SuperStar LIBRA

[deck 9 001]

DECK 8:

 

There is only one public room on this deck, and that is BOOMERS DISCO, which is located extreme aft. I really like this venue for a few reasons. One reason is that it is a perfect size. Not too big and not too small. There is nothing worse than being in a huge disco with only about 20 patrons and feeling like you are alone in a cavern. Not the case here. It’s a great size and feels good whether there are 10 patrons or 100.Another reason I like Boomers is that it has good comfortable seating at tables or banquettes. The DJ knows his stuff and thankfully he plays it at a decibel that is “human friendly”. This is not saying that you can’t hear the music in Mariners on Deck 9 during the Midnight Buffet. Well, rather you hear the boom, boom. A welcome feature at the entrance to the disco is that there areheavy glass doors which separate the passenger passageway and the small lobby in front of the disco. I Never heard a sound filtering in to the passenger accommodation area.

 

 

Boomers Disco:

 

 

Boomers Disco:

 

 

Being that I just mentioned the passenger passageway on Deck 8, we might as well stay here and take a look at the cabin I occupied on this deck. As I mentioned earlier, the hallways/passageways look bright and fresh and are well lit.

 

 

Deck 8 passageway:

 

My outside deluxe cabin was portside midship. Reading all the past reports and comments about the size of the cabins onboard Libra, I was ready to expect the worst. But to my unexpected pleasant surprise, when the Guest Relations Officer opened the cabin door, instead of shock, I was most utterly pleased. While not huge, this cabin was large enough to be comfortable, spotlessly clean and did not show any wear or tear. I’ve read some past comments about the metal cabinets being cheap looking and feeling. I honestly did not find this true. They were perfectly fine and there are plenty of them. This cabin has great drawer and wardrobe space. Better than on some other Deluxe ships I have sailed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Cabins continued in next post)

[deck 9 001]

 

There is more drawers and a small wardrobe just opposite the vanity, but I do not have a photo of it.

 

 

 

Okay, the bathroom. This is the only caveat of the cabin. Yes, the bathroom is the size of a postage stamp, but it is laid out functionally which gives you the opportunity to perform various functions all at the same time if you so desire, if you get my drift. It served its purpose well and that’s all I was concerned with. Good water pressure, nice hot water when I wanted it and a below sink shelf for toiletries. I don’t live in the bathroom, so I could care less.

 

Deck 7 is completely devoted to passenger cabins, so I will skip this deck and jump down to Deck 6 in Part 6 to follow soon.

[deck 9 001]

DECK 6:

 

While there are no public rooms on this deck, there is an aft outdoor sports area with basketball hoop, and nearby shuffleboard.

What’s great about this deck is the complete wraparound promenade. It is not too often to find a promenade deck that completely circles the ship on today’s ships. I could live without the bare, painted metal decking, but to be able to walk along this deck or just sit and take in the beautiful views afforded is marvelous.

 

Here are some shots of the Prom Deck:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next up will be Deck 5, which contains numerous public rooms. This will follow soon.

[deck 9 001]

DECK 5:

 

The larger public rooms and casinos are located on this deck, which is devoted to pure enjoyment.

We’ll start aft at GALAXY of the STARS which is a great entertainment room used to showcase the Canton Band, the SuperStar Libra Trio and to host games and special events.

 

This is a very comfortable room with deep cushion seating and very nice décor. Also in this room is a very nice bar area with good views of the stage. It is a large venue, but can be intimate at times.

 

 

The bar area of Galaxy of the Stars:

 

 

 

The SuperStar Libra Trio performing:

 

A broader view of Galaxy of the Stars:

 

Heading forward we now are in the bright red passageway that will take us to the next public room which is the STAR CLUB. As on all Star Cruises ships, no cameras or cell phones are permitted in the casinos, so therefore, sorry, but I have no photos.

 

Here is the passageway:

 

Now we are at the circular balcony which overlooks the Crystal Court on Deck 4.

The VIP Admiral Club is located in this area, as are numerous display windows. Very soon sofas, tables and a bar will be installed here to be a Balcony Lobby Bar. This is a fantastic idea as at the moment this is all wasted space in my opinion. It will be great to sit here and hear piano music from below and also be able to watch what’s going on below at the Crystal Court.

 

Crystal Court Balcony:

 

Next we are at the photo shop, This place was really doing a landslide business during my cruise. Sorry, but I didn't bother taking photos of a photo shop:rolleyes:

 

(Deck 5 continued in next post)

[electricron]

DECK 5:

 

The larger public rooms and casinos are located on this deck, which is devoted to pure enjoyment.

