Ocean Princess South China Sea Explorer - Jan 23-Feb 8 Semi-Live from....

[rdsqrl]

I'm really enjoying your Live; this itinerary sounds awesome. Thanks so much for sharing it all with us! I'm looking closely at an Ocean cruise in October so am especially enjoying hearing about the ship.

 

Appreciate your doing the live thread- we are with Paul (above) on the Shanghai to Singapore in april, so will be keeping up with your adventure. Have not done a Book Club before- do you know the book prior to the cruise? We also have not had tablemates before- always did Anytime Dining- do you get assigned to a table of any size or can you request a certain number? Hope you have a great day in Okinawa- we were wanting to do a Japanese Tea Ceremony but can't find one- if you see anything about it, please steer us in that direction.

 

Have a ball,

 

Sandy

Here's the link for the book club page on Princess's website:

http://www.princess.com/learn/onboard/activities/book_club/bookclub.html

[MAZANDSTEVE]

Sounds like you are having a wonderful time. Will you be posting any pictures?

[pvgal]

We will be on the April sailing but we are contuining to Rome. Just trying to get this thread on an lower page as it is now on page 4. Enjoying reading about your cruise.

 

Eileen

[Celandine]

Yes I believe there was a free shuttle into town in Okinawa

 

I will be posting pictures, but not until I get back to my apartment. The internet connection is just too slow for me to load them.

 

Basically when I get back (probably Feb 10) I will post pictures, with a few thoughts with them.... (to supplement the day by day I'm doing)

 

Day 4 – at sea en route to Keelung

Well I intended to sleep in today, but that did not happen. I woke up at 8:10 am, and had ordered room service breakfast for between 9 and 9:30 am. So I watched The Sorcerer’s Apprentice while getting ready and relaxing. I had melon, orange slices, a croissant and Danish for breakfast along with apple juice and orange juice is still in my fridge.

I wandered out around 9:40 am, to see what I would do today. The weather is overcast and not very nice. I did make my way to deck 5, to stand outside while still being covered for a while and just watched the water. The rain started coming harder, and I moved more into the cover, but didn’t leave. Then as I was watching a large wave I saw about 10 dolphins just jumping towards the ship. It was awesome, as deck 5 on the Ocean Princess isn’t all that far from the water. I couldn’t get my camera out in time, but I certainly enjoyed seeing them. Too bad no one else was on deck.

After that, I went up to deck 10, the Tahitian lounge to watch the water, caught the end of the line dancing class, watched a lot of the artwork already set up for the auction fall down…. It’s a rocking and rolling ship. Many people are stumbling; I have to grip walls and handrails for what feels like dear life. But not seasick, not taking anything and not even wearing my bands.

I had some cheese pizza for lunch, and read about 50 pages of the book club book in the panorama buffet, then came down to my room to upload some pictures from my camera and watch Disney’s Oceans. I went to the wine tasting at 3 pm, and that was enjoyable. Then I went up for trivia, I’ve been playing with 2 couples from the U.K, very nice people.

After trivia, I went down to my room to get ready, (felt like being out of my stateroom early tonight) and went out looking around the shops, and finally settled in the casino lounge to read more of my book and waiting for Daniel Oliver to do his instrumental show before dinner.

Tonight’s dinner was a Thai themed menu; I had chicken satays with peanut sauce and cesar salad, then Beef and broccoli in oyster sauce over noodles. It was delicious, then cheesecake for dessert. The show tonight was an illusionist who was on Britain’s got Talent in 2008. The show started out pretty slowly, but then he did some impressive stuff, I look forward to his next show.

After that, back to the casino lounge to catch the end of Daniel Oliver, and then off to bed. Tomorrow is Keelung!

[MAZANDSTEVE]

The food sounds yum, hope they have the same menu's when we go.

[Mary Ellen]

Thank you for sharing your experience with us.

[Celandine]

3 updates in one....

