Luxury Cruise, SuperStar Virgo by Star Cruises makes Manila, Philippines its homeport for March to May 2018.
We got to experience sailing on High Seas with no islands can be seen but just the beauty of the ocean.
I entered a different world as I walked my way inside the SuperStar Virgo ship. I couldn’t help but remember how the Titanic movie made me feel – excited and yes, a bit worried. I have never been in a cruise and I hate the idea of being surrounded by water. 🌊
But every minute of my stay inside SuperStar Virgo made me feel confident about the whole cruise experience (despite the constant sway) that made me feel like I was in a rocking hammock at night.
Star Cruises invited us to experience cruising on High Seas and just to enjoy its luxurious ship, the SuperStar Virgo.
This year, SuperStar Virgo is making Manila its homeport from March to May and will be giving Filipinos a Visa-Free “Sensational Summer Getaway” to discover the sides of Japan and Taiwan. But aside from that, Star Cruises also prepared themed cruises for Filipinos.
Excited to know what’s inside and what to do in the SuperStar Virgo? Scroll down and read on!
Boarding
Just like traveling via airplane, passengers are required to present their passport (valid for 6 months) and filled out Immigration Form.
Passengers are given an Access Card with your name and details. It is the most important thing aside from your credit card. DO NOT LOSE IT. It is a good souvenir too. You would need to present this everytime you visit a restaurant or make a purchase inside the ship.
Passports will be surrendered upon boarding (they will give it back to you before disembarkation).
For those who are traveling or joining the cruise that will visit countries that require a VISA (example, Japan), there is no need to secure one. Just bring a valid passport with you..
Each passenger is also allowed to bring 1 check-in luggage and 1 hand-carried bag. Anything in excess will incur additional charges.
What to Pack in a Cruise?
It would be nice to bring resort casual clothes and dressy pieces for the evening shows/dinners. There are many #OOTD spots inside the cruise, so better come prepared.
Wear something comfortable – shorts and summer tops are perfect. Don’t forget the sunscreen.
Bring a dress in case you meet your Jack Dawson. 🤩
Rodel Flordeliz, Mikyle Quizon, Ruth dela Cruz and Rod Magaru
Don’t forget to pack a swimwear and/or gym clothes so you can join the exercise activities (Yoga/Zumba) in the morning.
Our Cabin Room
SuperStar Virgo has 4 types of accommodations onboard depending on one’s budget. There’s Inside Room, Ocean View Room, Balcony Room, and Suite.
During our sailcation, we got an Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony
The Balcony Room has two single beds and a sofa, TV set, mini-bar, complementary bottled water, toiletries and hot & cold shower. It basically has the usual room amenities you would see in a hotel room (except for the flat iron and board).
The room is always well-maintained with housekeeping service and turn-down service at night. During our 2-night stay, we got replenishment of fresh towels, bottled-water and coffee sachets.
The bathroom has everything one needs for a comfortable sail – fresh towels, bathrobe, toiletries set including shaver, cotton buds, and comb. It is also equipped with hair dryer, and hot & cold shower.
My favorite part of the room is the balcony. In the morning and at night, I look at the view from our balcony to check the sun, the sea, and the stars. The waves were amazing yet mysterious and dangerous to look at.
The Suite Room
We got to take a peek inside the suite room which has its own room, a jacuzzi and a living area for entertaining guests.
Safety First! Safety Drill
After we checked in and before sailing off, passengers were gathered for a Safety Drill. It is extremely important to know and be familiar with the ship and its procedures in cases of emergency. It is a must to participate in this Safety Drill.
The cruise has a different type of life vest compared to the ones we are familiar with in an airplane.
Where to Eat in a Super Star Virgo Cruise?
You will never get hungry inside the cruise! SuperStar Virgo has 10 restaurants and bars aboard which features exotic flavors and comforting dishes for different palettes. One can choose from Asian, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Western and International cuisines.
Taverna on the highest deck (Deck 13) offers an al fresco ambiance with the most beautiful ambiance – the sea and the stars.
The Pavilion serves Chinese cuisine in an elegant setting and refined ambiance.