We’ll start aft at GALAXY of the STARS which is a great entertainment room used to showcase the Canton Band, the SuperStar Libra Trio and to host games and special events.

 

This is a very comfortable room with deep cushion seating and very nice décor. Also in this room is a very nice bar area with good views of the stage. It is a large venue, but can be intimate at times.

 

 

The bar area of Galaxy of the Stars:

 

 

 

The SuperStar Libra Trio performing:

 

A broader view of Galaxy of the Stars:

 

Heading forward we now are in the bright red passageway that will take us to the next public room which is the STAR CLUB. As on all Star Cruises ships, no cameras or cell phones are permitted in the casinos, so therefore, sorry, but I have no photos.

 

Here is the passageway:

 

Now we are at the circular balcony which overlooks the Crystal Court on Deck 4.

The VIP Admiral Club is located in this area, as are numerous display windows. Very soon sofas, tables and a bar will be installed here to be a Balcony Lobby Bar. This is a fantastic idea as at the moment this is all wasted space in my opinion. It will be great to sit here and hear piano music from below and also be able to watch what’s going on below at the Crystal Court.

 

Crystal Court Balcony:

 

Next we are at the photo shop, This place was really doing a landslide business during my cruise. Sorry, but I didn't bother taking photos of a photo shop:rolleyes:

 

(Deck 5 continued in next post)

 

Thanks for taking the time to post the photos with your review. I'm really enjoying them.

 

What did your cruise mates think of the Libra? It appears most are having a great time.

[deck 9 001]

To hear that someone is enjoying the review and photos makes it all worth it. Thanks electricron for your comments.

 

Indeed my fellow cruise mates were enjoying this cruise very much. Asians in general are quite different cruisers than from the West. They like to be kept busy aboard the ship and prefer shorter cruises. Their holiday time and time away from work is very precious to them, therefore they like to make the best of it.

 

Libra did not disappoint. As you will be able to see from the Star Navigator (daily program) that I will post shortly, there was always something to do. When Libra called at Ishigaki and Naha, the ship was virtually deserted. This was expected, as for many pax this was their first time to Japan and it also offered an excellent shopping opportunity which Asians love to do. Dockside looked like a parking lot for tour buses.

 

Having said the above, I must add that in the past 5 years, the Taiwanese are also learning to enjoy the ship for itself with all the facilities onboard. In all my past cruises aboard ships such as SuperStar Aquarius (first one) Norwegian Star 1, SuperStar Capricorn, SuperStar Taurus and SuperStar Gemini, this recent cruise was the first time that I witnessed many pax enjoying the sun and swimming pools. Times are changing. In the past the pool deck would usually be empty.

 

The pax that I did speak with, and there were many, all said they were enjoying the cruise. Future bookings for Libra are doing very well, which may be a very good omen for the ship to return to Taiwan next year again.

 

Best,

Mike

[deck 9 001]

We are now at the STARDUST LOUNGE which is the main showroom.

I prefer a show lounge over a theater styled venue. And this room suits me just fine. I especially like the gentle upward slant of the floor which gives slightly better views of the stage for the audience seated in the rear of the room. Drink service is available here, but order them before the show starts, as during the performance you will not see any bar stewards/stewardesses around.

 

The sofas and tub chairs are comfortable, and the small round, glass topped cocktail tables with lamps are a welcome addition.

 

The stage is fairly large and stepped which does help for viewing. I was very pleased with the moveable sets that were built for the two production shows. I will talk about the shows a little later. In the meantime, here are some photos of the Stardust Lounge.

 

 

 

This shot was taken from the stage looking to the rear of the room:

 

This is how the stage is dressed prior to the beginning of the shows. I love it!

 

 

Stay tuned for Part 8 where we go the the dining rooms on Deck 4.

[deck 9 001]

DECK 4:

 

Let’s begin at CRYSTAL COURT which is the main lobby where you will find Reception, Guest Services and Shorex desks. In the middle of this room there was once a tubular glass fountain. This is now removed and replaced with a brilliant display of foliage which is beautiful albeit artificial. But you really must get up close to see that it is artificial.

 

Here are some photos of Crystal Court:

 

This is a shot of the original "fountain" bases that are now filled with foliage:

 

 

A close up of the plants:

 

On this particular cruise, there was a group of young children who were studying music at their schools. Many of them brought their instruments with them, and were allowed to play in the Crystal Court. The Libra pianist would accompany them. It was just heart warming to see and hear these young children displaying their talents. Although these events were not announced, many pax gathered around to hear them. Seems that word of mouth spread quickly through the Libra.

