Diamond Princess: Singapore to Sydney: Please, Mr. Custer I Don’t Want to Go!

[SailorJack]

Ko Samui was our first port-of-call and the first thing we saw when we got off the Diamond was this line of Thai Long Tail Boats. We went on a ride on one and it was quite a thrill.

 

 

Although it is a small island, the landscape was spectacular. This is one of the waterfalls we saw on our tour of the island.

 

 

The elephant ride went through a river bed in the rainforest.

 

 

This was the temple that was founded by the "Mummified Monk."

 

 

The structures around the temple were colorful and elaborate. Here the steps leading up to the temple were bordered by serpents.

 

[freetocruise]

You didn't mention if you inherited the million dollars!:) We have been wanting to do the Hawaii trip for a couple of years now. It sounds like a good one with some relaxing sea days.

 

Jack

 

Alas and Alack - we did not inherit the million dollars. However reading your review was a worthy consolation prize. The Hawaii trip is nowhere as exotic as your recent cruise but the sea days are wonderful and 4 days in Hawaii is four days in paradise (to paraphrase Magnum PI).

[cnd crsr]

Sailor Jack, I certainly hope you do return to Singapore. There is so much to see and it is a magnificent city. We have been 3 times and I hope we return again!

[Aussie Gal]

Sailor Jack,

 

Your photos are wonderful. We have been to Singapore more times than we can count and have watched it change from a sleepy backwater in the 70's to the vibrant city it is now. In fact when we took our children to Singapore in 1978, Raffles Hotel was rundown and was opposite the sea. Where is the sea now? You need to go quite a few kms to find it as so much land as been reclaimed.

 

We will be back there in April after our cruise and this time I want to visit the new Casino as we didn't have enough time in November when we were last there. Your photos have whetted my appetite to visit the Botanical Gardens again. It always so hot and humid when we visit that we usually try to stay in the air conditioned shops but we will make the effort and get out and about in April.

 

A fun thing when there is to ride the trains (MTR) to their furtherest stations and get out and mingle with the locals. We have done this a few times and it does give a different perspective on the city.

 

Jennie

[Nancyquilts]

Sailor Jack - Thanks for a great review and pictures. Please convince Sailor Jill that you need to cruise more often, as we all enjoy your reviews. Nancy

[billie5]

Of course, anyone who called Col. Custer "Mr. Custer" would probably have been stationed in the front row. :p:p

[SailorJack]

Of course, anyone who called Col. Custer "Mr. Custer" would probably have been stationed in the front row. :p:p

 

You are right! LOL

 

Sailor Jack - Thanks for a great review and pictures. Please convince Sailor Jill that you need to cruise more often, as we all enjoy your reviews. Nancy

 

Thanks. Jill enjoys cruising, but wants to take a few land based trips. We will have to see.:)

[SailorJack]

This is the big Buddha. It really was quite impressive.

 

 

From the base of big Buddha looking out over the temple grounds.

 

 

We think this was big Buddha's girlfriend.

 

 

This may be the primary reason why I come back to the island!

[SailorJack]

We have made it to Viet Nam. As I explained to SailorJill, the sign reads (roughly) "For an enjoyable visit, you must drink lots of Ho Chi Minh Beer."

 

 

Despite what you probably think, this is not the Luc Tran gang fleeing a bank roberry, but is a typical street scene in Saigon. People wear the masks outdoors for two reasons: (1) Pollution, and (2) Sun. Our guide explained that having pale skin in a sign of beauty. Therefore, many people, when outdoors, protect their skin from the sun.

 

 

 

 

This lady has a hat, scarf, mask, full length gloves and socks. When she is riding, no part of her body is exposed to the sun.

 

 

Considering this is a Communist country, there appears to be a great amount of religious freedom. This is a Hindu temple in the middle of downtown.

 

 

This is a street scene just down from city hall. The blue tree to the left is a Christman tree that was being set up as part of the display.

 

[cnd crsr]

And wasn't it an 'adventure' crossing the street? Just walk and keep a steady pace!

[SailorJack]

And wasn't it an 'adventure' crossing the street? Just walk and keep a steady pace!

 

Adventure is just the word for it! Jill was a little daunted trying to cross one such street when a girl came up to her and guided her across the street. I won't repeat what she said when I commented how nice it was for the little girl to help the older lady across the street.:eek:

[SailorJack]

This is Reunification Palace. During the war it was the residence of the President of South Viet Nam and was know as Independence Palace. Only the basement and the first floor are open to the public.

