(3.5)
Star Cruises is best known for its Far Eastern itineraries, which -- because it's a Kuala Lumpur-based line and big in the local markets -- provide the most authentic Asian voyage experience. Onboard SuperStar Libra, there are "real McCoy" touches like tatami rooms, sushi bars and Chinese, Japanese and even Indian restaurants.
The ship offers short cruises (one to three nights) from Penang, Malaysia to ports in Thailand. And while certainly not the newest or most glamorous cruise ship in the region, SuperStar Libra has a quirky charm all of its own.
There are several reasons for this, which will become obvious as this review progresses, but the main one is that the ship's largely Asian crew are simply superb -- friendly, sweet-natured, efficient and very attentive.
Indeed, some of our fellow passengers loved the crew so much they were in tears saying goodbye to them as the cruise ended. That's heartfelt praise indeed.
SuperStar Libra Fellow Passengers
Though this ship is marketed primarily to Asian passengers, the official onboard language is English, so North Americans, Brits, Australians and others fluent in the King's tongue are accommodated beautifully.
SuperStar Libra Dress Code
Passengers dress respectably for dinner, but don't tend to go over the top with sequins and tuxedos. By day, casual is fine and the ship is very relaxed, but sunbathers are asked to cover up before going into The Saffron for lunch or tea.
SuperStar Libra Gratuity
Star Cruises operates a "no tipping" policy, but the staff are so lovely some passengers break the rules.
--by Maria Harding, Cruise Critic's England-based correspondent, who also writes for The Times of London and The Daily Telegraph.
Photo courtesy of Star Cruises.
The cruise departs Penang calling at Krabi and Phuket and then returns to Penang. We took a junior suite for the trip and although not the cheapest option you get what you pay for and in this case it was first class service throughout the trip. From ... continue |
This was our 10th cruise...first cruise in Asia. The only cruiseline with an embarkation port anywhere in Taiwan is Star Cruiseline, hence, our choice to sail on the Superstar Libra. This is a very old (entered service in 1988) and very small ship ... continue |
Dear Star Cruises,
I had wished that you would have showed a little more integrity in your advertising and marketing to your Australian market prior to booking this cruise. Being an experienced cruiser and being it was over the New Years ...continue |
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