We took a few different shore excursions- would recommend taking the KL shopping trip if you plan on heading in. The shopping centre in the towers is closed Mondays so you can't go in, but the tour works out cheaper and easier than making your own way in (have tried both methods), especially if it is your first time to KL. HIGHLY recommend the seakayaking and cavestour in phuket- its great fun, and you can paddle yourself at the end if you choose, or just swim in the beautiful sea out there. Transfer to patong beach at night is a 50-50 proposition, taxis are just as good if you want more time, and we just had our driver meet us at a pre-arranged time (paid when we returned of course).

 

Awbeg, The elephant rides are nothing special, and I think singgapore zoo is still offering them instead. I've done both phuket tours and would say the canoeing is better value if you can find an elephant ride somewhere else.

 

Think that is about it, if anyone has any questions (esp from the perspective of a younger cruiser) feel free to ask.

[awbeg]

Thanks you for the Info

Hmm ….Happy hour cocktails for 4.5$ It’s a Cuba Libra cruise!

Mozzies in Alaska I knew those Whales were up to no-good

Between BJC and Cynicor just about all of our questions, have been answered.

Thanks for the tip on Isadora Silk (great for office souvenirs)

I think we’ll try the following

KL shopping tour

Penang we’ll get the shuttle into town and taxi/bus to Batu Ferringhi

Langkawi play by ear.

Krabi play by ear …….It was a tourist trap the last time I was there (maybe we’ll do Phi Phi)

Phuket. My kids have done the Elephant bit and their conclusion is that elephants are nice to look at but you wouldn’t want to bring one home to meet your mum!

The girls want to go sea kayaking (I don’t want to get wedged in a seacave…think Homer Simpson at the waterpark) Ill head for Patpong instead (The Laguna hotels beach is my favorite but it’s a bit out of the way.

In Phuket we really don’t want to be tied to coming back at an allotted time (ships own transfer) My plan for the transfer from Phuket port into Patpong, is hopefully to either get a taxi to Phuket town and a bus or taxi to Patpong returning by taxi at my/our own leisure

How hard is to get a taxi/bus to Phuket at the port when you first land or is better to just take the ships transfer?

Regards Awbeg

PS If you think that any of above is foolhardy please let me know

[mummsie]

Thanks you for the Info

Langkawi play by ear.

Langkawi next time we will just stay on board and have that as a rest day. Very unexciting place - usually get there on a Friday and most the shops are shut for their holy day. Its supposidly duty free but prices in Aus were comparable for cameras and other things we saw.

 

How hard is to get a taxi/bus to Phuket at the port when you first land or is better to just take the ships transfer?

 

Taxi drivers are waiting at the gangplank to talk you into driving into town. Make sure you work out a price before you leave. The ship company advise against going in the Tuk Tuks as the drivers have no insurance if you are hurt.

 

If you want to do shopping, go about 2 streets in from the main drag on the beach. I think we paid too much for things because we didn't realise there were more shops further in. We caught the bus which dropped us of at Ocean Plaza so we assumed that al the shops were along the esplanade. It wasn't until we caught the bus back that we realised the shops went forever and we could have got much better prices.

 

 

Mummsie

[BJC]

Hi there Awbeg,

Sounds like you have it well under control, when are you off then, we are in Penang at the Bayview at Batu Ferringhi for the first week in February, if you haven’t gone by then I will let you know what the beach is like, 12 months on from the tsunami.

I have to agree with what Gayle said about Langkawi, mind you I haven’t been there for some time, I thought at the time the only reason that Star Cruises went there was because it is the home of the old ex-PM, Dr Mahatir Mohamad, could not see any other reason.

If you do want something to do, I found the Galeria Perdana, where all of the awards and gifts presented to the good Doctor during his time as PM are on display quite interesting, there are apparently over 2,500 items on display and the splendor of it all contrasts so markedly to the tin shacks made from old oil drums on the other side of the road!

Don’t know if you’ve been or not, or even if you have the time, but our lot went to the FantaSea show in Phuket, at the time as young people in early 20’s they thought it was well worth the effort.

I was also told by those that did the sea kayaking that it was brilliant, and the snorkeling after and in the caves was a must do, from memory we did the elephant thing and were disappointed.

Also if when you get to KL you find that the Towers are closed, get a cab to the Menara Kuala, KL Communications Tower, I think they call it the big pineapple, anyway we went to the top and it’s almost about level with the top of the Towers because it’s on top of a hill, anyway it’s well worth a visit.