 

 

The banquet hall on the first floor. It was opposite the cabinet hall - the only two rooms open on the first floor.

 

 

The basement was where all the war planning occured and where the President resided during times of danger. This was his bedroom. Not what you would picture the president of a nation having.

 

 

This is the actual tank that ended the Viet Nam war. It is generally accepted that the war ended when this tank crashed through the gate and captured the Palace.

 

[SailorJack]

This is the famed Rex Hotel. Both American and foreign corrspondents stayed here and filed their daily reports. That is the Roof Bar on top of the hotel.

 

 

Part of downtown Saigon as seen from the Roof Top bar.

 

 

This is city hall. Built in 1902 it was renamed the Ho Chi Mign City Hall after the end of the war. The statue in the foreground is of Ho Chi Mign. In Viet Nam he is often depicted with children.

 

 

This is the central post office in Saigon - and was designed by Gustave Eiffel (the name sound familiar?) who also designed the Eiffel Tower in Paris. It is just opposite the Basilica Notre Dame. It is one of the main tourist attractions in Saigon - both for visitors and residents. Notice the couple posing for wedding pictures in the foreground. In Viet Nam it is the practice to have the wedding phots taken weeks - if not months -before the wedding, so this couple is not yet married. They do this so that on the day of the wedding they can celebrate and not have to waste part of the day posing for pictures. Obviously, there is no taboo here about seeing the bride in here gown before the wedding.

 

 

The inside of the post office. I took this shot to show how iconic Ho Chi Mign's likeness is everywhere in Saigon. That is a Christmas tree in the foregound.

[chamima]

Thanks for the photos.

I can't believe how incorrectly I pictured Vietnam!!! :o

All I thought about was rural beauty - your photos look like a wealthy French city (which probably is where most of the architectural style is from - again :o )

[partybarbie]

We will be on the Diamond in November and I loved seeing all of your pictures. Do you have any of your breakfast at the Singapore Zoo or with the jumping Crocodiles? Also did you hear anything about Sentosa Island and if it is worth going to? Thanks Sailor Jack.:)

[cnd crsr]

The Rooftop Bar at the Rex was a very welcome stop for a cold beer after all the walking and terrifying road crossing. Your wonderful photos are bringing back such wonderful memories! Thanks:)

[SailorJack]

Thanks for the photos.

I can't believe how incorrectly I pictured Vietnam!!! :o

All I thought about was rural beauty - your photos look like a wealthy French city (which probably is where most of the architectural style is from - again :o )

 

You are absolutely correct. A great deal of the architecture was built when the French were in Viet Nam and the buildings certainly reflect that. I cannot attest to the other cities in Viet Nam, but Saigon is becoming quite a modern metropolis.

 

We will be on the Diamond in November and I loved seeing all of your pictures. Do you have any of your breakfast at the Singapore Zoo or with the jumping Crocodiles? Also did you hear anything about Sentosa Island and if it is worth going to? Thanks Sailor Jack.:)

 

As of now, we don't have pictures of the Zoo or the Adelaide River trip. We took Jill's camera on those trips because my camera bag was to big to lug around and the photo's on her memory stick are not transfering to the computer.:eek: She has taken it in to the shop so maybe they can fix it.

 

We did not visit Sentosa - but will on our next trip. People on the ship who did visit it had nothing but good things to say about it. Happy sailings on your upcoming Diamond trip, I know you will enjoy it!

 

The Rooftop Bar at the Rex was a very welcome stop for a cold beer after all the walking and terrifying road crossing. Your wonderful photos are bringing back such wonderful memories! Thanks:)

 

We enjoyed a couple of bottles of Saigon beer up there and it was a great break from doing the tourist things and fighting the traffic! Glad you are enjoying the photos!

 

Jack

[SailorJack]

In the days of sail, crossing the equator was a call for breaking up the monotony of the trip. Polliwogs (sailors who had never before crossed the equator) were covered in foul liquids and then tossed overboard. When brought back on board they became Shellbacks. The ceremony was overseen by King Neptune. On the Diamond, the tradition continues and the ceremony was overseen by King Neptune (our cruise director) and Queen Double D.

 

 

Passengers and crew members who had never crossed the equator are covered with an assortment of food and liquids.

 

 

Here the ship's nurse is initiated.

 

 

After everything is dumped on them they are forced to "Kiss the Fish" before being thrown in the pool.

 

 

 

This is a member of the cruise director's staff (on the right) heading for her dunking in the pool.

 

After the ceremony a certificate signed by the Captain is delivered to all the rooms attesting that we are now, indeed, Shellbacks. Lots of fun!!!

