STARDREAM CRUISES REVIEW & GUIDE | Star Navigator Taiwan-Japan Itinerary

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WHERE DO WE GO?

As of this writing, Star Navigator has routes from Taiwan to Japan (Ishigaki, Naha, Miyakojima, Kumamoto, Nagasaki, Osaka, and Kochi), South Korea (Jeju Island and Busan), the Philippines (Laoag, Puerto Princesa, Boracay, and Coron), and Vietnam (Danang and Halong Bay).

Additionally they have a two-night Excessive Seas cruise choice—which implies the ship merely sails out to sea, then returns again to the port with out visiting every other place. That is essentially the most inexpensive cruise expertise and is especially good in case you have a restricted price range however wish to strive cruising.

Relying on the route and cruise schedule (2 nights, 3 nights, or 5 nights), you may go to one nation or a number of international locations in a single go.

ARE KIDS ALLOWED TO CRUISE?

Youngsters are positively allowed on cruises. Infants—6 months to 2 years outdated—are allowed so long as they’re accompanied by two adults. Youngsters from 2 to 18 years of age are allowed so long as they’ve one grownup companion.

Throughout my cruise aboard the Star Navigator, youngsters have been working round aplenty alongside the halls of the ship. The cruise is unquestionably kid-friendly; they also have a supervised daycare heart with indoor and outside playgrounds.

CHILD RATES

Youngsters have particular discounted charges for StarDream Cruises.

For infants, sometimes 25% off the revealed charges (varies every now and then based mostly on their promotions). These 2 to 18 years of age are charged at full worth.

Nonetheless, because you’re in all probability gonna cruise as a household, often the third and fourth individuals you’d be reserving in the identical cabin—it doesn’t matter in the event that they’re youngsters or adults—are sometimes given a 50% discounted fee (typically, even freed from cost—once more, this varies every now and then).

PET POLICY

Sadly, StarCruises and Dream Cruises don’t permit pets aboard their ships, except service canines.

PROMOS

StarDream Cruises often has promos, which could be discovered on the Offers part of their web site. One specific deal that they often run that’s an actual bang for the buck is their 2 + 2 cruise promo, the place the third and fourth visitors in the identical cabin board freed from cost.

And once more, to get extra reductions on prime of the whole lot, you may enter our StarCruises/Dream Cruises voucher code upon checkout: lakadpilipinas

CURRENT DEALS: The place essentially the most inexpensive cruises accessible could be seen.

CELEBRATION PACKAGES: compiles offers for particular events like romantic getaways, birthdays, and particular balloon room décor upgrades (like if you wish to have balloons inside your cabin saying, Marry Me, Completely happy Anniversary, and so forth.).

CAKES AND CORKAGES: if you happen to want particular muffins for celebrations or if you wish to deliver your personal wines and spirits with you.

WHAT TO BRING

Deciding what objects to deliver on a cruise is likely to be complicated for first-time cruisers. Skip the stress and browse on.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

PASSPORT: Crucial merchandise to deliver on a cruise with StarCruises or Dream Cruises. Be sure that it nonetheless has accessible pages for immigration stamps and has six months left on its validity.

PASSPORT COPY: You’ll additionally want a 1:1 scale photocopy of your passport’s bio web page. My suggestion, deliver two, simply in case you lose a duplicate.

VISA: For Filipinos happening a Japan and South Korean cruise, there may be no have to get a VISA, besides if the cruise features a journey to Busan.

ONLINE REGISTRATIONS: We have been not required to fill out the Go to Japan type that’s often wanted when touring to Japan. Nonetheless, our personal Philippine eTravel varieties nonetheless wanted to be accomplished.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Company are additionally suggested to buy journey insurance coverage. Though not required, it’s actually costly to get hospitalized overseas. There are inexpensive journey insurance coverage insurance policies accessible on websites like Klook, so it’s actually a no brainer why you shouldn’t get one.

➤ GET AFFORDABLE TRAVEL INSURANCE HERE!

CURRENCY

WHAT CURRENCY: For our cruise, since we solely sailed to a single nation, Japan, we solely introduced Taiwanese Greenback (NTD) and Japanese Yen (JPY) with us.

That’s proper, apart from the forex for the nation of vacation spot, it’s equally essential that you just additionally deliver some for the nation of embarkation (the place you’ll board the ship), which, in our case, is Taiwan. The default forex on the ship follows the unique nation of embarkation. So, if the ship departs from Taiwan, then it’s new Taiwan greenback (NTD); if it leaves from Hong Kong, then it’s Hong Kong greenback (HKD). And so forth.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE: In case you didn’t have time to vary currencies, the ship additionally has a forex change positioned on the foyer. Simply notice that if you happen to’re planning to change US {dollars} to Japanese yen, they should be transformed to new Taiwan {dollars} first earlier than being transformed to Japanese yen. You’ll positively lose some worth on this course of.

USING CREDIT CARDS & ATMs: Another choice is to easily use a bank card or withdraw cash from ATMs. I, nonetheless, actually don’t advocate these. For bank cards, most meals hawkers and small retailers don’t actually settle for bank cards, so that you’ll be lacking out on these throughout shore excursions.

As for withdrawing money at ATMs throughout shore excursions, it’s a little bit of a trouble because you’d should bodily find an ATM machine—which you will or might not discover—and it is vitally time-consuming.

