“A Taste of Asia” (“15 days” Bali-Singapore) 1st Ever Cruise

[Cruisetones]

Apprehension, apprehension!

 

My SO and I have paid for our first ever cruise which begins in Bali goes to Ho Chi Minh City and finishes at Singapore in Springtime 2023.

 

I naturally suffer from travel anxiety, but, I have have more positive travel experiences in my life than negative ones with the negative experiences being funny to look back on in retrospect.

 

My greatest anxiety is in missing a detail that makes my experience less than enjoyable.  I used to have anxieties that I’d be bored on a cruise but with age, I love the idea of being out to sea for a few days just to unwind and not worry about things to do.

 

I have a few questions:  for my cruise, we will be ported at Bali for two days, then Semmerang, then Ho Chi Minh for 3 days, Ko Samui for one day and conclude at Singapore for two days.

 

My question relates to the start and finish of our journey:  why is there a (2) stop at the first port in Bali?  And then (2) days at the final port in Singapore?  It seems rather misleading to be called a 15 day cruise when days 1, 2, 14 and 15 are at points A and Z respectively.

 

I booked the trip knowing this but the more I think about it, it makes little sense to me.  

Also: where I can I find out where the docking ports are at all destinations and their proximity to important things to see while docked?
 

especially at Bali, Ho Chi Minh Coty, Ko Samui and Singapore?

 

I don’t know where in Singapore City we’ll be docked.  If it’s anywhere near MRT lines, then it should be straightforward.

 

Also, if all excursions to, for example Ho Chi Minh City are sold out, does that mean I am just stuck on the boat?  Or is there a general Viking shuttle for all to Downtown Ho Chi Minh City with regular pick up times or meet up spots?

 

I’ve chosen Viking primarily because of the 18 years old (I don’t mind a few kids, but more than 3 =‘s Migraine (lol); and over rule and because they don’t nickel and dime.  They just hit you with one large bill right up front.  Also, they don’t force the social activities which to me always seems rather fake.  I prefer to organically make friends.

 

While I am excited, I have no idea what to expect other than I know Singapore very well.  I have watched all the vLogs where positive reviews are given but these are from pro’s who probably are paid to cruise.  Plus, no matter how much they are enjoying Viking, they aren’t me.  

 

so ultimately, I have to like it.

 

This moment is day one of my research for this trip I have already paid for.  I look forward to giving an honest review while on board and my conclusion after it is over.

[Heidi13]

Welcome to both Viking and Cruise Critic, brilliant choice of cruise line for your first cruise.

 

Length of Cruise - you can experience 2 metrics - # days and # nights. When referring to the # days it is usually the total of number of days you are aboard the ship, inclusive of the partial first and last days. # nights is number of nights onboard, regardless of whether in port/at sea.

 

Overnights - Viking are all about experiencing the World, so many of their cruises have overnights at embarkation and disembarkation, which provides opportunities to see those ports. When arriving day of cruise, you rarely have any opportunity to see the embarkation port. Similar at the end, if not staying a few days, you disembark and often head straight to the airport.

 

Bali - Cruise ships dock at the Port of Benoa Cruise Terminal, which is located in a lagoon at the south end of the island. You are a number of miles from town, so either Viking shore-ex or private tours are required.

 

Saigon - Viking ships cannot head upriver to the city, so dock at a commercial berth in Phu My, which is between Saigon and Vung Tau. The bus ride into Saigon can be 60 - 90 minutes depending on traffic and which berth.

 

Koh Samui - Is a tender port, as indicated by the anchor included on the pax statement. Although we didn't make it to Koh Samui with Viking, my research indicates they tender to Nathon Pier on the West side of the island.

 

Singapore - You can dock at either of the cruise terminals or a commercial dock.

 - Singapore Cruise Terminal - is further from downtown, but has an MRT station - harbourfront

 - Marina Bay Cruise Terminal - close to Marina Bay, it also has an MTR station at Marina South Pier

 - Commercial Pier - we docked at a container port once that was further out than Singapore Cruise Terminal and it required a taxi or shuttle to get downtown.

 

Edit - prior to using the MTR in Singapore, I suggest researching and reading the local restrictions.

Edited October 3, 2022 by Heidi13

[Cruisetones]

Thanks for the details Heidi.  Only restriction I see regarding MRT in Singapore is mask wearing requirement.

