“Don’t miss this great discount”, said a friend.
And that’s how we decided to pack our bags and head off to Hong Kong, and from there on a 4-day 4-night sail on STAR CRUISELIBRA!
For the cost of Rs 27 K (food and stay on ship only!) per adult, it did seem a bit exorbitant. But then the offer given was that one person per family could travel free. And a quick mental calculation told us, it is not a bad deal, after all! “Don’t know when we would get the next opportunity, so grab it when you can”, urged an inner voice.
First let me tell you in 252 chars what Star Cruise is about. For further information you may refer https://starcruises.com/newweb/guide/default.aspx
Star Cruises is the Leading Cruise Line in Asia-Pacific region. They have a number of fleets like Superstar Virgo, Superstar Gemini, Superstar Libra, Superstar Aquarius etc operating from major ports in the region like Singapore, Hong Kong etc. Their itineraries include 4-5 days of sailing which includes docking and land excursions. The land excursions are not part of the package and need separate booking. However fret not; you can have upto 6 meals a day all on the house.
We had our booking on Superstar Libra. The plan included docking and land tours in Sanya in China and Halong Bay in Vietnam.
Comes the D-Day and there we were at the port 3 hours prior to reporting time as is the rule for international flights. After immigration clearance, we were ushered through a gate where a welcome band stood in all its festivities making us feel royal ! Red carpet was all that was missing.
Emerging out of the gate, the first disappointment was that the ship was not as big as I imagined! But how could I have compared a 1000 person capacity cruiseline to something more majestic?
We embarked the ship and at the reception deck, I looked left and then right for that big hall in the movie TITANICbut that was not to be found!
The ship had 8 floors or decks as they are called. The reception was on deck 4. We were given rooms in Deck 6 which had a jogging track and balcony of sorts. Within minutes of boarding, we were told to assemble out on the jogging track where all the safety techniques were demonstrated.
Realisation dawns suddenly. I felt my heart sinking and my mind started replaying the last scene of TITANIC the movie. I mean I realized the meaning of the proverbial “thin line between things”; if you don’t know swimming, all that remains between you and the seabed is that piece of inflated rubber! Gulp!
Anyways, there are some times in life when you just can’t UNDO! So, we decided to explore the cruise without thinking too much. A few of the discoveries in the next 1-2 hours
1) Ocean view Deluxe Rooms as per the dic-ship-tionary means a small room where there is enough standing space after two beds are laid. Ocean view means a small rectangular opening through which you can look out.
2) Toilets and washrooms are just some necessary rooms and are not to be considered as luxuries! You can take bath even in one square foot of space.
3) When there are 6 meals in one day, you better stick to the schedule which is given to you in your room everyday morning. If you miss it, don’t cry like The_reviewers family did!
4) Keeping the children occupied is not so easy even when you have a playing area, table tennis court, a discotheque and shows going on.
5) Shopping is a pleasure anywhere, even on ships esp if they are duty free!
6) There are innumerable eatables in 3 dining areas on the ship – 2 on 4th floor, 1 on the top- but when you are a vegetarian, you can count them on your fingers! Well!
7) Heath freaks are omnipresent! So are gyms.
Suddenly the ship honked 3 times and off we sailed. We rushed to the topmost open deck which housed a swimming pool other than a restaurant. Although we could not try the famous arm-stretch, we did feel small in front of nature, especially in the deep sea, where there is only water till where eyes can reach.
The evening was spent watching the “welcome show” in one of the many halls/auditoriums/lounges by the crew members. The crew was introduced and we could feel their enthusiasm seeping into us.
And then came the NIGHT, with all of its blackness. I, who has not been much of insomniac, suddenly found that 1 second can be equal to 24 hours at times. The sea became rough and the ship was literally rocking. With great difficulty I had hardly slept a wink when I got up with a jolt. I realised that the cupboard door was swinging with the ship. Open, shut, open, shut… and I kept staring at it wondering why I had to be so adventurous! Eventually, I got used to it. It dawned and when I went out into the balcony, I saw crew members oiling the lifeboat which served as oil in the fire. Gulp!
The ship docked at 2 places as I said. You realise the value of land and you marvel at the men working for long hours, days, months on sea.
On one of the nights, the captain of the ship hosted the "captains" dinner, and we were expected to wear formals. The definition of formals is no swimwear, track suits and nighties!
After 4 days of fun, frolic, fear and feast, we reach back to Hong Kong. I carry with me the shakiness for a few days.
Recommended for:
1) Those who live to eat (Abha, are you reading? :)
2) Those looking for a relaxed vacation
3) The 1st, 2nd 10th etc time honeymooners
Not recommended for
1) Vegetarians
2) Families with small kids
3) Those looking for adventurous holidays.
4) Aquaphobics
Must-Carry:
1) Medicines : Remember that your health insurances are rendered useless when you are on sea !
2) Ready-to-eat stuffs for veggies... sigh!
3) Brave heart :)
Nevertheless, it must be experienced once in a lifetime. Have a great sail.
