Soon you will be onboard your dream vacation. We hope this Comprehensive Online Guide to Cruising will help equip you for your journey and answer most of your questions.
If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
We look forward to having you onboard!
Nautical Notes
Documents To Bring Along
Before You Go
Check-In
Embarkation Time
Accommodation
Access Card And Its Privileges
Facilities Onboard
Safety Onboard
What Else Do I Need To Know About My Cruise?
Nautical Notes
Congratulations for cruising with Star Cruises!
Cruise with the third largest cruise line in the world and "The Leading Cruise Line in Asia-Pacific" to enjoy a most pleasurable voyage. Our award-winning fleet offers the best services onboard with the highest crew-to-cabin ratio reflecting the high standards of the warm Asian hospitality industry in Asia-Pacific.
Your safety, health and well-being are our top priorities. Having one of the most modern fleets, our ships boast the latest in navigational and fire control systems which meet international maritime standards. Our Captains and Officers are from Scandinavia, a region renowned for its fine seamanship and centuries-old maritime tradition.
Some nautical terms you need to know:
Starboard Side : Right side of the ship when facing forward
Port Side : Left side of the ship when facing forward
Amidships : The central area of the ship
Forward : The forward area of the ship
Aft : The rear area of the ship
Knots : The speed of the ship
(1 knot is equivalent to 1.8km/h)
Underway : When the ship is moving, it is underway
Ship’s Colour : Flag of the Country of Registration of the ship (E.g. Panama)
Documents To Bring Along
For cruises with international destinations, you will need an international passport with a minimum validity of six months while for domestic routes, a government recognised photo identity card is required. For all destinations cruise, international passport with work permit / employment pass / student pass / immigration card is required.
Your passport / government recognised photo identity card should be submitted during check-in and will be returned to you upon check-out, so that we may process your documents quickly through immigration at each port (Any child whose travelling document is attached to the parent’s passport must travel with the parent). For domestic routes, the child’s original birth certificate is required. For details on visa regulations, please consult your travel agent. Passengers without proper documentation will be denied boarding. Please ensure that you bring your Cruise Ticket or Confirmation Slip and Passage Contract with you to embark the ship. Passengers have to ensure that they bring along their international passport, original birth certificate and Confirmation Slip in exchange for their access cards to embark the vessel.
Before You Go
PASSAGE RESTRICTIONS
Passage for a pregnant woman will only be permitted before her 24th week of pregnancy at the time of sailing.
VACCINATION
At the current time, no vaccinations are compulsory for any Star Cruises destination. However, passengers may wish to consult their doctor to make sure their immunisation records are up-todate or if any further vaccinations are required in those countries that are in their cruise itinerary.
Check-In
*Procedure varies from vessel to vessel.
YOU CAN CHECK-IN FOR YOUR FAMILY, RELATIVES AND FRIENDS
If you are travelling with family, relatives and friends, you can check-in for all of them and avoid the inconvenience of everyone queuing. However, you must have all their passports and proper travel documents ready.
CHECK-IN AREAS
As you approach the check-in counters, there will be three entrances:
Admiral Class with yellow carpet, Balcony Class* with the red carpet and World Cruisers with a blue carpet. Please have your Confirmation Slip ready as we will direct you to the correct entrance.
For Admiral Class passengers, the Guest Services Co-ordinator will meet and assist you with the check-in. For Balcony Class* passengers, we recommend that you queue with your family, relatives and friends if all of you are travelling on Balcony Class to enable immediate embarkation after checkin. This saves you from queuing with the crowd.
For World Cruisers, only one in the group should do the check-in. If you are booked on Balcony Class*, and your family, relatives and friends are World Cruisers, you cannot check-in for them and neither will they have priority check-in nor boarding.
*Note : Balcony Class category is available on SuperStar Virgo only.