 

I truly hope that Viking will be parked near Harbour Front or Marina Bay as they offer easy access to the areas in Singapore I like to see like Orchard, Chinatown and the Botanical Garden.

 

We only need three days in Singapore to be content.  We mainly go there for the food and some shopping.  We have seen the other popular attractions already.  Because we’re familiar with Singapore, disembarking at a familiar location appealed to us.

 

I’m disappointed that Ho Chi Minh is so far away but I think with proper planning, this should be manageable.  I’m most apprehensive about Bali as I’ve never been in Indonesia so I think my greatest concerns are here.  I most look forward to possibly visiting a few waterfalls and seeing the rice fields.  The night life has no appeal to me at all.

 

Ko Samui I know very little about but find its exotic location appealing.  I’ve been to Bangkok and Pattaya in the past and didn’t really enjoy those places (very oppressive heat!).  Thanks for the tip on a “Tender Port.”  Never heard of that term.  Too bad HCMC does not tender port.

 

I see that I have a lot to learn and thank you for your reply.  My cruise IQ went from 50 to 75 thanks to you.  As I itinerarize, I should be at 130-140 by March XD 

[Peregrina651]

1 hour ago, Cruisetones said:

 It seems rather misleading to be called a 15 day cruise when days 1, 2, 14 and 15 are at points A and Z respectively.

 

Think of it this way: you are paying for a 15-day travel package that just happens to involve a cruise ship.  The itinerary describes where you will be each day of the package. Sometimes the itinerary includes overnights in ports and some times those overnight are in the embarkation and/or disembarkation port but they are part of the package.

 

Day 1 and Day Last are always the arrival day and the departure day. Depending on your flight arrangements, you can arrive at at any time on Day 1, even if it is late evening. On the last day of the itinerary, you can expect to be out of your cabin by 7:30am and off the ship by no later than 10 am.

 

Many people prefer to arrive in the departure city before Day 1 of the purchased package. Especially on long haul flights, they want to make sure that they arrive in time and they want time to recuperate from the long flight. One may choose to do this with a Viking pre-cruise extension (which becomes part of your travel package) or "On Your Own" (including having to get ones' selves to the ship). You can do it on your own even if you are purchasing your airfare through Viking; it is called a "deviation" and there is a fee involved for doing so. You pay the deviation fee once per trip.

 

You can also extend you at the end of the cruise either with a Viking extension or "On Your Own."

[LindaS272]

3 hours ago, Cruisetones said:

I’m most apprehensive about Bali as I’ve never been in Indonesia so I think my greatest concerns are here.  I most look forward to possibly visiting a few waterfalls and seeing the rice fields.  The night life has no appeal to me at all.

Don’t be apprehensive! Bali is magical! We spent three weeks there years ago and even extended our stay—back when you could call up the airline and leave three days later with no extra charge. 😄

 

Two appealing excursions there for your cruise are the arts village of Ubud & rice fields; and the evening Kecak Monkey dance at the Bird Park. I find it magical because of the animist religion and the rich history of art, culture & dance. The food is good too—nasi goreng in particular.

 

Enjoy your travels—sounds like a great cruise!

[Heidi13]

6 hours ago, Cruisetones said:

Thanks for the details Heidi.  Only restriction I see regarding MRT in Singapore is mask wearing requirement.

 

I truly hope that Viking will be parked near Harbour Front or Marina Bay as they offer easy access to the areas in Singapore I like to see like Orchard, Chinatown and the Botanical Garden.

 

We only need three days in Singapore to be content.  We mainly go there for the food and some shopping.  We have seen the other popular attractions already.  Because we’re familiar with Singapore, disembarking at a familiar location appealed to us.

 

I’m disappointed that Ho Chi Minh is so far away but I think with proper planning, this should be manageable.  I’m most apprehensive about Bali as I’ve never been in Indonesia so I think my greatest concerns are here.  I most look forward to possibly visiting a few waterfalls and seeing the rice fields.  The night life has no appeal to me at all.

 

Ko Samui I know very little about but find its exotic location appealing.  I’ve been to Bangkok and Pattaya in the past and didn’t really enjoy those places (very oppressive heat!).  Thanks for the tip on a “Tender Port.”  Never heard of that term.  Too bad HCMC does not tender port.