There are not any ATM machines contained in the cruise ship, though they do settle for bank card funds onboard.

APPAREL OR DRESS CODE

FOR THE SHIP: There isn’t any costume code aboard the Star Navigator. Gown as casually or as formally as your style wishes. Sandals, shorts, and even singlets are allowed.

Observe, nonetheless, that there are free occasions onboard—like cocktail events and what-nots—that decision for (although not required) considerably flashy clothes. So, in case you have some, deliver some! Because you’re on a cruise, costume to impress for these snazzy socmed postings.

Lastly, if you happen to simply get too chilly in air-conditioned environments, deliver a lightweight sweater you could put on aboard the ship.

FOR THE POOL: Deliver swimwear and sandals or flip-flops with you. The pool is fairly deep, however there are free vest floaters accessible for teenagers and those that are actually not adept at swimming, so that you don’t have to deliver one.

FOR THE GYM: When you plan to hit the fitness center or go working across the prime deck, deliver ample rubber sneakers and exercise attire.

FOR THE DESTINATIONS: Be sure to additionally test the climate in each the nation of embarkation and the locations so you may deliver acceptable clothes.

OTHER STUFF

SHORE EXCURSION ESSENTIALS: Deliver mosquito repellant, sunscreen, an umbrella, sun shades, a hat, a refillable water bottle, and eco baggage (most retailers in Taiwan and Japan won’t offer you paper or plastic baggage) that you should utilize throughout shore excursions.

TOILETRIES: Star Navigator supplies primary toiletries for visitors (toothbrush set, refillable physique and hair wash, conditioner, shaving equipment, and lotion). They’re typical ones just like these in resorts, so in case you have your personal most popular manufacturers, deliver them. Additionally, the bathrooms on the ship don’t bidets, so in case you have a conveyable one, pack it with you. A packet of moist wipes may even assist.

ELECTRONICS: Telephone, cameras, earphones, and charging paraphernalia.

BICYCLES: I used to be truly shocked you could deliver a bicycle with you onboard the cruise ship. I used to be unaware of this till I noticed a few passengers hauling theirs—not foldable ones, however full-blown bicycles—from a shore tour in Nagasaki! It’s a very nice and nifty option to discover the locations the ship would dock at.

When you plan to deliver a motorcycle, be sure that to coordinate with StarCruises or Dream Cruises previous to your journey.

WHAT NOT TO BRING

Skip the trouble of your belongings being confiscated or just being left unused and taking on house higher fitted to purchasing objects you’d be bringing again.

FOODSTUFF

Taiwan and Japan are each extraordinarily strict relating to the bringing in of meat, vegetable, and fruit merchandise. Meat in any type—cooked, canned, or uncooked—is completely not allowed. This rule additionally applies to fruits and veggies. So, if you happen to can’t dwell with none of those, higher buy them after you have got arrived in Taiwan. Simply notice that merchandise you’ve bought in Taiwan can’t be introduced over throughout your shore excursions to Japan, and vice versa—be conscious of what you purchase in Japan, as you won’t have the ability to deliver them again to Taiwan.

ELECTRONICS

DRONES should not allowed on the Star Navigator. When you plan to make use of a drone in Taiwan earlier than or after your cruise journey, then it’s possible you’ll deliver it onboard—simply notice that they might be taking it from you for safekeeping and could be giving it again after the cruise.

OTHER ELECTRONIC ITEMS that aren’t allowed: extension cords, heating units, hoverboards, Segways, giant batteries, laser pointers, ham radios, satellite tv for pc telephones, Emergency Place Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB), and different emergency signaling units.

E-CIGARETTE AND VAPE merchandise are a bit iffy. They’re allowed aboard the cruise ship, however they’re banned in Taiwan. So, for Star Navigator cruises departing from Taiwan, they’re not allowed.

ILLEGAL ITEMS

Unlawful stuff are, in fact, not allowed on board: weapons, weapon replicas, flammable and explosive objects, sharp objects, unlawful medication, tear gasoline, mace, and different disabling chemical substances.

OTHER ITEMS

There isn’t any have to deliver journey adaptors with you, until your nation has a really particular electrical outlet, because the rooms inside Star Navigator have common electrical wall sockets.

Towels are additionally offered for, so there’s no have to deliver some with you.

HOW TO GET TO & CHECK IN AT THE CRUISE PORT

For first-time cruisers, attending to the cruise port and checking in is likely to be completely complicated and intimidating, since not many individuals actually go on a cruise regularly. Listed below are some guides to make it simpler.

HOW TO GET TO KEELUNG PORT

BY TRAIN: The commonest entry to Taiwan is thru the Taoyuan Worldwide Airport. That is virtually two hours away from the Keelung West Passenger Terminal, the place the Star Navigator is docked for our five-night Japan cruise.

Getting there may be comparatively simple and handy utilizing Taiwan’s prepare strains. There may be additionally the choice of utilizing buses, nevertheless it is likely to be kinda onerous particularly if you happen to’re hauling plenty of baggage with you. When you really feel hungry, eat first earlier than boarding, as consuming and consuming inside Taiwan’s buses and trains will not be allowed.

