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Recently, we have been invited by Star Cruises to experience sailing from Manila to Ilocos to Taiwan to Hong Kong aboard Superstar Virgo. This wasn’t our first time cruising, so we were a bit more confident this time around. On our first time a few years back, we were so intimidated by the whole cruise thing. You see, we’re used to backpacking so anything that resembles luxury feels alien to us. Preparing for it alone was unnerving. What do I pack? What should I wear? What travel documents do I need? How expensive is it gonna be? Are there hidden charges? How do I disembark?

This post is brought to you by Star Cruises.
If you’re sailing aboard Superstar Virgo soon and it’s your first time to cruise, this post is for you. This also applies to other routes of the Virgo. I hope this article be able to prepare you for this new, marvelous, and incredibly relaxing experience! Here are 10 things you can expect.

Packing & Pre-Trip Preparations

  • First things first, travel documents. If you’re joining the Manila-Laoag-Kaohsiung-Hong Kong cruise, no visas needed. You only need to bring your passport and a photocopy of its bio page.
  • It’s a cruise so it wouldn’t hurt to dress up and achieve your #OOTD goals. We packed at least 2 sets of garments a day: one set of light clothes for touring, and another for the evening shows. Why two sets? It’s pretty cool inside the ship, but things change as soon as you get out of it. In our case, it’s the middle of April! Onboard, I’m clad in shorts and a t-shirt with a polo on top of it. But as soon as we go outside, I had to remove the polo because it would get too hot especially on Ilocos and Kaohsiung stops. Hong Kong was a different story. It rained so hard for a brief moment. Takeaway: check the weather in every stop and prepare accordingly.
  • The rooms are also equipped with slip-on sandals, bath robes, and toiletries. You will also be provided a see-through plastic pouch wherein you can put your passport and access card (which I will explain later).
  • Remember: Each passenger is allowed only one piece of check-in luggage free-of-charge. Anything more will incur additional fees.
  • For the Manila season, the default currency is the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD).

Boarding

Superstar Virgo in Manila
  • In many ways, the process is similar to that at the airport. You still need valid travel documents, check in your baggage, and pass through an immigration inspection and security checks before boarding.
  • You will be given a mag card (access card). DO NOT LOSE IT. It’s the most important item as soon as you step into the ship. It serves as your keycard to your cabin and credit card when purchasing something or dining at specialty restaurants. You will also need this when disembarking to explore the ports and when returning to the ship.
  • You will need to surrender your passport upon boarding. You’ll have it back after the journey.

Safety Drill

As soon as everyone is settled, there will be a safety drill that you are required to participate in. It is extremely important that you are familiar with the ship’s geography and the directions you need to take in case of an emergency.

Safety Drill
Manila Bay Sunset

In Manila, the drill happens right before sunset, so as soon as it’s over, head straight to Deck 12 to have a better view. We’ve been to a lot of places around the world, but Manila offers some of the most spectacular sunsets.

Do it at every stop. Nothing is more relaxing that just watching the sun call it a day.

3 Inclusive Restaurants

“Inclusive,” meaning you can dine here free-of-charge. It’s part of what you paid for. Onboard the Virgo, there are three inclusive dining options:

  • Mediterranean Buffet. The most popular, located on Deck 12, just behind the Parthenon Pool. Serves breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, and supper. No reservations needed.
  • Genting Palace. Western and Chinese cuisines. Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This is also where the Gala Dinner takes place. Although it is inclusive, reservation is required.
  • The Pavilion Room. Family-style restaurant. In my opinion, of the three, this is the best. Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Reservations required.

Both Genting Palace and the Pavilion offer full-course meals (appetizer, soup, main course, dessert). Drinks will be charged to your room.

Prawns on Angel Hair Pasta at the Genting Palace
Salmon and Hamachi Sashimi at Samurai

Aside from these, there are specialty dining options! There’s the Taj offering Indian favorites, and Samurai serving delectable Japanese cuisine. Samurai have us our best gastronomic experience onboard. From the salmon and yellowtail (hamachi) sashimi as appetizer to teppanyaki as main course and matcha ice cream as dessert, that meal was scrumptious from start to finish.

Shore Excursions (Shorex)

This is the part where you can get off the ship and explore the city where it is docked.

