Our second destination for the SuperStar Libra Cruise is at Phuket Patong Beach (Day 3)
Upon arrival at Phuket, we were transferred to deep sea Port of Phuket where when we disembarked, for our Patong Beach Excursion.
On the way to Phuket, we were briefed by our friendly tour guide aka Dove on what we are things to do, to eat and to buy from Phuket, Thailand.
After a 45 minutes bus ride; we reach the Patong Beach at the JungCeylon Mall which happens to be the biggest mall on Phuket. It is conveniently located where you can easily access to the fame Bangla Street, the famed Patong beach and the Banzaan Fresh Market.
This mall also houses a number of Thai souvenir shop at lower ground, the Big C hypermarket where you can buy almost all the Thai produce to bring home and the upmarket Robinson Store and many others.
As a foodie, we have decided to make our way to the Banzaan Fresh Market
where you can buy or eat all the Thai local fresh fruits,
and fresh seafood like lobster, crabs, prawns, fish, shellfish
(take a look at the video of the live seafood offering) and more.
Here, you can buy the fresh food and vegetables from the market and bring it to the first floor where most of the shop will be able to cook for you any style from their menu.
The cooking price range for each dish is around 100-150 Thai Baht.
Opposite this Banzaan Fresh Market is a Muay Thai Stadium. There are fight schedules mostly in the evening if you are staying overnight in Phuket.
Next on is a walk pass thru the fame Bangla Street which is also known as the beer street. This is the most happening street when nightfall; to be when you are in Patong Beach although we would have left by then. This road is closed at night and we were told that it is usually packed with tourist.
After a brief walk, we finally reach the beach area where you can swim, paragliding, or just take a brisk walk on the sandy beach
360-degree view of Patong Beach
or just laze around the beach for some sunbathing while enjoying your sip of refreshing freshly pierced coconut drink.
There are some street food and restaurant along the way that you might like to taste.
or go for a relaxing Thai Massage.
Soon, we were back at the mall after a brief walk around the Patong Beach to check out the food bazaar,
souvenir shop and the Big C Hypermarket to purchase the Tom Yam Thai Instant Noodle. After which it was an hour drive back to the port.
SuperStar Libra operated by Star Cruises has just launched a 5 Day 4 Night Cruise Port Klang - Langkawi - Phuket - Penang - Port Klang at RM899.00+. For more information and ongoing promotion, please visit Star Cruise Malaysia Facebook Page or Star Cruise Website
The cruise starts off with the boarding of the SuperStar Libra at the Boustead Cruise Centre in Port Klang.
What makes a cruise holiday different from other holidays is that it is more relaxing and are perfect for those that live a hectic and stressful work life. For me, it was quite some time we went for a cruise holiday. So, come along with us as to how we will be spending our 5 days of holiday on board SuperStar Libra.
For me; there is actually 3 option for this cruise holiday when you are on board; the first is to really do nothing but to enjoy every moment on board like eat, sleep and relax. There is no compulsory itinerary for you to stick to; unlike on other tours where there is a fixed time for you get up, go here and so forth. You can just decide not to do anything at all and just laze around; enjoying the full facilities and hospitality the SuperStar Libra has to offer.
But for me, one of the activities that I enjoyed most was the soft sea breeze on the top deck while the ship is cruising especially in the early morning and at the same time admiring the undivided attention of the sunrise across the horizon that relieve all the stress of city living.
The second option is to join all the other activities that are planned on board that is happening every day or in fact every hour. Each morning, you will be sent the Star Navigator to your cabin; which highlights all the activities happening on that day. There are almost some activities for everyone; from kids to adult and for me the second most activities that I enjoyed most is to chill out at the Crystal Court where live soft music performance is serenaded.
While for some you can also join in for some fun and try your luck at a game of Bingo.
The facilities on board SuperStar Libra are aplenty, which includes a child care centre, beauty salon, spa services and medical centre.
There are a number of the duty-free shop on board for you to shop for perfumes, watches and jewellery too.
While for the more athletic, can choose to jogs around the ship, play some basketball, table tennis, practise some golf driving skills and/or take a leisurely swim in the swimming pool on the top deck.
As for me, after each off board shore excursion; my every day not to be missed activities is the warm water jacuzzi to rejuvenate my tired feet and soul from the excursion.
Frankly speaking, there are so many things that you can do on board the SuperStar Libra that will occupy your time if you choose this option to enjoy your holiday.
Food and Beverage
When it comes to food, you will never go hungry on board the SuperStar Libra. With a daily 5 meals on board and 8 food and beverage outlet to choose from (do check out the Star Navigator); you will be spoilt for choices, which range from buffet to ala cart dishes to Halal dishes for the non-Muslim; there is something for everyone.
As there are so many food outlets to eat in, we highlight the special dining dishes that we had while on board the SuperStar Libra starting with the Chinese Cuisine at Ocean Palace (Deck 4 Aft). The dishes which are served is different on a daily basis. You can check out the menu at the restaurant reception before hand.
We had the 7-course dinner and the following is the highlight dish which the first is Braised Abalone With Seasonal Vegetable with Oyster Sauce.
followed by the Stir Fried Prawn With Sambal Paste
Braised Chicken With Potato
and the Steamed Golden Pomfret Teochew Style
We then had a lunch date with the Four Season (Deck 4, Mid) for a Western Meal 4 course meal.
The four-course meal with an option for the soup and the mains, starting with an appetiser which is Prawn and Vegetable Salad With Mayonnaise Tomato Dressing and a soup.
For the main, we had the Tenderloin Steak and finish off with a dessert.
Dinner for Day 3; We were hosted to a Grand Gala Dinner by Captain Christian Gerhard Aalbers.
The Gala Dinner started with an appetizer of California Maki With Pan Sear Maguro in Sesame Dressing.
while the highlight is the Main course which is the Grilled Salmon With Lobster Thermidor in Buttery sauce.
and finish off with Dessert of Rich Dark Chocolate Mousse
Next; we had the opportunity to taste the Malay Cuisine at Spices Restaurant (Deck 10 Aft).
The Spices Restaurant is Halal certified. For this restaurant, the preference is for Muslim guests. A prior arrangement has to be made on your booking of the cruise for Halal food. Another restaurant with the Halal certification is the Blue Lagoon Restaurant (Deck 10 Aft) which is opened 24 hours daily.
For this meal at the Spices, we were served an ala-carte dinner which comprises of more than 7 different dishes but the highlight for all of us is the Udang Sambal Petai; so much so we have to order another dish.
followed by the slightly sweet taste of the beef dish which is Daging Masak Kayu Manis.
and lastly, the spices infused Ayam Masak Merah that goes perfectly with a bowl of steaming white rice.
For desserts, we were served a bountiful local and imported mixed fruit platter.
Finally, if you are one of those that loves buffet; you can enjoy all the spread from Mariner Buffet (Deck 9 Aft). Here are some of the highlight buffet spread
BBQ Seafood - Grilled Pawns
Sadly for us, there were just too many food and beverage outlet, that we had not had the stomach to try each and every one of them.
Entertainment
As part of the daily highlight are the International show performance happening nightly at the Stardust Lounge (Deck 5 Fwd).
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or you might want to belt out a number or 2 at the KTV lounge at Deck 10 Aft.
or choose to enjoy the soft music live performance at the Crystal Court (Deck 4 Mid).
Shore Excursion
The third option is to enjoy all the shore excursion in Langkawi, Phuket and Penang. There are many choices of excursion for each destination. You can book them at the Shore Excursion Counter at (Deck 4 Mid) or choose to go on your own (more of this later).
