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Guiding Your Cruise ::
Your Comprehensive Guide To
Cruising |
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Soon you will be on board your dream vacation. We hope this
Comprehensive Online Guide to Cruising will help equip you for
your journey and answer most of your questions.
NAUTICAL NOTES
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For cruising, you'll get to enjoy a most pleasurable voyage. Our
award-winning fleet offers the best services aboard afloat with the
highest crew-to-passenger ratio reflecting the high standards of the
hospitality industry in Asia-Pacific.
Your safety, health and well being are our top priorities. Having one of
the youngest and most modern fleets, our ships boast the latest
navigational control and fire system that meet international maritime
standards. |
Some nautical terms you need to know
Starboard Side : Right side of the ship facing forward
Port Side : Left side of the ship 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 1.8kmh)
Underway : When the ship is moving, it is underway
Ship's Colour : Flag of the Country of Register of the ship (Panama)
DOCUMENTS TO BRING ALONG
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You will need your international passport. Make sure it has a minimum of
six months validity. Your passport will be submitted during check-in and
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 details on visa regulations, please consult your travel
agent. Passengers without proper documentation will be denied boarding.
Please make sure you bring your cruise ticket or confirmation slip and
passage contract with you to embark the ship.
BEFORE YOU GO
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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 A A
Travel Wings Pvt. Ltd. destinations. However, passengers may wish
to consult their doctor to make sure their immunisation records are
up-to-date or if any further vaccinations are required.
ADMIRAL CLASS, BALCONY CLASS OR WORLD CRUISERS ?
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Admiral Class passengers will enjoy spacious and luxuriously appointed
suites replete with a jacuzzi and private balcony. Cruisers will gain
instant VVIP recognition and experience exclusive privileges which
include priority check-in, passport collection and disembarkation at all
ports. Admiral Class passengers will also enjoy priority reservations
for outlets serving a la carte meals, land tours and shows.
If you are a full-fare paying passenger in an Ocean View Stateroom with
Balcony, you are cruising on Balcony Class. Balcony Class passengers
will enjoy priority check-in, passport collection and disembarkation.
If you are booked on other categories or upgraded to a balcony cabin,
you are a World Cruiser.
CHECKING IN
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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 instead of the inconvenience of everyone
queuing. However, you must have all their passports and proper travel
documents. Otherwise you will have to rejoin the queue at the back.
CHECK-IN AREAS
As you approach the check-in counters, there are three entrances:
Balcony Class on the left with the red carpet and World Cruisers on the
right with a blue carpet. Admiral Class passengers will follow the
yellow carpet. Please have your confirmation notice from your travel
agent ready as we will direct you to the correct entrance.
Admiral Class passengers will be given priority check-in, and be
assisted and escorted to the vessel by the Guest Services Manager (or
Assistant) or a senior member of the ship's crew.
For Balcony Class, we recommend you to queue with your family, relatives
and friends if all of you are travelling on Balcony Class as you will
board as soon as you have checked in. 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 they will
not have priority check-in or boarding.
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 that will attend to you.
Hand over your passport and the confirmation notice from your agent 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 features of a boarding pass, stateroom key, charge
card and your privileges on board.
Admiral Class passengers will be issued with Yellow Access Cards while
Balcony Class cruise passengers will receive Red Access Cards. World
Cruisers will be issued with Blue Access Cards.
PASSPORTS, IMMIGRATION
We will keep your passport as it will be processed by immigration
authorities in the countries that we are visiting, and you do not need
to queue like in airports. 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.
EMBARKATION TIME
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BOARDING
If you have checked-in early, please enjoy the view of the beautiful
harbour. We will announce when we are ready to board. Please queue and
avoid crowding the boarding entrance. Our experience shows we can embark
all passengers in about an hour and we have 2 hours to do so.
LINKWAY
When you board, you will enter the linkway and there will be an
X-ray machine to screen your luggage and a security check. Each cruise
passenger should show his/her own Access Card like boarding an aircraft.
If you have children, you may hold their Access Cards on their behalf.
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 stateroom.
EMBARKING THE SHIP
On entering the vessel, you will see a number of 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 stateroom details
and record you are on board. Please do not walk through without
"encoding" as you will not be able to access your stateroom.