 

 

 

 

Just outside the Crystal Court in a passageway is the Beauty Salon. I did not use the Salon on my cruise, but I certainly am going to on my next sailing. The stylists do good work, as I saw on customers leaving the salon.

 

Beauty Salon:

 

 

In my next post we will have a look at a few other areas on Deck 4.

[J33JWA]

Mike - what fantastic pictures and review so far - keep them coming as we do want it to end so fast.

 

Cheers and have a good weekend.

 

James:)

[Westaussie]

Mike - thanks for your continuing tour and great pics. What a wonderful experience for the young musicians.

 

Vera

[deck 9 001]

Hi James and Vera, thanks so much for your kind words. It is really very nice to know and feel, that others appreciate my small efforts. Thanks.

 

Best,

Mike

[deck 9 001]

Right at the Crystal Court is the entrance to the FOUR SEASONS DINING ROOM which is the smaller of the two main dining venues onboard Libra. Four Seasons serves International cuisine buffet style. This is a very comfortable room and nicely decorated. The room does not extend full beam on the port side because of a wide passageway that leads to the Ocean Palace dining room. It reminds me of an indoor promenade of days gone by. I like the faux stained glass ceiling, but to my taste, it is overly lit, making the room too bright. The only disappointment I had aboard Libra was in the dining rooms. And my disappointment was definitely not in the food, but rather in that both dining venues are now all buffet style. I sorely miss being able to sit down and have waiter service, but, Star Cruises follows what the market wants. Here in Taiwan the locals do prefer to eat quickly and not linger at the tables, and then leave and go to do their thing elsewhere. The buffet table was set up conveniently and offered a large array from which to choose. All hot foods were kept at the right temperature, which is not easy to do.

All food not only looked fresh and freshly prepared, they tasted fresh and delicious. I certainly offer my compliments to Executive Chef Saifol.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The other dining venue is the OCEAN PALACE dining room, which is the Chinese cuisine venue located at the aft. To get here, you must walk through PARK AVENUE, which is a wide passageway on the port side.

 

 

Park Avenue, which is a lovely passageway:

 

 

Display cases along Park Avenue:

 

 

 

Ocean Palace is a nice enough room although bland, with windows on three sides, of which the aft windows are very large and offer great sea views. Again, the food is buffet style and is presented nicely and I enjoyed the taste very much. Watching the other diners in the room, everyone seemed to be enjoying their meals.

 

Eating habits and styles have certainly changed here in Taiwan. I can remember the days when the Chinese food venue would be the only venue with huge crowds and long lines of pax waiting to get in. Not so today. I can honestly say that the Four Seasons dining room was extremely busy during all meal service times. This goes to show that food taste has certainly changed and the local Taiwanese are now enjoying cuisine from other countries.

 

Sorry, but I don't know what happened to my photos of Ocean Palace. Can't find them. No problem, I'll just take some more shots on my next cruise later this month and post them when I return.

 

 

Next up will be my closing impressions and comments. Stay tuned!

[ssv]

Well Mike, I can't hold it back anymore but...

 

Thank you so much for the extremely detailed review and good shots of the ship!! Truly captured the charm of the lady, one of the nicest ship in SC's fleet despite its age.

 

Wanted to thank you after the full review is posted, but well, patience isn't one of my virtue.

 

Thank you again! And hope to be able to see you onboard perhaps the Virgo soon!

[deck 9 001]

SSV, you are most welcome, and I want to thank you for your very kind words. I am glad that you have enjoyed my comments and pics.

 

Perhaps this year I will cruise from Singapore during the Christmas/New Year's Holidays. Hong Kong, although closer, is a wee bit too cold at that time of the year. Just waiting for Star Cruises to finalize all their ships itineraries, which will be soon, before I start to make plans. Who knows, maybe I will get to sail Libra again ex-SIN during the holidays;)

 

Thanks again for your most kind words.

 

Mike

[deck 9 001]

PART 9---Cruise Activities and Shows:

 

Star Cruises has always provided wide and varied cruise activities on all their ships. Libra holds true to this and more so. As I said in previous comments, the Taiwanese really like to be kept busy. The Cruise Staff, headed by the lovely Sammi Sun were tireless and full of energy. They really did their best to bring the pax into all the games and activities. The Cruise Staff is multi-national indeed and brought a nice mix of cultures for the pax to experience and enjoy. All the pool deck parties and events were made that more special by this talented and energetic group of young people. Maybe not everyone won prizes at the indoor games, but all who attended these games walked away happy and smiling due to the personalities of the cruise staff.