THE CHECK-IN PROCESS
As you queue, one of our officers will check your passport for validity and visa (if required) as a pre-check-in procedure to expedite the check-in process. If there are problems with your documents, we will direct you to a special counter. Once you have been checked-in you will need to pass through passenger and baggage screening. A search may be conducted if necessary.
Hand over your passport and the Confirmation Slip when
directed to a counter. We will locate your reservation and hand you your Access Card. Your Access Card is part of a highly computerised system, which combines all the features of a boarding pass, stateroom key, charge card and your privileges onboard in accordance to standardisation.
Admiral Class passengers will be issued with Yellow Access Cards while Balcony Class passengers will receive Red Access Cards. World Cruisers will be issued with Blue Access Cards.
PASSPORTS AND IMMIGRATION
Ensure that all your travel documents are up-to-date before your travel. Your passport must have at least a minimum of 6 months validity from your sailing date. You are also responsible for securing the necessary visas for the countries the ship will visit in your chosen itinerary.
When cruising, we will keep your passport (where applicable) as it will be processed by immigration authorities in the countries that we are visiting. The passports will be returned to you on the day you complete your cruise.
Have the relevant immigration forms completed together with your passport during check-in.
FOR SHIPS SAILING INTO MALAYSIA
For passengers wishing to disembark in a Malaysian port, the immigration may require you to fill in the Currency Declaration Form. You can hand in the completed form to either our Embarkation or Front Office personnel before disembarkation (The form can be obtained from the Embarkation Office onboard the vessel).
Embarkation Time
BOARDING
If you have checked-in early, please enjoy the view of the beautiful harbour. We will announce when the ship is ready for boarding. Please queue and avoid crowding the boarding entrance. There will be a security check and luggage screening prior to boarding the ship. Passengers are also required to produce their Access Cards to the personnel on duty. Those cruising with children may hold their Access Cards on their behalf.
LINKWAY
Kindly present your travel documents for checking at the Passport Control Point. Your travel documents will be collected by our ship crew before entering the ship for safekeeping and immigration clearance at the next port of call.
Please note that embarkation procedures may change from time to time and from port to port.
Our photographer will stand by to take a picture of you with our performers and mascot. These photographs will be displayed at a designated location onboard and will be for sale.
To access the ship, where applicable Admiral Class passengers with Yellow Access Card should follow the yellow carpet.
Balcony Class passengers with Red Access Card should follow the red carpet. World Cruisers passengers with Blue Access Card should follow the blue carpet.
Kindly follow the directions of the crew, as they will be guiding you on the shortest way to embark the ship and to your cabin.
EMBARKING THE SHIP
On entering the vessel, you will see our crew with computers and card readers. Please hand your Access Card to the crew who will insert it into the card reader to ‘encode’ your cabin details and record that you are onboard. Please do not walk through without ‘encoding’ as you will not be able to gain access to your cabin.
DISEMBARKING DURING YOUR CRUISE
There may be some documentation that you will be required to fill in to enable you to disembark at some ports of call. We will hand out these documents as necessary. If you encounter any difficulty in filling in the forms, our crew will be happy to assist you.
DISEMBARKATION / EMBARKATION AT PORTS
Whenever you leave or enter the ship, you will need to have your Access Card ready so that we can ‘swipe’ the Access Card and the computer will record whether you have left or returned to the ship.
WHEN DO I COLLECT MY PASSPORT ?
At the end of the cruise, please show your Access Card to collect your Passport / government recognised photo identity card. If you want to collect passports for your family and friends, you need to have their Access Cards. Children who have their own passport or identification document and who cannot sign must be accompanied by their guardian / parents.
Details of collection time and venue will be printed in the Star Navigator found in every cabin or at the Reception. Please refer for details.
Accommodation
Your cabin will be your room for the cruise period. A notice on the back of the cabin door will direct you to a specific Muster Station. This Muster Station is an assembly point during an emergency. Your Muster Station will also be printed on your Access Card. At the start of every cruise the Captain will call for an evacuation drill. It is highly recommended that you follow all instructions so you will know what to do in the unlikely event of an emergency.