DISEMBARKING DURING YOUR CRUISE
There is some documentation that you will be required to fill in to
enable you to disembark at a few ports of call. If you encounter any
difficulty in filling in the forms, our staff 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 so that we can "swipe" the Access Card and the computer will
know whether you have left or returned to the ship.
WHEN DO I COLLECT MY PASSPORT?
At the end of the cruise, you will collect your passport by showing
your Access Card. If you want to collect passports for your family and
friends, you have to have their Access Cards. Children who have their
own passport or identification and who cannot sign must be with their
parents.
Details of collection time and venue will be printed in the Star
Navigator found in every cabin or at the Front Office. Please refer for
details.
ACCOMMODATION
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SUITE
You will enjoy priority check-in at specially dedicated counters and
you will be escorted to the vessel and stateroom by the Guest Services
Manager (or Assistant). Your baggage will also be transported directly
to the cabin by the Concierge.
STATEROOM
There will be staff who will show you to your stateroom. On arrival,
insert the card in the direction of the arrow to enter your stateroom.
If your stateroom door does not open the first time, try again by
putting your card in and taking it out slower. If this still fails to
open your door, please proceed to the Reception Desk.
ACCESS CARD AND ITS PRIVILEGES
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SIGN YOUR ACCESS CARD IMMEDIATELY
At the back of your Access Card, you should sign immediately like
any credit card.
CASHLESS SYSTEM
You will be able to enjoy signing facilities on board when you
patronise any of our food and beverage and service outlets. No cash will
be accepted in any of our outlets. Cash, credit card and cabin charge
are accepted in our Ports O' Call Shops. Remember! Your stateroom key
card is also your charge card, your access card and your boarding pass
all in one on board our vessels. So please make sure that you sign at
the back of the card as a verification for us and present it to our
Service Staff when you want to settle your bill. There is an initial
credit limit for your Access Card.
To enjoy a higher credit limit, you can go to our Reception Desk and
present your credit card for verification. 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 stateroom or should you want to limit the amount they can charge,
you must present their stateroom key card to the Reception Desk for
re-encoding. Otherwise, your children may sign for any facilities or
purchases and you will be liable for those charges. All passengers are
advised to carry along their stateroom keys when entering all
restaurants for verification purposes if necessary.
IF YOU LOSE YOUR ACCESS CARD
If you lose your Access Card, you must immediately go to the
Reception Desk, otherwise other people may use it and you are liable for
their charges. We will issue you with another card and invalidate the
previous one. Therefore keep your Access Card securely with you like
other identification or credit cards.
FACILITIES ON BOARD
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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 advised to carry along your Access Card when
entering all restaurants for verification purposes if necessary.
Balcony Class passengers with a Red Access Card (stateroom key) can dine
at selected restaurants and may also enjoy set meals as well as a la
carte menus which are available at a moderate charge except during the
Gala Dinner.
Admiral Class passengers can enjoy all of the above privileges for
Balcony Class and World Cruisers and on top of that, priority
reservation for meals and private invitation to the Captain's table.
Please note that at selected restaurants, you may be required to produce
your Access Cards (stateroom keys). At selected restaurants on certain
vessels, passengers can eat at all times.
All our restaurants have ample seating to accommodate all passengers
over the dining periods.
A LA CARTE RESTAURANTS
For World Cruisers, you can also enjoy our a la carte restaurants
that serve a variety of meals at a reasonable price.
Balcony Class passengers may use their Red Access Card* (that feature a
Dining Credit facility) to enjoy meals offered at a la carte restaurants
(excludes dining at Captain's Gala Dinner).
Admiral Class passengers may use their Yellow Access Card* to enjoy
similar beneSeriess including priority reservations.
*Red and Yellow Access Cards feature Dining Credit which vary in amount
according to cruise duration and departure dates.
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 and Play Area, kids will have a great time while under
our supervision. 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 respective Child-Care Centres for
detailed programmes.
ELECTRICAL OUTLETS
Power outlets in the staterooms provide 220V power. Both 2- pin and
3-pin sockets are provided. Bathroom power points provide both 110V and
220V. Travel adaptors are available from Housekeeping.
ENTERTAINMENT
A wide spectrum of entertainment can be found in exciting
live/cabaret shows, discotheques, karaoke and cardrooms.
GALA DINNER
Please note that the dress code for this event is elegant casual.
