SuperStar LIBRA

[deck 9 001]

Indeed Star needs another and preferably newer ship in its fleet. There has been much discussion lately about Star's intention in the cruise business. If they plan to grow the cruise sector, POA would definitely fit in beautifully. It does seem that presently they are concentrating on "other" casino related ventures.

 

It is extremely hard to second guess what Star has planned. Time will tell us what the outcome will be.

[kuldalai]

With the sale of Norwegian Dream and Majesty to Louis that makes Norwegian Spirit (ex SS LEO) the oldest vessel in the NCL fleet .

 

So it seems pretty obvious that the smartest thing to do on the part of both NCL and Star would be to return Spirit to Star and transfer Aloha to NCL in lieu of Spirit .

 

This makes the most sense as :

 

* Aloha was built for the US market . Aloha would appear to be able to move over to NCL with minimal alterations.

 

* Spirit ( SS Leo) was built for the Asian market . Spirit could move back to Star with a minimum of alters (restore the original retail outlets and larger casino space.)

 

* Star would have Virgo and Leo as sister ships again and they could be interchanged as needs be and based one in Hong Kong and one in Singapore . Also saves on spares and maintenance having two vessels the same in Asia.

 

What do others think ?

 

Is Aloha readily adaptable to "Freestyle II" if used within NCL ?

[electricron]

With the sale of Norwegian Dream and Majesty to Louis that makes Norwegian Spirit (ex SS LEO) the oldest vessel in the NCL fleet .

 

So it seems pretty obvious that the smartest thing to do on the part of both NCL and Star would be to return Spirit to Star and transfer Aloha to NCL in lieu of Spirit .

 

This makes the most sense as :

 

* Aloha was built for the US market . Aloha would appear to be able to move over to NCL with minimal alterations.

 

* Spirit ( SS Leo) was built for the Asian market . Spirit could move back to Star with a minimum of alters (restore the original retail outlets and larger casino space.)

 

* Star would have Virgo and Leo as sister ships again and they could be interchanged as needs be and based one in Hong Kong and one in Singapore . Also saves on spares and maintenance having two vessels the same in Asia.

 

What do others think ?

 

Is Aloha readily adaptable to "Freestyle II" if used within NCL ?

 

You're not correct, the Norwegian Sky (Pride of Aloha) was designed and initially built for the European market for Costa Cruises, not the North American market. Before Star bought NCL, NCL was able to pick up the half built Sky cheaper and quicker than starting a new build when the Shipyard building the Sky for Costa went bankrupted.

The Sky was the second ship of a three ship order for Costa. The Costa Victoria was the first, and the Norwegian Sun was the last. Both the Victoria and Sky have many fairly small inside cabins aft, as small as 124 sq. ft.

The Sky was the first ship NCL modified to support Freestyle Cruising (1.0), but it wasn't built for Freestyle Cruising. The following ship of the class, the Norwegian Sun was the first ship built to fully support Freestyle Cruising (1.0).

 

Just check out the restaurants aboard both ships.

Sky (Pride of Aloha)

Royal Palm Bistro - French(+)

Kahili Restaurant - Italian(+)

Pacific Heights - Cooking Light

Hukilau Cafe and Lanai - Buffet

Crossings Main Dining Room - Continental

Palace Main Dining Room - Continental

Room Service - Snacks for cabin

NOTE: Only two surcharged(+) restaurants, with no Asian or Steakhouse restaurants.

 

Sun

Pacific Heights - Cooking Light

Il Adagio Restaurant - Italian(+)

Le Bistro French Restaurant - French(+)

Ginza Japanese Restaurant - Asian(+)

East Meets West Steakhouse - Steaks(+)

Teppanyaki - Asian(+)

Sushi - Asian(+)

Four Seasons Main Dining Room - Continental

Seven Seas Main Dining Room - Continental

Las Ramblas - Tapas Bar & Restaurant

Garden Café - Buffet

Room Service - Snacks for cabin

Note: There are six surcharge restaurants, and far more dining options. A real Freestyle (1.0) ship and capable of delivering Freestyle (2.0).