From the Taoyuan Airport’s Terminal 1, take the Airport Line prepare to the Taipei Foremost Station (33 minutes). As soon as there, comply with the underground walkway (17-minute stroll) to the intercity Taiwan Railways’ Taipei Station. From there, take a prepare experience to Keelung Station (44 minutes). Upon alighting, the Keelung Port West / East Passenger Terminal are about two to 3 minutes away by foot.

BY CHARTERED CAR OR VAN: A neater choice is to rent a chartered automobile or van that may take you from the Taoyuan Worldwide Airport straight to the Keelung West Passenger Terminal. That is, in fact, costlier however positively extra handy and fewer irritating. It can be economical if you happen to’re in a bunch of 4 or extra.

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ONLINE CHECK-IN

Earlier than going to the cruise port, you should definitely test in on-line utilizing your reserving ID a minimum of 48 hours earlier than the cruise journey. That is obligatory. My recommendation, instantly test in after reserving and receiving your reserving ID. On-line check-in closes 48 hours earlier than the cruise journey.

AT THE CRUISE PORT

Test your designated check-in time, and arrive on the port on time. Current your passport, a photocopy of your passport, and your cruise ticket to a check-in counter.

BAGGAGE CHECK-IN

You may be requested if you want your baggage checked in and delivered to your room by the cruise employees or by your self. It does take a little bit of time for checked-in baggage to reach to your room, so in case your baggage has wheels, I counsel that you just deliver it your self. There are elevators, escalators, and ramps alongside the way in which, so it’s fairly simple to haul it by yourself.

CUSTOMS

You’ll then move by way of customs to have your passport stamped, then a closing x-ray test, and then you definately’re off to the Star Navigator!

STARDREAM CRUISES ACCESS CARD

After bodily checking in, you can be given a StarCruises Entry Card.

This is able to be the important thing to your room and a move to enter the ship after shore excursions. This is able to even be used to enter inclusive (free eating places). Must you want to buy something aboard or eat at premium eating places, this could additionally act as your onboard bank card, the steadiness of which might should be paid—both in money or utilizing a bank card—earlier than the cruise ends.

GETTING A WI-FI CONNECTION

Wi-Fi is obtainable for a price whereas crusing aboard the Star Navigator. They’ve a number of packages divided into Customary (primary velocity) and Premium (quicker connection). We subscribed to their Premium Full Cruise for 1 system, and the connection was dependable and quick.

HOW TO CONNECT TO THE WIFI:
1. Open your system’s Wi-Fi and connect with the StarCruises WiFi aboard the Star Navigator.
2. Go to wifi.com in your Web browser.
3. Enter your five-digit stateroom quantity plus your birthday.
4. Select your most popular Wi-Fi package deal.

When you want a Wi-Fi connection throughout shore excursions to Japan, you would wish to buy an e-sim information pack individually outdoors StarDream Cruises.

➤ PURCHASE AN ESIM TO USE IN JAPAN!

STAR NAVIGATOR ROOM TYPES

Star Navigator has three common room varieties and 5 luxurious room varieties accessible for the cruise. Additionally they have Accessible Cabins or handicapped-ready rooms—for these on wheelchairs and crutches—accessible for the Inside Staterooms and Balcony Staterooms.

REGULAR ROOMS

All common staterooms have a closet, digital protected, self-importance desk, hair dryer, flatscreen TV with satellite tv for pc cable channels, mini-fridge, and occasional and tea-making services.

Most en suite rest room and baths have separate partitions—besides a couple of from Inside Staterooms—so you may conveniently use every one individually and with privateness. Sizzling water is obtainable, and so are toiletries and recent towels.

INTERIOR STATEROOM

Essentially the most inexpensive room for the Star Navigator. That is just like the Oceanview Stateroom; the one distinction is it doesn’t have any home windows.

Dimension: 12 to 21 sq. meters
Mattress Association: 1 Queen-size Mattress + 1 Single Couch Mattress | 2 Single Beds + 1 Single Pullman Mattress + 1 Single Couch Mattress
Most Occupancy: 3 to 4 Individuals

OCEANVIEW STATEROOM

Just like the Inside Stateroom, however this one has home windows. Observe that these home windows are mounted and can’t be opened.

Dimension: 13 to twenty sq. meters
Mattress Association: 1 Double Mattress | 2 Single Beds | 2 Single Beds + 1 Pullman Mattress + 1 Single Couch Mattress | 1 Queen-size Mattress + 1 Single Couch Mattress
Max Occupancy: 2 to 4 Individuals

BALCONY STATEROOM

Commanding a better worth, this room has an analogous format to the 2 earlier cabins however has an out of doors balcony overlooking the ocean. It additionally comes with perks: welcome drinks, designated check-in, precedence baggage dealing with service, 10% off spa companies, 10% off at retail retailers, and NTD 1,200.00 eating credit per cabin per evening (promo till November 2025).

Dimension: 18 to twenty sq. meters
Mattress Association: 2 Single Beds + 1 Double Couch Mattress
Max Occupancy: 4 Individuals

LUXURY ROOMS

The premium cabins on the Star Navigator are extra spacious, luxuriously adorned, and have extra facilities and unique entry to The Palace—type of like a boutique lodge inside the Star Navigator that has an unique restaurant, buffet deck, swimming and lounge space, and a devoted 24-hour butler service.

