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Thursday, April 15, 2004
Cruising the Asia
By Nelia Neri
The Love Boat series on TV decades ago was my first glimpse of life on a cruise ship. At that time cruising seemed to be so out-of-reach and I never imagined that one day I would experience “the good life” on a cruise ship, much less did I dream of getting the opportunity to cruise along the seas of different continents on board different cruise lines.
Each cruise is a new experience and each cruise ship has its distinct appeal, that is why one can’t really say “I’ve had enough of cruising.” I didn’t have to think twice when Star Cruises invited me along with other media practitioners to a four-day trip onboard Superstar Virgo to Langkawi in Malaysia and Phuket in Thailand. I’ve never been on a cruise in Asia till then.
Unlike my previous cruises, I didn’t have to fly halfway across the globe to board the cruise ship because Superstar Virgo (all 76,000 tons of it) is conveniently based in Singapore. And of course, it is always a pleasure to be in pace-setting Singapore. The invitation of the Singapore Tourism Board to stay two more days after the cruise added to my feel-good frame of mind.
Superstar Virgo is everything a contemporary cruise ship should be—from its comfy accommodations and modern amenities (bars, shops, theater, library, gym, swimming pools, among them) down to the countless food choices and fabulous entertainment. No doubt it is the perfect setting for the modern holiday-maker whose idea of a delightful vacation spells “never a dull moment,” and “nothing but the best!”
As for families with small children, Superstar Virgo caters to them in a big way. The ship is so child-friendly, it even features a special buffet table for kids in a brightly colored mini dining room. Not only that, a specially designed fun pool for children called Neptune’s Wet and Wild is there for them to frolic around.
Superstar Virgo also caters to business organizations out for meetings, teambuilding and incentive holidays. Function rooms with audio visual facilities are available, as well as business services.
*****
It was high noon when the Superstar Virgo docked in Langkawi. Known as the island of myths and legends, the place is a natural paradise blessed with fine beaches, fascinating marine life and bewitching caves. Its best known landmark is Dataran Lang or Eagle Square by the Kuah jetty. Main attraction is a magnificent statue of a reddish brown eagle gracefully poised for flight. Also a visitor must-see is Galleria Perdana which houses over 10,000 state gifts and awards to Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Dr. Mahathir.
*****
Picturesque Phuket has changed a lot from the time I first visited the place almost a decade ago. Laem Promthep, a celebrated viewpoint famous for stunning sunsets, has become unrecognizable with the massive terrace constructed at the top of the hill.
We couldn’t miss Wat Chalong, Phuket’s most important Buddhist Temple, and then after lunch, we watched the Cabaret Show with its mesmerizing performers in lavish costumes....you guessed it...they were transvestites!
*****
Star Cruises, the third largest cruise line in the world, has made the world of cruising so convenient and accessible to Asians. Not only that, it has also started the influx of travellers from North America, Europe and Australia who have come to Asian shores to get a glimpse of the exotic Far East. This leading cruise line in Asia-Pacific has undoubtedly established the cruise industry in the region.
(April 15, 2004 issue)
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