Day 5- Keelung (Taipei) Taiwan

Relatively early morning. Quick breakfast then meet my tour group in the cabaret lounge at 8:30. Get on the bus, and we are headed to Lungshun temple, Chiang Kai Shek memorial hall, a handicraft centre and we stopped to take photos of the world’s second tallest tower. We quickly departed to our bus, a very nice bus and they gave us free bottled water. Our guide’s name was James, and he was very informative and humorous it certainly made for a nice tour.

The first stop was a lovely temple, I quite enjoyed that except for the incense which irritates my asthma (welcome to the theme of this cruise), but I carry my inhaler and everyone else just has to put up with my occasional coughing. Then we went to the memorial hall, which was very impressive. An interesting person for sure, and worth seeing the site.

Then we went to a handicraft market, run by the government so there is no bargaining. I bought a few items, and felt it was a nice stop. Then taking pictures of the worlds second largest tower was neat, except we couldn’t see the top due to the weather.

We came back to the ship, I was done for the day, had some lunch and relaxed. I’ve been going to trivia when I can, and doing poorly but having a lovely time with the people I’ve been playing with. Actually, I’ve been meeting some fabulous people. Of course there are some miserable people on this ship too, but hey not hampering my good time.

Dinner that night was somethingarely remember, but I did have the coq au vin, which was pretty good. I skipped the show that night and watched Daniel Oliver, then went to bed.

I really enjoyed Taiwan and would go back there to visit again for sure.

 

 

 

Day 6 – day at sea

I woke up around 7:30, just can’t sleep in. I wandered around, did some stuff at the Purser’s desk, and checked out the Holiday at Sea store at 9:30, didn’t buy anything, liked a few things. But after getting a copy of my statement, I’m being really picky on what I buy.

I hit morning trivia, then lunch, in the dining room had rigatoni and tuna salad and rocky road ice cream, all very nice. Then I went to the origami paper box folding and then hit the paper plane competition. It was nice to see some adults having a great time throwing and building paper airplanes!

I did totally forget about Glenn Amer’s matinee performance, and I regret that 100%. But I still had fun. I hit afternoon trivia, and then went to get ready for dinner. Listened to Daniel Olivers instrumental show, went for the British Isle’s dinner, which I had the smoked salmon and marinated crayfish tails, and ceasar salad, and for my meal the tandoori spice roasted tiger prawns. Lovely, for dessert I had the mile high lemon meringue pie, which was not a mile high as we all pointed out, and it wasn’t a typical one but the meringue was good.

Tonight’s show is “Gotta Sing, Gotta Dance” which I did not enjoy as much as cinematastic, but it was still a good show. It’s also this group of performer’s last show, as they will be switching casts in Hong Kong. After that, I listened to Daniel Oliver again, and went to bed.

 

 

Day 7- Hong Kong day 1

I had nothing planned for today and I managed to sleep in until 8:45 am. I got up, had some breakfast and went ashore. We are docked right beside the Star Ferry, I decided to ask how to get to Ocean Park, and it seemed easy enough so that’s where I went. I caught the 629 bus right by the ferry and got dropped off at the main entrance.

Ocean Park was fantastic! They have a beautiful new aquarium that just opened and it was great (I cannot wait to post pictures from it). They also had 2 different pandas exhibits, and both had active Pandas eating bamboo and walking around. I have some great shots. They also had red pandas, and Chinese alligators and various birds. Of course a dolphin and sea lion show, I also got a chance to take a picture with a sea lion. I loved that. Even bought the park photo package.

I didn’t go on any rides, as that’s not what I was there for, but I’ll post a bit more commentary when I get back and can add pictures. Now, I left the ship by 10 am, and did not get back on board until 8:22 pm, however the dining room welcomed me with open arms, and as I walked up to my table they were just receiving their menus, so I was not late, or we all were. For dinner I just had the ceasar salad and the chateaubriand and for dessert I had chocolate marshmallow ice cream. All of it was very nice, I ask for my Béarnaise sauce on the side, and got a lot of it, but 2 of my tablemates gladly used some.

They had a cultural show from Hong Kong last night, with some magic and acrobatics a lion dance and paper dragon. It was very enjoyable. After that, I went to bed, gladly as I have a tour booked for tomorrow.

