Famous 20: A starry summer sail aboard Star Cruise Virgo

MANILA, Philippines - Summer is the perfect time to get away. For us dwellers of the tropics, this most-awaited season just couldn’t pass without doing something that’s truly exciting and memorable. Some seek the thrills backpacking brings, some hike to the beaches and go diving while some whose feet itch for an experience that’s beyond the ordinary go aboard to indulge in some uniquely rich, sweet luxuries.

Without a doubt, cruising takes you on a one-of-a-kind journey away from the hurly-burly of city life. Once on board, cruise liners of today promise an experience like no other, opening up a world to relax, to enjoy and to have the time of your life. What more when you’re aboard one of modern-day sea travel’s leading lights, Star Cruises Limited’s SuperStar Virgo. 

Offering so much more than first-class dining and entertainment, SuperStar Virgo takes you to places where the sun, sea, people and culture blend colorfully well. There’s an everyday feast inside the liner as various food outlets offer the world’s best gastronomical delights that impress even the most discerning palate. It is also the only cruise ship in the world with an authentic Indian restaurant on board.

Amusement outlets are also open for everyone’s pleasure. From lounge shows to world-class performances onstage to karaoke, to sneaking into the game rooms, to shopping, the possibilities for enjoyment seem endless. Staying in touch with friends, loved ones or business associates is not a problem as the cruise ship’s business center is equipped with state-of-the-art telecommunications systems. Indeed, whether you’re up for some good times wining and dining, or treating yourself to a fun-filled day out, every deck of SuperStar Virgo caters to the needs and cravings of both the young and the young at heart.

On this floating five-star resort filled with more than 25 outlets of food and beverage, entertainment and recreation choices, you cruise to the most amazing parts of Asia in sheer comfort, convenience and ultimate enjoyment. This must have been the reason why some of the country’s brightest stars — including Enchong Dee, Mariel Rodriguez, Zanjoe Marudo, Angelica Panganiban, Derek Ramsay, Jason Gainza, Phoemela Baranda, Joseph Marco, David Chua and Pooh — decided to hop aboard SuperStar Virgo recently to spend the Lenten season with stopovers at some of the world’s most wonderful destinations. Thus, after quite some time apart, the celebrated “Famous” group traveled once again, setting off and giving birth to the Famous 20.

First up, SuperStar Virgo sailed to the magnificent city of Malacca. What was once a simple fishing village inhabited by local Malays has now evolved into a vibrant old city that belies its wealth of history, earning it a World Heritage Site designation in July 2008. In fact, its state government has built a number of museums to preserve its rich cultural heritage. For a place dubbed the third smallest Malaysian state, Malacca indeed has great things in store for wandering tourists. The warm, tranquil Malaccan locality welcomes eager explorers with colorful stories from the time it was a significant trading center and tales from the olden days, picturesque Dutch architecture, incredible structures and more. Be sure to pass by the Baba Nyonya House, Christ Church, St. Francis Xavier Church and the Ruins of Fort A Famosa among others for these surely are must-sees found along easily accessible streets that are reminiscent of our beloved Intramuros.

From one of the smallest to the largest: next stop, the great cruise ship docked at the capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. Of course, if there’s one thing — or better yet, two things — you can’t miss when you’re in this upbeat city, it’s “the twins,” also popularly known all over the globe as the Petronas Twin Towers. The breathtaking skyscraper is beyond spectacular. Something about being around it uplifts you in a special kind of way. Once you’re done admiring the greatness of this superb architecture, you could always head to KL’s busy streets, lined with structures masterfully blending colonial influences; or maybe get busy shopping inside the Suria KLCC mall where you can find almost everything and everyone from Louis V to Calvin Klein to Christian Dior and the rest of the extra-luxurious stylistas. This six-floor shopper’s wonderland is located right below the Twin Towers.

Of course, you’ll have a sweet time seeing the city sights and all its delights right where the adventure-filled cruise begins and ends — The Merlion City, Singapore. It’s a must to stroll the entire strip of famous Orchard Road if you want to get great deals within amazingly designed malls that take your shopping escapades a level up. It isn’t called Singapore’s shopping district for nothing. There you’ll find the Ion Orchard Mall, truly an architectural marvel in its own right. A high-end shopper’s haven, this super mall located right at the heart of Orchard Road is home to the world’s top-notch retailers like Cartier, Valentino and even celebrity labels like Diane Von Furstenberg.

Yet, shopping’s definitely not all there is to do in Singapore. Anyone who flies to Singapore knows that Sentosa Island has anything and everything under the summer sun. Witness world-class shows, take nature discovery trips, dive, shop, dine — the list of attractions and things to do just never ends. On this same island, another marvel has finally opened its doors to long-awaiting fans — Southeast Asia’s first movie theme park, Universal Studios Singapore. Expect nothing but amusement at its finest as you feast your eyes on well-loved cinematic characters come to life, wrestle the fiercest villains, travel to the future or back to ancient times, experience the grandeur of Hollywood glamour — and more. The newly opened theme park is located at Resorts World Sentosa.

If your ultimate destination this summer is time spent in the most pleasurable, memorable and worthwhile ways, SuperStar Virgo is ready to take you there… and beyond. Avail of a special promotion only from Star Cruises for the May 19, 2010 departure of SuperStar Virgo, only US$ 888 per passenger, all in, with the chance to enjoy a musical treat from two of the country’s most talented performers: acoustic singing sensation Aiza Seguerra and prince of pop Erik Santos. Visit www.starcruises.com or call 836-6830 to 32 for more information.