 

How easily can the Norwegian Spirit support Freestyle (2.0)?

Just look at the number of restaurants it has, that should answer this question best.

 

Spirit

Raffles Court & Terrace - Buffet

Shogun Asian Restaurant - Asian(+)

Le Bistro French Restaurant - French(+)

Teppanyaki - Asian(+)

Cagney's Steakhouse - Steaks(+)

Sushi and Sashimi Bar - Asian(+)

Blue Lagoon Cafe - 24 hour Snacks

La Trattoria - Italian in half of Raffles

The Garden Room Main Dining Room - Continental

Windows Main Dining Room - Continental

Bier Garten Grill - German snacks

Room Service - Snacks for cabin

 

I think it's obvious the Spirit with five surcharge restaurants will be easier to modify to support NCL's Freestyle (2.0) initative this year than the Aloha.

 

Without considering the Freestyle (2.0) initiative, neither the Spirit nor the Aloha have the always sold out and higher fares Mini-Suites, so in that aspect, it's a wash between them.

 

But, the Spirit's inside cabins are larger than many of the Aloha's, which is a better selling point for North American cruising, although the Aloha does have more larger Superior inside cabins than the Spirit, that are larger than standard sized inside cabins. In fact, the Aloha has many more inside cabins overall than the Spirit which get lower fares. Therefore, overall the Spirit is better than the Aloha financially for NCL.

 

Of the three remaining mega sized ships left in NCL's fleet late next year, I would rate the ships financial potential in the following order, (1) Pride of America, (2) Norwegian Sun, and (3) Norwegian Spirit. The Aloha would have been ranked fourth.

 

Whereas the Spirit was built for the Asian market, and could easily be reconfigured back easiler, having a large casino, etc. But the Aloha had a casino at one time, which can be enlarged.

 

Shops can be converted into Meeting Rooms and into a High Roller Casino. One of the Main Restaurants can be converted into an Asian Buffet much like was done on both the Aquarius and Libra. It would make a better cruise ship in the Asian market than trying to support Freestyle (2.0). So I think Star could operate and make money with it in Asia without having to spend much. Don't forget, the Aloha will transfer to Star without any liens (debt) what-so-ever. It would be like getting a modern cruise ship (as new as they already have) for nothing.

[Deck10 007]

RCL/Pullmantur have the pleasure of juggling Star Cruises balls up in the air now.

If Star Cruises do not cave in to RCL/Pullmanter offer now what are they going to do.

They could then revert to their original plan of homeporting the ship in Asia and lose several weeks of revenue.

Or they could mothball the POAl which nobody has done before. The interest and depreciation cost will kill them.

[electricron]

RCL/Pullmantur have the pleasure of juggling Star Cruises balls up in the air now.

If Star Cruises do not cave in to RCL/Pullmanter offer now what are they going to do.

They could then revert to their original plan of homeporting the ship in Asia and lose several weeks of revenue.

Or they could mothball the POAl which nobody has done before. The interest and depreciation cost will kill them.

 

If Star can't use the Aloha quickly after May, they could try to charter it back to NCL.

I wouldn't complain if they did, the new $80 million Bayport Cruise Terminal in Houston opens this summer, and the Aloha as the Norwegian Sky once again could get NCL back sailing from Houston again. So far, not one cruise line has contracted for using the Bayport Cruise Terminal.

 

Another cruise line could charter the Aloha (ex-Sky) until Star can sell her or use her. A $10 million to #20 million charter fee is much cheaper than the $350 million purchase price.

By the way, the Aloha is being sent to Star without any debt. The only bills Star will have to pay is the anchorage and port fees wherever they send her. There will be interest charges.

 

All we can do is wait and see what happens.

[electricron]

If Star can't use the Aloha quickly after May, they could try to charter it back to NCL.