In our case, it has three stops: Laoag, Kaohsiung, and Hong Kong. At every stop, they offer various pre-arranged tours called Shorex (shore excursions). For example, in Laoag, you have a choice among Laoag City Tour, Paoay Sand Dunes, Vigan Heritage Tour, and a couple more.

Other routes will have their own shorex offers, of course.

Hong Kong Island Skyline

You can book a pre-arranged tour or do it on your own (DIY). It’s completely up to you.

  • If you book a shorex, you will be joining the rest of the cruise passengers who booked that tour. The great thing about it is that you have everything taken care of for you. You will have a tour guide and a few members of the crew will join the group. They will make sure you’re back at the port in time for sailing. Meals are also often included.
  • If you pull a DIY, you have complete control of your time and it’s going to be cheaper. However, make sure you’re back by the prescribed time because the ship will NOT wait for you.

Either way, you will be given a small sheet of paper upon disembarkation. READ IT, UNDERSTAND IT, KEEP IT. It will tell you what time you have to be back. It changes per stop. The boarding deadline in Taiwan is different from that in Hong Kong.

Room and Amenities

Balcony Room

There are four types of accommodations onboard, from the cheapest to the fanciest: Inside Room, Ocean View Room, Balcony Room, and Suite. On our first time, we stayed in an Inside Room; this time in a Balcony Room. In both occasions, the room was always regularly maintained, with multiple cleanups within the day. Complimentary bottles of water also replenish every day.

If you have enough budget for an Inside Room, go for it. Don’t drop the idea of cruising just because you can’t afford the best rooms. In my experience, we spent most of our time outside the room — going on shore excursions, pigging out at the restaurants, and exploring other amenities.

Speaking of amenities, here are some that you can enjoy for FREE:

  • Gym. We packed gym clothes but we failed to use them because we would already average 15,000 steps per day just by joining the shore excursions.
  • Pool. Located on Deck 12.
  • Casino. In case you’re interested. Deck 7.
Parthenon Pool
Duty Free onboard

There’s also Duty Free shops on Decks 7 and 8, and a small store selling chips, chocolates, and biscuits (including Filipino products) on Deck 12 just next to the bar.

Spend your evenings watching a show at the Lido Theater. Some of these performances can be enjoyed for free, while others incur additional charges, including the for-adults-only show.

Gala Night and Dinner

Happens on the fifth night. It’s an event that begins with a cocktail party at the Grand Piazza on Deck 7, where the captain introduces the senior members of the crew. There are also musical performances. Overflowing wine! Loved it!

The captain introducing the senior members of the team.
Gala Dinner at Genting Palace

At around 6pm, enjoy a full-course dinner at the Genting Palace as a pianist serenades you with the endless ocean in the background.

If you intend to join this, make sure you’re dressed for the occasion. Dress Code: Elegant Casual. No shorts and no open toed footwear. For guys, prepare a collared shirt or blazer.

Wifi

We know how important it is to you so we created a separate section for it.

Every passenger is given 1-hour complimentary internet access. If you need more, you’re gonna have to purchase a plan.

  • 24 hrs: HKS 116
  • 24 hrs (Social plan): HKD 54
  • Whole Cruise: HKD 505

Remember: you’re in the middle of the ocean, sharing the connection with the rest of the ship, so don’t expect lightning speeds, but it’s good enough for browsing, checking emails, social media, and even watching YouTube videos.

Staff

Filipina working at Samurai

What we love the most about the Superstar Virgo is that it feels like home because of the staff. There are a lot of Filipinos working onboard: from the reception to the restaurants to the room services. I’m pretty sure there are more in the non-guest-facing departments, too. And it’s always wonderful to get to talk with them. They are proud of their work!

The rest of the crew is warm, friendly, and always willing to help. You don’t even need to ask for assistance. If they see you looking like you need something (info, direction, whatever), they will be the first to approach you with a smile.

Checking Out

  • On the day before you arrive in Manila, you will be requested to proceed to Deck 12 for a health check. You will just be filling out a form and pass by a thermal imager.
  • Pack your stuff before hitting the sack on your last night because they will collect your check-in baggage early in the morning of your last day. You can leave the bag or suitcase outside your door and someone will pick it up.
  • Don’t forget to settle the bill before disembarking. Know that a gratuity of HKD110 PER NIGHT is charged to every guest (except infants below 2yo). HKD120 per guest staying in a suite.