DELUXE PALACE BALCONY

Precisely the identical because the Balcony Stateroom, however with entry to The Palace

Dimension: 18 to twenty sq. meters
Mattress Association: 2 Single Beds + 1 Double Couch Mattress
Max Occupancy: 4 Individuals

PALACE SUITE

Eleven compact variations of the Palace Penthouse. It has a dwelling and eating space a master suite with an enormous rest room and bathtub with a bathtub.

Dimension: 22 sq. meters
Mattress Association: 1 King-size Mattress + 1 Double Couch Mattress
Max Occupancy: 4 Individuals

PALACE DELUXE SUITE

Twenty-two modernly adorned open-plan suites with a walk-in closet, work desk, sitting space, a tub, and a large balcony.

Dimension: 37 to 44 sq. meters
Mattress Association: 1 King-size Mattress + 1 Double Couch Mattress
Max Occupancy: 4 Individuals

PALACE PENTHOUSE

5 of those are positioned on the entrance of the Star Navigator; these rooms have essentially the most premium view because the ship sails. Two extra are positioned in the back of the ship, which additionally has a direct view of the ocean. The suite has a dwelling and eating space and a bed room with an enormous open-plan rest room and bathtub.

Dimension: 50 to 60 sq. meters
Mattress Association: 1 King-size Mattress + 1 Double Couch Mattress
Max Occupancy: 4 Individuals

PALACE VILLA

The biggest and most luxurious cabin in Star Navigator. There are solely two Palace Villa suites on the ship. It has its personal mini foyer, two separate bedrooms (a master suite and an optionally available connecting room), a dwelling and eating space with a balcony, an enormous rest room and bathtub with a tub and walk-in closet, and an unlimited balcony with a Jacuzzi overlooking The Palace Pool and the ocean.

Dimension: 93.85 sq. meters
Mattress Association: 1 King-size Mattress + 1 Queen-size Mattress + 1 Double Couch Mattress
Max Occupancy: 6 Individuals

My Room: The place I Stayed

For this 6-day, 5-night cruise to Japan, I used to be billeted in Star Navigator’s Balcony Stateroom.

I’ve stayed on this room sort earlier than, throughout my Guangzhou to Hong Kong cruise, when this ship was nonetheless referred to as Celebrity Virgo. The format is precisely the identical, however I seen that they’ve upgraded the interiors to a livelier blue floral motif.

GOOD ENOUGH FOR FOUR

Like on my earlier keep, I used to be bunked alone within the room, so it was truly fairly large, when it comes to cruise ship room format, that’s.
 
This room can mattress as much as 4 individuals—two on the principle mattress, which can be divided into two single beds, and two extra on the couch, which transforms right into a mattress.

The room continues to be spacious for 2, however for 3 to 4 individuals, I’d should say that it could be a bit crowded however would nonetheless suffice. If the third and fourth individuals are toddlers, then it’s positively comfy sufficient for 4.

Additionally, as you received’t actually be spending lots of your waking hours contained in the cabin, then 4 is alright.

CLOSET AND SHELVES

Like all staterooms, it has ample closet house in your garments and even your suitcase. I truly unloaded all my garments, hanging some and placing others in drawers. Above the drawers is an digital protected. There are additionally additional pillows and linens on the upper shelf, which I shortly snatched and hauled to the mattress. The extra pillows, the higher.

Beside the closet is a sequence of cabinets. On the backside is the mini-fridge, then the principle one, which has the espresso and tea-making services. I actually like how they’ve stopped utilizing bottled water and shifted to having water stations close to the room for refilling, which is unquestionably extra eco-friendly.

There are two extra cabinets above, which I used as storage for my digital camera gear and stuff I purchased from shore excursions—cans of beer, packs of prompt ramen, Japanese mayo, and different random grocery objects you solely purchase when you attain a sure age, lol.

TOILET & BATH

Throughout from that is the en suite rest room and bathtub. Towels are offered for, and so are toiletries. Observe that these are primary toiletries, so I counsel bringing your personal. They’ve sizzling water, however sadly, no bidet.

What I like about their toilet is how every half is compartmentalized. The bathroom is on the left, the bathroom is within the heart, and the bathe is on the best aspect. The bathroom and bathe every have closable doorways, so you may truly use every one individually on the identical time, saving time, particularly if there are 4 of you within the room.

THE BED AREA

Subsequent is the mattress, which is as comfy as a mattress could be. It has a mini-bedside desk with an influence outlet on the best, which you should utilize as a desk in your devices when charging.

Fronting that may be a fortyish-inch flatscreen TV with cable channels. I stored mine on the Meals Channel on a regular basis.

The couch mattress sits proper subsequent to the mattress, and together with it’s a glass espresso desk, which could be stored beneath the self-importance must you want to not use it.

The self-importance has a mirror in entrance and a hair blower sticking off its left aspect. It additionally has a pull-out drawer, which I used to retailer all of the paper what-nots that we would have liked and received from shore excursions. The self-importance desk itself turned my charging station for my cameras and devices. I like how you needn’t deliver any outlet adaptor because the room has a common outlet and even devoted USB sockets.

THE BALCONY

And at last, the perfect a part of the room, the balcony.

The realm can seat two individuals comfortably on its lounge chairs. It additionally has a desk—with an ashtray for people who smoke, as smoking will not be allowed contained in the room. That is additionally handy for a cup of espresso within the morning—and even within the night.

