Friday, 14 December 2018
Friday 14 December 2018 - At Sea
A sea day. Perfect. Did the washing which all went smoothly although it was very busy with all the washing machines and dryers constantly going. As soon as you were finished there was someone waiting to use the machine. The rest of the day was spent relaxing watching the world go by, reading and typing this blog for when we get home.
Thursday, 13 December 2018
Thursday 13 December 2018 - Ho Chi Minh City - Vietnam
Today was to be a long day. We docked at Phu My where we boarded our bus at 8.45 for the 1 hour 45 minute (if there were no traffic jams) drive into Ho Che Minh City.
As we had elected to explore the city on our own we were handed a map and dropped off at the Bitexco Building.
We had been told tourist attractions closed between 12 and 2 for lunch. Our first port of call was the Reunification Palace. We set off in the direction then made the mistake of stopping to check out the map. A man came up and offered to help. We naively showed him the map and said where we wanted to go. He said - too far to walk, get taxi. Our guide on the bus had already told us it was walkable so we declined and walked off. He ran after us I take you. I take you. After about a block he finally took our no as a no and ran off after some other tourists.
Somehow we ended up at the Ben Thanh Market. As we had seen enough markets the day before we pushed on in search of the Reunification Palace.
We managed to make it to the Reunification Palace by 11:40 only to find they were closed until 1:00. Great. Next we headed to the Notre-Dame Church, a 19th century Roman-Gothic Cathedral.
Across the road was the Post Office which as well as being a Post Office has shops and street hawkers.
By this stage we were sick of the heat and street hawkers and headed back to the Bitexco Building and ventured up to the Saigon Skydeck. This is on the 49th floor and you can walk all the way around to get a 360 degree view of the city and surrounds. This was probably the best part of the day.
There was also a display of the traditional dresses of Vietnam which were beautiful and well worth a look. As we still had over an hour we went for a walk around the block, located a McDonalds, purchased some fries so we could make use of their wi-fi before heading back to Bitexco Building and the bus for the drive back to the ship.
You could not walk 5 steps without someone wanting you to buy something or use their tuk tuk or taxi, I even had 3 children, separately, come up asking for money. We were told to cross the road by just stepping onto the road - don’t make eye contact - and just keep walking at a constant pace and they will go around you. Easier said than done. It is quite nerve wracking stepping onto a road with 20 scooters and 5 cars coming straight at you. I was lucky as my hat impeded my view at the side so I couldn’t see them. I would just step out, hold my breath and walk ignoring the horns blaring at me.
Was glad to get back to the comfort of the ship at 5pm. Had an early dinner, listened to some music for awhile before an early night. Travelling can be exhausting.
As we had elected to explore the city on our own we were handed a map and dropped off at the Bitexco Building.
We had been told tourist attractions closed between 12 and 2 for lunch. Our first port of call was the Reunification Palace. We set off in the direction then made the mistake of stopping to check out the map. A man came up and offered to help. We naively showed him the map and said where we wanted to go. He said - too far to walk, get taxi. Our guide on the bus had already told us it was walkable so we declined and walked off. He ran after us I take you. I take you. After about a block he finally took our no as a no and ran off after some other tourists.
 |
| Note the child. They even carried babies there. |
Just carrying a few supplies
|
Somehow we ended up at the Ben Thanh Market. As we had seen enough markets the day before we pushed on in search of the Reunification Palace.
We managed to make it to the Reunification Palace by 11:40 only to find they were closed until 1:00. Great. Next we headed to the Notre-Dame Church, a 19th century Roman-Gothic Cathedral.
Across the road was the Post Office which as well as being a Post Office has shops and street hawkers.
By this stage we were sick of the heat and street hawkers and headed back to the Bitexco Building and ventured up to the Saigon Skydeck. This is on the 49th floor and you can walk all the way around to get a 360 degree view of the city and surrounds. This was probably the best part of the day.
There was also a display of the traditional dresses of Vietnam which were beautiful and well worth a look. As we still had over an hour we went for a walk around the block, located a McDonalds, purchased some fries so we could make use of their wi-fi before heading back to Bitexco Building and the bus for the drive back to the ship.
 |
| Everything wired safely and neatly ! |
You could not walk 5 steps without someone wanting you to buy something or use their tuk tuk or taxi, I even had 3 children, separately, come up asking for money. We were told to cross the road by just stepping onto the road - don’t make eye contact - and just keep walking at a constant pace and they will go around you. Easier said than done. It is quite nerve wracking stepping onto a road with 20 scooters and 5 cars coming straight at you. I was lucky as my hat impeded my view at the side so I couldn’t see them. I would just step out, hold my breath and walk ignoring the horns blaring at me.
 |
| Not sure what this building was |
Was glad to get back to the comfort of the ship at 5pm. Had an early dinner, listened to some music for awhile before an early night. Travelling can be exhausting.
