Raina’s blogging. Ovation HK to Syd Nov 2017

13th November 2017. Hong Kong

Sky 100 is an observation deck on the 100th floor of Hong Kong's tallest building. Great views of all of Victoria Harbour. It was raining heavily but we still had great views.

The Lift takes 60 seconds - your ears needed clearing about 4 times. There are some fun technology items up there - like the app with green screen photo ops. You stand on the mark and do silly things, then pick your background. Very clever.

We had lunch up there. Then back down the lift. But it was a different lift andtook us to the middle of a gaint shoppig plaza. A really fancy shopping center with really expensive items. It was the only place we saw that wasn't crowded.

And the centre was so hard to get out of. Took ages of wandering around. FInially we found the way out and a taxi rank.

Sky 100 was worth a visit.

13th November 2017. Hong Kong

I then headed off to the Local Markets. These are the kinds of markets that I love. Food markets where the locals shop.

It was pouring rain - heavy rain. Lucky I too the umbrella the concierge offered me.

A few roads were closed off and all space was filled with stalls.

Meat -

Ducks -

Vegetables -

Fruit -

Seafood -

Markets are just amazing. Love the people, the colour, the noise. The rain was amnnoying, ut also looked stunnig. I could show you hundreds of photos. Well maybe I'll show a few more.

Raina, loving your blog. We are on Ovation for the first time in January so all your info will be great.

Also doing most of your ports next year too:)

Your photos are great, thanks!!

Great photos Raina. Looking forward to joining you and Andy from Singapore

Ooo yay you’re back!!!

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Raina, I am loving your blog, per usual. I cannot wait to read the rest! :D

13th November 2017. Hong Kong

Here is an observation. Many of the stalls had lots of lights. Many many lights. Powerful lights that gave of so much light as well as making it so hot.

I don't know it if it was to make the food look awesome, or to make their stall stand out, or maybe because it was raining.

I guess it shall remain a mystery.

13th November 2017. Cruise Day!

Yay. Ovation Day!

The taxi drivers all see to play on facebook while driving - even watching videos.

Boaring was good. Lots of lines but they flowed.

You drive in to a huge undergroud drop off point and people scurry out and take your luggage.

The first queue has huge - to get up the escalator. We missed that by having to go up the lift.

There were lines for C&A levels and sitting areas. There was also this desk. Very flash.

We got taken all the short ways - due to Andy and his walker, so skipped the lines for check in, security and immigration. It took about 30 minutes but was over 1 km long.

We went to sit for a while in Coastal Kitchen and waited for them to open. Wow. What a way to start a trip. Amazing food and lovely place. Service was even better then the food.

Then off to rooms ..obscured balconies on deck 6. Great rooms. SO big and well set out. Two huge cupboards plus a bank of draws. The bathroom has nice open shelves so lots of storage. Glass screens.

Can’t wait to read more - going on Voyager June 2018 Singapore to Hong Kong and ovation at Xmas2018 in an obstructed balcony! (Plus the explorer this Xmas) thanks for your blog [emoji3][emoji106]

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14h November 2017. Cruise Day!

EXCEPT OF COURSE CRUISE DAY IS THE 14TH NOT THE 13TH.

But you knew that.

14th November 2017. Cruise Day!

After moving in we went up to the Concierge Lounge for sail away.

Very lovely.

No changes to the CL on Ovation. Suites, D+ and Pinnacle.

It's a giant room across the whole back of the ship with a stunning view. All glass. It really is one of the best CLs in the fleet.

The small ship in the background - is an anchored casino. No gambling in Hong Kong - well apart from things run by the HK Jockey Club. But just off shore is fine.

And who knows who the ship was?????

If you guessed Sun Viking, you win. The second ship in the RCCL fleet. Now a casino that takes peole 12 nautial miles out for gambling.

Away we go!

Hi

Just read on another thread that they are charging for iFly, have you noticed this onboard?

The markets looked amazing! Can't wait to see more!

Isabel

Raina, I'm SO glad to see this review. I LOVE your reviews. So much history and information and you do the most interesting tours and take the most interesting photos. Thank you so much for taking us along.

Enjoying your review.