I merely love hanging out right here, early within the mornings, the ship arriving at a brand new port, and the solar rising as we glide alongside the ocean.

BENEFITS & PERKS

Once more, I really like how staying on the Balcony Stateroom additionally comes with perks—a welcome drink, designated check-in, precedence baggage dealing with service, designated seating on the Zodiac Theater, 10% off spa companies, 10% off at retail retailers, and NTD 1,200.00 eating credit per cabin per evening. This promo runs till November 2025.

That eating credit score actually did make a distinction on this cruise. Not like my earlier cruises, I wasn’t actually capable of strive lots of the unique eating places since I’d should pay additional. This time, I used to be actually capable of strive most eating places across the Star Navigator and was even capable of get pleasure from a few beers and bar chow each night on the Solar Deck Bar & Seafood Grill.

WHAT TO DO AT THE STAR NAVIGATOR

You positively received’t run out of issues to do aboard the Star Navigator. Even throughout my six-day cruise aboard the ship, I felt I hadn’t completed all of the issues I ought to’ve completed through the cruise!

SWIM & LOUNGE

THE PARTHENON POOL on the prime deck is Star Navigator’s fundamental attraction. The Roman-inspired pool is surrounded on 4 corners by round Jacuzzi tubs.

Within the heart is a stage the place bands play through the evenings, and throughout from it’s a sleek fountain. Round it are lounge chairs, meals cubicles, and even a desk tennis. A flooring above are extra lounge chairs and a resto bar overlooking the pool.

The pool itself is surprisingly deep at 2.25 meters (7.38 toes), however they do have vest floaters accessible for teenagers and adults.

THE CAESAR’S SLIDE sits on its left, round three tales excessive and hundred meters lengthy, with a clear portion that juts out onto the ocean.

THE PALACE POOL DECK is positioned on the aft (again) aspect of the ship and is smaller than the Parthenon Pool. That is unique for The Palace visitors solely.

WATCH LIVE PERFORMANCES

THE ZODIAC THEATER has nightly reveals in its plush 800-seat auditorium. The reveals are freed from cost, so seats are on a first-come, first-served foundation.

We watched 5 reveals throughout our cruise—Dazzling Departure (dance), Ani-Mation (dance and magic), Crew Present (music and dance), Belief Fall (dance, acrobatics, and magic), and Color My World (dance, acrobatics, and magic).

   
4 of those are carried out by skilled stage actors and dancers, whereas the Crew Present is carried out by common employees members aboard the ship—which, despite the fact that not 100% good, is actually enjoyable to observe, as you may see how they actually loved acting on stage.

As with my earlier cruises, the contortionist acts are actually one thing to observe—they’re merely jaw-dropping, to say the least.

THE GRAND PIAZZA, or the foyer, additionally hosts reveals throughout totally different instances of day. We noticed a Chinese language puppet present throughout one night.

WATCH MOVIES

Motion pictures are additionally screened on the ZODIAC THEATER through the daytime—the schedule of which you’ll test on screens close to the elevators. These are, once more, freed from cost. Merely stroll in and select your seat. Get your self a field of popcorn from the theater sales space for a full film home expertise.

When you’re not feeling the vibe of a full theater, you may also watch films on the GRAND PIAZZA on its large display at choose instances of day.

WATCH A LIVE BAND

There are musicians and bands acting on elements of Star Navigator all through the day. I noticed one taking part in on the GRAND PIAZZA through the day, on the PALM COURT throughout a cocktail celebration, on the PARTHENON POOL through the barbecue celebration, and on the SUN DECK BAR & SEAFOOD GRILL most evenings.

JOIN TALKS, WORKSHOPS & FORUMS

The GRAND PIAZZA and PALM COURT additionally host varied talks, workshops, and boards on attention-grabbing matters good for each youngsters and adults. Throughout this cruise, I noticed artwork courses for teenagers, portray periods with visitor Cuban artist Reydel Espinosa, and talks about matters like making bonsai crops.

PLAY EGAMES

For gaming aficionados, the Star Navigator has the ESC EXPERIENCE LAB. It has the standard gamut of racing, combating, capturing, dance, and journey arcade video games, plus extra—a full VR sport titled Lifeless Jail.

If arcade machines should not your factor, in addition they have claw machines, an air hockey desk, and a comfortable console sport space fitted with PlayStation 4s at THE ZONE.

In order for you a larger-than-life gaming expertise, in addition they have scheduled handheld video games projected on the massive LCD display on the GRAND PIAZZA. I noticed them casting a Tremendous Mario sport by way of Nintendo Change one time.

PLAY BOARD GAMES

If digital video games should not your factor, in addition they have board video games accessible for hire on the PHOTO CORNER.

PLAY SPORTS

However if you wish to sweat it out and get extra bodily, there’s a full BASKETBALL COURT on the prime deck, the place you may go play hoops with a full crew. There’s additionally a TABLE TENNIS desk close to the pool space.

TRY YOUR LUCK

For top-stakes gaming, there are quite a few casinos scattered all through the cruise ship—the Worldwide Room, On line casino Room, Premium Room, Mahjong Lounge, and Genting Membership (for The Palace visitors). Bingo video games are additionally held on the GRAND PIAZZA.

