Enjoy high sea luxury aboard the 'SuperStar Virgo'

To introduce its newest and largest ship, the SuperStar Virgo, the Malaysian-based Star Cruises invited a group of journalists from Indonesia to take a four-day cruise aboard the ship. Hera Diani of The Jakarta Post filed this report.

SINGAPORE (JP): "Goooood evening, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome aboard the Superstar Virgo," cruise director Jason Marsh said in welcoming the passengers, who were gathered in The Lido auditorium.

"As you enter the ship, you say: 'Wow, it's so large! It's so luxurious!' And then you get into your cabin and say, 'Wow! It's sooo ... small!'" said the American crew member.

The passengers were laughing as Marsh continued: "Especially the bathroom! I'm warning you, don't flush while you're still sitting on the toilet, or you'll get a gigantic hickey!"

The audience again laughed.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we will visit Phuket and Langkawi islands. Make sure the camera is with you. Then, you can get a good shot of the ship from afar if you miss it!" Marsh said before breaking into song, in Mandarin.

A funny guy, the cruise director. It was on the first day of the four-day, three-night cruise that Marsh put on his comedy routine.

He was though correct, though, about the cabin. Unless you are staying in a suite or balcony room, don't expect to practice your yoga, as the average room only as big as a king-sized bed.

The bathroom is divided into three small spaces -- a shower, which only has room for one person, so you will have to bathe alone, a basin and toilet.

But the rooms are cute and neat, and besides, with all the fun activities and facilities on the ship, who wants to stay in their cabin except to sleep?

Four days is not enough time explore all of the excitement and entertainment on board the ship. The Superstar Virgo is the newest and largest megaship in Asia Pacific. It measures 76,800 gross tons, 268 meters in length and 32.2 meters in width, has a lower-berth capacity of 2,000 passengers and 13 decks.

It's a big ship; a big ship that won't come and pick you up in Indonesia. You will have to go to Singapore to catch the boat.

Upon stepping aboard the ship, you will be struck by the colorful Grand Piazza lobby and reception area on the 7th deck, which have a rich Italian feel with a back-lit illuminated glass dome.

Three golden stallions guard the steps that lead to the three glass-bubble elevators. All of the areas of the ship are designed around different themes.

While onboard, you can forget about your diet because the ship has 11 restaurants, which feature a scrumptious variety of food: Indian, Japanese, Chinese, Italian and much more.

Each restaurant has comfortable and arty decor and interiors. Many are located on the deck, allowing you to dine while enjoying the warmth of the sun and the refreshing sea breeze.

If you are Muslim, no worries, because there is a halal section in the main kitchen.

Seeking entertainment? There is a discotheque, karaoke and pub, lounge and auditorium with regular shows that feature the likes of acrobatics and, yes, beautiful topless dancers.

There are also areas to play a variety of sports and to have a sauna, steam or massage. Plus, there is a library and writing room, as well as shops.

If you go on the four-day cruise, you will get a glimpse of Phuket, Thailand.

Here, you can watch a hilarious transvestite show called Simon Cabaret (careful though, while you're taking pictures with them, they can get into your wallet!), enjoy Thai food and do some shopping.

But you'll be better off shopping on Langkawi island, Malaysia, which is full of duty free shops.

The SuperStar Virgo also offers a six-day cruise to Phuket, Langkawi, Singapore, Port Dickson and Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang); and a three-day cruise to Singapore, Port Dickson, Port Klang and back to Singapore.

The cruises are apparently quite popular among Indonesians, who made up some 10 percent of the ship's passengers on this particular voyage.

Among the passengers was Husin Nurtanio N., a 60-something businessman from Jakarta who was on vacation with his family.

"It is the first time I have been on a cruise, and I'm having a blast," he told The Jakarta Post.

Husin said he had always been interested in taking a cruise, and when the advertisement for this ship he immediately made a reservation.

"I like the feeling that I'm really away from the 'real world', with all of the luxury, great services and facilities here," he said, adding that the price was also relatively cheap.

For a three-day cruise aboard the SuperStar Virgo the price is S$269 (US$151), while a four-day cruise costs S$429 (US$241).

According to Star Cruises' director of marketing communications, Cindy Hwang, Indonesians were a priority target.

"Last year, we succeeded in drawing some 20,000 Indonesians. This year, we're hoping for 30,000 Indonesian passengers," she said.

When asked about the possibility of cruises to Indonesia, Cindy said the company had considered it.

"It's more of a technical problem. You see, we don't just choose any port. We choose those that have the infrastructure and facilities to accommodate the ship and thousands of passengers," she said.

While cruising around on this beautiful ship, you will meet passengers from around the world. Beautiful women and handsome men are not too difficult to find, such as a Jordanian who bore a remarkable resemblance to George Clooney.

"It's a very lovely ship, isn't it?" he said, smiling.

Indeed. Are you single ... errr ... having a good time?

"Definitely. After this cruise, my WIFE and I plan to visit again. We're on our honeymoon," he added, as his beautiful wife approached.

I see, bye.