Star Cruises SuperStar Virgo docks in Manila from March to May and offer a Visa Free travel to japan and Taiwan
Cruising has always been part of my least prioritize activity on my bucket list. For aside that I felt that it is a bit expensive, the idea of staying for a long time on a ship felt like a bit boring.
But that thought changes as soon as I dock on a ship recently. For more than a day I experienced a luxurious stay on a Star Cruises. We navigate our way to the high seas and the activities inside the cruise ship made me even forgot we are in the middle of the ocean.
The amenities, rates, first hand experience as well as the possibility of you to be able to visit Japan and Taiwan visa free are what you could expect in this article.
All aboard! Lets start sailing.
First time is always memorable. Whether it is something good or bad. The sudden rush of adrenaline that makes our feeling excited and putting us out of our comfort zone makes it very memorable. This was how I felt when I was already walking towards the ship and realizes that cruising is really happening.
I boarded at a Star Cruises SuperStar Virgo. SuperStar Virgo is a 13-storey high ship that is equipped with 935 cabins, including sea view cabins and balcony suites. I may have a bit of hesitation riding a ship for a know that I am not a good swimmer (in case something terrible happen) but the fact that Star Cruises was won awards like recently voted “Asia’s Leading Cruise Line” at the World Travel Awards for a sixth year in a row in 2017 and is also considered as one of the best-in-class services and facilities and have won the prestigious Travel Trade Gazette’s “Travel Hall of Fame” for a tenth year in 2017 in recognition of winning “Best Cruise Operator in the Asia-Pacific” for 10 consecutive years, made me realized that I am in good hands.
Before I continue showing you my excitement, let me tell you more of the ship first.
Star Cruises
Star Cruises is a wholly owned subsidiary of Genting Hong Kong, a leading global leisure, entertainment and hospitality corporation. A pioneer in the Asia Pacific cruise industry, Star Cruises has been operating its fleet since 1993, taking on the bold initiative to grow the region as an international cruise destination with a fleet of six vessels including SuperStar Virgo, SuperStar Libra, SuperStar Gemini, SuperStar Aquarius, Star Pisces and The Taipan. To further evolve the brand, Star Cruises also announced an order for two innovative, 5,000 lower berth ‘Global Class’ vessels to be delivered in 2020 and 2021.
SuperStar Virgo
SuperStar Virgo offers a wide variety of dining, shopping and entertainment choices; Chinese, international and Japanese restaurants, an alfresco bar, foot reflexology salon, and spa, gym, steam and sauna rooms, hairdressing salon, two level theater, duty free shops, a 100-meter mega water slide, outdoor swimming pool, mini golf course, karaoke room, children’s activity center and more. A calendar of themed entertainment constantly refreshes the onboard fun and excitement, ensuring every voyage is a brand new enjoyable experience.
The SuperStar Virgo High Seas Experience
Cruising itself is an adventure, there are definitely more to cruising than just being on a cruise ship that can rival the best five star hotels. Did you know that SuperStar Virgo got 10 restaurants and bars aboard the ship, a theater, a pool and a lot more? This makes the trip to another places more enjoyable. Thus, cruising truly is a vacation the moments you enter the ship.
Our board time was supposedly at 3:30pm in the afternoon. From Hotel H2O, a shuttle service picks us up towards the port. I decided to bring a backpack for I felt having a luggage would be a hassle. After all, we would just be staying for a day inside the ship. We were allowed to bring 1 luggage each for check-in. Additional check-in of baggage will be charged HKD78 per piece. They are not strict about the weight of the luggage as long as the once you’ll be checking in is not an open bag.
Important Things to bring on a Cruise
- Passport
- Credit Cards
- USD or HKD (better to bring converted money already or exchange it inside the ship)
- Sunblock
- Swimwear
- Lots of outfits for #OOTD
After passing the immigration, our passports were hold and we were given a keycard (which looks like the usual hotel keycard) that we would be using in the whole trip. This card would be our access to our room, restaurants and other amenities we would be using inside the ship.