 

Below I am going to insert a sample of the “Welcome Aboard” STAR NAVIGATOR, which is the daily program of activities onboard Libra. I will make these photos extra large for better viewing. I do have all the Star Navigator’s for this cruise. Just let me know if you would like to see the others as well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coming up next I will cover the production and crew shows.

[ssv]

You're welcome, definitely deserved it!

 

Star Cruises really ought to employ you in Marketing or Hotel Ops or at least invite you for some cruise for all the effort! A good opportunity and reason to travel aboard your favourite ships.

 

SSR wont be homeported at SIN, unless passengers dont mind visiting Port Klang that many times every week ;)

 

I might cruise new years to make up for missing my 'traditional' Christmas cruise onboard SSV, depends on my boss, hope to see you onboard!

 

Again, thanks for all the effort and time taken out of your busy schedule.

[deck 9 001]

SSV, thanks so much again, for your heartwarming comments. They are greatly appreciated.

 

Best,

Mike

[deck 9 001]

Production shows and Crew Show:

 

The days of the magician, a singer and juggler are long gone at Star Cruises. They have developed their own “in house” production shows which premiered onboard SuperStar Virgo.

They have turned a mundane cruise show into an extravaganza. Although the stage onboard Libra is much smaller than that of Virgo, the production shows “Gypsy” and “Music Box” the shows were still brilliant. I again want to mention the absolutely fantastic Acrobatic Troupe from China who performed in both shows. Their skills and perfect timing were a highlight of each show. Lavish costumes, unique moveable sets and superb lighting made these shows very enjoyable. While I enjoyed both, I give a slight edge to Gypsy, because the opening number of Music Box was a bit cumbersome and weak. But it certainly did pick up after the opening number. I am a firm believer and protector of copyrights, so I do not have any photos of the shows themselves, but I am able to show you two publicity shots.

 

 

This photo Copyright and courtesy Star Cruises

 

 

This photo Copyright and courtesy Star Cruises

 

 

 

 

 

 

CREW SHOW:

 

It is just amazing to see the talents of some of the crew members. The wonderful people who keep our cabins immaculate, the people who serve us in the dining venues, the gym instructors, and the hard working crew who keep the ship moving, all have hidden talents that we would never know about if it were not for the Crew Show. I truly applaud them all for giving up their greatly deserved time off, when they should be resting or sleeping, to be in the Stardust Lounge or other room rehearsing for the Crew Show, to please us, the passenger.

 

Their ability at singing, dancing, comedy and group acts is marvelous. Their stage presence is so honest and sincere it would be hard to not enjoy them. But their talents just shine and you can see how proud they are that the audience is enjoying their talents and all the effort that went behind bringing this show to the passengers.

 

The old adage that a picture speaks a thousand words is quite true. I proudly insert some photos from the crew show that I hope you all enjoy. It is hard to choose from the many photos that I do have, so I guess I will just post as many as I think shows off these truly hard working people.

 

 

This is Sammi Sun, our effervescent Cruise Director introducing the Crew Show:

 

The opening number of traditional Chinese dance:

 

Solo song from Malaysia:

 

 

(more photos in the next post)

[ssv]

Stardust Lounge onboard Libra is very well-designed with great sightlines however, theres one limitation, low ceiling stage which limited stuffs the chinese acrobats can do.

 

The ceiling is high onboard the Aquarius however, seats are cramped together and capacity limited. Sightlines also do not compare to the Libra both of which has a lounge styled venue for entertainment.

[deck 9 001]

Another solo performance:

 

 

A good job with "If I Were Not Upon The Sea:

 

 

 

Singing a popular Whitney Houston song:

 

 

A solo performance:

 

More photos in next post.

[deck 9 001]

Engineering Dept:

 

 

Singing with "backup boys"

 

 

"Macho Man" routine:

 

 

Entire cast performing:

 

 

 

Curtain Call photos next.

[deck 9 001]

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sammi thanking the audience:

 

Coming up soon are my closing comments.

[J33JWA]

Hi Mike - I note that the shows and SSL daily events are all new and also cater for the Taiwanese market and they are all having fun. The ship looks in great shape and very clean too. Wish we can join in some time in the future, if Star is still operating this sector after April 2008.

 

I recognise some of the crew in the pictures but could not recall all their names and they sure work very hard to keep everyone happy and involved in the activities.

Do you know a Malaysian Chef called Zuklifi - he cooks very nice beef rendang curry especially for our late night snacks!;)

Another Philippino crew teaches basic Tagalog to cruisers but I do not remember her name.

