A Few Things About Boarding: What You Might Want to Know Before Cruising

John Nong Farmer／Reported and photographed by Libra Star

The Star Cruises’ Libra Star, which was previously based in Keelung, has set sail on a new route from Hainan Island to Vietnam in November, adding yet another exciting itinerary to cruise travel. Those who haven’t cruised before might have many curiosities and questions about it. Today, let’s unveil the mysteries of the Libra Star together.

1. Let’s Sneak a Peek at the Cabins
The photo below shows the “Ocean View Window Cabin,” which has two beds, a TV, and a kettle.

All cabins on the Libra Star come with private bathrooms, so there’s no need to worry about sharing. The hygiene and cleaning supplies provided in the rooms are similar to those in hotels — bath towels, slippers, hangers, toothbrushes, shower caps, lotion, and hairdryers. Body wash and shampoo are also included, so there’s no need to prepare them yourself.

As soon as you enter the room, your eyes will immediately be drawn to the long blue cushion by the bed.

Everyone’s probably curious about what this long blue cushion is for, right? It’s a movable sofa backrest — just lower it, and the bed turns into a sofa.

2. Do I Need to Bring an Adapter or Transformer Onboard?
All cabins on the Libra Star have power sockets, and the ship’s voltage is 110V, the same as in Taiwan.

The most conveniently located sockets are on the vanity, but one of them is a double round-pin outlet, which requires a double round-to-double flat adapter to use.

Aside from the sockets by the vanity, there’s also one behind the TV and one in the bathroom. However, the socket in the bathroom is quite hidden — it’s located above the mirror, so you’ll need to look carefully to find it.

Oh, but if you’re taking the Libra Star from Haikou to Ha Long Bay, since you’ll be staying overnight at the Haikou Sheraton Hotel (or another hotel of the same star rating), you will need a transformer and adapter.

3. Do I Need WIFI to Post and Show Off?
Modern people really can’t live without the internet — especially on a rare cruise, how can you not take photos and upload them to Facebook in time?

Although the ship is sailing at sea, you can still get online with WIFI. However, the WIFI onboard is not free and needs to be purchased separately.

4. Are There Spaces to Exercise Onboard?
Many friends have the habit of exercising every day and feel like something’s missing if they skip a day. Those with an exercise routine need not worry about having to give it up on board — the Libra Star offers plenty of spaces for physical activity, including a swimming pool, basketball court, fitness center, and even a jogging track where you can run around the ship.

Energetic friends won’t have to worry about getting bored on the ship.

5. Want to Relax After Playing Too Much...
Traveling can also be tiring. After playing hard for a few days, do you want to relax a bit? The Libra Star also offers hair washing, beauty treatments, and massage services.

After returning from an onshore excursion, why not book a massage to unwind?

6. Is There Anywhere to Shop Onboard?
Of course there is. The ship has a “Boutique Shop” that sells souvenirs, including cruise-related items and local Vietnamese souvenirs.

If you miss the shopping opportunities in Vietnam, don’t worry too much — you can always pick up more at the shops on the ship.

▲ Besides souvenirs, there’s also a duty-free shop.

7. Do I Need to Carry Cash Onboard?
Your cabin key card also functions as an account card. Whether you’re dining on the ship or purchasing items, there’s no need to pull out cash right away — simply charge everything to your cabin card first, and then settle the bill at the service desk before disembarking.

▲If you need to buy anything after disembarking, the service desk on the boat also offers foreign currency exchange services.