Wednesday, 12 December 2018
Wednesday 12 December 2018 - Nha Trang - Vietnam
Rough during the night as the sick bags made an appearance. Thankfully didn’t upset us although we were worried we might not be able to disembark as it is a tender port. 27 degrees 85% humidity. Up at 6am today to be ready for our tour today. On the bus and off into the city. The traffic was chaotic. No turn indicators here you just beep the horn and the biggest vehicle wins.
It was pure luck that we didn’t run anyone over.
After a short drive we were dropped off to walk across Xong Bom Bridge to see the traditional fishing villages and fishing boats.
Once across the bridge we were back on the bus and off to a silk embroidery workshop. We were allowed to wander the workshop and watch the women doing the embroidery. The results were fantastic, although a bit expensive for us to purchase any.
The bus then took us to a restaurant, where again there were locals selling things with local music and dancing, as well as food if you wished to buy it.
From here we went to Cho Dam Market.
Once again a warren of stalls selling all the same sort of thing. We had 30 minutes here but after 15 we returned to sit in the bus.
Next up Long Son Pagoda of which the main attraction is a huge white buddha built in 1965 to commemorate the monks who protested the abuses of the Diem regime by setting themselves alight.
There is quite a climb up to see it and once up on the Buddha’s level you get a great view out over Nha Trang.
The last tender was due to leave the dock at 3pm. Our bus arrived back at dock at about 2.30 an hour late. All tours seemed to go overtime so the ship was 30 minutes late leaving.
It was pure luck that we didn’t run anyone over.
First stop was Hon Chong Promontory, a small, rocky peninsula that juts out into the South China Sea offering views of the coast and nearby islands.
There was a café and shop selling local items and a building where two girls played local instruments. They were very good and it was amazing the sound the simple instruments produced.
Back on the bus to Ponagar Cham Towers, which consist of four intricately carved towers depicting a different architectural style as they were built between the 7th and 12th centuries AD. The largest contains a statue dedicated to Lady Thien Y-ana, the wife of Prince Bac Hai. Many Buddhists come here to pray so we had to put on coats, that are supplied, to ensure there was no flesh showing. We also had to remove our shoes before we could enter the temple.
There was a café and shop selling local items and a building where two girls played local instruments. They were very good and it was amazing the sound the simple instruments produced.
Back on the bus to Ponagar Cham Towers, which consist of four intricately carved towers depicting a different architectural style as they were built between the 7th and 12th centuries AD. The largest contains a statue dedicated to Lady Thien Y-ana, the wife of Prince Bac Hai. Many Buddhists come here to pray so we had to put on coats, that are supplied, to ensure there was no flesh showing. We also had to remove our shoes before we could enter the temple.
After a short drive we were dropped off to walk across Xong Bom Bridge to see the traditional fishing villages and fishing boats.
Once across the bridge we were back on the bus and off to a silk embroidery workshop. We were allowed to wander the workshop and watch the women doing the embroidery. The results were fantastic, although a bit expensive for us to purchase any.
The bus then took us to a restaurant, where again there were locals selling things with local music and dancing, as well as food if you wished to buy it.
From here we went to Cho Dam Market.
Once again a warren of stalls selling all the same sort of thing. We had 30 minutes here but after 15 we returned to sit in the bus.
Next up Long Son Pagoda of which the main attraction is a huge white buddha built in 1965 to commemorate the monks who protested the abuses of the Diem regime by setting themselves alight.
There is quite a climb up to see it and once up on the Buddha’s level you get a great view out over Nha Trang.
The last tender was due to leave the dock at 3pm. Our bus arrived back at dock at about 2.30 an hour late. All tours seemed to go overtime so the ship was 30 minutes late leaving.
An enjoyable day but totally exhausting. Skipped the show tonight just watched the TV for a short time before an early night as tomorrow is another long port day.
Tuesday, 11 December 2018
Tuesday 11 December 2018 - At Sea
A day at sea, a rougher sea today, not unbearable you just know you’re on a ship. Lazing around interrupted by the advanced photo seminar and future cruise tips seminar. Lunch then an afternoon of listening to Dixieland Jazz. Evening meal then off to another show by the Princess singers and dancers which wasn’t as good as their first show.
Monday, 10 December 2018
Monday 10 December 2018 - Kota Kinabalu - Malaysia
Another good night although it did get a bit rough in the early morning. We got into port around 11am, an hour early.
Our tour left at 1pm. The departure and onto the bus all ran very smoothly. 28 degrees 85% humidity. Number 1 priority, air conditioning, check. We did a city drive stopping for photos only at the following - Tun Mustapha Tower, a 30 storey circular glass and steel tower, one of only 3 in the world built by the suspended manner.