Lido is where we usually have breakfast and midnight snack. It offers international cuisine with the usual breakfast choices of sausage, bacon, egg and waffles.
The Star Dining Room is my favorite restaurant in the Super Star Virgo. It offers classic western dishes in a fine yet relaxed setting. It would be nice to dress up a little for a luxe dining experience.
Other dining options and restaurants in Super Star Virgo includes:
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)
Things to Do In a Cruise | Super Star Virgo
During our 2-night sailcation, we only sailed on High Seas (meaning, no Shore Excursion outside other countries). It was just a perfect weekend to check out and enjoy the facilities and amenities of Super Star Virgo.
1. Enjoy the Pool!
The pool in the upper deck is 7-feet deep and would be a nice spot for #OOTD (if not for your swimming exercises!).
We enjoyed our short dip in the pool and jacuzzi.
2. Watch Magical and Acrobat Shows at Zodiac Theater
I didn’t expect that I would enjoy the acts performed by Europe’s top illusionist Vincent Vignaud! I am this old but I still get amazed by the magic acts and acrobat shows.
On our second night, we watched the Mystical Land featuring European acrobats. It is a totally different show compared to the ones I have seen in other countries. A must-do when cruising with SuperStar Virgo.
3. Visit the Captain’s Bridge
Sign up for an exclusive tour and meet the Captain at the Captain’s Bridge. We got the chance to get to know the crew who is manning the ship during our cruise. I was expecting to see the usual ship’s wheel, but technology does change the game of travel. You have to see for yourself what they are using to control and navigate!
4. Play Arcade Games, Try Your Luck at the Casino or Sing Your Heart Out
SuperStar Virgo has everything for different style, lifestyle and age. There’s an Arcade Center for the kids, KTV and Lounge, Golf Driving Range, Basketball Court, Fitness Center, Gym, Foot Spa and even a Library.
You can check out the list of recreational and wellness centers here.
Would be nice to lounge around here
Arcade Games for the kids and kids at heart!
There’s a library too! (not the best place for me I guess)
Romantic spots everywhere
There’s a convenience store in case you want to buy snacks or essentials
5. Shop at the Duty Free Shops
What is a trip without shopping? There are Duty Free Shops inside the SuperStar Virgo where you can buy watches, perfume, bags and other gift items. I even spotted a corner specific to Korean Beauty.
6. Watch and join the Farewell Performance by the Ship’s Crew
It was a fun and festive during our last night in the cruise ship as the crew prepared a special dance number for the guests. I felt like dancing with them!
Before You Hit the Sack and Disembarkation
We were advised that our luggage would be collected at 9:00 PM the night before our disembarkation. I had to prepare my toiletries, sleepwear and clothes to wear the following day. My friend Rod forgot to take a sleepwear out of his luggage. 🤣🤣🤣
We left the luggage with the proper tags outside our room which was collected the same night. We picked it up in the dock area in Manila.
Any unsettled bill must be settled in the Reception on your last night to ensure smooth disembarkation. SuperStar Virgo accepts major credit cards.
During disembarkation, you have to present the access card and passport.
Final Verdict and Thoughts
Truly, cruising is a vacation the moment you enter the ship. It is a great escape and something different from the usual staycation.
SuperStar Virgo provides a safe and luxe environment. A balance of relaxation and exploration is a beautiful backdrop of seas and stars (or the sun).
I am planning to take my parents to the next cruise.
Star Cruises Promo
The 5-day cruise with Super Star Virgo brings its guests to new destinations in curated themed cruises. The themes starting this summer includes: Basketball Legends High Seas tour with Alvin Patrimonio, Johnny Abarrientos, Benjie Paras and Jerry Codinera on a Holy Week cruise on March 20; a Labor Day Party Cruise by Filipino DJ’s Patty Tiu and Tom Taus on April 29l and a Mother’s Day Concert Cruise with Daryl Ong on May 8.
SuperStar Virgo Itinerary
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)
Check out www.starcruises.com for Star Cruises Promo and Schedule
Check out this vlog which is a compilation of my IG stories during the cruise:
Thank you so much Star Cruises and to our PR Friends for the invitation!
Related Read:
greece travel: hydra, poros and aegina day cruise from athens