Our first goal was to locate our rooms. My room number was 9560. And it is located that the 9th deck. Almost all of the bloggers that were invited was house on the same deck. I was sharing room with Ruth Dela Cruz (@ruthilicious) while Mikyle Quizon and Rod Magaru shared room on besides ours.
Our room was an Oceanview Stateroom with Balcony and is measured approximately 18.16 to 20.20 sq.m.. An Oceanview Stateroom with Balcony could either have 1 queen size bed & double sofa bed, 2 single beds & 1 double sofa beds or 2 single beds & 1 single sofa bed. We got the latter.
There are 9 different rooms available that you can choose from depending on your budget and need.
SuperStar Virgo Cabins
- Executive Suites (Approx. 50.15-60.41 sq.m) 1 king size bed
- Junior Suite (Approx. 36.77 – 43.73 sq.m.) 1 king size bed & 1 double sofa bed
- Star Suite (Approx. 19.85 sq.m.) 1 queen size bed & single sofa bed
- Oceanview Stateroom with Balcony (Approx. 18.16 – 20.20 sq.m.) 1 queen size bed & 1 double sofa bed / 2 single beds & 1 double sofa beds / 2 single beds & 1 single sofa bed
- Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Window (Approx. 14.05 – 14.32 sq.m) 1 queen size bed & 1 single sofa bed
- Oceanview Stateroom with Window (Approx. 13.55-15.56 sq.m.) 2 single beds, 1 pullman bed & 1 single sofa bed
- Oceanview Stateroom with Porthole (Approx.13.24 – 14.32 sq.m) 2 single beds, 1 pullman bed & 1 single sofa bed
- Deluxe Inside Stateroom (Approx. 13.61 – 14.68 sq.m) 1 queen size bed & 1 single sofa bed
- Inside Stateroom (Approx. 12.06-2055 sq.m) 2 single beds, 1 pullman bed & 1 slide bed with/without sofa
OceanView Stateroom with Balcony
Just what I’ve said awhile ago, our room was an OceanView Stateroom with balcony, it is perfect for couples or individuals who just want enough space and a balcony area, which is actually my favorite part of the room.
The rooms can be connected to another room through a door. Beds can be put together to become a queen size bed or separated to be singles. It got complimentary water, coffee & tea, a phone which you can use to call other rooms and/or other services, a widescreen TV, huge mirror, coffee table, safe box, robe, slippers, life vest, toiletries and a bathroom that looks like a first class airplane toilet.
I actually love how they squeeze in everything in a small space. Star Cruises manages to put in just the things we needed to mostly enjoy the place. Thou, they do not have a flat iron in the room, an ironing service and laundry can be availed at the ship.
Just like the usual five star hotel, my friend’s luggage’s went straight to their rooms. | Also Read: Hotel Staycation
SuperStar Virgo Restaurants
Before the ship started even moving, we had our very first dinner at the Taverna Bar (Mediterranean cuisine), which is located at the top most deck where the pool can also be located. Meals are usually timed for 1 to 2 hours only. We had our dinner at around 5:30pm. It was a buffet dinner with mostly seafood’s and grilled items. The set of dishes makes me reminisce my previous trip to Greece. I really enjoy the fresh catch they had at the buffet. We enjoyed the night coupled with a band performing bossa nova and world music.
While I was having my dinner, I saw my long time friend, Gilbert, working at the ship. We both didn’t expected to see each other there. He is working in the broadcasting and events department of the cruise and been working there for years. I had a great time catching up with him there.
Aside from Taverna, there are 9 more restaurants that you can choose from inside the ship. We were able to 3 more of them in this trip that includes Lido Restaurant, which is a Chinese buffet restaurant; The Pavilion, which serves western cuisine; and Star Dining, which is a fine dining restaurant.