GET FIT

The ship has a totally geared up GYM (open 24 hours), a RUNNING TRACK on the prime deck, an ENDLESS POOL—a small pool with adjustable present to swim in opposition to—and a TRADITIONAL POOL you are able to do laps on. It’s also possible to do your 10k walks, like I did, at deck 7’s BOARDWALK, which loops round the entire ship. One lap equals a 560-meter stroll.

GET PAMPERED

But when figuring out isn’t in your checklist through the cruise, nicely, merely pamper your self at THE SPA and THE SALON. Deal with your self to a facial, a therapeutic massage, a manicure or pedicure, a hair remedy, and even a plain outdated haircut whereas crusing the excessive seas.

GO SHOPPING

There are three purchasing locations aboard the Star Navigator: the SOUVENIR MARKET for Star Navigator-themed and different journey souvenirs on deck 7, the GIFT GALLERY giftshop, and THE BOUTIQUE on deck 8.

The Boutique gives branded and luxurious objects like attire, baggage, fragrance, jewellery, and watches. Additionally they have discounted objects lined up alongside the hall throughout choose instances of the cruise—often afternoons and evenings.

LOUNGE AROUND

If in case you have nothing else to do, then just do that: do nothing and easily lounge within the many lounge areas alongside the ship.

The PALM COURT has the biggest one aboard the Star Navigator with a premium view of the ocean. It additionally has a bar, so you may sip on a cocktail or drink beer whereas enjoyable. Or if that’s not your factor, in addition they have a mini library the place you may borrow a e book to learn.

Inside the space is the HUMIDOR CIGAR LOUNGE, a swanky room for tobacco fanatics.

VISIT THE SHIP BRIDGE

There are scheduled guided excursions you may e book, freed from cost, to enter and gawk on the Star Navigator bridge (ship’s cockpit).

When you’re not capable of e book a tour, you may nonetheless see the bridge, albeit behind a glass wall, on the CAPTAIN’S OBSERVATION LOUNGE. Alongside the partitions of this small chamber are some plaques, awards, and historical past concerning the Star Navigator.

WHERE TO EAT AT THE STAR NAVIGATOR

In between having enjoyable aboard and happening shore excursions, there may be, in fact, the consuming a part of the cruise. And eat continuous, you’ll.

The Star Navigator has a complete of fifteen eating places divided into two classes: the inclusive eating places, the place you may eat at no cost, and the premium eating places, the place you need to pay for the meals.

INCLUSIVE RESTAURANTS

THE LIDO BUFFET

The preferred and largest restaurant aboard the Star Navigator. The Lido is a buffet restaurant serving Western, Chinese language, and Asian cuisines for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Additionally they serve supper, must you get the midnight munchies, however with a price.

Like most buffet eating places, it has devoted stations for meat carvings, breads, desserts, salads, soups, eggs (for breakfast), and drinks. The primary programs differ day by day too.

The eating corridor is split into indoor and outside seating. I personally desire consuming al fresco on the Lido Grill—I merely love the ocean breeze whereas consuming.

PAVILION

The Pavilion serves a Western buffet for breakfast and four-course meals for lunch and dinner. In order for you steaks and seafood, you’d get it right here. They begin with an appetizer, adopted by soup, then a fundamental course of both fish, pork, beef, or rooster, and at last dessert.

It is a set meal, however you may truly ask for the whole lot a number of instances—principally a four-course buffet meal.

DREAM DINING ROOM

Dream Eating has the grandest eating house aboard the Star Navigator—opulent furnishings, excessive ceilings, chandeliers, and an enormous floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the ocean. They serve a Chinese language breakfast buffet and four-course lunch and dinner meals just like the Pavilion, however Chinese language.

BARBECUE NIGHT

Not all cruises aboard the Star Navigator have barbecue nights held on the prime deck of the ship. I’ve skilled this solely as soon as earlier than, aboard this identical ship when it was nonetheless referred to as the SuperStar Virgo, and I’m fortunate to expertise it once more aboard the Star Navigator as we cruise from Nagasaki to Kumamoto.

Throughout Barbecue Evening, The Lido is closed (however you may nonetheless eat there after getting your meals), and meals is served across the Parthenon Pool space. Grill stations are in every single place, serving smoking sizzling Taiwanese sausages, corn, pork chops, shrimp, mussels, and crabs. There are additionally non-grilled dishes and desserts on different buffet tables.

That is truly one of the crucial enjoyable dinners I’ve had aboard the Star Navigator.

PREMIUM RESTAURANTS

BLUE LAGOON

The Blue Lagoon is an open restaurant serving regional dishes from Asia. I’ve tried their dishes on earlier cruises and ordered the identical ones for this cruise—Singaporean laksa and Malaysian char kway teow. The style remained pretty much as good as I remembered it to be, and so did the beneficiant serving dimension.

MOZZARELLA RISTORANTE & PIZZERIA

We have been planning to order a pizza on the Mozzarella Ristorante & Pizzeria, an open restaurant additionally discovered mid-ship, however we merely didn’t have sufficient time—think about that. They largely serve Italian pizza and pasta dishes, and the aroma wafting from this place is simply mouthwatering.

HOTPOT

A restaurant serving Chinese language hotpots. We’ve but to do this restaurant, one pegged for the following cruise.