MEDICAL FACILITIES
In the event of minor accidents, inconveniences and emergencies
while at sea, the ship carries a fully qualified physician and a team of
nurses to assist. The Clinic is open daily at posted hours. Emergency
medical attention is available around the clock by contacting the
Concierge. Basic medicines with your doctor's prescription are also
available.
STAR NAVIGATOR
Star Navigator navigates you through entertainment, dining and other
activities that will make your cruise interesting. For those who love
music, it is always on throughout the ship. The Galaxy of the Stars is
great for dancing with a live band that plays late into the night. Buy a
shore excursion and be one of the first to disembark at the port.
SWIMMING POOL
For safety reasons, please don't leave your child unattended. Towels
are provided at the poolside. Please do not take the towels from your
stateroom to the pools. Use of the swimming pool and jacuzzis is for
adults and teens over the age of 12 years old only. On certain vessels,
there is also children's swimming pool. All users of the pools and
jacuzzis must wear proper
bathing attire.
TAKE A PICTURE LIKE THE MOVIE "TITANIC"
Walk around the promenade. It is one of the best places to be during
departure and arrival. You should go to the Deck 7 Viewpoint (SuperStar
Virgo only) at the bow (front) of the ship to take pictures with your
spouse or partner like the movie "Titanic". You can do so only before
the ship sails, otherwise the door is locked for safety reasons. You can
visit the Viewpoint one hour after arrival in a port and the door is
closed one hour before departure.
USE OF LIFTS AND STAIRS
Remember that as up to 2000 passengers are boarding at the same
time, it is advisable to use the stairs if you stay two decks above or
below the deck you are on. Kindly let the elderly and the young use the
lifts. It is good exercise to walk as you have up to 6 meals* a day!
After departure, the passenger lifts will operate without congestion,
but again, a reminder that it is best to walk two decks up or down
instead of using the lifts as that will ease queuing and it is good
exercise.
*Number of meals vary from vessel to vessel.
WATER
On board, the water is perfectly safe to drink. Hot water can be
delivered to your stateroom by Housekeeping. During shore visits,
however, it is wise to avoid tap water or drinks with ice from street
vendors.
SAFETY ON BOARD
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To ensure your utmost safety on our cruise, you must attend an emergency
drill on your first day of sailing. It will help you become familiar
with your muster station position 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 stateroom has its own
complement of life jackets as well.
Passengers are also not allowed to bring heating elements and hot plates
on board.
WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW FOR 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 3 hours prior to
arrival. Make sure your name is clearly visible. You do not need to call
our Concierge to pick up your baggage as we will be checking all decks 3
hours before arrival. 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.
The following corkage charges apply:
Type : 1 X 750 ml Wine
Charges : (SGD) 10.00, (HKD)50.00, (NTD) 200.00, (THB)220.00, (JPY)
650.00, (USD) 7.00, (AUD) 10.00, (RM) 25.00, (KRW) 7,500.00
Type : 1 X 700-750 ml spirit/ liqueur
Charges : (SGD) 15.00, (HKD)75.00, (NTD) 300.00, (THB)340.00, (JPY)
1,000.00, (USD) 10.00, (AUD) 15.00, (RM) 35.00, (KRW) 11,000.00
Type : 1 X 1000 ml/ 1 lt spirit/ liqueur
Charges : (SGD) 25.00, (HKD)100.00, (NTD) 450.00, (THB)550.00, (JPY)
1,550.00, (USD) 15.00, (AUD) 25.00, (RM) 55.00, (KRW) 16,500.00
Type : 1 X Can Beer
Charges : (SGD) 1.50, (HKD)6.00, (NTD) 30.00, (THB)35.00, (JPY) 95.00, (USD)
1.00, (AUD) 1.50, (RM) 3.50, (KRW) 1,000.00
Type : 1 X Can Carbonated Beverage
Charges : (SGD) 1.00, (HKD)4.50, (NTD) 20.00, (THB)25.00, (JPY) 60.00, (USD)
0.50, (AUD) 1.00, (RM) 2.50, (KRW) 550.00
All above are subjected to 10.2% service charge
CLOTHING
On board, smart casual attire is suitable for most occasions. For
your dining pleasure as well as for other guests, smart casual attire is
required during dinner at Bella Vista onboard SuperStar Virgo. However,
a lounge suit or jacket and tie for men, and an evening dress for
ladies, is recommended on gala nights. For shore visits, it's casual
wear. (N.B. Skimpy beachwear is inappropriate for 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. And, needless to say, a camera and lots of film.
