Star Cruises Far East Explorer

Day 1

Friday. Leave the UK on your overnight flight to Singapore

Day 2

Saturday. Arrive in Singapore and transfer to your hotel The Carlton or similar.

Day 3

Sunday. Board the Superstar Gemini in Singapore this afternoon and spend some time orientating your self and getting to know your Captain and crew before the early evening departure. Dinner on board will be followed by the entertainment in the ‘Galaxy of the Stars’ theatre.

Day 4

Monday. As you cruise off the coast of the Malaysian Peninsula today, relax and unwind on deck with lunch by the pool, soaking up the sun then perhaps join in some of the activities offered this afternoon. Sip a cocktail before dinner and listen to the piano before deciding where you will eat this evening.

Day 5

Tuesday. Enjoy an early breakfast before disembarking today in Ko Samui. Take the day to explore this stunning island with its palm fringed beaches where one of your options would be a snorkelling trip to the Angthong National Park. Take a trip out into the local countryside and have a short trek in the jungle followed by a refreshing swim by a waterfall or browse the local markets for handicraft treasures. Head back to the ship later this afternoon for an early evening departure as you make your way into the Gulf of Siam during the night.

Day 6

Wednesday. This morning you will arrive into the port of Laem Chabang where you can choose from a river boat ride on the Chao Phya River with temples and shopping thrown in for good measure. If the hustle and bustle of Bangkok does not appeal to you then take the shuttle service 25 kms to the famous beach resort of Pattaya where you can enjoy a soothing massage on the beach or take in the sights and sounds of street life there, not forgetting to sample the local cuisine. A late evening departure from the port ensures that you can make the most of the Thai capital and all it has to offer.

Day 7

Thursday. A day at sea today means you can make the most of the onboard facilities and relax as the miles slip away in the sunshine. Have lunch at the Mariners buffet and try your hand at Mah-jong this afternoon.

Day 8

Friday. Continue sailing today as you head towards Vietnam, arriving later this afternoon into Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon.

Day 9

Saturday. The shore excursions here have something for everyone from cookery lessons to city and countryside tours. The Cu Chi tunnels are legendary and at the height of the war they stretched almost to the border with Cambodia with space for hospitals, kitchen and living areas. Back to the ship for a mid-afternoon sailing taking you north again as you sip your cocktail and dine under the stars.

Day 10

Sunday. Continue our voyage through the South China Sea. It’s your choice today – relax and soak up the sun or join in with the deck games if you are feeling energetic. Maybe pamper yourself with spa treatment in the salon before dinner and a show.

Day 11

Monday. Once the most important port in central Vietnam, we arrive into Danang at breakfast time today leaving you free for the whole day to explore the city. Maybe the pristine beaches will tempt you to relax for a while but you will be sure to be drawn by the cave temples of Marble Mountain and their intricate stone carving. A mid-evening departure means you’ll still have time to explore the colourful streets before you make your way back to the ship.

Day 12

Tuesday. Sailing north again today, take some time to think about your exciting destination of Hong Kong for tomorrow.

Day 13

Wednesday. Hong Kong – the most cosmopolitan of cities! Something for everyone here but perhaps you could start with an tour of the city to get yourself orientated. Take a bus to the world famous Stanley Market or spend a few pence to get on board the Star Ferry or ride the funicular up to Victoria Peak and enjoy the spectacular view over the harbour and the whole city – particularly wonderful at dusk. A mid-evening departure helps you make the most of your day in Hong Kong – don’t forget the designer shops.

Day 14

Thursday. After your whirlwind day yesterday, you will appreciate the chance to relax and unwind by the pool, enjoying a barbeque lunch today as we head east again towards Vietnam.

Day 15

Friday. Halong Bay is one of the natural wonders of the world, with its archipelago of 3000 islands and rock formations dotted throughout the bay. Legend has it that a dragon descended into the sea and the islands were formed from its body, leaving you lots of mysterious caves to explore. Take some time to shop here for souvenirs and try some of the local cuisine.

Day 16

Saturday. Halong Bay and another chance for you to drink in the splendours of the beautiful scenery of this UNESCO World Heritage site before the late afternoon departure.

Day 17

Sunday. Why not try the aerobics class or a trip to the gym today if you are feeling energetic. Dinner and a show will help you unwind.

Day 18

Monday. A change of pace as you set out to explore the numerous temples and pagodas of the Cham culture in Nha Trang today. The vibrant local economy is based on fishing and the whole area has wonderful beaches so you will enjoy this historic and fascinating seaside town.

Day 19

Tuesday. At sea in International waters again today as you head south east across the South China Sea towards the island of Borneo. You will have time to keep in touch with home today, write post cards or e-mail from the Internet room on board. After dinner try your luck in the ship’s Casino.

Day 20

Wednesday. Kota Kinabalu offers you the chance today to browse the local markets for handicraft bargains or take a ride on the North Borneo Railway – trip into a bygone age for steam train enthusiasts whilst taking in the lush tropical landscape. If you need to know more about the area, the Monsopiad Heritage Cultural Village offers you a glimpse of the local headhunting culture.

Day 21

Thursday. Check out the daily activities programme today. Lunch by the pool to make the most of the sunshine then have a leisurely afternoon before the cocktail hour and another delicious dinner

Day 22

Friday. Kuching. A midmorning arrival leaves you plenty of time to stroll along the Waterfront area, a beautifully landscaped esplanade in the city centre. Known as the ‘Cat City’, Kuching has a museum dedicated to the feline – a must for cat lovers. A later departure this evening means you can do it all at an unhurried pace.

Day 23

Saturday. More relaxation today as you head back towards Singapore. Make time for last minute shopping at the Shopping Arcade on board or for the more energetic, join in an aerobics class. Enjoy a wonderful dinner and the farewell show of the trip.

Day 24

Sunday. Singapore. Disembark after breakfast

Cabins

• Inside staterooms are located on decks 3, 4 and 6 and have air conditioning, a private bathroom with shower and WC, satellite TV and a music channel.
• Outside staterooms have either a porthole or a window and are located on decks 2, 3 and 4. They have all the same facilities
• Suites are also available. Please ask for details and prices

Ship Activities

• Gymnasium
• Running track
• Aerobics classes
• Hair and beauty salon
• Internet room
• Shopping arcade
• Majong room
• Video arcade
• Day time activity programme
• Excursions – a full programme of excursions can be purchased for each of the ports of call.
• One swimming pool and ample deck space for sunbathing

Entertainment

• Mariners buffet serving breakfast, lunch and dinner with inside and outside seating
• Ocean Palace serving Chinese and western food
• Pool bar
• Mariners Patio bar
• Night club
• Karaoke rooms
• Nightly Broadway style shows and other entertainment