I wouldn't complain if they did, the new $80 million Bayport Cruise Terminal in Houston opens this summer, and the Aloha as the Norwegian Sky once again could get NCL back sailing from Houston again. So far, not one cruise line has contracted for using the Bayport Cruise Terminal.

 

Another cruise line could charter the Aloha (ex-Sky) until Star can sell her or use her themselves. A $10 million to $20 million charter fee is much cheaper than the $350 million purchase price that NCL would have to pay by December 31st.

By the way, the Aloha is being sent to Star without any debt. The only bills Star will have to pay are the anchorage and port fees wherever they send her. There will be NO interest charges.

 

All we can do is wait and see what happens.

 

Sorry, I made some corrections to my earlier post, they're in bold type.

[deck 9 001]

Now this sounds like a most interesting, educational and interesting cruise.

This special cruise will take place in July 2009 and will sail from Keelung, Taiwan.

News story below:

 

 

Join the BBC Sky at Night team for a unique experience

21 May 2008

 

 

A limited number of places have just been made available on an exclusive cruise to view the most dramatic total eclipse of the sun to take place this century. The trip has been organised by travel company, Eclipse of the Century, and will commence in Taipei on the 17th July 2009 for nine days (including the Eclipse Day 22nd July). The BBC’s ‘The Sky at Night’ team will be onboard filming the event live.

 

Demand is expected to be high for the trip due to its unique nature. The cruise element of the holiday will take place on board the Superstar Libra vessel and will include fascinating lectures from experts from ‘The Sky at Night’ programme such as BBC presenter Dr Chris Lintott. What’s more, one of Britain’s best loved authors, the fantasy and science fiction writer Terry Pratchett, will be on board. Prices start from just £1,395 per person*.

 

Travellers will be able to view this truly ‘once in a lifetime’ experience from the optimum position at sea, approximately 12 nautical miles off the coast of the Japanese island of Yakushima. At the point of greatest eclipse the totality will last for a massive 6.39 minutes – something that won’t happen again until 13 June 2132.

 

Nine days in total, including five nights at sea, the tour will include a port call to the tropical Japanese island of Okinawa as well as the opportunity to explore the capital of Taiwan, Taipei.

 

Dr. Lintott comments, “During a total solar eclipse every single second counts. If you sit at your computer and do nothing for a minute it may seem like quite a long time, but with so much to see under totality’s spell, minutes seem like seconds. A total eclipse is an emotional event; falling under the Moon’s shadow is an experience unlike any other, and I’m looking forward to having time to wallow a little next July.”

 

Because the eclipse will be viewed on board a ship, rather than on land, the totality will be 30 seconds longer than for those who are in Shanghai. As the ship offers easy mobility, coupled with the captain’s expert knowledge and state-of-the-art technology, passengers can be assured of the best possible chance of seeing totality from start to finish

 

The tour is priced from £1,395 per person (excluding international flights), based on two sharing a cabin/room and will begin in Taipei on 17 June 2009. It includes a day in this fascinating city, before boarding the ship at Keelung Port.

 

The Superstar Libra’s facilities include 2 swimming pools, a fitness centre, a golf driving range, a basketball court, a sun deck, Jacuzzis, three restaurants, numerous bars, a nightclub, a karaoke bar, games rooms, a medical centre, a casino and a beauty salon. The trip finishes back in Taipei on 25 July 2009.

_____________________________________________________________

 

 

I will post more info when it becomes available.

Mike

[Westaussie]

Hi Mike - thanks for the info on that cruise - looks very interesting.

 

Sitting here on SP in Singapore looking at Aquarius! On the downhill run now, just four days back to Fremantle. It's been a good cruise despite a few hic-ups - but happiness is just being on a ship!

 

Vera

[ssv]

Hi Mike!

 

Haven't contacted each other for a long time! It has been a busy year so far.

 

Anyway, can you confirm if I should be excited about Libra's deployment?

