Some cruising tips

[sandy999]

Hi all,

Just been on the celeb millennium Asia route and thought it would be a good idea to share some top tips while they are fresh in my mind.

 

Hong Kong

We took the airport express train direct from the airport to Kowloon where a free shuttle bus took us to our hotel. We stayed at the pacific towers, but the bus stops at other local hotels. Really good transfer, quick, clean, easy to use.

 

Mtr train system is great. We bought tickets for each journey but we were told that you can buy a day pass for tourists. Good if you plan to go to Central or Lantau Island.

 

Cruise terminal is about 20 min taxi ride from Kowloon. We didn't see any shuttles from the ocean terminal to the new terminal. The MTR stop kowloon bay takes you to a shopping centre, and the cruise terminal runs free shuttles from there to the ship.

 

Best market was Stanley, cashmere scarves for £3 each, silk about £6.

 

Big queues if you arrive late at the peak tram.

 

Hanoi

Bus tour was approx 4 hours each way. Nice to see but you have to weigh up the travel. Good shopping here.

 

Bangkok

We stayed overnight in the ibis riverside hotel. Good hotel and reasonable. Definitely worth staying to avoid transfers. We wanted to see ayutthaya and the central sights, so we had to stay overnight to fit these in. Well worth it, enjoyed seeing the summer palace. Went to aisiatique night market. £2taxi ride from the hotel. Market, music, bars, fast food and nice restaurants. By the river. Return taxi took us 3 attempts, didn't want to switch on meter and didn't know where the hotel was. Take an address.

We had a great guide, Pepsi from tripadvisor. Would recommend him.

 

Singapore

A night river cruise on a bum boat is a must. If you time it right you can see the light show from the boat.

We used the duck and hippo hop on hop off bus. This also takes you to sentosa island and to the cruise terminal.

Left luggage option at the cruise terminal. approx 8 Singapore dollars per case for 24 hrs.

 

Really good itinerary, would recommend this route.

 

We stayed 2 nights pre cruise in HK and needed this time to see everything although could have done with a day or two more.

We were overnight on board in Singapore with a late flight so used left luggage. We should have booked a couple of extra days here, lots to see and do.