Next the City Mosque and then the Blue Water Mosque. We drove past the Atkinson Clock Tower, the oldest standing structure in town being one of only three buildings to have survived the air raids and blitz of World War II.
We next stopped at the Handicraft Market for a stroll around. It was raining at this stage.
The stalls were packed in and there were at least 4 bus loads from the ship. Not an enjoyable time so we returned to the bus to wait for the others. Last stop was the Sabah Museum. This is split into two sections the first being the Heritage Village, which had huts from the different tribes of the region, including one with human skulls. This area was good to look through although it was muddy and slippery.
We then when back over to the main museum which Ian looked through while I sat in the shade chatting to some fellow travellers. Back on the bus to drive back to the wharf which took twice as long as the drive there due to the traffic.
Safely back on board and our nights entertainment was David Koek an Aussie who has appeared in musicals in Sydney and also London.
Our tour left at 1pm. The departure and onto the bus all ran very smoothly. 28 degrees 85% humidity. Number 1 priority, air conditioning, check. We did a city drive stopping for photos only at the following - Tun Mustapha Tower, a 30 storey circular glass and steel tower, one of only 3 in the world built by the suspended manner.
Next the City Mosque and then the Blue Water Mosque. We drove past the Atkinson Clock Tower, the oldest standing structure in town being one of only three buildings to have survived the air raids and blitz of World War II.
We next stopped at the Handicraft Market for a stroll around. It was raining at this stage.
The stalls were packed in and there were at least 4 bus loads from the ship. Not an enjoyable time so we returned to the bus to wait for the others. Last stop was the Sabah Museum. This is split into two sections the first being the Heritage Village, which had huts from the different tribes of the region, including one with human skulls. This area was good to look through although it was muddy and slippery.
We then when back over to the main museum which Ian looked through while I sat in the shade chatting to some fellow travellers. Back on the bus to drive back to the wharf which took twice as long as the drive there due to the traffic.
Safely back on board and our nights entertainment was David Koek an Aussie who has appeared in musicals in Sydney and also London.
Sunday, 9 December 2018
Sunday 9 December 2018 - At Sea
Good nights sleep. Didn’t hear anything. Today is a day at sea and apart from eating and Ian’s gym session we went exploring the ship. Checked out the shops and tried to get our bearings on where everything was. We did attend a basic photo seminar with Master Photographer Milos who then invited us to attend his studio for a portrait shoot! In the evening we attended the show put on by the ship’s entertainers. The room was packed with people sitting or standing in the aisles. Enjoyable but not an every night show. We then wandered to a little bar and listened to a couple singing watching couples trying to outdo each other dancing. We named the couple we thought were the best Fred and Ginger and saw them many times through the cruise dancing the night away. I would guess that they did competition ballroom dancing at some point in their life.
Saturday, 8 December 2018
Saturday 8 Deceber 2018 - Cruise
What a noisy night. A few different groups arriving from around 2.30 am to 4.00 am this morning with no idea of being quiet. Being woken a few times meant we slept in until 7.40. After getting ready we went out for breakfast and to return our Singapore Myki Cards. Back to our motel to pack the bags and kill some time before the taxi to the harbour for the next stage of our journey. Arrived at the harbour. All very organised and easy even though there was our ship and another one in Port. While waiting for our group to board we sat and chatted to a Kiwi (although Norwegian born) lady Sisell. Boarded and found our room and left our bags before heading up for lunch.
Sat with June and Helen (mother and daughter) from NSW. After lunch we had to attend a safety talk. Ran into Sisell again and sat with her. Back to the room and unpacked the suitcases before sitting on the balcony as we left port. The room is a good size and everything is comfortable and user friendly.
Elected to go to the Curtis Stone Restaurant in the evening and our company was two Aussies, two Kiwis and two Americans. A lovely meal and pleasant company. Stayed too long chatting so we were too late to attend the show so we just went back to the cabin.
Some photos of the ship.
These ones were taken later in the cruise but show the ship so I thought I would use them anyway.
And a great way to end the day
Sat with June and Helen (mother and daughter) from NSW. After lunch we had to attend a safety talk. Ran into Sisell again and sat with her. Back to the room and unpacked the suitcases before sitting on the balcony as we left port. The room is a good size and everything is comfortable and user friendly.
Elected to go to the Curtis Stone Restaurant in the evening and our company was two Aussies, two Kiwis and two Americans. A lovely meal and pleasant company. Stayed too long chatting so we were too late to attend the show so we just went back to the cabin.
Some photos of the ship.
These ones were taken later in the cruise but show the ship so I thought I would use them anyway.
And a great way to end the day
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