Anyway no matter what you all end up doing, I’m sure you will enjoy the Cruise.

Regards, BJC

PS. We are also looking forward to the $4.50 Happy Hour “Cocktails of the Day”!:p

[Cynicor]

Just adding another vote to that- don't bother with langkawi unless you want to go to the marine park. Everything is closed, and the duty free isn't great anyway. I'd prefer to enjoy the ship's facilities and entertainment.

[laceytreigh]

For what it's worth.......... we did the sea canoeing when we were in Phuket, and to anyone trying to decide on a priority, I'd say definitely the sea canoeing. We were taken out into Phang Nha (I think) Bay on a larger boat and transferred into the inflatable sea canoes in pairs with a local guide who did the paddling. We were paddled into a hong which was the most amazing place and a 'must see'. They are just incredible. The guys we went with add to the drama with a timely slight deflation of the canoe to clear the low entrance to the hong. I honestly can't describe how wonderful that day was for us! Yes, the elephant ride was nice, but you have got to do the canoeing!! Tracey.

[hbellman]

was the sea canoeing organized throught he ship or when you got to phuket, and did you have plenty of time

[laceytreigh]

We were on a holiday to Phuket and we stayed for a week. Wasn't a cruising holiday. But if it can be arranged via the ship, definitely do it. It was brilliant. Tracey.

[deck 9 001]

Hi all,

 

SuperStar Gemini does indeed offer a canoe shorex.

 

It is called: "Sea Canoe Adventure in Phang Nga Bay" and the cost is S$ 120 for adults and S$ 80 for children.

 

It is a wonderful experience as has been posted above.

 

Regards,

Mike

[Cynicor]

It was organised by the ship, requires a minimum of 8 or so to run I believe. Cost 110 sgd and seemed to be better than the hotel-organised trips that were also out that day. At the end we had time to paddle around ourselves and go for a swim whereas the others didn't seem to have as much fun.

 

Also, if anyone is cruising soon I have a slight favour to ask- can you ask the bar staff for the recipe for a cocktail they call the "wang wang". It's the nicest drink I've ever had and it had about 5 shots in it too. I can't find it on the net, but you have to try it.

 

Thanks

[deck 9 001]

Hi Gemini cruisers,

 

Indeed SuperStar Gemini offers canoe shorex.

 

It is called "Sea Canoe Adventure in Phang Nga Bay." Price is SGD$ 120 adult and SGD$ 80 for children. It is a nice shorex and very popular.

 

Regards,

Mike

[deck 9 001]

Seems the board was having problems with posting yesterday. Now I have 2 posts re; Canoe shorex. Oh well, the more the merrier.

 

Mike

[hbellman]

just wondering , does the virgo have a casino on board, and what did you think about the rooms, we have booked a window on deck 6 and this is our first cruise, we are a couple that likes lots to do

 

Went on this cruise for the second time last month, 23rd Nov-3rd Dec. Just thought I'd answer a couple of questions that seem to recur- Drinks are cheap, especially from an Aussie viewpoint. Cocktails on the ship were 9SGD, or 4.5 SGD during happy hour. And happy hours run continuously from about 6pm-1am or earlier, if you wander from bar to bar. The staff are really good about letting you know when it is ending too. Beers are well priced 3-6 from memory, but I am not sure about spirits. Why bother when a cocktail is so cheap?

 

Moneywise, I prefer changing in Lucky Plaza, Singapore. It seems like you can get the best rates in Asia there, and you can shop around for the best rate. It is not essential to have cash anytime on the cruise though, so you only need to change what you think you'll be spending in port.

 

For people aged 20-30, the ship it can be slightly boring if it is at lower capacity, so we went as a group of 6 and entertained ourselves. Kids will have plenty to do and they rent out playstations of some sort. The TVs also have a tiny smattering of fox channels and the 'video arcade' (2 machines) will keep them occupied for a little while. Ferrenghi beach in penang is a good place for the kids as they do jet skiing and parasailing much cheaper than back in aus. The water is nothing flash though so don't plan on swimming.