SILK ROAD

One other restaurant serving conventional Chinese language dishes. Yet one more pegged for the following cruise, lol.

VINTAGE ROOM

Essentially the most opulent and costly restaurant contained in the Star Navigator. They serve steaks and Western dishes. Seating could be very restricted, so reserving forward is a should.

UMI UMA

A favourite on the Star Navigator. We dined twice at Umi Uma, the ship’s solely Japanese restaurant. First, on their teppanyaki room—nice efficiency by the chef matched solely by the meals he served. And the second was a late dinner the place we splurged and ordered as a lot as our tummies may deal with.

SUN DECK BAR & SEAFOOD GRILL

One in every of our favourite haunt locations aboard the Star Navigator. The Solar Deck Bar & Seafood Grill is positioned on the prime deck and serves greater than grilled seafood. What we often have at this place is their rooster and fries (each of that are actually good) paired with a bucket of Taiwan Beer. The dwell bands, DJ, and the nightly stomach dancing efficiency are a bonus.

FOOD BOOTHS

LOBBY CAFÉ

Serves pastries and drinks, each alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Good place to hang around when on the Grand Piazza foyer.

MATCHA ICE

An ice cream sales space close to the Mahjong Lounge. Mahjong and ice cream, anybody?

THE LITTLE CAKE SHOP

Additionally close to the Mahjong Lounge. Add a slice of cake together with your ice cream and mahjong, perhaps?

GELATERIA

A gelato and ice cream sales space close to the Parthenon Pool. Excellent for an after-swim or in-between-swim snack.

EXCLUSIVE RESTAURANTS

THE PALACE RESTAURANT

Unique for The Palace visitors, The Palace Restaurant serves the perfect of what the opposite eating places aboard the Star Navigator serve, plus extra. We have been truly invited to strive their choices, and I’ve to say that it was certainly one of the crucial lovely lunches we ever had.

STAR NAVIGATOR SHORE EXCURSIONS

The journey a part of becoming a member of a cruise is experiencing its locations by way of its shore excursions.

Cruise visitors can do these two methods, by becoming a member of prearranged excursions supplied by StarDream Cruises or by doing it DIY. Like what I beforehand wrote within the What to Deliver part, I even noticed a few visitors who introduced an precise bike to discover Nagasaki on their very own!

Star Navigator has seven locations in Japan, two in South Korea, 4 within the Philippines, and two in Vietnam.

Throughout our five-night cruise, I used to be capable of go to three locations in Japan. And I really like how these are locations you may’t simply go to, as there are not any direct flights going there from the Philippines. One vacation spot I’d actually like to go to, nonetheless, which was not included in our itinerary, was Ishigaki in Okinawa—one of many southernmost islands in the entire of Japan. It’s so removed from mainland Japan that it’s virtually in Taiwan!

Observe that there’s a price for becoming a member of shore tour excursions, and it’s good to have a photocopy of your passport to disembark from the cruise ship. If, for some cause, you’re not capable of deliver a duplicate of your passport, then you should make a duplicate on the immigration space of the port of disembarkation for a price.

NAGASAKI

The primary metropolis we visited in Japan. Positioned on Kyushu, the southernmost of the 4 fundamental islands of Japan. Nagasaki is infamously generally known as the second metropolis the place an atomic bomb was dropped through the Second World Struggle.

We disembarked on the Matsugae Worldwide Wharf and walked in direction of the primary vacation spot, the Glover Slope—which surprisingly doesn’t look something like Japan however extra like a European road. At its heart is the Oura Cathedral, one of many oldest Catholic church buildings within the nation.

We then proceeded to the Glover Backyard, a hill dotted with restored Western-styled homes overlooking the Bay of Nagasaki.

Subsequent was lunch on the Hamamachi Purchasing Arcade. We have been left to our personal units and have been advised to come back again to the bus after two hours. Along with D, we went to a restaurant serving native champon ramen on the Shinchi Chinatown. That left us with just a few minutes to buy.

The ultimate cease was the Nagasaki atomic bomb space, the place the Peace Park, Atomic Bomb Hypocenter, and the Atomic Bomb Museum have been positioned. It was a sobering finish to our tour, which left me teary-eyed as we boarded our bus.

Since we nonetheless had two hours left earlier than the embarkation time, we explored the close by space on our personal and located ourselves on the Dutch Slope, which has a couple of extra historic homes and temples.

KUMAMOTO

Additionally on Kyushu, Kumamoto is the capital of the Kumamoto Prefecture.

We docked on the Yatshushiro Cruise Port very early within the morning and have been out of the ship by six. The drive to the primary cease, Suizenji Park—a Zen-like Edo-period park from the 1600s—took about an hour, the port being fairly removed from town heart.

Kumamoto Fort was our second cease and the spotlight of the tour. We even climbed all the way in which to the highest of the fort, the place a beautiful view of town unfolded earlier than us.

We then walked in direction of the Shimatori Purchasing Arcade to buy and have lunch. We discovered one other native ramen for lunch, and have been capable of store a bit earlier than going again to the bus.

NAHA

Naha is the capital metropolis of the Okinawa Prefecture—the southernmost prefecture in Japan.

