Summer is here and as what I have shared last week, I visited La Union for a beach side resort official launch. And last weekend I officially welcome the season as StarCruises made me experience a cruise I wanted to try since then. I finally got the chance to experience one of their six vessels, the SuperStar Virgo. Knowing its commitment to offer the best-in-class services and facilities, I got curious on how and what to do on a cruise ship since some of my colleagues tried it before.
Superstar Virgo is a perfect place for anyone who wanted to try an unforgettable voyage with themed entertainment, variety of cuisines and activities. When I’ve heard that there is a short but sweet chance to experience a cruise ship weekend, I didn’t hesitate to clear my schedule. Our destination was to experience cruising on a high seas. I know I was excited based on chronological posts on my IG stories.
Our departure was Saturday afternoon so I made sure I got all I need to bring for the cruise. From H20 Hotel in Manila, there is a shuttle service going to the pier so it is very convenient if you are booking a cruise. From there, we got our access pass at the terminal. My equally excited friends Rodel Flordeliz and Ruth Dela Cruz are following my last song syndrome (LSS) “Cruise” by Huey Lewis & Gwyneth Paltrow.
From the terminal we can definitely see the huge and beautiful SuperStar Virgo waving at us. SuperStar Virgo has 935 cabins and around 1,868 passenger Capacity (based on lower berths). The 13-storey SuperStar Virgo is the flagship of the Star Cruises fleet in Asia.
After immigration and final passport check we went straight to our cabin. I am assigned on a twin-sharing Cabin 9558 with Mikyle Quizon and this beautiful cabin with Balcony got me giggle!
For those wondering what are the different cabins of SuperStar Virgo, they have something to suit every taste – from Executive Suites to Oceanview Staterooms with private balconies and Inside Stateroom. Designed to add a sense of grandeur to a cruise experience, their suites include picture windows and a spacious living area.
Executive Suites with a king size bed
Junior suite with 1 king size bed and & 1 double sofa bed.
Star Suite with 1 queen size bed & 1 single sofa bed.
Oceanview stateroom with Balcony
Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Window
Oceanview with window
Oceanview Stateroom with porthole
Deluxe inside stateroom
Inside Stateroom
During our extra time we got the chance to appreciate the ships’ beauty. Here are some Instagram posts I did:
Our weekend cruise started with a dinner buffet at the Taverna Bar overlooking a wonderful Parthenon swimming pool with 4 Jacuzzi and a water slide. I kind of like this area because you can have the view of the pool while listening to the entertainment they prepare down there.
Wide angle photo from Starcruises site.
There are actually enough number of dining options at SuperStar Virgo. Initially clueless as to the cruise food, I checked the list of restaurants and bars inside SuperStar Virgo and wow! They provide a mecca for food lovers from Mediterranean to Chinese cuisine, Star Cruises’ made sure that we will enjoy most of the time. These are:
The Blue Lagoon (Asian Snacks, open 24 hours)
Genting Palace (Chinese Cuisine)
Palazzo (Modern Italian and Western)
Samurai (Japanese)
Silk Road (Chinese)
The Taj (Indian, serves no pork)
Cafe Gelato (ice cream cafe)
Celebrity (club)
Coffee Nook (retail bar)
Here I am with Rodel Flordeliz and Ruth Dela Cruz trying out almost everything during our breakfast.
With so many things to do inside the cruise ship, I am pretty sure anyone’s time will be well spent. If you are the type of cruiser who loves sports or games, there is a basketball court, golf driving range and arcade center for kids (and kids at heart). If you are interested for board games and sports equipment, you may visit its activity center at Deck 10. There is also library and fitness gym which I tried on second day while waiting for sunset. And of course, among the activities to try, a KTC and lounge will probably be anyone’s favorite!
They also have schedule group exercise.
Of course, our favorite sunset is one of the much anticipated view while riding the cruise.
Here I am with Rodel Flordeliz, Mikyle Quizon and Ruth Dela Cruz seizing that wonderful view
Some of the highlights of our cruise is to be able to enjoy those two nights of world-class entertainment. On our first night, we watch the magnificent show of Europe’s top illusionist Vincent Vignaud! I love Magic! Everyone enjoyed it
And on Sunday night, we did watch the Mystical Land. The acrobats are as equally entertaining as the magic on first night and these are the shows that is worth seeing when in cruise.
Here are some tips to make your cruise more stress free and pleasurable:
- Complete all express check-out from available at the reception on Deck 7 located midship. Bring your credit card and completed form to the reception to avoid long queues and inconvenience during bill settlement.
- Use your access cards for all charges. Reception accepts cash Alipay, China Union Pay, Major credit cards and Genting Points for settlement
- If you want the ship to assist you with your luggage upon disembarkation, you can leave your luggage outside your cabin door between 7pm to 10pm
- Voltage: only 220V sockets are available in all cabins and public areas.
Food from outside is not allowed to be brought on board by passenger.
That sunday night, they announced the duty free crazy sale up to 40% off. We rushed and found some good deals!
What I also liked about our High seas cruise is the we were able to the Superstar Virgo tour and get to know the Captain of the ship! The Captain’s bridge tour made us feel safe knowing the state of the art facilities of the ship is being managed by responsible team. They were able to show us some of the tools and precautions during our visit. It was a pleasurable afternoon session.
Here are some of my fellow blogger friends posed with Captain Joakim Vonasek. Celmea @pdarkstar, Mark Tan from @eatsplorations, @bettinabacani and Richie Zamora @pickiesteater
Cruising, wherein one takes a luxurious trip by boat to pre-determined destinations, brings about more than just another experience. It gives a whole new perspective on places that may have been deemed too familiar.
Currently, Starcruises is having its SUMMER GETAWAY 2018 cruise for SuperStar Virgo from Philippines to Japan & Taiwan. I know you will ask if you need a VISA on this cruise but nope, it is VISA FREE. You can avail for this trip for as low as USD 725 per person (twin sharing) for March 30-May 29 sailings, inclusive of select meals, shows & fun amenities. Book by May 29, 2018 https://www.starcruises.com/ph/en/hotdeals/superstar_virgo_philippines_japan_taiwan_5n_30off
Thank you Star Cruises for a short but wonderful weekend to officially kick off my Summer. For more information visit their website at www.starcruises.com or you may call (02) 8366080. You can also email them at [email protected]
Nicely written! I like your job! Followed you on IG too!