Superstar Gemini

[BJC]

Hi Hazel,

If you go to the Star web site, and look at the Cruise Itineraries all show Singapore as the Port of Embarkation, which I suppose has a lot to do with flights and linking it up as packages with the major Airlines and the like.

Having said that I thought that for English and European Passengers, where the Ship was doing the same trip one after the other, they used to allow them to embark at Phuket and do a round trip from there, which is better for them with their flights.

I believe it was never advertised in Australia, as Star’s Wholesaler in Aus packaged the Cruise with flights on Singapore Airlines or Qantas out of Aus and into Sing.:rolleyes:

If I were you I would try to look at some English Travel Agent Sites to see if they still do a Phuket Cruise, and if so then ask your TA to hook you up with one of these!:)

Hope this helps.

Regards, Bruce

[Westaussie]

Hi Bruce - thanks for the info - will take spare photos!

 

Hazel - I have heard of people from Perth who spend a week in Phuket and then cruise from there (and back) so it can be done but probably more expensive that way, as Bruce says, the 'packaging' is from Singapore.

 

Vera

[deck 9 001]

Tracey, Happy 25th Anniversary and enjoy your upcoming cruise.

 

Hazel, contact StarCare (Customer Service Center) at Star Cruises for more info about boarding and debarking in Phuket. They will give you info I'm sure. Here's their address: starcare@starcruises.com.my

 

Cheers,

Mike

[laceytreigh]

Hi all,

 

I was wondering what would be the best way to arrange a meeting of the CC posters (and readers) once on board the Gemini? We have a sea day first day out of port from Singapore and HK, could we appoint a time and place for anyone interested to meet up? :D

 

Is that an appropriate thing to do?? :confused:

 

Tracey.

 

P.S. Thank you all for your best wishes. :)

[BJC]

Hi Tracey,

Celebrity Cruises in association with Cruise Critic put on a “Connections” get-together, normally a Morning / Afternoon Tea which is something a bit special, and they normally send along the Cruise Director or Assistant CD with some people from the Cruise Sales Desk, so as well as a meeting and get to know you thing, there is a good opportunity for a bit of PR / sales.;)

Also Royal Caribbean put on “Meet and Mingle”, which is the same thing, I believe there are others as well, however Star are not big on any of this, they need to take the lead from the Cruise Lines that service the US Market.

Which you would have thought they would have picked up on through their experiences with NCL and NCLA, also many have a loyalty club of some kind or other, with Celebrity it’s the Captains Club, whose members get an invite to the Captains Cocktail Party, normally held in conjunction with the first Formal Dinner.

Quite an occasion with everyone in the finery, I normally wear my small Submarine Dolphin Lapel Badge, which most of the ships Officers seem to recognise, I recon it’s always good for an extra couple of free drinks!:p

Unfortunately it looks like the only loyalty program that Star have is related to how much money you’re prepared to drop at the Casino, but that’s the Asian Market they service.:rolleyes:

Anyway as you said both departures from Singapore and Hong Kong are both late departures, but both are followed by Sea Days, so might I suggest that there may be an opportunity to meet for pre-dinner drinks in the Gemini Bar say 6.30 for 7pm on these first sea days.:)

By the time we get there in HK you lot will be old hands at it, but there may be others lurking out there who are boarding in HK, who would front up on the night, if nothing else but to just to see what we look like.:eek:

Anyway it’s a start what do you recon?

Regards, Bruce

[Westaussie]

Hi Tracey - happy 25th anniversary tomorrow - and wishing you both many more to come.

 

To add my two cents worth re CC meeting, as suggested by Bruce, pre-dinner drinks or at a time when there are no other ship activities, as on one of our cruises it was suggested we meet mid afternoon but several people didn't turn up by then they were involved in other things. Also, if you ask sweetly, the Pursor/Reception might put a notice in the "Star Navigator" for you.

 

Vera

[laceytreigh]

Have just had an email to say my new passport has been 'produced' and it is on it's way.

 

After what I paid, I was hoping for it in 5 business days, could possibly be even less!! Wouldn't that be something!!

 

Tracey.

[BJC]

Hi Tracey,

We all await with baited breath, hope Australia Post are not like the Internal Mail system in our office, it took my Holiday Application 3 days to get from the Supply Dept. on the first floor, to HR on the second floor.:p

The other option is I have a friend with a valid passport who would be happy to go in you place! ;) Keep us posted.

Regards, Bruce

[laceytreigh]

Hi all,

 

My passport (the new one) arrived today!! 4 working days!! :eek:

 

So Bruce, sorry, your friend can't go.......... besides, it would take a very special person to share with Trevor... LOL !!! :rolleyes:

 

17 days to go, I think now I have my passport, I'm gonna start to get excited!!