[deck 9 001]

Hi SSV,

 

Indeed it has been a long time with no contact. Hope all is well with you.

 

There is no official word from Star regarding this solar eclipse cruise. It is possible that it is still in the planning process.

 

Then again, this cruise is more than a year away, so for Star, it is much too early for them to advertise or confirm anything:rolleyes:

 

Mike

[ssv]

I think its safe to post this now...

 

SUPERSTAR LIBRA will be doing a SINGAPORE season from NOV08 to MAR09!

 

 

It'll be doing only 4-night cruises running:

 

1) Singapore - Port Klang - Penang - Singapore

2) Singapore - Port Klang - Phuket - Singapore

3) Singapore - Port Klang - Langkawi - Singapore

[electricron]

I think its safe to post this now...

 

SUPERSTAR LIBRA will be doing a SINGAPORE season from NOV08 to MAR09!

 

 

It'll be doing only 4-night cruises running:

 

1) Singapore - Port Klang - Penang - Singapore

2) Singapore - Port Klang - Phuket - Singapore

3) Singapore - Port Klang - Langkawi - Singapore

 

I assume the Superstar Virgo will also be sailing from Singapore at the same time with at least a mix of 1, 2, and 4 night cruises. Any chances Star might send the Virgo towards Australia since the Gemini will be long gone?

[ssv]

Virtually no chance of that happening. It was a trial and even though other cruise line may have fantastic results, star cruises won't repeat it again anytime soon. even if SC wants to go down under again, it wont be virgo

 

it's just my opinion.

 

virgo will be sailing it old itinerary of 2 and 3 night cruises until...

[electricron]

Virtually no chance of that happening. It was a trial and even though other cruise line may have fantastic results, star cruises won't repeat it again anytime soon. even if SC wants to go down under again, it wont be virgo

 

it's just my opinion.

 

virgo will be sailing it old itinerary of 2 and 3 night cruises until...

 

Will there be any cruises from Singapore headed East, to East Malaysia? And will there be any longer cruises at all, or is 4 nights the maximum?

[ssv]

Virgo won't be doing Aquarius' itinerary, which means no 1 or 4 night cruises.

 

I am not certain if longer-duration or South China Sea cruises are available excluding relocation, there were plans though.

 

 

Back to Libra: Somehow I get a sense that she may be sold in 3 years time. This is only speculation, as I have ZERO knowledge of SC's plans in this area.

[kuldalai]

SSV you previously posted in part ......" ...... I'm very satisfied and excited.

I'll just PRAY HARD current plans will be carried out."

 

What has been revealed so far is pretty predictable Virgo back to Singapore (and another 3 month HK stint in 2009) and same old dreary SOM of itineraries . Aquarius back to HK . Libra also out of Singapore on SOM Nov to March on yet more short cruises. With Gemini also on SOM for November & December there would appear to be a gross over capacity in SOM. Hopefully your "pray hard plans" refer to after March 09 and will reveal something more exciting and new in the way of itineraries .

[ssv]

I'm easily contented. Libra was the news I was and still am excited about.

 

I don't take good ships based in Singapore for granted anymore, Virgo's absence is affecting me badly. :rolleyes:

 

Since you are so good and accurate at predicting deployment, make a guess when and where Virgo will be next year for 3 months and where and what itinerary will Libra + Aquarius be doing.

[boeckli]

ssv - good to see you back :)

[themaxydog]

SSV last cruise out of Singapore is the 19th of June 2009 for 2 days on the itinerary. According to the everything you read the 21st is the date for the move to Hong Kong. Unfortunatly for those of us who run businesses that is a little close to the end of the finacial year so we cant be on board. Have opted for Malaysia on Libra instead but cannot understand why we return to the departure port half way through the cruise, strange.:confused:

 

Cheers

[kuldalai]

According to Singapore Cruise Centre website SS VIRGO departs Singapore Sat 21/06/09 at 2045 for HCMC en route to HK . Returning from HK departing around Sun 30/08/09 arriving Singapore 0600 Frid 04/09/09.

