SuperStar LIBRA

[ssv]

Won't headroom be a problem with the sofa placed directly below the glass displays? I thought they will have like tables and couches ala Starbucks and it'll be a perfect place to catch up with long-lost friends or family cause I remember you saying that this will be used as a cafe.

[deck 9 001]

Headroom below the glass display cases is not a problem. I sat there myself, and it was fine.

Unfortunately, the DNV has the final say in what can and cannot be installed in a ship. I still think there will be more done in this area, but not sure what. I'll see if there are further changes when I sail on the 16th.

Perhaps I can find out what further additions are planned.

 

Mike

[ssv]

Imagine Libra with vibrant yet soothing (but not gaudy) colours and new bathrooms. I think they can have an additional cafe aft open air area of the ship. I remember seeing a spot big enough.

 

Have fun on your upcoming trip on Libra to Hong Kong!

[deck 9 001]

Thanks, and I will indeed have fun on the Hong Kong cruise.

 

Actually the open deck spaces aft are really not that big, except of course the basketball court on Deck 6. But this area will not be touched.

 

The only other space I can remember as being fairly large is extreme aft on Deck 8, and even this in my opinion is too small for any type of cafe'.

 

 

New colors, fabrics and carpeting does work wonders.

[J33JWA]

Hi Mike.

 

Nice pictures of the SSL and thanks for sharing.

Have a great weekend.

 

Best. James:)

[electricron]

Making that circular space above the atrium a quiet place is great. As the Sea, that space was very busy, as the entry area into the ship's store, Everything under the Sun, and held all the photos on display for the Photo Shop.

Norwegian SeaSuperstar Libra

[electricron]

Thanks, and I will indeed have fun on the Hong Kong cruise.

 

Actually the open deck spaces aft are really not that big, except of course the basketball court on Deck 6. But this area will not be touched.

 

The only other space I can remember as being fairly large is extreme aft on Deck 8, and even this in my opinion is too small for any type of cafe'.

 

 

New colors, fabrics and carpeting does work wonders.

 

I'll agree with your assessment, the Sports Court area on Deck 6 will not be touched. Check out Deck 7 aft, that's a huge ventillation/machinery room, which needs the area below on Deck 6 to be open.

[deck 9 001]

Thanks for posting the Norwegian Sea Deck plan. It's a good reference.

Indeed the circular area was very busy when the ship was N. Sea.

After the refit by Star, this area was no longer used as entrances and therefore not busy at all.

It is nice that there is some seating here now and the availability of refreshments. The piano music and the SuperStar Libra Trio are quite popular with the local pax, and it is nice to sit here and listen and also look down into the Lobby when they are performing. I do hope that further work will be done to this nice cozy area.

[deck 9 001]

Hi James, glad you liked the photos. Do you have any further cruises lined up with Gemini or Virgo?

 

Stay well.

 

Mike

[kuldalai]

Superstar LIBRA itineraries ex Hong Kong prior to arrival of SS VIRGO are as follows :

 

http://www.cruising.com.au/templates/search.jsp?partner=&region=296&cruiseline=30&cruiseship=189&cruisedate=&duration=&ports=

[deck 9 001]

And this is the official Star Cruises schedule for Libra ex-Hong Kong from November 26 2007 through March 26 2008.

 

http://www.starcruises.com/Itineraries/HongKong/index.html#SSR

 

Mike

[electricron]

Thanks for posting the Norwegian Sea Deck plan. It's a good reference.

Indeed the circular area was very busy when the ship was N. Sea.

After the refit by Star, this area was no longer used as entrances and therefore not busy at all.

It is nice that there is some seating here now and the availability of refreshments. The piano music and the SuperStar Libra Trio are quite popular with the local pax, and it is nice to sit here and listen and also look down into the Lobby when they are performing. I do hope that further work will be done to this nice cozy area.

 

I though those deck plans for this deck, side by side, would also show how Star Cruises increased the size of the casino for the Asian cruise market. I would feel safe to state that Star Cruises at least doubled the casino space without sacrificing too much of the other spaces on the Libra.

 

One can also look at the Aquarius deck plans with the Dream's today, a lot more spaces were converted into casino spaces by Star Cruises. Maybe too much.

 

I believe the Libra will be replacing the Gemini on it's longer, popular cruise itineraries. Although the Libra is twice as large as the Gemini, the Libra is still a small ship. Being twice as large, it should be twice more profitable for Star Cruises.

 

The Norwegian Sea was one of my favorite NCL ships. I hope all of you enjoy her as much as I have in the past.

 

Here's one of my favorite photos of the Norwegian Sea. It's docked at Cozumel on a bright sunny day. A nice view of my temporary home after a day at the beach.

 

[deck 9 001]

Yes the Star Club (general casino) is much larger now. But you are right that only the Butterfly Room was converted to enlarge the casino.

 

Your photo of Norwegian Sea at Cozumel is very nice. Great shot.

