Family-friendly casual cruising that’s good for gamblers
Overview. SuperStar Aquarius was transferred from Norwegian Cruise Line to the Star Cruises fleet in 2007 to operate overnight and short cruises from Hong Kong. The dress code is strictly casual. Several cabins are specially equipped for the hearing-impaired. All gratuities for staff are included.
The Ship. The exterior design emphasizes a clever and extensive use of large windows that help create a sense of open spaces, but the interior design has many smaller public rooms. There is no big atrium lobby, and the ceiling height is low.
Public rooms include bars and lounges, including Skyline Karaoke, which has five private karaoke rooms. There’s a mahjong/card room, childcare center, video arcade, Genting Club for invited gaming guests, business meeting rooms, an Internet-connect center/library, cigar lounge, and a small boutique. There is a blue rubber-covered walk-around promenade deck outdoors. Outdoor stairways are numerous and confusing, while the carpeted steel interior stairwell steps are tinny.
Accommodation. There are 16 cabin price grades. No cabin includes the number ‘4’ – which means ‘die’ in superstitious China. Most cabins have outside views and wood-trimmed cabinetry and warm decor with multi-colored soft furnishings, but there’s almost no drawer space (although the closets have open shelves), so take minimal clothing. All cabins have a sitting area. The bathrooms are small but practical.
There are 18 suites (12 with a private entrance and a small, private balcony), each with separate living room and bedroom, and plenty of closet and drawer space. Occupants of suites receive ‘concierge’ service. In addition, 16 suites and 70 cabins have interconnecting doors.
Dining. Freestyle Dining venues include the 280-seat Dynasty Restaurant, for Chinese family-style food. It has some prime tables at ocean-view window seats in a section that extends from the ship’s port and starboard sides in half-moon shapes. There’s also Spices Restaurant, an Asian specialty buffet venue with 180 seats; Oceana Barbeque, an outdoor buffet venue; Blue Lagoon, a 24-hour bistro, with 80 seats; and Mariner’s Buffet, an international self-service buffet.
Entertainment. The 700-seat Stardust Lounge is two decks high, but the banquette and individual tub chair seating is only on the main level. There is no live showband, only recorded music. High-volume razzle-dazzle shows are presented to a pre-recorded track, as well as special individual cabaret acts.
Spa/Fitness. A gymnasium has high-tech muscle-toning equipment, reflexology lounge, and Oscar Hair and Beauty Salon. There’s a ping-pong table, basketball/volleyball court, golf driving range, and a jogging track.