 

Tracey.

[deck 9 001]

Way to go Tracey.

 

That's a big load off your mind. Have a great cruise!

 

Regards,

Mike

[DICKY BEACH]

All this chat about Phuket is costing me plenty. I never realised it was so close to Singapore. We disembark from the Gemini July 29th and we were booked to fly home to Brisbane the next day. NOW thanks to all this very interesting chat about Phuket, "she who must be obeyed" has booked us into Phuket for ten nights through until August 9th at the Horizon Beach Hotel Patong. I know it's off the Gemini subject but any info' about things to see and do in Phuket would be greatly appreciated

 

 

71 days to go

 

Frank

[Westaussie]

Hi Frank

 

First time we went to Phuket we did a half day tour which was interesting, taking us round to the beaches, temple, village and then, of course, ending with a visit to a silk shop and jewellers (where there was a shark swimming in a clear tube ceiling height - wonder if it's still there after the tzunami!) The two legged sharks were at ground level!

 

The main shops/restaurants run along the beachfront road but wander up the side streets too. There was a supermarket tucked away downstairs near the Holiday Inn. Good silk shops and tailors in that area too.

 

First time we went was February, the weather was perfect (despite being rainy season) and the sea beautiful so we spent most of our time at the beach. Next time we went was June but it was quite windy then.

 

The people are lovely and the food great so it is a wonderful place to relax.

 

Vera

[Westaussie]

Frank - tried to edit but was taking forever. Wanted to add ps re York Hotel. Are you still staying there? We're booked in there for two nights before and after our Gemini cruise 17 June so will be able to give you 'report' after we return on 28th. I believe they're doing renovations which should end April and building a hotel next door so hope it's not too noisy etc.

[DICKY BEACH]

Hi Vera, Thanks for the info' re' Phuket. Sounds great. Yes we are still staying at the York. Just for the one night on the 29th July post cruise. Look forward to your report,

 

Frank

[laceytreigh]

Hi Frank,

When we went to Phuket, our TA booked our trip thru Venture Holidays and they had a Rep visit us on our first morning in Phuket and she booked us on a couple of tours.

 

We went on a tour with the Sea Cave Canoe people, ph/fax 076 210434, (that was 5 years ago) They were very good, they timed everyting with the tides, the lunch was spectacular and the guides were excellent and humourous too.

 

We didn't go to Phantasea, but everyone who has been recommends it. Maybe next time.

 

We did another tour which incorporated a paddle in a canoe, a visit to a rubber plantation, cooking class and eating (fairly hot stuff but good), sitting on water buffalo, elephant 'tricks' which is now not so P.C. and elephant ride. Can't remember the name of that tour group.

 

One day we hired a tuk-tuk to take us to Phuket town, we wanted to go to the lookout, which was good. Of course there is the obligatory visit to the jewellery shop, which was massive..... biggest in the world, no pressure to buy, and the driver gets a kick back, but what the heck, he was a nice guy, so it was a 50/50 sort of tour, bit for him, bit for us. But he took us around town, showed us stuff we wouldn't have known about, drove past his house, told us about his family, and delivered us back to our door. Pleasant way to pass the time, once you get used to the traffic!! Eeeck!! glad I wasn't driving!!

 

Vera, I remember the supermarket in that side street..... Big One supermarket. I thought of those poor people in there when the tsunami struck, they wouldn't have stood a chance. Bought some of the best ham we have ever had there and some nice bread too, and also a big meat cleaver.

 

Frank, you may not be too impressed with the place when you get there, we weren't for the first day, it was dirty and smelly up our end of the beach, but by the time came to go home, we didn't want to leave. The little shops along the beach serve great food, breakfast, lunch and dinner, and sooo cheap!! Be careful if you swim at the beach, there is quite a strong rip which runs from south to north, if you can get up onto the headland you will see it.

 

If you don't want to be harassed by the street vendors, just put on your sunnies and hat and walk straight past, they will probably pick you for Aussie, but just say non or nien or no in any other language you know and just keep walking.

 

Always take something with you in a fairly clear plastic bag that you bought already, it's good leverage for haggling. They will always ask you what you have in the bag, and how much you paid. We plan to go back next March and after the tsunami, I don't think I will haggle very hard, the poor buggers are doing it tough still.

 

Just wander around Patong, it's a very interesting place, people watching is a great way to spend some time. And the place is so different from day to night. Trevor works for the local electricity supplier, so the street wiring amused him no end.

