"The sea once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever."
- Jacques Cousteau
The sea casting its spell |
Flying in to Singapore
We arrived in Singapore a day before our cruise. It can be an option to arrive on the same day since the ship's departure is at 3:00 PM but considering Manila's reputation of air traffic congestion and flight delays, the downside of missing the cruise is so huge that it is wise to add extra time. This also allowed us to relax, de-stress from all the preparations, wind down from work, and be in the mood for a vacation.
With a one-night stay before the cruise, we chose to stay at Harbour Ville Hotel. This is a budget-friendly accommodation that is a mere 3-minute drive away from Singapore Cruise Centre and 5-minute drive from Chinatown and the Central Business District. Moreover, most of the hotel staff are Filipinos so there's always someone you can approach to answer your questions and to help make your stay comfortable and delightful.
Check-in and Embarkation
The next day we had early breakfast in Sentosa Island before heading back to the hotel to check out for our cruise.
Check-in for the cruise usually commences 4 hours before the scheduled sailing time. So make sure to arrive early to avoid the long queues. We arrived at the cruise centre at around 12:00 NN. Note that check-in and embarkation varies depending on your cabin class. For Admiral Class guests, a Star Cruises Guest Services Coordinator will meet and assist you with the check-in and embarkation. For Balcony Class guests, you will get to enjoy priority check-in and embarkation. And for World Cruisers, like us, you will go through the regular check-in and embarkation process.
Upon arrival at the check-in counter, we presented our confirmation letter and passports to the cruise staff and completed the immigration forms. After verification, we were given our Access Cards while our passports were retained. The Access Card is very important as it serves as the boarding pass, cabin key and charge card on board. Make sure to keep it safe as it is needed for embarkation and disembarkation and for collection of your passport after the cruise.
For baggage, they will be checked-in and will be brought by a steward outside your cabin door. The total baggage allowance is 30kg per guest. We recommend bringing one large suitcase per guest as no baggage will be stored in the ship's hold. This will also ensure that you will not waste space inside your cabin for bags.
After checking-in, we went through security screening and proceeded to boarding.
The gangway to board the ship |
During boarding, we crossed a gangway to the SuperStar Gemini. We were welcomed by a crew and directed to our cabin. We chose an Oceanview Stateroom with a large picture window.
Our comfortable beds |
The view from inside the cabin |
After the drill, we enjoyed the views first then went back to our cabin to have a quick rest.
Resorts World Sentosa as seen from the ship |
Singapore's Harbourfront Cruise Centre |
The scenic Keppel Bay Bridge |
One of the first few things you need to do upon settling in is look for a copy of the ship's daily schedule. For SuperStar Gemini it is called the "Star Navigator". Daily copies are delivered outside your cabin door early in the morning. It includes information on:
- Safety Policy
- Weather Forecast
- Phone Directory
- Port/Destination information and schedule
- Restaurants and their cuisine, location and operating hours
- Outlet information, location and operating hours
- Scheduled on board activities
- Entertainment highlights
- Promotions
- Disembarkation and check-out reminders
The Star Navigator |
Gala Dinner
Within our first afternoon, we also made sure to place a reservation for the Gala Dinner. The Gala Dinner is the cruise's formal night. What makes it exceptional? It is the night on board the ship where guests have the opportunity to dress up elegantly, taste the most sumptuous and luxurious dishes offered by the ship's chefs, witness the most elaborate shows, and mingle with the ship's officers.
Sumptuous and delicious choices |
Eating On Board
SuperStar Gemini has three inclusive restaurants - Dynasty, Mariners and Bella Vista. These are the restaurants where guests can eat for free (included in the cruise price).
Bella Vista (c/o Star Cruises website) |
Stuffed chicken breast with spinach and ricotta cheese |
Herb crusted Alaskan Salmon fillet and grilled King Prawn |
Tempting food |
Shore Excursion
Half the fun of cruising are the shore activities available in the ship's destinations. Cruise lines offer organized shore activities for an additional fee. For SuperStar Gemini, shore excursion leaflets were placed inside our cabin. We reviewed it and found them to be really expensive. Prices ranged from SGD47 to SGD212 per person.
Relaxing by the beach |
Berjaya Tioman Resort |
Laguna Redang Island Resort |
Other Activities
SuperStar Gemini offers numerous activities on board so you're sure to find something you can enjoy.
Here are some of the interesting activities featured during our cruise:
- Game Shows such as Novel Quests, Name That Tune, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?, Family Feud and The Price is Right
- Arts and Crafts activities such as Beer Mug Making, Wreath Making and Hat Making
- Classes such as Hip Hop Dance, Line Dance and Napkin Folding
- Kid-Friendly Workshops such as Cake Decoration, Balloon Twisting and Pizza Making
- Themed Get Togethers such as Ice Cream Party, Disco Party, Pyjama Party and Hawaiian Party
- Board Games
- Film Showings
- Beauty and Wellness Talks
- Fitness Activities
- Adult Only Show
- Featured Shows and Concerts in Stardust Lounge
Breathtaking shows at the Stardust Lounge |
Breathtaking shows at the Stardust Lounge |
Star Illusions at Sea |
Star Illusions at Sea |
Star Illusions at Sea |
For your expenses outside the cruise inclusion, it needs to be settled at the Reception Counter in the morning before disembarkation. All baggage will need to be left outside your cabin from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, otherwise the baggage will not be collected and you will be the one to carry it when disembarking from the ship. Travel documents distribution schedule and location will be announced so make sure to collect them within the specified time otherwise your passports will be endorsed to the Shore Excursion Counter for further checking. Depending on your deck, you will be instructed to assemble in a common area for disembarkation.
We had early lunch at Bella Vista and made sure no valuables were left behind inside the cabin. We then followed all check-out instructions, proceeded to our assembly area at the Stardust Lounge and disembarked without any trouble.
Once back in the cruise center, we collected our baggage and passed through Immigration and Customs for re-entry to Singapore.
Post-Cruise Fun
As with all good things, the cruise came to an end. But we still had a couple more days in our itinerary to explore Singapore. So we returned to Harbour Ville Hotel and recharged ourselves for two days of fun at Universal Studios and sightseeing/shopping in the fine city.
For more information on Star Cruises and SuperStar Gemini, visit their website here.
For more information on Star Cruises and SuperStar Gemini, visit their website here.
Superb article, thanks for sharing...
ReplyDeleteCruise line Training in Chennai
cruise ship training and placement
"Thanks for sharing the blog, seems to be interesting and informative too. if you want to know about insurance and finance so please visit our website holiday at sea
ReplyDelete