[sandbug2]

Sounds like you are having a fantastic time- thank you so much again for taking the time to post your experience.

 

I am wondering if there are any port lectures on your sea days- about history or what to do, etc.? Are ther other cruise boats in your ports when you are there?

 

Looking forward to your next post,

 

Sandy

[paul929207]

Do you know if there is a bridge director on board? In the Patter for about 1:30pm or 2pm, on sea days, there will be bridge and it will either name the director or say something like unhosted play. Thanks.

[MAZANDSTEVE]

Hi, what currency were you using in Hong Kong? and other ports?

local, credit card or dolllars?

We are going to start ordering some but thought I would ask as a previous Med cruise we changed to all local currency and we need not have done that as all the ports seem happy to take $'s anyway.

[Celandine]

Sounds like you are having a fantastic time- thank you so much again for taking the time to post your experience.

 

I am wondering if there are any port lectures on your sea days- about history or what to do, etc.? Are ther other cruise boats in your ports when you are there?

 

Looking forward to your next post,

 

Sandy

 

Yes we have Deborah as a port lecturer, and we have a guy (I'll look up his name later) who is doing history talks on all the ports of call. They are great speakers, I tend to catch their stuff on tv. I will post both of their first names later.

 

So far in Hong Kong a Costa cruise was there, and Seaborn Pride was there.

[Celandine]

Do you know if there is a bridge director on board? In the Patter for about 1:30pm or 2pm, on sea days, there will be bridge and it will either name the director or say something like unhosted play. Thanks.

 

 

Claude (will find out last name later) is the bridge director on here. He gives lectures and hosts some games.

 

That's about all I can say about Bridge as I have never learned the game.

[Celandine]

Hi, what currency were you using in Hong Kong? and other ports?

local, credit card or dolllars?

We are going to start ordering some but thought I would ask as a previous Med cruise we changed to all local currency and we need not have done that as all the ports seem happy to take $'s anyway.

 

 

In Hong Kong I used Hong Kong Dollars, there was somewhere to exchange near the ship/ferry terminal.

 

There was a currency exchange set up for us in the port building in Taiwan, there was one in Okinawa but if you were on a tour you didn't get there. Luckily my tour stops took USD.

 

In Vietnam, USD were no problem. Haven't checked about Thailand yet.

[Celandine]

A few days at once...

 

Day 8 – Hong Kong day 2

I had to meet my tour at 8:15, so I got up at 7, had room service at 7:30 and went to meet them. Today were went to Tai Fu Tai, which is essentially an old Chinese mansion, YuenYuen Institute, SamTung UK Museum and we stopped by a famous wishing tree.

First was the Tai Fu Tai, which was lovely and interesting. Built around the end of the 1800’s, and it was very interesting to see how a richer person would have lived. Then we went to the wishing tree, and temple and that was also very nice. They also had a toilet there that apparently cost 2 million HKD to build. It was a very nice facility area.

Then we went to the YuenYuen Institute, which has an area based on the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, and it houses the guardians of your birth year. I went to see mine, and it was awesome. Out of his eye sockets were little hands holding eye balls. Apparently he is the strongest of all the Rat guardians, we weren’t allowed pictures in there, but I will be scouring the internet to see if I can find him again. I also was able to buy my lion puppet (like a lion dance costume) from the souvenir area. I am thrilled with him.

Then we went to the SamTung UK museum, which is a walled village turned into museum. We learned some interesting history, and saw some interesting artifacts, definitely worth the visit.

I got back to the ship around 1:30, freshened up a bit and went for lunch. I also did some laundry and got caught up with my review.

I relaxed around the ship, completely missed sail away, because I ended up watching “You Again” in my stateroom (cute film) then got ready for dinner, tonight was French/Med night, I had Escargot and some other items.

Tonight’s show was Donnie Abraham, who was fantastic. Though, from his picture he reminded me of the lounge singer character Eugene Levy played on SCTV.