[deck 9 001]

I just returned from a wonderful cruise aboard SuperStar Libra. This was the "farewell" departure from Keelung of the 2007 season.

 

 

It was bittersweet to see all the staff/crew of Libra on the boat deck, Deck 6 all gathered to bid farewell to Keelung.

 

 

There was a small contingent of well wishers on the waving gallery of the pier and a group of young students in attendance to say bye-bye to Libra for 2007.

 

 

The staff/crew were really moved, knowing that this was the last departure of 2007.

 

The voyage from Keelung to Kaohsiung,Taiwan was very smooth. Libra departed Keelung at 13:00 Thursday and arrived Kaohsiung at 08:00 on Friday. Pax were already at the pier waiting to board Libra for the onward crossing to Hong Kong.

 

 

Libra sailed from Kaohsiung, bound for Hong Kong at 12:00 noon.

The crossing was smooth, with blue skies and lots of sunshine, which gave me the opportunity to use the swimming pools.

 

Service, food and entertainment was just as good as on my previous cruises. There was excitement in the air for both crew and pax, as this will be Libra's maiden call at Hong Kong. As well expected, the top Deck 10 was packed with people as we approached the entrance to Hong Kong. The air and visibility was clear and bright, which is not always the case in Hong Kong.

 

The truly spectacular approach and entry to Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong:

 

(continued)

[deck 9 001]

More photos of the approach and entry to Victoria Harbour:

 

 

 

 

 

Approaching Ocean Terminal:

 

(continued)

[deck 9 001]

Getting closer to Ocean Terminal:

 

Turning to berth:

 

Berthed at Ocean Terminal:

 

 

As many times as I have sailed into Victoria Harbour, there is still excitement for me. It really is an unforgettable experience.

 

The return crossing from Hong Kong to Kaohsiung, Taiwan, was quite rough, due to a weather system in the Philippines. But this did not put a damper on the fun onboard SuperStar Libra.

The Captain's Gala Reception and Dinner was a memorable event with exquisite food and ambience. The "Chocolate Extravaganza" was held in the Galaxy of the Stars Lounge instead of the Pool Deck due to weather, but it was still great.

 

I want to thank every single member of the staff and crew onboard SuperStar Libra for making all my cruises memorable and wonderful. It has been a very good 6 months for Libra here in Taiwan.

 

I and probably thousands of other people anticipate the return of Libra to Taiwan next April for another, longer season here. We will miss you, but feel good in knowing that you will return again and work your charms.

 

Mike

[deck 9 001]

Here is a shot of Libra berthed at Ocean Terminal. I forgot to include this photo in my last post.

 

Mike

 

[J33JWA]

Great stuff Mike - HK Victoria harbour looks very nice at sea level but even more stunning from HK Peak.

 

Keep us posted about your cruises and travels on the SSL and SSV.

 

Did you watch the grand farewell to the late great Lim Goh Tong on your local TV - what a sad lost for someone who started the Star Cruises.

 

Cheers for now........... James:)

[deck 9 001]

Hi James, I am glad you enjoyed my photos. I will surely keep you updated as to my further cruises with Libra and hopefully Virgo and Aquarius ex-HK.

 

The views from Victoria Peak are indeed spectacular.

 

 

 

Do you have any future cruises lined up James? If you do, I hope you enjoy them.

 

Mike

[J33JWA]

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone on this thread.

 

Warm regards. James:)

[ssv]

Mike, where are ya?

 

BTW, anyone cruising LIBRA on the 26th of January 2008 to Sanya and Halong Bay?

[kezza]

Hi, we're doing Sanya and Haikou and Ha Long bay on the 23rd Feb. 08. Can't wait, we're so excited.

 

Kerri

[deck 9 001]

Kerri, you will have a wonderful time. I just heard from some of my Hong Kong friends who just got off Libra and they unanimously had a great cruise. They said the food was very good, as was the entertainment and activities. Libra is in fine shape and I am sure your cruise will be just as good.

 

Mike

[J33JWA]

Hi Mike,

Glad to note that you are back posting and giving us the latest news and updates of SSL.

Trust you are keeping well and wishing you a belated Happy New Year - another one, the CNY is coming up in a couple of weeks time.

Will you be cruising on the SSL or SSV in the coming months?

Have a good year ahead:p.

 

Cheers and take care.

James:)

[deck 9 001]

Hi James,

 

Good to hear from you again too! Yes, I have been away from the boards for a while, as I was/am recovering from stomach surgery. I'm mending, but it takes time. Sorry I was not able to wish you and everyone a Happy Holiday and a great New Years. But I do so now!

 

I do plan to cruise aboard SuperStar Virgo sometime in June, if all is well.

As far as Libra,,,,,,,,well,,,,,,,,most likely I will be aboard at least once a month when Libra returns to Taiwan end March.

 

And what does your cruise plans look like James? Hope you have something lined up.

 

Thanks for your wishes.

 

Best,

Mike