We arrived at Naha well beyond lunchtime, docking on the Wakasa Cruise Terminal. We then shortly wound our option to the close by Naminoue Shrine, a small temple overlooking Naminoue Seaside.

Our bus then dropped us on the Senaga Nishi Seaside, and from there we walked to the Umikaji Terrace—an open-air purchasing advanced. It’s a mixture of bespoke retailers, cozy cafés, and eating places going through the ocean.

We then proceeded to our closing cease, the Alexander & Solar duty-free purchasing heart.

The drive again to the ship was lovely, with the solar setting alongside the ocean.

And with time to spare, we visited a close-by MaxValu grocery store to do a bit extra purchasing earlier than lastly departing Naha and Japan.

OTHER SHORE EXCURSIONS

There are literally totally different shore excursions being supplied for these three locations, some highlighting historic locations, others extra centered on meals, and so forth. You may select an tour that beats closest to your method of touring.

PRACTICAL CRUISE TIPS

As with my earlier cruise blogs, I’ve collated some guides and tricks to make your cruise much more pleasurable—particularly good for first-time cruisers. These are from my very own cruise expertise, from totally different ships and from this identical precise ship, which I’ve ridden twice earlier than. Learn on and cruise like a professional.

CHOOSING THE BEST FREE RESTAURANT TO EAT AT

There are three inclusive eating places aboard Star Navigator: Dream Eating (Chinese language delicacies), Pavilion (Western delicacies), and The Lido (Western, Chinese language, Asian delicacies).

And to decide on a restaurant with out regretting it later, it’s possible you’ll test the menu first. That is relevant for Dream Eating and Pavilion, which have their menus posted at their entrances. For The Lido, since it’s a buffet and has no set menu, it’s possible you’ll ask the particular person manning the doorway if you happen to can see the buffet unfold earlier than swiping your card. Ask properly and you’ll all the time be given entry.

Test the three earlier than committing, and you’ll positively get pleasure from your dinner extra.

BEST PLACE TO EAT ON THE LIDO

My go-to restaurant for breakfast is often The Lido because it gives dishes additionally discovered on the two different free eating places.

Nonetheless, the issue with Lido is that it’s all the time crowded. What I do to keep away from the gang is eat on its al fresco half referred to as The Lido Grill. This place is nearly all the time devoid of individuals, since most diners need the consolation of air-conditioning and most don’t actually know that there’s an al fresco space. I really like the way you additionally get to completely see the ocean with out a glass window and even really feel its breeze.

Ask the particular person manning the doorway properly that you just wish to sit outdoor. In the event that they refuse, merely go outdoors and sit on one of many vacant tables—like I often do, lol.  

FILL UP YOUR WATER BOTTLE WITH BEVERAGES

If in case you have an insulated water bottle with you, you may fill that with chilly fruit drinks, sodas, and even sizzling espresso from The Lido buffet. You may eat this whereas roaming the ship and even deliver it with you throughout shore excursions.

UNLIMITED FOUR-COURSE MEALS

Dream Eating and Pavilion gives a buffet throughout breakfast. For lunch and dinner, they’ve a set menu. You would possibly assume you’re dropping out if you happen to eat right here versus if you happen to eat at The Lido, because it has a full buffet even for lunch and dinner.

Properly, you’re improper. You may truly order any of the dishes on the menu a number of instances, as a lot as you may eat. And the perfect factor about it’s they’ve extra premium choices than The Lido. I truly didn’t know this throughout my earlier cruises!

BEST TIME TO SWIM IN THE PARTHENON POOL

Being one of many fundamental sights of the Star Navigator, the Parthenon Pool is nearly all the time teeming with folks. It’s, certainly, fairly fashionable, and taking a photograph with out folks within the background could be fairly a problem.

This, nonetheless, could be achieved throughout very early mornings or throughout mealtimes when everyone seems to be on the eating places. We truly witnessed a zero-person swimming pool at round 6:30PM—positively the perfect time to swim and take pictures.

LULL TIMES ON THE STAR NAVIGATOR

Throughout our five-night cruise to Japan, we had one entire day the place we merely sailed the excessive seas. The perfect factor to do throughout these lull instances is to discover all nooks and crannies of the ship. You may discover ranging from the bottom deck to the best one, or vice versa. Use the maps discovered close to the elevators to information and orient your self. The ship is so large you’d be shocked to see locations you’d by no means thought have been there.

MOST SCENIC CRUISE TIMES

Essentially the most scenic a part of the cruise is often when it approaches and leaves a vacation spot port. Make sure to be on the prime deck to take advantage of out of those instances.

CHECKING IN YOUR LUGGAGE

Throughout check-in at first of the cruise, if ever you determine to test your bag, you should definitely have a full change of garments with you in your hand-carry bag. Since your check-in bag would possibly take some time to succeed in your cabin, this manner you’d have a full change of garments to clean up even with out your fundamental suitcase.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON CRUISING

Cruising for the fifth time continues to be as enjoyable as my first time. I loved all of the hours aboard the Star Navigator and outdoors the ship for the shore excursions. And please, cease saying that cruises are for outdated folks. Outdated as I could also be, I can nonetheless backpack my method by way of my travels. However cruising is only a totally different method of touring; it’s simply pure rest peppered with a little bit of journey. Six days, lengthy as it might appear, isn’t lengthy sufficient. I would like one other spherical, please.