We were on ovations very first voyage from Southampton and loved the ship. We are hoping to sail her again when she moves to Alaska in 2019.

Looking forward to the rest of your review.

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Just doing a few huge excursions. 12 hour days.

Mekong Delta and Ayutthaya to follow very soon. And other fun this.

This leg is so intensive. But I will catch up.

Raina

Enjoying your review and the nice photos!

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14th November 2017.

Sea day started with the Suites Brunch. And WOW, what a fancy occasion this was.

I'll let the photo speak here.

Hashtag SuiteLife/SweetLife. LOL

Best review with so much in-depth information. Have a great cruise with Andy!

How often does the ship have Suite Brunches?

How often does the ship have Suite Brunches?

Most ships do them on the morning of the first sea day.

Raina

Now I am getting myself in a mess. I did a big post last night that didn't go through. So I shall try to rectify the timeline confusion. LOL.

Above was the 15th. Glorious sea day. Started with a walk

Was already too warm at 9am when the Cruise Compass had the "walk a mile" activity. Shall go earlier next time.

As with all ships, there are now life guards. BUT this is certainly the worst job on the ship. Not only do they have to stand by the side of the pool - they have to stare at people in the water. Really stare. In a creepy looking manner.

I find it very unpleasant. Surely there is a happy medium between no guard and being stared at.

Then the Suites Party. See above - hahahah

Dinner that night was at Coastal Kitchen. For the people who do not know what Coastal Kitchen is, it is a specialty restaurant for full Suite guests. Operates three meals a day. Junior Suite guests may come for dinner if there is room. If they are not too busy you can sometime invite a guest.

The food is amazing and the atmosphere and service are even better. It is quiet, extremely well-staffed, nice lighting and has a great view. It is similar to Chops - but even better - and is free.

the menu changes every three nights. C&A three free drinks are available in there.

Food Porn photos are often not a true representation of the food but I shall include some as we all love them.

Duck Breast.

I do have one complaint though.

I have always loved the fact that Royals deserts are not brilliant. So I can on occasions say no.

But this is ot the case in the CK.

BEST Creme Brulee.

The deserts are amazing.

And just to make things worse ......

I got a C&A treat today. A Rice crisp bar. Very pretty. If you know what LCMs are -the sweet rice bubble snack that goes in kids lunches - it was like that. It did last a few days.......

I will admit that at this stage I haven't done too much exploring of the ship. Bascally from Concierge Lounge to CK. Opps.

But we are mixing with lots of lovely people for all over the world and Andy having a fantastic time.

I was a tad concerned with the distances - so convinced him to skip the gym for the first few days. YES - my 92 yo dad goes to the gym and does some floor work, then a 15 minutes cycle, then a deck walk every day.

Or rooms are half way up the corridor towards the aft. The CL is at the very end of another corridor. So clocking up 3 ks happens before you evern start to think about counting steps.

But Andy is coping realy well. He has learnt his way around so its time for me to go on excursions. Yay.

16th November 2017.

Nha Trang, Vietnam.

I have been to Nha Trang before and thought it was lovely. Last time I did the town tour in a taxi and visited amazing temples, embroidery factory, the Giant Buddha and the Reclining Buddha and saw duck farms, villages, fishing village and ate an amazing meal. If you are going there this is the thing to do!

This time I joined another couple from the lounge and ventured off for "something completely different" - to quote Monty Python.

We went to '100 Eggs Mud Baths'. We got a taxi at the peir and negotiated the price to $40 return. The taxi would take us there then wait for us.

Tendering process was very efficent, and we were met at the dock by Hotel Director Michael R.

This side of Nha Trang is very much the old porst and locals area. Parts of the city are very modern and resorty.

Some of the roads were not what we are used to.

But then we arrived at 100 Eggs. And were lucky enought to see...

..

...

wait for it.....

The the LARGEST MOSAIC EGG IN THE WORLD. Yet to verify this fact...but whyruin a good story with fact.

Who even knew that there were more then one hugemosaic egg in the world. LOL

Raina: Thanks. Sure enjoy reading your posts and seeing your pictures. Looks like you are having a great time. Very interesting itinerary.