I believe I’ve covered everything! Overall, it was a fantastic experience. Vins and I were kind of bummed that the Manila season would only last until May 28 because we wanted to do it again with our parents! Here’s hoping they’d return to the Philippines next year!

2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣7️⃣ • 5️⃣ • 3️⃣0️⃣


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Yosh Dimen
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prompto

We will be going this Monday. Availed the Seniors Sale which is a good price, I think. I just don’t like the fine print on the 100HKD fee. I’m thinking of passing up on the final Gala night, as I don’t plan on bringing along shoes and formal wear.. still thinking if we should check it out..

yoshke

Doesn’t need to be formal. Just make sure your shirt has collar. And closed shoes. :D The food is somewhat similar to the usual Genting Palace menu though. :) I was just there for the free wine. Haha

Iris Rivera

How about for women? Can’t we wear elegant open toed sandals? Thanks. Great article, by the way, very helpful!

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[…] For further reading check out this very informative blogpost by The Poor Traveler: SuperStar Virgo in Manila: Cruise Guide (What to Expect) […]

Hansua

Hi, kindly share the exact ports where you docked in Ilocos Norte, Taiwan and Hongkong. Thank you :)

Sasu Consulting

Thank you so much for the detailed (and helpful) information!

Lem D

Do you have a package rate for 5 people? One of the 5 would be a senior citizen, is there a special rate for senior citizens?

ZEITEH AINAH DE ARCE

hi maam can we chat on facebook? about the package of the cruise. add me ZEITEH AINAH DE ARCE

Mary

Is there a weight limit for the checked in luggage? How about hand carry luggage is it the same as in an airplane?thanks

virgie alano

hi! nice article and very helpful. i have the same question, do they have specific weight and measurement on the luggage? will it matter if a passenger brings in a small or big luggage as long as it’s 1 pc or is there a specified weight on the luggage to be taken in for free?

Jayne

Thanks for the infos. Will be cruising for the first time with the parentals. And were excited. Your blog is so helpful. Thanks again

Kristine Jimenez

Hi, did you ever find the rates for wifi? Thank you!

Cielo

Hi. Do you know if they will have a cruise for July?

Archie

What time is the best time to arrive at Manila port if the boat will leave at 5pm? Is there a check in and boarding time? Thanks for the useful information!

Angel

Hi! Ur blog is superrr helpful.. id like to ask Lang for the gala night, does it rally require evening gown?? We’re coming to the cruise this march Thankssss

Michelle

Hi! We’ll be traveling next month. I just want to ask how/where do we reserve seats in restaurants like Genting Palace and Pavilion? Thank you!

P.S. Does anyone know pano mode of transpo pag DIY trip sa Keelung and Ishigaki? Like malayo ba port sa city center and kung may mga taxis na near the ship?

Julia

Hi thanks for the infos. May I ask how much is the fee for the gala night? And is it buffet or fine dining?
Thanks

Belle

Thank you for this! it makes me excited to avail there cruise.
May I know what other charges I should expect that is not included in buying the ticket online?
One that you mentioned is the gratuity, but I also read that there are port charges and others but doesn’t have a figure so I cannot calculate the estimated budget :)

Did you pay anything else?

Thanks!

shine

Hi ,
This was very helpful. Regarding the gratuity, your blog says 100hkd which is much cheaper from what ive read from other blogs…. Other blogs said it was 500hkd…. Which is very expensive na… We will be travelling next month june 3 to 10. Can you help me in assuring how much really is the gratuity this year so that we can prepare…mahirap na kasi baka ma overspend kami sa pag labas namin sa hk and taiwan . Thank you so much and God bless you. Your blog really helped me naking our IT

Che

My fave travel blog site since forever! :)

For the shorex, which do you recommend, pre-arranged tour o DIY lang? We’ll be boarding this coming weekend na… :)

Thanks much!

Minnie

Hello,

This is such a very good and helpful post! :) I’m planning to treat my senior citizen parents for a trip like this but i really don’t have any idea if magkano magagastos? Would you be so kind to give me a range so alam ko kung ilan dapat ipunin ko :D and panu inaavail ung birthday promo in case? plan ko i-book sa birth month ng papa ko kase.