 

We took a few different shore excursions- would recommend taking the KL shopping trip if you plan on heading in. The shopping centre in the towers is closed Mondays so you can't go in, but the tour works out cheaper and easier than making your own way in (have tried both methods), especially if it is your first time to KL. HIGHLY recommend the seakayaking and cavestour in phuket- its great fun, and you can paddle yourself at the end if you choose, or just swim in the beautiful sea out there. Transfer to patong beach at night is a 50-50 proposition, taxis are just as good if you want more time, and we just had our driver meet us at a pre-arranged time (paid when we returned of course).

 

Awbeg, The elephant rides are nothing special, and I think singgapore zoo is still offering them instead. I've done both phuket tours and would say the canoeing is better value if you can find an elephant ride somewhere else.

 

Think that is about it, if anyone has any questions (esp from the perspective of a younger cruiser) feel free to ask.

[hbellman]

sorry I meant the gemini not the virgo.

[deck 9 001]

There is a casino onboard Gemini. It is called the STAR CLUB, and located on Deck 5 midships. It is smallish, but the Gemini is a small ship. But don't worry, there are enough slots and tables where you can donate your money;)

 

You will enjoy Gemini very much and have a great cruise.

 

Regards,

 

Mike

[mummsie]

As Mike said there is a small casino on the Gemini. We though it took $1S but you need to buy tokens to put in the pokies. We never tried it except to put my $1S in which didn't work but there always appeared to be machines available. Gayle

[Cynicor]

My girlfriend and I gambled quite a bit. The casino is tiny (but large enough for the patronage) and only opens when the ship has left port, but it is open til quite late at night. The tables open according to demand and I they had roulette, blackjack, a dice game (can't remember its name.) and maybe another. We mainly played blackjack- $10 min bet, no perfect pairs, standard strict rules. Winnings from the casino paid off our ship credit account, which was nice too.

 

The rooms are very small, but adequate nontheless. We only used them to sleep and change really and they aren't large enough to hold a gathering. There's plenty of room in the various bars for that, however. The bathrooms might be small for larger people too, but the deck 6 window cabins I would assume are larger. I've only stayed in deck 4/window.

 

There is plenty to do all day everyday, but not much happening simultaneously. There's generally just one activity or so at any one time. I would recommend heading onshore as much as possible and enjoying the shipboard entertainment at night. If you are the kind that likes lots of onboard options through the day you might be better off with the larger Virgo.

 

Hope that helps,

Jon

[Westaussie]

Hi Mike - do you have any 'inside info' as to what itinerary the Aquarius will be doing out of HK?

 

Have been on Wind & Dream several times and all the Star cruise ships, love the Gemini.

 

I've emailed Star Cruises Sydney and reply was watch their website. Then tried HK but no answer yet. Trouble is we are looking at Gemini HK/Singapore in May and will have to make a decision soon. If Wind goes into dry dock end April wouldn't she be sailing by June?

 

Thanks

 

Vera

[deck 9 001]

Hi Vera, the itinerary for SuperStar Aquarius sailing ex-HK has not been finalized as yet.

 

Rumors are that the Aquarius will be doing overnight cruises just as Pisces does. There will be some destination cruises to Sanya.

I believe the ship will indeed be sailing in June.

 

I will update the itinerary and sailing schedule as soon as Star Cruises releases it.

 

Regards,

Mike

[Westaussie]

Hi Mike

 

Thanks for your quick reply. Pity if it is just short cruises.

 

I'll be patient and hopeful

 

Vera

 

ps what part of NYC are you from? My mother was born and bred overlooking Central Park. Up until four years ago (when her sister died, she lived on Long Island) I used to visit there almost every year - love the place!

[deck 9 001]

Hi Vera,

 

Star Cruises has just released the proposed deck plans of SuperStar Aquarius after the refit in Singapore.

Look here: http://www.starcruises.com/Fleet/Aquarius/deckplans.html

 

Regards,

Mike

 

P.S. I am from lower Manhattan, just above the West Village right near the Hudson River.

[Westaussie]

Thanks Mike for the info.

 

My aunt's printing business was in Lafayette Street not far from the WTC.

 

Vera

[Deck10 007]

Hi Mike

 

Thanks for your quick reply. Pity if it is just short cruises.

 

I'll be patient and hopeful

 

Vera

 

ps what part of NYC are you from? My mother was born and bred overlooking Central Park. Up until four years ago (when her sister died, she lived on Long Island) I used to visit there almost every year - love the place!

 

Aquarius is replacing the casino ship Wasa Queen and probably taking over its itinerary ie year round short getaway cruises.