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I must say I completely forgot about this "transfer", so this one caught me by surprise!
Brgds.Ralph
I don't know what to expect of the interiors.....
[ 07-02-2007: Message edited by: Ernst ]
quote:Originally posted by JP:Can anyone translate the banner? It looks kind of like that one that the Golden Princess had while docked in Barcelona in 2003, saying something like "keep at least 50 meters away".
Yeah, Carnival has huge banners saying to keep 50 meters away 100% of the time, those make cruise ships look like tankers or something industrial. I think the banner here might be something else, like an ad type of thing.
quote:Originally posted by Carlos Fernandez:Yeah, Carnival has huge banners saying to keep 50 meters away 100% of the time, those make cruise ships look like tankers or something industrial. I think the banner here might be something else, like an ad type of thing.
If I remember correctly we only had them on while we were in U.S. ports. And I would assume that the one in the pic is probably an add and not security measure given it's position.
The ship certainly looks awful!
The banner is there because of the fact that she is debuting here in Hong Kong, and also for the 10th anniversary of returning to China. It is criticized as being similar to those of "Fa Lun Da Fa". It was changed to another some days later. One is a slogan meaning something like "Hello! Friends in Hong Kong" while the other means "Welcome President Hu!", who was in HK for the 10th anniversary activities.
I sailed the ship in Singapore well before her debut in Hong Kong, and will be aboard again for a 2-night cruise to Xiamen later this week. Pictures:
The top pool is now gone and replaced by a casino (the white structure)
The Stardust Lounge
The Skyline Karaoke, formerly the observatory; too bad the view is gone
Aquarius Lounge, with flashing lights
A lift lobby outside the Admiral Club
Blue Lagoon, a 24-hour eatery
Tai Pan, a members only restaurant
Dynasty Restaurant, a Chinese sit-down restaurant
There are no better description other than casino ship. She's sailing daily overnight cruises out of Hong Kong with two 2-night cruises to Xiamen or Haikou monthly.
All in all she is better described as "Asian style of deluxe", for some parts. Casinos are extremely bright while cabins and open deck remains a bit tired. The fact that she's disjointed is very annoying.
Sadly many lounges and bars are gone and turned into casino or karaoke. She is fine for 2-3 days, a bit tight for longer cruises. I would recommend SuperStar Virgo, Gemini or even Libra (ex-Norwegian Sea) if you are looking for a more relaxing cruise in Asia. They are more like real cruise ships.
If there is a particular spot aboard that you would like to see, let me know!
quote:Originally posted by Gundam X:... the other means "Welcome President Hu!"
Certainly doesn't look like anything to do with keeping 50 metres away, anyway!
As shown in the photo, the banner covers the window of the casino. The casino has no sea view at all since all the windows are blocked by thick curtain.
Hope they will detach the awful banners as soon as possible.
quote:Originally posted by Gundam X:The ship was in dock / drydock for 1 month in Singapore for refit. She left NCL in the mid or late April and debut under Star Cruises in Singapore on 11/6. In fact there were some work in progress when I was on one of her preview cruises in Singapore.
Thanks for the info. A very nicely done refit, IMO.
quote:Originally posted by Pascal:Thanks for the info. A very nicely done refit, IMO.
I agree - seems to be very adequate for an asian casino ship. The livery is not a problem for me (as said) - she is just not a very pretty ship - that's all.BTW - Thanks for the pictures.
So is she going to be a cruise ship, or a gambling/night club tybe vessel?
Having sailed both Aquarius and Libra (ex- N Sea) I would prefer Libra for longer cruises. Libra is still like a cruise ship.
theres hardly anything changed and yet you say its worse than before?? and the ship isn´t changed at all.
Aft pool deck: The only swimming pool aboard. Very tiny pool, awful shape, just like a large tub. But if you wish to relax in the jacuzzi after swimming, you have to walk up a few decks.
Spices Restaurant: I didn't try it last time. Like the Mariners, it is a buffet.
This is outside the entrance of the Genting Club, one of the VIP casino. The far end of this passageway is the Cigar Lounge. This space was formerly the Sports Bar and Grill.
I will be aboard again for her maiden Xiamen cruise on tomorrow. My last cruise aboard the ship was in Singapore when she was just a few days fresh from dock. Some work in progress still underway at that time.
[ 07-05-2007: Message edited by: Gundam X ]
Bon Voyage!
BTW - isn't it interesting how things develop? Weren't these ships a bit 'hip' when they were new? And look where they are now (and where they were during the last years) and where other ships built in 1993 are.
http://www.faktaomfartyg.se/windward_1993.htm
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