Other restaurants includes: Blue Lagoon (which was suggested by my friend Gilbert to try), Mediterranean restaurant, Palazzo, Coffee Nook, Celebrity, Café Gelato, The Taj, Samurai Restaurant, Silk Road, Genting Palace and Noble House.
My favorite among the restaurants we tried was the Pavilion, next to it was the Taverna. But I highly suggest for you to try both.
*By the way, the Key Card given before boarding can be use in all your transactions/payments and can be settled the night before you disembark.
Showtime: Magic Show Spirits by Vincent Vignaud / Mystical Land
There is a huge theater inside this ship! Yes! And we were able to watch and try it. Zodiac Theater has the capacity to house 3,000 people and is the location of different shows like the two we have watch when we boarded.
On the first night, we were able to watch the Magic Show Spirits by Vincent Vignaud. I may not that excited about the show for some of the tricks he showed is something I’ve already watched before, but to see it in person is a real deal. We were trying hard to figure out how he manages to do each trick.
On the second night, we were able to watch Mystical Land. This show is totally AMAZING! It is like watching Cirque du Soleil, but in a more subtle way. Mystical Land is a theatrical production with continues music and well choreograph acts about an elf that embark on a journey to find the magical fairy that owns a magical shoe. Along with the story were different performers like acrobats, tightrope walkers, jugglers, and other stunt-oriented artists.
It was AMAZING how these acts can be done inside the ship on a moving vessel!
Zodiac Theater is also offering shows for mature audiences, which is usually held late nights. Other entertainment happenings can also be done at the Galaxy of the Stars, which usually holds game shows, lectures and is also popular dance hotspots.
Ship Tour and Other Amenities of SuperStar Virgo
On our first night at around 7:30pm, a regular on board emergency drill is usually done to educate all passengers on what to do in case an emergency evacuation occurs. Each passenger was given a boat assignment and directions on where we should go in case it happened.
On our second day inside the ship, we decided to try the other amenities it could offer. There are a lot of things you can do inside the vessel, thus a day for me is really bit short.
Star Cruises SuperStar Virgo got Basketball Court, Golf Driving Range, Jogging Track, Fitness Center, Beauty Salon, Karaoke/KTV Lounge, Majhong Room, Private Karaoke Room, Spa and Health Club, Sun Deck, Swimming Pool, Activity Center, Duty Free Shopping Area as well as a Casino.
They also offer different free group activities like early morning exercises, dance class, magic class, cooking class and the likes. This is usually announced on board where everybody can hear it.
A bridge tour was also conducted for the bloggers where we had the chance to meet the captain and his crew and understand how they navigate. Did you know that what they are using now to navigate is a small joystick and not the usual wheel we all know? It was like they were just playing a video game while navigating. The captain explained to us that on a high sea tour, they usually just go circling around the West Philippine Sea. It was a worthwhile experience meeting the captain and seeing what they are seeing inside the bridge.
For regular guest, a separate room/gallery can be visited where information of the ship can be found. Along with it was a huge window where visitors can see the captain and the whole crew while it navigates the ship.
Outdoor Swimming Pool at SuperStar Virgo
There are two huge swimming pools inside SuperStar Virgo, one was located at the top middle part of the ship and the other was on the other end of the ship. The center pool was intended for the adult crowd for the pool is at 4 to 10 feet deep while the other one is swallow perfect for kids.
They also have a Jacuzzi on the side of the pool, which I totally enjoyed. As well as a huge slide which is kind of scary and I opted not to try.
Visa Free! From Manila to Taiwan & Japan!
Now you can discover new sides of Taiwan and Japan VISA-FREE though Star Cruises’ SuperStar Virgo. The Cruise ship will be making Manila her homeport from March to May this year and will be giving Filipinos a VISA-Free “Sensational Summer Getaway”.
