Cruising over the blue waters • Sailing under the glittering stars

Cruising over the blue waters, Sailing under the glittering stars…on board the SuperStar Gemini maiden voyage (Penang – Phuket – Krabi)

Sunset on the deck

Text/Photos: Jessica Chan

Let me sail, let me sail, let the SuperStar Gemini flow ……….
Let me reach, let me beach on the shores of Phuket and Krabi ………

The tune of Enya’s Orinoco Flow kept ringing in my ears as I leaned over the rails and waved goodbye to Penang, the island still gleaming under the evening sun. It was almost 5pm when the SuperStar Gemini pulled away from the Swettenham Pier after all the pomp and ceremony. As the sight of the island slowly slips away, the sail away party gets into full swing. It was an enjoyable evening with songs, dance, food and champagne on the deck.

There is one similarity shared between SuperStar Gemini and me. This is the maiden voyage for the ship SuperStar Gemini after undergoing a massive refurbishment. As for me, this is also my maiden voyage on board a cruise liner. Due to this I am even more eagerly looking forward to a sojourn of relaxation in the realm of blue waters and glittering stars.

I was allocated a cabin on level 10 which has a cabin window where the deep blue sea is in full view as I sit on the sofa by the window or as I lay in the comfort of my bed. I came to understand that only cabins locatedon the higher levels have windows… how lucky was I. Save for a few steps across the deck and up or down the stairs, the restaurants, café, bar, entertainment, duty free shop, health & beauty centre and every facility is easily within reach.

Using the “Navigator” provided in every cabin, I scoured the guide sheet for restaurants and entertainment programmes that caters to my fancy and interest. Much to my delight, most of the restaurants serve breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and supper. There is even a café that opens 24 hours! Well, there shall not be any moment
of hunger on the cruise, I assured myself. The variety shows, magic shows and all are absolutely entertaining. All these mouth-watering stuff and lots of laughter are going to add an extra inch to my waist, so I thought. Nevertheless, I enjoyed every moment on the cruise. Anyway I made it a point to walk up the stairs instead of using the lift to compensate for those guilty calories (as far as possible that is). That saved the inch off my waist, though.

SuperStar Gemini anchored at Krabi

On board entertainment

Kid’s centre

Lazing, doing practically nothing but just gazing into the stars….that’s what exactly I had dreamt of doing. I haven’t had the chance to do it for the past few years. Not until
I crossed the ramp and stepped into SuperStar Gemini. Lazing on the deck chair under the glittering stars and as the cool breeze of the Andaman Sea flapping over my face, the stress of my tired body and soul seemed to fade into the air. It has been quite a while since I last breathed in the naturally fresh air without a tinge of exhaust and haze.

Phuket Promthep Cape

Phuket Wat Chalong

AoNang Beach Krabi

Patong Beach Phuket

Text & Photo by Travelution