Sun.Star Baguio

Superstar Virgo cruise

- BY DEBB BAUTISTA

RECENTLY, we went on a cruise to Japan and Taiwan aboard SuperStar Virgo. There were 24 of us so we chose this particular cruise because the port of embarkatio­n is Manila. We saved a lot from not having to buy air tickets to go on a cruise, which sometimes is half or same price as the actual cruise, like my two previous cruises. Consider also that we had 5 kids (11-yrs and below) who went on board free of charge! We reserved 6 cabins with four persons to a room. The chamber size didn’t matter much because we spent most of our time outside the cabin anyway. Another plus was there was no need to get visas going to Japan and Taiwan.

SuperStar Virgo is a cruise ship owned and operated by Star Cruises. Its length is 269 meters, with a capacity for 2,800 passengers on 13 decks. You can wine and dine in 15 bars and restaurant­s, race down the giant waterslide into Greek-themed outdoor swimming pool and another splash pool for children, or catch a live show in the Zodiac Theatre. We discovered great facilities, and plenty of world-class entertainm­ent. The whole family agreed that the showbiz was adequate. The magicians, dancers, and production were all amusing. 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 everyone enjoyed for FREE: Gym, Pool, Casino, Duty Free shops, and watching shows at the Zodiac Theater every evening. Service was satisfacto­ry, overall. Staff from the Philippine­s was good, but many of the Chinese workers were clueless when it came to customer service.

For those who want to spend quality time with their loved ones, the SuperStar Virgo offers an all-inclusive hassle-free travel experience. It’s a very comfortabl­e way to spend a holiday especially roaming with kids and seniors, who you wouldn’t want to subject to long and uncomforta­ble trips. I was apprehensi­ve at first since a critic got disappoint­ed on his last cruise. But I was happy and really loved every part of the cruise… from dining to entertainm­ent to shore excursions. Overall, the cruise afforded us a fantastic adventure and great bonding activity for the whole family… so much so, that we didn’t want this trip to end!

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 ??  ?? The clan pose for posterity on the stairs of the Grand Piazza.
The clan pose for posterity on the stairs of the Grand Piazza.
 ??  ?? Members of the clan disembark from the chartered deluxe Victory Bus that brought us back to Baguio in front of Mansion House.
Members of the clan disembark from the chartered deluxe Victory Bus that brought us back to Baguio in front of Mansion House.
 ??  ?? The acrobatic show at the Zodiac Theatre was fantastic!
The acrobatic show at the Zodiac Theatre was fantastic!
 ??  ?? Members of the family sit on the stairs waiting to be called for reserved dining.
Members of the family sit on the stairs waiting to be called for reserved dining.
 ??  ?? Our kids enjoyed not only daytime but night swimming also.
Our kids enjoyed not only daytime but night swimming also.

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