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Star Cruises

MS SuperStar Gemini

Your Rating:
Reviewed by: Edwin Briggie
# previous cruises: 1
Date of Trip: June 6, 1999
Itinerary: Australia

A superb value for money cruise. Like staying in a five star hotel that get's moved to a different location in Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. Fantastic entertainment, cuisine, accommodation and service. Good organised trips to the various ports of call.

The pool deck (surrounded with tinted glass) is spacious enough with a nice pool, two jacuzzi's and showers. Garden tables and chairs as well as numerous deck chairs provided to be ample. The Galaxy of the Stars theatre provided some of the best entertainment seen in a long time with good viewing from everywhere. The Gemini bar on deck five was the most crowded with a piano and guitar/vocalist performing most nights and was slightly less spacious. The casino although not very large was never very crowded and I played Black Jack till 4:00am one morning. It is also the only place on the ship that one can obtain cash with a credit card. Karaoke was available in the Starship Disko but not very well attended and I only saw a disco in full swing on one of the nights. The gym is well equipped and the suana's and steam bath most refreshing. The beauty parlor offered Tai and Swedish massages and various other services. The only shop aboard did not impress but could prove useful for the odd item that one forgot to pack. The on board photographer took some great photo's and was on display in the photo gallery on desk 4 for purchase at about S$10 - S$15. The clinic on deck 2 is well equipped and provides good medical treatment with a very good doctor on board.

The cuisine was truly good. The food was served at one of three venues: The Mariners Buffet, Ocean Palace and pool deck for barbecues. The Ocean Palace is a more formal dining room for more sophisticated dining. The 2 formal diners take place here and have a theme for the night i.e. French or Italian although the food does not necessarily originate from one of those countries. Overall the food was very tasty and served in correct proportions so you could enjoy all the courses without stuffing yourself to the brim. Good wines from Australia, South Africa an Italy is available.

The Mariners Buffet on deck 6 provided more informal dining with a large selection of dishes available for all meals. Coffee, tea, orange juice and cold water is also available. The pool deck barbecue was truly very enjoyable with food types like minute steak, chicken filet, prawns, salads, fruits, deserts etc. Done one gas grills aft (rear) of the ship. The service on board was really exceptional. It felt as if you only left your cabin for an hour it was tidied and there was always someone to offer you a drink or answer any questions. Friendly smiles and greeting were the order of the day as far you went.

I stayed in one of the Admiral suites on deck four. The room although not too large was comfortable for space. The double bed was very comfortable and spacious enough. There was more than enough packing space and empty luggage could be shoved under the bed. The bathroom can not accommodate two people comfortably and the shower will accommodate anyone except for the obese. Fresh white towels, flowers, complimentary amenities and bathrobes are always appreciated. The light blocking blinds and curtains make for a good nights rest. The international electricity supply can charge cam corder and mobile phone batteries for any type of plug. The t.v. pick's up CNN, Discovery Channel and two movie channels among others. The large non opening window in the suite provided some memorable views. There is very little noise except when the ship docks but I assume this can be heard anywhere in the ship and the public broadcast system can hardly be heard from within the cabin.

The entertainment in the Galaxy of the Stars was some of the best I have seen. From professional magicians, jugglers and the games of chance to the staff performances is moving in some cases to say the least. The lighting and sound including the live band / orchestra is very professional.

Although I felt they could provide more activities on board (perhaps more competitions) there was a lot to do. Activities included Shuffle board, putting competition, trivia, charades. The barbecue evening at the pool deck provided some of the best entertainment and dancing. More of this type of entertainment could be added.

Most of the passengers were made up of Australians and New Zeelanders with Americans and British filling in the rest. Very little Asian travels aboard. The general age group was from late twenties to mid forties and about 15 percent were senior people. Hardly any children were on board and I would also not recommend that they be brought along even though there is a children's play centre and video room for play station games.