 

Look forward to more from you.

 

Cheers.................James

[deck 9 001]

Hi James---yes Libra is in great shape and is spotless. It would really be wonderful if one day you were able to cruise with Libra from Taiwan. I am sure you would enjoy the experience.

 

You are so right in that the staff/crew work very hard to keep everyone happy and entertained. They are superb.

 

I do not know the chef you mentioned by name, but perhaps I would know who he is if I saw him. I am quite sure that his food was good.

 

Stay tuned for my conclusion coming up in a few minutes.

 

Best,

Mike

[deck 9 001]

My recent cruise aboard SuperStar LIBRA was wonderful, thanks to the high energy cruise staff, the superb International staff/crew working onboard and the delectable food at all venues, and the most enjoyable shows in the Stardust.

 

While Libra sails ex-Taiwan, naturally there are some aspects of the cruise which are meant to cater to the local market. This is the way it should be. However, I think that any International traveler would feel right at home aboard Libra and enjoy their cruise immensely. All events, as well as ship announcements are done in Mandarin and English. With the multi national staff/crew onboard Libra, no passenger should have any language problems whatsoever.

 

I found my cabin to be most adequate and comfortable. There was a selection of bathroom toiletries in a Star Cruises plastic zipper bag which was welcome, as well as thick, fluffy bathrobes and slippers. The coffee/tea making facilities was also a nice touch. Cabin air temperature was easily controlled and comfortable at all times. I know that the cabins on either side of mine had passengers, but I never heard any noise from them. Sound insulation was good, at least in my cabin.

 

Food at all venues, both Asian and International, was always fresh, well presented and very tasty. The kitchens onboard Libra also did a fine job with the tea’s and midnight suppers. There was always something to please all tastes. If you went hungry, it certainly was not for lack of good food available. As I said earlier, all passengers seemed to enjoy the wide and varied food onboard Libra. The Captain’s Gala Dinner was a special event that was done very high class and gave that “special” feel to the cruise. This Gala Dinner is held on all 4D/3N cruises. Writing this, I am thinking about my next meals aboard Libra, and looking forward to them with pleasure.

 

 

I found all the entertainment to be very enjoyable. With all the activities that are going on at all hours, it was hard to choose what to do and see. As mentioned earlier, the production shows were marvelous and the crew show was especially entertaining.

 

Libra is scrupulously maintained and looks fresh and inviting. For those of you who knew Libra as the Norwegian Sea, you will be pleased with the ship’s condition and pleasantly surprised at some new additions. I am especially looking forward to seeing the new Balcony Bar that will be added on Deck 5 above the Crystal Court Lobby. This should prove to be a popular new venue.

 

Libra is large enough to offer areas where one can go to relax and be alone if so desired. In particular, I find that the lift/elevator lobbies are great places to retreat to if you want a quiet conversation or to just gaze at the sea from those marvelous windows.

I love the feel of Libra. This ship has a wonderful connection to the sea and truly feels like a ship.

 

The Hotel Management team consisting of Mr. Jeffrey Cheok who is the Hotel Manager and Mr. Alan Wong who is the Executive Assistant Hotel Manager are there to provide you with the utmost of professional care and exemplary service. Both these gentlemen hail from Singapore and may I add they are absolutely superb. Their concern for passenger satisfaction is their top priority.

 

At the Front Desk is the charming and personable Miss Chanel Tan who hails from Malaysia and is the Front Desk Manager. All passenger concerns are handled swiftly, promptly and with professionalism by Miss Tan and her very capable staff. Here again, passenger satisfaction is a top priority. Final check-out was a breeze thanks to this most efficient staff.

 

Libra has the atmosphere of a “happy ship”. All staff/crew seem to really enjoy their work and it shows in their faces. Indeed, a happy crew is a happy ship.

 

To all you readers who hail from the four corners of this globe, I can honestly recommend SuperStar Libra to each and every one of you. You will most surely enjoy the famous Asian hospitality that is ever present onboard Libra and the sincere warmth of all personnel. I also think you will enjoy visiting Taiwan, which I consider my second home. Libra is a perfect size ship for this market and the locals seem to agree, as bookings are very good.

 

Disembarking your ship at the end of a cruise is usually a bittersweet moment. And mine was no different. But seeing all those smiling, cheerful faces of the cruise staff and entertainers at the bottom of the gangway brought back wonderful memories of this cruise and somehow eased the pain of leaving.

 

The Libra herself seemed to be saying from her soul, in some cosmic way, “I know I’ll see you again and welcome you back with open arms”.

 

 

 

 

Mike