 

Don't drink the water............. besides, the beer, even imported stuff is (was) super cheap!! We were there in May and it was hot and humid, and ocassionally wet.

 

Trip Advisor have a terrific Phuket (and just about everywhere else) forum. Have a great time!!

 

Tracey.

[BJC]

Hi Frank,

Glad to hear that you are extending your holiday, if only my “she who must be obeyed” would make such pronouncements, I would have no problem in obeying her.

Anyway while having been to neither myself, my Son and Daughter-in-law reckon these are must see’s, so have attached the websites.

http://www.phuket-fantasea.com/

http://www.phuket-simoncabaret.com/

They tell me that both are visually stunning and a good night out, especially Simon's.;)

Regards, Bruce

[DICKY BEACH]

Good Morning Bruce,

Thanks for the info' re' Phuket. I'd be interested in your Son and Daughter In Law's views on the early part of the evening at Fantasea. My Brother and his Wife have just returned from Phuket and say if they go back they will go to see Fantasea again but will only go for the show. They say that the 3 hours leading up to the show is a waste of time and that includes the bistro meal. I would definately like another opinion if they don't mind.

 

68 days to go.

Frank

[BJC]

Hi Frank,

It was some time ago that the S&D were there and the whole thing had only been going some months, so don’t know what it is like now.

However having said that, they did say that the Buffet was not all that brilliant and they kept running out of the more fancied dishes, but that’s the same everywhere, at the time they went they thought it was good value for money, but then again they were only just wed and didn’t have two bob to rub together!:p

They recon the show was simply stunning, however they said when they went it was first in best dressed so you had to queue up early to get a good seat which meant you hung around for a long time before the show started, I did see from their website that you can now reserve your seats, might be worth asking them.

They also went to Simons Cabaret which they thought was magic, I must say that at the time I don’t think that they knew that all the “Girls” were blokes!;)

Regards, Bruce

[laceytreigh]

Hi everyone,

 

Seeing as there have been no other suggestions for our first on board meeting, let's agree to Bruce's suggestion of pre-dinner drinks 6.30pm in the Gemini Bar, first 'at sea' day from Singapore and HK.

 

We're into the 'this time next week we'll be in.......' mode, but I must say, I'll be glad when we're on board and all the dramas of the past few weeks are behind us. We had another stressful moment when our TA 'realised' that I didn't have a Vietnam visa in my new passport!!! I should be a TA!! I had to explain the process to her and alleviate her stress!! :cool:

 

Man, do I need a holiday!!

 

Tracey.

[kuldalai]

Kuldalai here . Will be at the Gemini bar Monday 21/05/07 at 1830 ships time to meet any other CC posters. I am a fella 61 years of age .

 

Vietnam Visas are no hassle if you have not already arranged one, then Star get one for you for the day visits ex Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang , (they have already charged you for this service).

 

Can't wait till 1530 next Friday when QF 9 lifts off from Tulla en route to SS GEMINI .

[laceytreigh]

We'll be on QF 5 ex Syd, Sat 19th 1550hrs. :D

And in the Gemini Bar 1830 probably every night after we sail, sounds like a good habit to cultivate..................

 

Tracey.

[Westaussie]

To all of you - have a wonderful cruise, and you too Bruce. Leave some grog in the bar for our cruise 17 June!!

 

Tracey, I'll call you on the 15th when we arrive in Singapore - hope we can meet that night or on the Saturday.

 

Vera

[deck 9 001]

Wishing all you soon to be SuperStar GEMINI cruisers a Bon Voyage and great times. Enjoy everything.

 

Best,

 

Mike

[Cinnabel]

Wishing all you Gemini cruisers a hearty Bon Voyage too. Just recalling the excitement and the planning, anticipation and expectation through your last week brings goosebumps up. I love that feeling!

 

Have a wonderful cruise and enjoy each others company and we look forward to your post cruise reports here on CC.

 

Bon Voyage and happy adventures!!!! Wish we were joining you.

[laceytreigh]

Well, it seems that our cruise will be sailing with a full compliment of passengers..............:eek:

 

Our TA contacted Star Cruises this morning to try to get us either midships or further back only to be told (with a dismissive laugh) that the ship was full. Lucky we aren't the seasick types...... Will be interested to see if this is the case once we are on board.

 

I can only hope that the staff and crew on board are more helpful than those on shore!! From my experience of sending one email to them, and a few others noted on this board, they aren't doing much in the way of PR.

 

Anyway, we'll have a great time regardless. :)

 

Thanks everyone for your bon voyages.

Vera, I'll see you in Singapore!!

 

Tracey.