Three beach destinations, many nifty deals, one cruise u2014 Sunday MiD DAY offers tips for the smart traveller

If you have been putting off that cruise you always dreamt of because it's too expensive, go ahead and pack that swimsuit. You can now cruise through the Straits of Malacca, stopover at Penang and Phuket, all for just Rs 15,000. The Superstar Virgo has room for all sorts of travellers, including those on a budget (see box).



We boarded the ship from Singapore on a typically warm afternoon. And from the drab immigration counters, we were suddenly hurled into the midst of a welcoming party complete with champagne, music, mascots and even a prince charming (who left most of the passengers rather bemused). Though the garish du00e9cor in the lobby is perhaps the only aspect that can make you queasy on board. By the time we settled into our rooms, it was time for the ship to set sail.u00a0

The first evening is a good time to get acquainted with the ship. With just three nights on board, you will never a get your fill of everythingu00a0-- swimming pool, jacuzzis, spa, discotheque, casino, lido deck, library and restaurants serving Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Italian and continental cuisines.

Veggie alert
Our first port call, the island of Penang in Malaysia, came next afternoon. The first stop after a drive hugging the coast was at a tropical agro farm, though it was tempting to just stop at one of the many secluded spots by the sea and laze away the day.

The farm was a delight for non-vegetarians with its lavish barbecue lunch, featuring fish, squid, kalamari, chicken, lamb and beef. It's advisable for vegetarians to have lunch on the ship before heading to Penang, as the token vegetarian items on the menu are best left alone. However, vegetarian or non-vegetarian, don't miss out on the wide range of fresh fruits, juices and the special skyfruit coffee that are on the buffet.

Our tour also included a stop at Wat Chayamankalaram temple, which houses the world's third largest reclining Buddha, and another at a batik factory, for some souvenir shopping.