She's big. She's beautiful. And she's about to make waves in South East Asia. Welcome aboard the Superstar Virgo.

If you ever happen to drop by at the Star Cruises office, you'll realise just how much the company believes in the stars. Mention of constellations like Aries, Taurus, Leo, Gemini, Pisces, Libra and Capricorn fly fast and furious until you wonder exactly what these guys are up to. However, these are just the names of various liners sailing around the world under the Star Cruises flag. Each of these liners is the last word in luxury and safety and have often been compared favourably with the Titanic itself! The latest liner to be launched under the Star Cruises flag, the Superstar Virgo, follows in the illustrious footsteps of her predecessors.

The Virgo cost a staggering 350 Million dollars to build, which makes it one of the most expensive luxury liners afloat today. The interesting bit however is that while a large proportion of the budget has gone towards providing the passengers with the ultimate in luxurious living, a good bit has been spent on safety too! The Virgo confirms to all the latest international safety regulations. In fact, in certain cases, the safety features on board the Superstar Virgo will come into effect as being mandatory only in June 2005 - making it one of the safest luxury liners in the world today.

The Superstar Virgo will be the largest luxury liner in Asia and probably the world. What's more, for the first time in the history of the international luxury liner industry, a cruise liner will depart on her maiden voyage from Indian shores. On August 20, 1999, the Superstar Virgo will embark on her maiden cruise from Mumbai to Singapore, stopping off at Colombo, Male (Maldives) and Langkawi (Malaysia) along the way. So, let's take a virtual ride aboard the new queen of the Asian seas, from Mumbai to Singapore.

Step aboard the Superstar Virgo and you feel as though you've entered a whole new world altogether. A world where everything's gleaming and new. Muted wooden furniture blends with the carpeting creating an aura of sophistication. The grand reception area or the Grand Piazza is redolent of an Italian square with Roman columns and a giant, airy atrium. The attention to detail aboard the liner is amazing. From the simplistic chairs in the Japanese restaurant, the Samurai, to the luxurious chandeliered ambience of the speciality restaurant, the Pavilion room, nothing has been left to chance. In fact, as you walk around the ship, you'll realise that the only thing about the Virgo that has been inspired by the stars is the name itself.

If you can think of any form of relaxation, entertainment or cuisine that you miss back home, barring a cricket match, you'll probably find it on board. The Virgo has various levels of accommodation to suit every budget. The finest rooms on board are the Ocean View Staterooms with a balcony. The rooms are plush, well appointed and offer all the conveniences you'd expect of five star accommodations anywhere in the world. Feeling hungry? You have a choice of Japanese, Chinese and Italian speciality restaurants to eat to your heart's content in. The Virgo also hosts a multi-cuisine buffet at meal times at the Mediterranean Buffet. And just in case you miss the food back home, enjoy a hearty Indian meal at The Taj, which also happens to be the only Indian restaurant afloat. When you feel like a drink, sip a cocktail at Bellini's Champagne Bar, hit the exotic Out of Africa bar or swing to some golden oldies at the Galaxy of the Stars.

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