CONDUCT
The Captain reserves the right to evict passengers from the ship in
cases when their conduct affects the safety and comfort of other
passengers. In these instances, A A Travel Wings Pvt. Ltd. accepts
no liability or other expenses incurred by the passengers.
When returning to your stateroom late at night, please be considerate of
others who may have retired early.
CURRENCIES
Most foreign currencies are accepted on board at prevailing exchange
rates. The onboard currency will be that of the country where the ship
is based eg. Singapore dollars for cruises out of Singapore, US dollars
for cruises out of Bangkok. Most major credit cards (Amex, Visa, Diners,
Masters, and JCB) are accepted, along with travellers cheques, but not
personal cheques.
DISEMBARKATION
Our experience shows that we can disembark 2,000 passengers in less
than 45 minutes. We are allowing one-hour and therefore you have plenty
of time to disembark. Our advice is to stay on board for at least half
an hour to avoid the rush.
FACILITIES FOR THE PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED
Most areas on board our vessels are accessible to the physically
challenged. We also have staterooms 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.
GROOMING
There is a professional Hair and Beauty Salon on board. Services
provided include facials, manicures, pedicures, steam massage,
aromatherapy and waxing, besides normal hairdressing services. Check
with them for the rates.
LANGUAGES ON BOARD
Our multi-lingual staff hail from 26 nations and all of them speak
English. But you will most 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 item of hand baggage. These must
Series comfortably in your cabin as no baggage will be stored in the ship's
hold. Your baggage should weigh an aggregate of no more than 50kg.
Check-in baggage will be delivered to the respective staterooms not
later than 30 minutes after sailing. Passengers who do not receive the
luggage by this time may contact the Concierge on board.
ROOM SERVICE
Continental breakfast and snacks are available throughout the day at
nominal charges.
SAFE DEPOSIT BOX
Safe deposit boxes are available free of charge in some staterooms
and at the Reception.
SETTLING YOUR BILLS/STAR EXPRESS CHECK-OUT
You are advised to settle your bills 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". Just complete
the necessary forms and submit them to the A A Travel Wings Pvt. Ltd. '
embarkation / Front Desk personnel.
SHOPPING ON BOARD
You can purchase everything from luxury duty free items and
souvenirs, to daily necessities like sunscreen and toiletries. There are
three outlets to choose from:
* Ports O'Call
This is a drugstore, souvenir shop and news kiosk.
* Star Boutique
Offers passengers a selection of accessories, souvenirs, gifts, and duty
free items. You will find goods like perfumes and cosmetics
competitively priced. Buying on board also saves you the hassle of
shopping on shore so you would have more time to enjoy yourself at the
port of call.
* The Gallery/Celebrity Photo
Passengers can view all their professionally taken pictures captured
upon arrival and throughout the cruise, without any obligation to
purchase them. Passengers may also develop their film here for a fee.
SHORE EXCURSIONS
The friendly staff at the Front Office or our Shore Excursion Desk
will be happy to explain your different options at each port of call.
You can come on one of our arranged guided tours or we'll explain how
you can explore on your own. Tour numbers are limited and pre booking
helps prevent disappointments.
SMOKING ON BOARD
Smoking is permitted on open decks and in designated public areas
only.
TELEPHONE/FACSIMILE
Yes, with a charge being made for using the satellite network. You
may call from the Front Desk or dial direct from your cabin. There are
instructions in all staterooms. 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 on board.
WAKE UP CALL
Yes, please contact our operator to arrange for one.
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN MY CRUISE FARE
Just about everything - your stateroom, meals, entertainment, ocean
transportation, and most on board activities are all part of the fare .
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED IN MY CRUISE FARE
Optional shore excursions, optional dining, items of personal nature
such as beverages, phone calls, shop purchases, laundry, beauty
treatments, hairdressing, massage services, medical services, port
charges, government taxes and fees.
AT THE END OF THE CRUISE
At the end of your cruise, you are still welcomed to make the most
of the facilities on board for the next one hour. There is ice-cream for
the children as well. Adults can enjoy a cold draft beer and soft drinks
at selected outlets on board. |
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