Remember the Mark Renton swagger I had on my way to board Star Cruises’ SuperStar Gemini last year? Well, my frame of mind was a bit subdued this time, and no Trainspotting pop-culture reference ran inside my head. The enthusiasm of going on another cruising experience never wavered, though, as I inched closer to the gigantic SuperStar Virgo docked at Pier 15 of Manila Port. Who wouldn’t be captivated by the sheer size of the ship towering as high as a ten-story building, knowing that inside its massive bulkheads lies a fully recreated floating luxury resort? Finding myself about to board a cruise ship for the second time, I recited a brief prayer thanking the heavens for doling out good karma upon me.
Star Cruises: SuperStar Virgo’s High Seas Cruise
What is a High-Seas Cruise?
On this voyage, I joined mostly Filipino guests on a two-night High Seas Cruise.
A High Seas cruise is designed for passengers who want to simply enjoy the onboard facilities and relax throughout the trip without having to spend time off-ship via shore excursions. Because the ship won’t be docking at any second or third destination—sailing only in the nearby waters from the original port of call—guests can maximize their experience on the ship at a significantly lower cost compared to regular multi-destination cruise tours.
Each time a ship from Star Cruises docks in Manila, they make it a point to insert High Seas cruising dates in between regular schedules that include the Manila–Taiwan–Okinawa route. Make sure to always check their official website to stay informed of upcoming cruise dates.
They sold their High Seas tickets at 12,000++ Pesos per person on a buy one, get one promo, making it cost only 6,000++ Pesos each. Crazy? I know. So the reason alone to check Star Cruises’ website every day is quite compelling.
Boarding Procedures
Even though the ship won’t leave Philippine waters, as defined by international maritime laws, passengers are still required to submit their passports to Philippine immigration officials.
On this particular high-seas voyage, SuperStar Virgo carried fewer passengers compared to usual peak cruise dates. Boarding went by like a breeze, taking us less than 25 minutes from the immigration line to baggage check-in and stepping up the ladders onto SuperStar Virgo.
We were told that even on regular cruising dates when the ship is at full capacity, the boarding procedure still runs smoothly because Star Cruises deploys additional staff while Philippine Immigration calls in more officers to expedite check-in procedures.
SuperStar Virgo Accommodations
The ship offers four different types of rooms: Inside Cabins, Oceanview Cabins, Balcony Cabins, and the Executive Suites. Our group was billeted in the Balcony Cabins.
The Balcony Cabin is almost the same size as the room I had on SuperStar Gemini last year. This time, however, a sliding door opens to a narrow private balcony that provides a much better spot to relish the unobstructed, sweeping view of the open sea.
We were also given a exclusive tour of the Executive Suites, which comes with a private living room and a jacuzzi on top of a spacious bedroom and large balcony.
Things to Do Inside SuperStar Virgo
I referred to SuperStar Gemini as a "minicity popping with a sparkling setting"—well, the exact same thing can be said about SuperStar Virgo. With Star Cruises, no ship is left behind when it comes to outfitting interiors with impressive aesthetics. It's clear they aimed at creating extensive spaces for guests to move freely, as if entering into another realm. You can never run out of things to do inside SuperStar Virgo.
Wine and Dine
With at least 12 restaurants housed inside SuperStar Virgo, going hungry is unheard of. You can dine up to six times a day—buffet-style—at the three inclusive restaurants: Star Dining (Western), The Lido (International buffet), and Pavilion (Chinese). *(The afternoon barbecue party held at Taverna is also inclusive).*
Other specialty restaurants where you can enjoy diverse global cuisines and à la carte meals include: Blue Lagoon, Palazzo, Samurai, Silk Road, The Taj, Café Gelato, Celebrity, Coffee Nook, and Taverna Bar.
Watch Entertainment Shows at Zodiac Theater
With a bulging stomach full of exquisite food, we capped off our first night by enjoying a mesmerizing magic show called Spirit at the lavish Zodiac Theater. Starring one of Europe’s top illusionists, Vincent Vignaud, the audience was treated to an hour of pure amazement brought on by intricate magic tricks that left many people wondering aloud, “How the hell did he do it?” Even though everyone knows it’s stage illusion, the way Vincent and his fellow performers pulled it off made every routine feel like legitimate, breathtaking magic.
On our second night, we watched an acrobatic show infused with a romantic storyline. Here, we were wowed once again as talented performers from all over the world owned the stage, executing breathtaking stunts coupled with graceful choreography.
There’s also an adult show that starts between 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM on alternating nights, but we skipped that part because our media group is wholesome like that!
Play Sports, Video Games, Work Out, Swim, and Belt Out a Karaoke Song
The list of activities one can do inside SuperStar Virgo gets longer thanks to top-notch facilities such as the dedicated gaming room, the upper-deck basketball court, a miniature golf lawn, the Parthenon Pool at the top deck featuring a splash pool and giant slide, the Apollo Spa and Fitness Club, private karaoke rooms, and cozy, quaint corners where one can simply summon their inner Zen.
Enjoy Quiet Time at the Library
It came as no surprise that the ship’s library became my absolute favorite spot. I spent my first morning after breakfast here reading a travel book as gentle sun rays from the West Philippine Sea seeped through the glass windows onto the Victorian-style interior of the library.
Captain’s Bridge Tour
Most people don’t bother taking this exclusive tour inside the ship, but I am telling you right now: you better avail of it. The chance to listen to the ship’s captain explain the various intricacies of managing and navigating the vessel gifts you with a fascinating set of knowledge about how modern maritime sailing is conducted.
The Bridge Tour was made especially hilarious because of the Captain’s uncanny resemblance to actor Benedict Cumberbatch!
And There’s More…
For high-rollers who love to test their luck even on the high seas, SuperStar Virgo's casino located on the 7th deck is the place to be. The casino houses numerous slot machines, roulette boards, and baccarat and poker tables for anyone willing to burn some cash or chase a big win.
Because if you win big, shopping at the duty-free stores featuring world-renowned luxury brands will naturally be your next stop.
“As I walked out of the ship for one last time after we docked back at HarbourFront in Singapore—and yet again minus a girlfriend—I told myself to experience another get-go at cruise living in the near future. Hoping next time, it will be with a honeymoon mate. ‘Choose life, choose a girl to cruise with, choose Star Cruises,’”
— I wrote in my article last year narrating my first-ever cruise experience also with Star Cruises.
And yes, sooner than I anticipated, I got another go at cruise ship living. Even without a girlfriend again this time, I disembarked with another amazing, unforgettable cruise experience. Who knows—someday it might actually be for a real honeymoon! With the rates of cruise traveling becoming more affordable thanks to companies like Star Cruises, I easily see myself sailing again aboard a luxury cruise and getting fully accustomed to this wonderful mode of traveling.
Star Cruises Philippines
5/F Star Cruises Centre, 100 Andrews Avenue, Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Contact Number: (+63) 836-6830 to 32
Email: salesmanila@starcruises.com
Website: www.starcruises.com | Facebook Page
