Am heading back to Taiwan today, and thought for a change I should take a cruise aboard Gemini.
So, I am...on the 18th.
(I imagine the crew are already leaving the ship in droves!)

Is there anything special you CT'ers would like me to check out ? Or a certain photo perhaps ?
Just ask and I shall oblige.

Regards,
Mike--in TaiShan, for about 5 hours

P.S.--This cruise is being paid for courtesy of "our Malcolm "

[ 05-11-2005: Message edited by: Deck 9 001 ]

Bon Voyage!!

P.S. Btw Mike, can you find out if Star plans to operate the NORWAY? Thanks in advance!

[ 05-11-2005: Message edited by: Keitaro ]

Keitaro, I did have a safe journey back to Taipei and I know Gemini will be great as always. Thanks for your wishes. I will not dare mention Norway to any staff. I know the looks I would get, plus I don't want to get anybody in "hot water "
(but if I hear anything, I'll let you all know )

Onno, thanks, I appreciate it.

Weaver hello,
I can answer both your questions right now, as I have been aboard GEMINI countless times.

Asian Music: Truthfully no! Their cabaret shows are geared more towards an International theme.

The SuperStar Gemini Trio, (2 guitars and bass) who hail from the Philippines and are superb, have their own sets that they play. Again mostly western songs, but they will play/sing maybe two standard Chinese/Taiwanese songs. Most pax request western songs from them. They do however sing some traditional and newer pop Pilipino songs. The pax really enjoy this.

The Canton Pop Band "Midnight Riders" about 7 or 8 members, usually perform Cantonese pop songs, western pop music and a smattering of new Taiwanese pop.

Then there is John-John who is a great solo pianist. His sets are half planned and half requests. He is usually in the Bar Gemini. It is from him that you would hear the most Asian music.

Having said all this, let me add that all these performers are exquisitely talented and friendly, and will go out of their way to please you. If it's Asian music you want,,,,,,,you shall get it from them.

DRESS:
Well, now we come upon a question which is difficult to answer. The Taiwanese in general, take the phrase "casual dress" to its limits. Daytime wear will most certainly produce shorts, tees and sandals. Casual evenings, you will see jeans, nice tops and usually sneakers.
For the Captains Gala, most will dress for the occasion. It is the time to show off.
But here in Taiwan, every sailing will be different. Some will produce more casual pax, while others will have a compliment of pax who really do the designer wear stuff.

There has been times when I booked at the pier on dares,,,,,,,,,so naturally I had no clothing et al with me But the great staff/crew have always come through for me. Geez, you should have seen some of the clothing I was "lent to wear .
So, yes, you will see all sorts of attire on the Gemini.
But you know what,,,,,,,,it all makes for such a happy, casual atmosphere, where everyone just let's loose and has a good time.

Hope this has answered your query.

Regards,
Mike--back in Taipei, where it's raining like hell

[ 05-12-2005: Message edited by: Deck 9 001 ]

I believe that Gemini will do ok again ex-Singapore.
Firstly, there are the die hard gamblers and of course the very high rollers, whom are Asian. They know the Gemini and know what to expect. Plus Star offers them many perks. It is doubtful that they will change allegiance to a new ship. As long as Star has these pax on any of their ships, it will be ok.

Yes, there will be some locals who would like to try a new ship (not agewise) as Gemini has homeported there for many years.

Marketing will play an important role.
Gemini will commence cruising ex-Singapore on 20 November this year through April 2006. So, she will have a slight edge until Pacific Sky shows up.

I believe it all comes down to rates (tariff)
Cost will greatly affect the choice of ship.
The Australians and New Zealanders like Gemini very much I know. But they like Pacific Sky as well, as she has been homeported in Australia for quite a long time.

I personally am very eager to sail Pacific Sky. As I stated elsewhere, I want to see first hand what all the talk is about PS. But, cost will be a major factor for me, no matter how much I want to try PS.

Then we have SuperStar Virgo who will be there as well. Virgo will also be an important factor, although sailing on shorter itineraries.

Have you had any Gemini rates released in Australia yet?
If yes, what is your feeling?

No matter what, it will be interesting to see how the tide turns.