Sail Date: 30 November – 3 December 2014

It was a 4day 3night Star Cruise Superstar Libra Penang-Phuket-Krabi package. Though, it wasn’t any regular vacation because we had a Malaysian celebrity, Pak Nil, on board with us! 

This special package was only available for a limited time around the end of last year and the only difference is that there were a couple of additional activities organised by Pak Nil and his team that were only made available for cruiser who bought this special package.

So here’s my experience…

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We took a designated bus from Times Square to Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal, Penang. Left KL around 8am and reached the terminal around 1-ish in the afternoon. We first checked-in our luggages on level one, they will tag it according to cabin number and place them outside your room later that afternoon.

Tip: If you have anything bigger than 20 inch or a heavy luggage, I highly suggest checking it in as it will be much more convenient for you to manoeuvre around the check-in counter as well as waiting in line to go on board.

Check-in starts at 1pm at level 2 of the Terminal, we checked in manually but you can always choose to check in online to save time. If you are with a tour group, the agents will usually do it for you.

Once cleared with customs and immigration, we proceed to board the ship, that’s where we were required to hand over our Passports to the ship’s staff in exchange for our cabin access card/cruise ID card. All purchases made on ship will be charged under this card and payment to be settled on the last day.

We were welcomed by a wonderful band filling the air with Christmas songs while dropping by the reception to collect the Star Navigator leaflet that shows all the activities during our sail dates.

We had some time before the compulsory Safety Drill, thus we decided to drop by Ocean Palace Chinese Cuisine Restaurant for some afternoon snack. Nothing fancy, just simple fried bihun, puffs, cakes, and coffee. I believe they have a wider variety of tea time bites at Mariners Buffet Restaurant that’s pork and lard free. 

Our bags arrived safely around 4pm. We lazed around the room and freshen up for the Safety Drill as well as the Sail Away Party. The Safety Drill is carried out as a requirement of Maritime Law. The assembly point is stated on the access card and no phones or cameras are allowed during the drill. We were also instructed to bring the lifejacket from our room so we could learn how to put them on properly. The drill only takes 15-20 minutes of your time, it’s for your own safety.

After the drill, we walked up to the pool deck for the Sail Away Party. That’s where the fun begins! For some reason, people on cruise seemed to be more relaxed and interesting as you’ll see many guest actually participates in the Conga Line and dances guided by the cruise staff. This is also where you’ll see the Captain giving a speech welcoming all guests. Once it’s officiated, we had a BBQ feast on deck with the utmost beautiful sunset view on earth.

Most entertainment shows are free to watch and Richard Burr & Josette Magic Show was one of it. They have two timings – 8.45pm and 10.15pm – held in Stardust Lounge. The show was better than we thought, well, mainly cause it was witty and the Hollywood husband and wife magicians have good showmanship. 

Tip: Go early to get a front seat for a better view. It will be worth it. We sat at the back and regretted not seating in earlier.

Since Christmas was around the corner, they had slot in a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Crystal Court/lobby area where staffs will perform Christmas carols while guest join the key people on the cruise to light the tall Christmas tree. The joy of this festive season brings much pleasure to all participated guest.

We weren’t really hungry but decided to check out what’s for supper at the Mariners Buffet Restaurant. It was around 11-ish pm and guess what, it looks like everyone decided to leave their diet plans at home and dig into a heavy midnight snack. There were quite a wide variety of choices, even just for supper. 

Then, we called it a night. 

Check out Part 2 here.

~ All photos taken with Panasonic Lumix GM-1 ~

For more information on 12FLY Cruise packages, visit this link.