SUITE
You will enjoy priority check-in at specially dedicated counters and you will be escorted to the vessel and suite by our Guest Services crew member or other senior member of the crew. Your baggage will also be sent directly to the cabin by the Concierge.
STATEROOM
There will be crew members who will direct you to your stateroom. On arrival, insert the Access Card in the direction of the arrow to unlock the stateroom door. If your stateroom door does not unlock the first time, try again by inserting your Access Card in and taking it out slowly.
If this still fails to unlock the door, please proceed to the Reception and request for assistance.
Access Card And Its Privileges
SIGN YOUR ACCESS CARD IMMEDIATELY
Upon receipt of your Access Card, you should sign it immediately like any credit card.
CASHLESS SYSTEM
You will be able to use this card onboard when you patronise any of our food and beverage and service outlets. No cash will be accepted in any of our outlets.
Remember! Your Access Card is also your charge card and boarding pass all-in-one onboard our vessels. So please ensure that you sign your name at the back of the card as a verification for us and present it to our Service crew when you want to settle your bill. There is an initial credit limit for your Access Card.
To enjoy a higher credit limit, present your credit card for verification at the Reception. We accept major credit cards (VISA / Master / JCB / AMEX / Diners) with a specified floor limit.
CHILDREN’S CREDIT BARRING
Should you not want your children to be able to charge purchases to your account or should you want to limit the amount they can charge, you must present their Access Cards to the Reception for re-encoding. Otherwise, your children may sign for any facilities or purchases and you will be liable for those charges.
IF YOU LOSE YOUR ACCESS CARD
If you lose your Access Card, you must immediately report it to the Reception, otherwise other people may use it and you will be liable for their charges. We will issue you with a new Access Card and invalidate the previous one. Therefore, keep your Access Card securely with you at all times and treat it like any other identification or credit cards.
Facilities Onboard
CHILD CARE / CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES*
Our Child Care Centre is thoughtfully furnished with every child’s and parent’s dream. Complete with a nursery, sleep and rest area, Computer World, cinema and play area, kids will have a great time while under our supervision. Hourly charges apply. A baby-sitting service is also available at a nominal charge. If your kids are old enough to look after themselves, we have plenty of facilities and activities to keep them occupied and entertained. Please check with the respective Child Care Centre for detailed programmes.
* Facilities vary from vessel to vessel.
DINING
All meals are included during the cruise at the main dining restaurants or you may dine at our alternative restaurants at a moderate charge. You are requested to bring along your Access Card when entering any restaurant for verification purposes.
Our restaurants have ample seating to accommodate all passengers over the dining periods. However, to avoid any congestion, you may wish to eat earlier or later during the meal period.
ELECTRICAL OUTLETS
Power outlets in the cabins provide 110V or 220V power. Both 2-pin and 3-pin sockets are provided. Bathroom power points provide both 110V and 220V power. Travel adaptors are available from Housekeeping.
* Power outlets vary from vessel to vessel.
ENTERTAINMENT
A wide spectrum of entertainment which includes exciting live cabaret shows, discotheques, karaoke and card rooms, video games, organised activities and deck games are available onboard.
GALA DINNER
Passengers are advised to book early for their gala dinner seating in their choice of restaurant to avoid disappointment.
* Availability varies from vessel to vessel.
MEDICAL FACILITIES
In the event of minor accidents, inconveniences and emergencies while at sea, there is a fully qualified physician and a team of nurses onboard to assist. The clinic is open daily at posted hours.
Emergency medical attention is available around the clock by contacting the Reception. Basic medicine with your doctor’s prescription are also available.
STAR NAVIGATOR
Star Navigator is an onboard daily programme that walks you through entertainment, dining and other activities that will make your cruise interesting. For those who love music, you will be entertained by our musicians throughout the cruise. Enjoy dancing to great music that plays late into the night. Purchase a shore excursion package and have a great time on land.