 

 

Day 9- day at sea

I slept in and enjoyed that. Went to ceramics at sea, to work on my piece and then morning trivia. After lunch I went to card making, then Sean Alexander’s close up magic show which was awesome. I cannot figure out how he does it, and for me, that makes a good show. Then at 4 pm I went to the Art History at sea Lecture, which was very interesting. Then I went to my stateroom to relax and get ready for dinner, Tonight was the Candlelight Dinner (and our second formal night) Also the Captain’s circle party, I enjoyed that, although the green cocktail was kind of odd I prefer the punch. I don’t remember what I ordered, but I’m sure it was good.

After dinner we went to the show Ports of Call, I have to say the male dancers have some great routines with physical comedy worked into them, which makes for an enjoyable show. I caught a bit of Daniel Oliver then went to bed.

 

 

Day 10 – Chan May

I had an all day tour in Hue booked today, and it was cold and rainy. I was not impressed with having to spend the day with wet feet, but I still tried to enjoy myself, and I did.

We first went to the Imperial Citadel, which was quite impressive. Basically like the Forbidden City. Of course this part was cold, wet and muddy at times, but the history and buildings were fascinating to look at. On a related note, on our bus many of us kept hitting our heads on the overhead parts… not that much fun.

After this we went to the Thien Mu Pagoda, which was beautiful. Another related note, many of the stones/walkways were incredibly slippery, and I almost slipped at the Pagoda, along with other people. Again, the view and the buildings were just lovely.

After this we went to lunch, a buffet with folkloric music being played. Lunch was fine. Many people really enjoyed it, which is good.

After lunch we went to the Tu Duc Royal Tomb, and stopped at a fishing village for photos and more shopping. I bought stuff all day, one of the hats, a silk handbag, paintings on fabric, postcards, a silk scarf, and a nice pendant.

When we got back to the ship it was almost 5 pm, I just went to my room had a vodka and sprite and rested until dinner. After dinner I watched Daniel Oliver and went to bed.

 

 

Day 11 – at sea

 

Much needed day of rest. I slept in, then went to ceramics at sea to finish up my piece, I decided against morning trivia, just watched the water a bit and relaxed – the weather was finally starting to warm up. It was nice to see the sun.

Today’s lunch at the buffet was a seafood buffet. There was mussel cold salad, half lobster tails, lobster claws, crab claws/knuckles, large prawns, and a few other items. It was delicious.

I took my food to my stateroom and just chilled there. I watched “Date Night” and “Toy Story 3” cute movies. I read some more of my book, and just got ready for the show tonight, which was before dinner.

Daniel Oliver was playing in the Cabaret Lounge, and like Always I loved him. My tablemates all enjoyed him too, and wished he would have had his show earlier in the cruise.

Dinner was Italian tonight, I had the seafood antipasto, eggplant parmigiana and the turbot everything was great except the turbot. Tiramisu for dessert, was great!

After dinner, I went up to the Tahitian lounge for the dancing through the decades party, it was fun to watch. I also had a good chat with one of the dancers, and that was fun too. Then I went to bed.

[MAZANDSTEVE]

In Hong Kong I used Hong Kong Dollars, there was somewhere to exchange near the ship/ferry terminal.

 

There was a currency exchange set up for us in the port building in Taiwan, there was one in Okinawa but if you were on a tour you didn't get there. Luckily my tour stops took USD.

 

In Vietnam, USD were no problem. Haven't checked about Thailand yet.

 

 

Great, thanks for the info, enjoying the read.:)

 

Is there a kettle or coffee maker in the rooms?

[cnd crsr]

Celandine, thanks for helping me relive this itinerary. Sounds like you are having a wonderful time.:D

[paul929207]

Claude (will find out last name later) is the bridge director on here. He gives lectures and hosts some games.

 

That's about all I can say about Bridge as I have never learned the game.

Thanks for checking for us.

[sunsetbeachgal]

To answer previous question-no, there is no kettle in the staterooms

[MAZANDSTEVE]

To answer previous question-no, there is no kettle in the staterooms

 

So is it ok to take your own? I have read different answers.:confused:

[paul929207]

So is it ok to take your own? I have read different answers.:confused:

There are posts on other threads from people who bring their own tea kettle or coffee maker.

