Cruise Escapade

I love the ocean, and especially waking up to the ocean sounds and cool sea breeze on my face. I have my desire fulfilled on a recent cruise with an oceanview balcony cabin to boot!

Though it wasn't my first time on a Star Cruise, it was my 3-year-old tot's first cruise on a big ship and I was excited for her. On the way to HarbourFront terminal, she repeatedly asked, "Are we there yet, Mommy?" like she couldn't wait to board the ship. Once we were on board the Star Virgo cruise ship, we went straight to our balcony cabin to unpack and then brought darling daughter on a ship tour while waiting for the ship to set sail.

The next few days on the large ship were simply relaxing and divine with plenty of food, fun and entertainment. There were several restaurants to choose from, some were free (which you would have already paid for this vacation) while some were chargeable. If you loved Japanese food, the restaurant Samurai was a good choice. Though it was a little pricey for the relatively small portions, the food was good and there were free flow of piping hot green tea if you ordered the set meals.

Those who liked fine dining would find the formal sit-down dinner with live music at Bella Vista just up their alley. But be warned that the food came in rather small portions, so those with big appetites might not feel enough to eat. Fret not, hearty eaters could head to the chinese restaurant Pavilion Room which served pretty decent chinese cuisines and they came in rather generous portions. And if you preferred casual, eat-to-your-heart's-content dining, the Mediterranean International Buffet should satisfy any cravings.

My only gripe was the Gala Dinner reservation which required one to ballot (which reminded me of primary school registration) where you had to queue to ballot and reserve for a seat in the restaurant of your choice. It was on a first-come-first-get basis, so if the restaurant you wanted was filled up when it came to your turn, you would have to choose another restaurant for the Gala Dinner.

There was no lack of entertainment on the ship, but not everything was free so make sure you checked first or you might find yourself paying beyond what you already had. While you were on the cruise, try not to miss the performances which were usually quite good. We watched a rib-tickling and incredible magic show on one night and a spectacular show based on the legendary Rasputin on another night. The latter was a great production that combined not just singing and dancing, but also breathtaking acrobatic performances coupled with colorful costumes and stunning stage designs and visual effects. Definitely a must-watch!

There was also a cinema on board the ship and screened some blockbuster movies like Mega Mind, Up, Iron Man II, Karate Kid and The Social Network. But if you didn't want to spend your time lounging in the cinema, there were plenty of other options like sweating it out at the Universal Gym or pampering yourself in the Apollo Spa. But you had to pay for the entrance fee and services at the spa.

A must-try on the Star Virgo cruise was the gigantic snaking water slide with one transparent part jutting out into the ocean. I was initially hesitant to try it as I have height phobia. But once I overcame the fear and took the plunge (literally!), I had to go for a second and even third round, it was that thrilling! The best part -- it's free so you could try as many times as you liked.

We also had our first karaoke session as a family at the Celebrity Disco & KTV Lounge. We went during off-peak time so our 3-year-old girl could enter, and we have had a whale of a time singing as a family! Our tot got her turn to sing 'Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star' and even got applause from the other customers!

Our 4-Day-3-Night cruise included a Penang and Phuket shore excursions, so for those who were feeling bored onboard and wanted some adventures could choose to alight from the ship. As for us, we much preferred a no-stress, no-rush vacation as there were plenty for us to explore with our kid on the ship. In fact just lying on the deck chair, watching my two most loved ones playing in the jaccuzi pool, and being near the sky and the sea was already bliss.