 

Libra will really be based in KL so what you have bought is a 3 night (cruise to Singapore) coupled with a 4 night cruise (to Phuket or Langkawi) = 7 nights - so thats why you return to KL half way through your trip. Its all to do with Stars obsession with 3 - 4 night cruises trying to attract the Asian gambling market .

 

In November and December this year they will un-believably have both Virgo and Libra doing these weird little itineraries; whilst at least Gemini will be doing 7 days ex Singapore . (Yes all three ships in the SOM, one would have thought for Nov & Dec it would have been better to have Libra ex Singapore going up to Koh Samui, Bangkok and HCMC .)

 

Trust you booked this all inclusive Libra package ex Aus which second pax pays only port charges on 9 departure dates . This is a sensational deal for 7 night cruise, also includes return air ex Aus to KL, accommodation in KL and transfers. Two (2) pax can travel in Ocean View Stateroom for around $ 2500 each under the offer .

 

http://www.creativecruising.com.au/cruises/cruise.asp?id=4321

[ssv]

More like Malaysia's obsession with Star Cruises' ship docking in Port Klang than SC's own fetish of its Operational HQ handling ships.

 

At least Libra WILL be profitable instead of sailing half-full 7-night itinerary that is not profitable.

 

Isn't it predictable that a ship will sail from SIN/PKL, with the two ports sharing the homeport status.:rolleyes:

 

 

Further Information:

 

Libra will sail fixed SIN-PKL-PHU-SIN 4-night itinerary every Saturday and rotate SIN-PKL-PEN-SIN/SIN-PKL-LGK-SIN 3-night itinerary every Wednesday.

 

Bookings have been and are open for sailings up to Jun 09

[themaxydog]

I did realise later that yes it is two cruises in one thanks anyway:) . As you say the small cruises are for the gambling market. Myself, in asia I dont mind a short cruise but I consider short to be 5-7 days not 2-3.

 

I did get the 2 for one in a suite, obstructed view but you only sleep there.

 

Even better than that I did my own flights and ended up getting tickets ex Brisbane through Malaysian Airlines for $49 plus taxes. This equated to $635 return per person, I cant get to Perth for that. Seems that this was only on a Thursday flight. They still have flights for $150 each way and this is roughly $850 return with taxes, still a bargain.

 

The deal extended out to others we know and now we have a group going. 14 days in Malaysia with a 7 day cruise in a JS for under $5k per couple is about as good as it gets. Look forward to meeting any other cruisers in March. :D

 

It seems easy to get from the airport to the city, train and then monorail or limo but does anyone have knowledge regarding transfer from Kuala Lumpur to Port Klang. I see the train goes to the edge of the mainland but Star's wharf is on the opposite island. Are there taxi's from the station to the wharf? Is there a better way from Traders in the city to the wharf?

 

Cheers

[kuldalai]

SSV you say SS LIBRA available for SOM bookings till June 2009, BUT Singapore Cruise Centre website has Libra booked as departing for Kaohsiung (Taiwan) on Saturday 21/03/09 at 2200 hours ?????

[ssv]

Bookings for certain ship. I did not mention Libra will be ex-Singapore up to Jun 09.

[kuldalai]

This was posted on LIBRA thread :

 

"Libra will sail fixed SIN-PKL-PHU-SIN 4-night itinerary every Saturday and rotate SIN-PKL-PEN-SIN/SIN-PKL-LGK-SIN 3-night itinerary every Wednesday.

 

Bookings have been and are open for sailings up to Jun 09" .

 

Most CC members would read and interpret that post quite clearly as meaning bookings are open for cruises on Libra ex Sin and Pkl up to Jun '09, as that is what was posted on the LIBRA thread .

 

If you were referring to other Star vessel sailings then one perhaps needs to say so if posting on the Libra thread .