[MAZANDSTEVE]

There are posts on other threads from people who bring their own tea kettle or coffee maker.

 

 

Do they allow it though, I cant see anything which says you cannot. I love my tea first thing. LOL.:)

[paul929207]

Do they allow it though, I cant see anything which says you cannot. I love my tea first thing. LOL.:)

As far as I know it is allowed. I don't know what deck you are on, but the buffet is on deck 9. Most passenger cabins are on 6, 7 & 8, with a few on 3 & 4. So for most it is a short walk to the buffet. I run up and get hot tea for my wife while she is getting ready.

[MAZANDSTEVE]

As far as I know it is allowed. I don't know what deck you are on, but the buffet is on deck 9. Most passenger cabins are on 6, 7 & 8, with a few on 3 & 4. So for most it is a short walk to the buffet. I run up and get hot tea for my wife while she is getting ready.

 

Yes Im not too far but I'm not a great sleeper and at times get up really early and make a cuppa, dont really want to get all dressed to go the buffet that early. I will take a travel kettle and see what happens. Thanks.

[Celandine]

Well I am back in my apartment in China.... definitely not home...as home is where the heart is, and I'm afraid I left mine at sea :(

 

I will finish posting my day to day review tonight, and then in the next day or two do a wrap up and post photos.

 

Day 12 – Phu My

I got up and since my tour was cancelled due to the new year festivities, I took the free shuttle into Vung Tau. That was about an hour ride. Once I got there, I got a local taxi to take me around for a bit. I got to see a museum that is a house (I have to do a bit more research to see where exactly I was). Then I went to a temple with a large statue of Buddha, then to the Jesus Christ statue that is similar to the one in Brazil. Then I went to the beach, and back to the shuttle drop off. We drove through some streets that are normally busy markets, it was a nice tour.

I took the shuttle back to the ship, and had lunch, Then I just relaxed a bit before it was time to get ready for dinner. The show was Donnie Abraham, and it was before dinner tonight, I thought his first show was better. Then diner was oriental dinner night. I had the seared tuna, cesear salad and a sirloin of roast beef. For dessert I had a white chocolate mocha tarte I believe.

After dinner I watched Daniel Oliver, and then called it a night.

 

 

Day 13 – sea day

Today I slept in, but wanted to attend the culinary class at 10 am, followed by the galley tour. The cooking was great, and the galley tour interesting. After that, I met my tablemates up at the table tennis tables, and we played a few games, taking turns. That was a lot of fun, and we should be doing it again on the last sea day.

After that, I grabbed a bit of lunch, mostly scallop and calamari salad, and some lobster claws and a slice of pizza, then headed to my room to wash up a bit after the table tennis. The weather is gorgeous and sunny and warm. The seas were super smooth today too.

I planned on attending the scavenger hunt, except that no one else showed up. Richard, one of the dancers/cruise staff and I ended up just chatting until he had to run his next activity, which I attended and it was a cross between goofy golf and shuffleboard. We had to hit the golf ball into various shapes on the floor. I was in the lead until the end, but I did finish with second place and received a silver medal, which I am quite pleased with.

After this, I went to my room to get ready for the cocktail party and final formal night. My dress, the same from the first night actually fits better than the first night, which pleases me. I went down a bit early, then into the cocktail party. That was nice enough, the captain is a wonderful guy, very pleasant and remembers the previous time he’s run into you.

Dinner tonight I had shrimp, crab and scallop salad, the fettucine, and beef Wellington. For dessert, the cookies and cream parfait. All of it was delicious. After dinner the show was Motor City, which I quite enjoyed. I then caught the end of Daniel Oliver, and called it a night as we have a pretty early day in Laem Chabang tomorrow.

[paul929207]

Thanks for the wonderful posts. Glad you had such a good time. We leave 8 weeks from today and board the Beautiful White Lady 9 weeks from today.