Adventure on the High Seas
With impressive facilities, the best of food and dime-a-dozen gambling tables, the dream of cruising aboard a luxury liner is one of the most tempting. TEMPO reporter Iwan Setiawan sampled all of that—and more—on the Singapore-Phuket-Langkawi route on the Star Cruises Virgo. But sample was all he did, as his was a mission to record the atmosphere of the floating hotel. Here's his account.
May 1, 2001
THE horn of the Star Cruises Virgo lets out three long blasts as the luxury cruise ship leaves Singapore for the open seas. The gliding vessel picks up speed, as if to chase the sun that has just started to set on the horizon. Several passengers sit on the terrace, while the rest stand near the ship's bridge, enjoying the afternoon breeze.
The atmosphere livens up near dinnertime. Those on board who had worn casual attire in the afternoon have no
...