SWIMMING POOL
For safety reasons, please do not leave your child unattended. Since there is no lifeguard on duty, passengers are advised to take additional precautions while swimming. Towels are provided at the poolside. Please do not take the towels from your cabin to the pools. Use of the swimming pools and Jacuzzis are for adults and teenagers over the age of 12 years only. There are also children’s swimming pools and Jacuzzis on certain vessels. All users of the pools and Jacuzzis must wear proper swimming attire.
TAKING PICTURES
Walk around the promenade. It is one of the best places to be during departure and arrival. You should go to Deck 7 Viewpoint (SuperStar Virgo only) at the bow (front) of the ship to take pictures with your loved ones. You can do so only before the ship sails, otherwise the door is locked for safety reasons. You can also visit the Viewpoint one hour after arrival in a port. The door is closed one hour before departure.
USE OF ELEVATORS AND STAIRCASES
Remember that as up to 2,000 passengers may be boarding at the same time, it is advisable to use the staircase if you stay two decks above or below the deck you are on. Kindly give priority to the elderly, physically challenged, pregnant women and the young ones to use the lifts.
Passenger lifts may be less congested after departure but it is advisable to use the stairs to walk two decks up or down to avoid any unnecessary congestion.
WATER
The water onboard is perfectly safe for drinking. Hot water can be delivered to your stateroom by Housekeeping at your request. During shore visits, however, it is wise to avoid consuming tap water or drinks with ice from street vendors.
Safety Onboard
To ensure your utmost safety on our cruise, you must attend an emergency drill on your first day of sailing. It will help you to become familiar with your Muster Station or Assembly Station location and the lifeboats. You will also be shown how to wear your life jacket, so that in the unlikely event of an emergency, you will be fully prepared. Each cabin has its own complement of life jackets as well.
Passengers are not allowed to bring heating elements, hotplates or electric irons onboard.
What Else Do I Need To Know About My Cruise?
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Baggage Assistance
Should you require assistance to unload your baggage from the ship, please leave your baggage outside your cabin door as advised in the disembarkation notice which will be placed in your cabin. Make sure your name is clearly visible on the luggage tag. We will tag your bag, which will be delivered to the luggage collection area of the respective port of disembarkation.
Bringing Your Own Beverage
There is a nominal corkage charge if you bring your own alcoholic beverage to any of the dining outlets.
*Policy varies from vessel to vessel.
Clothing
Onboard, smart casual attire is suitable for most occasions. For your dining pleasure as well as for other guests, elegant casual attire is required during dinner at fine dining restaurants such as Bella Vista onboard SuperStar Virgo. However, a lounge suit or jacket and tie for men, and an evening dress for ladies, are recommended on gala nights. For shore visits, it is casual wear. (N.B. Skimpy beachwear is inappropriate in Muslim countries). Comfortable walking shoes or sandals are a must (but remember to remove them at the door if you are visiting temples). Of course, a swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen lotion, and a beach towel are staple items. Bring sportswear or gym gear if you are planning to play golf, tennis or workout.
Conduct
The Captain reserves the right to evict passengers from the ship in cases where their conduct affects the safety and comfort of other passengers. In these instances, Star Cruises accepts no liability or other expenses incurred by these passengers. When returning to your cabin late at night, please be considerate of others who may have retired early and do not allow your children to run up and down the cabin corridors.
Currencies
Most foreign currencies are accepted onboard at prevailing exchange rates. The onboard currency will be that of the country where the ship is based (E.g. Singapore dollars for cruises out of Singapore, Hong Kong dollars for cruises out of Hong Kong). Most major credit cards (Amex / Visa / Diners / Masters / JCB) are accepted, along with travellers cheques, but not personal cheques.
Disembarkation
Our experience shows that we can disembark 2,000 passengers in under 45 minutes. We have allocated one hour and therefore you have plenty of time to disembark. Our advice is to stay onboard for at least half an hour to avoid the rush. You will be requested to vacate your cabin to enable us to prepare for embarking guests. However, take a seat in the lounge to enjoy the view.