The 5 night cruises will start in Manila, then the Cruise will visit what most locals consider as “the most beautiful place in Japan”; the island city of Ishigaki is slowly becoming a tourist hotspot because of its lush palm tree forests, pineapple plantations and tropical vistas.
Another stop in southern Japan is renowned for its sub-tropical climate that showcases a different view of Japanese culture with Naha in the Okinawa Prefecture.
Keelung, on the other hand, is a city in northern Taiwan that boasts of an urban area and exquisite geologic landscapes. I was able to visit the place last year but unfortunately wasn’t able to really roam around the place. Keelung is surrounded mountain have been home to mining towns for decades and have become tourist attractions that accord a sneak peek into the local lives and culture.
Star Cruises’ SuperStar Virgo’s 5-day cruise brings its guests to new destinations in specially curated theme cruises:
- March 30 – High Seas Holy Week Cruise with Basketball Legends featuring Alvin Patrimonio, Johnny Abarrientos, Benjie Paras and Jerry Codinera
- April 29: Labor Day Party Cruise headlined by top Filipino DJ’s – Patty Tiu and Tom Taus
- May 9 – Mother’s Day Concert Cruise with Daryl Ong
2018 Sailing dates are as follows:
Manila-High Seas-Naha-Keelung-High Seas-Manila
- March 05, 10, 15, 20, & 25 (low)
- March 30 (mid)
- April 04, 09 (mid)
- May 09, 14, 18, 24 (mid)
Manila-High Seas-Ishigaki-Keelung-High Seas-Manila
- April 14, 19, 24, 29 (mid)
- May 04, 29 (mid)
How expensive it is to Cruise?
It is a luxurious experience so expect to spend a lot when you board the ship. A bottle of beer will cost around Php 366 (USD 7) while a Karaoke session cost around HKD 350 (estimate Php 2,322). Currency is in USD and HKD. For the 5 nights cruises I stated above here are the **twin-sharing promotional fares in USD (as of this writing). Cabins are subject to availability and are capacity controlled.
*twin-sharing means per head payment. If you are renting the room solo it will cost twice (or lower than twice) the price.
5-Night Cruises Standard Promotional Rates (USD)
- Inside Stateroom – 770 570 (low) | 915 640 (mid)
- Oceanview Stateroom w/ Window – 915 677 (low) | 1140 797 (mid)
- Oceanview Stateroom w/ Balcony – 1110 821 (low) | 1380 966 (mid)
- Star Deluxe Oceanview w/ Window – 1110 821 (low) | 1380 966 (mid)
- Junior Suite – 1470 1088 (low) | 1830 1281 (mid)
- Executive Suite – 1845 1365 (low) | 2295 1607 (mid)
Other Rates: 3rd/4th person – 50% of promo tin share fare | Infant rate – 25% of promo twin share fare (applicable after 2 full-paying pax) | Single fare – 150% of promo twin share fare| Port Chargers: USD 85
Actually the promo rate is pretty decent knowing that with that price you could be able to travel to 2 more different countries (Visa Free) and could be able to enjoy the amenities of the ship.
Final Verdict / Recommendation
If you asked me, if I would want to do this again, I would definitely say yes! The idea of you being in a ship with nothing else to see but only water and sky could somehow bothering for a first timer but could be exciting as well. The services inside the ship are really first class and the amenities they offer are vast that a day would really not be enough to try everything. Also, doing a high seas travel is really different compare with a cruise that would be docking on another country. So probably on my next ride I should be trying the longer journey.
The shows are really fantastic and comparable to a high priced theater shows. The food especially at the Pavilion is exquisite as well as the place. Getting dress for a dinner at the Pavilion even there is no occasion could be done in such a place.
Thou the only drawback could be the price inside the ship. It is truly expensive. But if you are someone who doesn’t have a problem with money and is ready to spend, cruising should definitely be a part of your bucket list.
For more information, you can visit www.starcruises.com or call (02) 8366080 or email salesManila@gentingcruiselines.com