[partybarbie]

Thanks Sailor Jack. Love seeing your crossing pictures. It brings back memories of my first crossing on the original "Love Boat", the Pacific Princess.

[SailorJack]

In Bali we were met with a traditonal Bali greeting.

 

 

And treated to a very impressive Balinese dance.

 

 

Our first stop on the way to the monkey forest was a beautiful hindu temple. Entrance to the temple was "free", but we had to pay a dollar "donation" to rent a wrap around skirt to enter. It was well worth it, but I am afraid Jill got a picture of me wearing a skirt and may use it against me!

 

The grounds inside the temple walls were beautiful. It is said that Bali has over 10,000 temples and shrines.

 

 

Everywhere in Bali you see unique statues and figures - mostly of a religious nature.

 

[bestmom1]

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Our first stop on the way to the monkey forest was a beautiful hindu temple. Entrance to the temple was "free", but we had to pay a dollar "donation" to rent a wrap around skirt to enter. It was well worth it, but I am afraid Jill got a picture of me wearing a skirt and may use it against me!

 

If she can't get the pictures off of the memory stick, she won't be able to use it against you;).

Liz

[cnd crsr]

Sailor Jack, loved your Bali pictures. I have never been there but it is on my "bucket list".

[spirit28]

Have enjoyed reading your review - we were on the the Diamond for the same cruise and really enjoyed our day in Bali....

 

A word of warning to anyone who visits the monkey park...

 

My mum had her handbag stolen out of her arms by a cute little thief... She was admiring the little thing and quick as a flash there was a tug of war and off he went into the bush with the bag..... Taunting her, he opened up the zip and threw the contents out (prescription glasses and all the other stuff in the bottomless pit a women's bag tends to be...). The tour guide did a good job to get it back when seemingly the monkey didn't find anything of interest and threw it away (did not find the money she had tucked away in a "secret" pocket...).

 

My mum must have been asleep during the port lecture when Hutch (Princess Port Lecturer...) was wording everyone up on how quick the little buggers are in taking off with anything that's not screwed down..

 

Anyway, amid all the confusion, my wife managed to snap off a quick photo as evidence... Bit grainy as the auto focus didn't have time to work. Gave us something to laugh at dinner re telling the tale..

[SailorJack]

Sailor Jack, loved your Bali pictures. I have never been there but it is on my "bucket list".

 

You will enjoy Bali. There is so much to see and the weather is perfect. Prices are also very good. We hired a car for 4 hours and it was $10 for each of us. Bargaining is the name of the game there as well. Jill bought a beautiful carved wood box with six sets of carved chop sticks for $5.00. The vendor started off at $20 and settled for $5.:)

 

If she can't get the pictures off of the memory stick, she won't be able to use it against you;).

Liz

 

I hadn't thought of that...and SailorJill apparently hadn't either - at least she never mentioned it!:rolleyes:

 

Have enjoyed reading your review - we were on the the Diamond for the same cruise and really enjoyed our day in Bali....

 

A word of warning to anyone who visits the monkey park...

 

My mum had her handbag stolen out of her arms by a cute little thief... She was admiring the little thing and quick as a flash there was a tug of war and off he went into the bush with the bag..... Taunting her, he opened up the zip and threw the contents out (prescription glasses and all the other stuff in the bottomless pit a women's bag tends to be...). The tour guide did a good job to get it back when seemingly the monkey didn't find anything of interest and threw it away (did not find the money she had tucked away in a "secret" pocket...).

 

My mum must have been asleep during the port lecture when Hutch (Princess Port Lecturer...) was wording everyone up on how quick the little buggers are in taking off with anything that's not screwed down..

 

Anyway, amid all the confusion, my wife managed to snap off a quick photo as evidence... Bit grainy as the auto focus didn't have time to work. Gave us something to laugh at dinner re telling the tale..

 

I'm glad you got your stuff back! We didn't see any evidence of theft, but one monkey did jump onto a lady's shoulder - eliciting a shriek that was probably heard back on the ship!:D

[SailorJack]

This is the Ubud Sacred Monkey Forest in Bali. It is quite amazing and well worth the drive to get to it.

 

 

The monkeys thrive in this forest and we saw several mothers with their newborn.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is the largest temple in the capital of Denpensar. It was truely impressive. Entrance is free but we were warned to look out for scammers wearing fake uniforms trying to charge admission. We didn't see any, but if you visit, forewarned is forarmed!

 

 

A final look at one of the beaches in Bali. Then we head for Darwin.