Facilities for the Physically Challenged
Most areas onboard our vessels are accessible to the physically challenged. We also have cabins especially for the physically challenged, with wider doorways and larger bathrooms with grab bars and folding shower seats. The ship also provides wheelchairs for emergency purposes.
Beauty Services and Health Club
There is a professional hair and beauty salon onboard. Besides hairdressing services, beauty treatments such as facial, manicures, pedicures and massages are available. Check with them for the rates. Reservations are required.
Languages Onboard
Our multi-lingual crew hail from over 26 nations and all of them speak English. But you will almost certainly find someone who will be more than happy to chat with you in your own language.
Laundry
We offer complete laundry and valet services at a nominal charge.
Luggage
For your comfort and convenience, we recommend that each passenger take no more than one suitcase and one hand baggage. These must fit comfortably in your cabin as no baggage will be stored in the ship’s hold. Your total baggage weight should not be more than 30kg.
Check-in baggage will be delivered to the respective cabins no later than 60 minutes after sailing. Passengers who do not receive the luggage by this time may contact the Concierge onboard.
Room Service
Continental breakfast and snacks are available throughout the day at nominal charges.
*Cabin Service varies from vessel to vessel.
Safe Deposit Box
Safe deposit boxes are available free of charge in some cabins and at the Reception.
Settling Your Bill / Star Express Check-Out
You are advised to settle your bill on the night prior to your departure to expedite disembarkation. In any event, you are encouraged to settle your account three hours before disembarkation. Alternatively, you may opt for the hassle-free "Star Express Check-out". All you need to do is to complete the necessary forms and submit them to the Reception during the cruise. Cruisers are encouraged to use this facility for a hasslefree disembarkation.
Shopping Onboard
You can purchase most things, from luxury duty-free items and souvenirs to daily necessities like sunscreen and toiletries. Here are some of the outlets to choose from:
(Outlets vary from vessel to vessel)
* Ports O’Call
This is a drugstore and souvenir shop.
* Star Boutique
Offers passengers a selection of accessories, souvenirs, gifts, and duty free items. You will find goods like perfumes, liquor and cigarettes competitively priced. Buying onboard also saves you the hassle of shopping onshore.
* The Gallery / Celebrity Photo
Passengers can view all their professionally taken photographs upon arrival and throughout the cruise, without any obligation to purchase them. Passengers may also develop their film here for a small fee.
Shore Excursions
The friendly crew at the Reception or our Shore Excursion Counter will be happy to explain the different options available at each port of call. You can join one of our arranged guided tours or go free and easy on your own. Tour numbers are limited and pre-booking helps prevent disappointment.
Smoking Onboard
Smoking is permitted on open decks and at designated public areas only.
Telephone Calls / Facsimile / E-mail
There is a charge for using the satellite network for telephone and facsimile services or e-mail. You may call from the Reception or dial direct from your cabin. There are instructions in all cabins. Alternatively, you may contact our operator for assistance.
Tipping
Your smile is the most valuable return you can give our friendly crew. We have a ‘No Tipping’ policy onboard.
Wake-Up Call
Please contact our operator to arrange for a wake-up call.
What’s Included In My Cruise Fare?
Just about everything - your accommodation, meals in designated outlets, entertainment, ocean transportation, and many onboard activities are all part of the fare.
What’s Not Included In My Cruise Fare?
Optional shore excursions, alternative dining, selected shows / entertainment, items of personal nature such as beverages, telephone calls, facsimile or e-mail services, shop purchases, laundry, beauty treatment, hairdressing and massage services, medical services, port charges, fuel charges, insurance, government taxes and fees are not included in the fare.
At The End Of The Cruise
At the end of your cruise, please complete our Guest Feedback Form. We take all comments seriously and use this to improve our services and also commend our crew.
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