Thank you so much!

Jamboleo

Hi. thank you for the info. it is of big help for first timers.
may mga ilang questions lang ako, sana macover mo lahat.
thank you in advance…

1. iba ba yun check-in luggage sa hand carry na maleta style din? kasi sa plane, usually, bukod sa check-in luggage eh allowed na magdala ng hand carry ang passenger provided na susunod sa sukat na itinalaga. or pareho lang sila? plan kasi namin na magdala ng 1 big check in luggage and 1 smaller hand carry luggage for each fam member..

2. dapat bang colored ang pa-print mo ng bio page ng passport o ok na ang clear copy na b&w?

3. halimbawa, gusto namin lagi mag dine sa genting or pavilion.. need ba magpa reserve in advance for the whole 5 nights or pa reserve na lang each morning?
buffet ba sa mediterranean o set meal din like sa genting and pavilion?

4. should we still give tips (in hkd or php?) despite the gratuities?

5. even after having dined at genting or pavilion, can one still eat at mediterranean? in cases na, di maciadong nabusog or kung naging picky yung kid ko at di kinain yun food nya…

6. you mentioned, Every passenger is given 1-hour complimentary internet access… each day or for the whole stay?

7. me free maps ba na ibibigay sa ship ng mga ports na pupuntahan?

8. keri lang ba na bumalik agad sa barko pag short lang yun DIY na lakwatsa sa mga ports?

sowi kung sobrang daming tanong…ganun ka-ecited. hehe! super thank you in advance!

Jamboleo

thank you so much! hoping to bump into you in one of our travels. =)

Joey

Hi i would like to ask how did u pay for ur booking? Wla daw kasi cash payment online debit or credit card, is it safe? Thank u

John

Very little info on SSVirgo here in Australia so would appreciate your help.
1. Do they offer a drinks package on 5nt ex Manila and cost?
2. Do they have set dinner times, e.g. 6pm and 8pm or is it anytime dining and how do you make reservations?
3. Would very much like to attend the Gala Dinner. How do I book for this?.
Many thanks.

ces pe

just take hold of the Star Navigator…it will take you to the whole ship’s entertainment..and restaurant’s schedule…it is give in your doorstep just before retiring…enjoy the most of your stay…tour and tour around..it will get you there

ces pe

no limit as to baggage if you embark or disembark in MaNILA…I mean balikan..

John

Is it correct that if you dine in the restaurant you cannot then go up to the buffet for a bit more? Other lines have no such restriction but I have read that you will be charged on SuperStar Virgo.

Caleb

Hi may i know the ideal deck if we will be travelling with our 7 year-old son? What about for the senior citizens?

Christie

Do you know if there are any restrictions on bringing our own food like bread or chips, fruit? Just for snacking in our room. Thanks!

Vicencio Ang

I would like to seek your help i was booked and paid for a cruise for superstar virgo going to vietnam dec 24 -29 2018 my problem my passport is 6 months valid which is a problem i really dont know what happened on the process and booking stage i already send a copy of my passport before booking but now im having a problem on the validity of my passport staff of star cruise should counter double check everything before booking its a hassle for me! Hotline staff investigate on the matter it should be urgently but until now no reply yet

Shirley

Hi, If you missed ba iyong online shore excursion nila, will they offer on board shore excursion?
Wala na kasi when I check 3 days before. Were l
eaving on the 24th. Thanks

Patsy

Hi, We are considering Superstar Virgo/Explorer Dream around New Zealand Dec 2019. We do not have gratuities in our country, is it compulsory on this ship? We are a “no smoking” country, can we get inside cabins that do not smell of smoke? In other revues it says ship does not cater for ‘westerners’, now wondering if we should go on the ship.

Debbie

Hi po..
First time mag-c-cruise..
Magkano po ba lahat2(pati offshore ex. Di po DIY) ng gastos po pra makaprepare kami..
Balak ko kc cruise for honeymoon.

Jade

Hello po.
So you have a guude for planning a cruise ship tour around Europe?
Thanks

Jocelyn belaro

How much that is cost per person?do we need to pay advance before the cruise start?