 

I see that I have a lot to learn and thank you for your reply.  My cruise IQ went from 50 to 75 thanks to you.  As I itinerarize, I should be at 130-140 by March XD 

 

This is from my notes for Singapore

• Passport must be good for another 6 months. Need to carry passport ashore & present it upon request. Chewing gum, eating and drinking on the mass rapid transit system are illegal.
• Medications - Some OTC & prescription meds are controlled substances. Prescriptions are required. Refer to Appendix P, at HAS for extensive list of prohibited medications.

 

Note - I updated these about 1 yr ago for the 23 World Cruise, but since we had to cancel, I am not updating them for any changes.

 

Tendering is when the port has no dock, or all docks are already reserved. The ship anchors off the port and passengers head ashore in either the ship's tenders, or local tender boats depending on local regulations.

[CurlerRob]

7 hours ago, Cruisetones said:

 I’m most apprehensive about Bali as I’ve never been in Indonesia so I think my greatest concerns are here.  I most look forward to possibly visiting a few waterfalls and seeing the rice fields.  

 

I second @LindaS272's support for Bali. Another excursion that you may enjoy is what Viking bills as the "Temple Wonders".  It's a long day, but the two temples visited are absolutely spectacular. (This from a guy who has been known to mutter about "yet another church").

 

In Semarang, Borobudur is a must for a first-time visitor (and you will likely have a police escort for your bus - not due to danger, just to ensure you can actually get through the traffic!).

 

In the two locations, I do recommend a ship's tour for peace of mind. If you prefer private, join a fellow cruiser who is very experienced at that location - the "price tag for missing the ship is painful, given sea days after each.

 

Enjoy your planning! 🍺🥌
 

Spoiler alert - two teasers - Tanah Lot and Taman Ayun ...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Cruisetones]

11 hours ago, CurlerRob said:

 

I second @LindaS272's support for Bali. Another excursion that you may enjoy is what Viking bills as the "Temple Wonders".  It's a long day, but the two temples visited are absolutely spectacular. (This from a guy who has been known to mutter about "yet another church").

 

In Semarang, Borobudur is a must for a first-time visitor (and you will likely have a police escort for your bus - not due to danger, just to ensure you can actually get through the traffic!).

 

In the two locations, I do recommend a ship's tour for peace of mind. If you prefer private, join a fellow cruiser who is very experienced at that location - the "price tag for missing the ship is painful, given sea days after each.

 

Enjoy your planning! 🍺🥌
 

Spoiler alert - two teasers - Tanah Lot and Taman Ayun ...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for the tip about Indonesia CurlerRob. I will be in Bali a day prior to the cruise I think at Sofitel.  I have a feeling that will be a relaxation day.  I will try to sign up for the temple tours u suggested and the Semarang suggestion.  I do enjoy visiting temples.

 

For HCMC (ie Saigon), I am excited that we have two complete days to explore and the third day, the ship leaves at 6pm so I have a good long half day 3 as well. Vietnamese cuisine is my favorite food of all cuisines.  I may need to book private food tours for at least two of the three days. I don’t care that much about the history only because the food there is soooooo good.

 

I’m wishing that this cruise added Hanoi as well. To my surprise, HCMC seems fairly straightforward given how congested the city is.
 

I am going to put a lot of research to get as much out of that port as possible.  Hopefully, we’ll be able to do the cooking class on the boat for HCMC.  I really cannot wait to make reservations for everything.  For the final day in HCMC, I will do whatever ship excursion is available.  But if any of those excursion revolve around food, that is where I’d allocate my time. I do not think so want to lose much time at the once in a lifetime chance to eat and learn as much Vietnamese cuisine as possible.

 

Vietnamese Cuisine is such a high priority to us that we will probably not buy the $20/day drink package as that is $600 that could be used for food tours in Saigon which cost around $60-80 at least because of how far away our boat is from Districts 1 & 3 where all the restaurants are.

Edited October 4, 2022 by Cruisetones

[Cruisetones]

12 hours ago, Heidi13 said:

 

This is from my notes for Singapore

• Passport must be good for another 6 months. Need to carry passport ashore & present it upon request. Chewing gum, eating and drinking on the mass rapid transit system are illegal.
• Medications - Some OTC & prescription meds are controlled substances. Prescriptions are required. Refer to Appendix P, at HAS for extensive list of prohibited medications.

 

Note - I updated these about 1 yr ago for the 23 World Cruise, but since we had to cancel, I am not updating them for any changes.

 

Tendering is when the port has no dock, or all docks are already reserved. The ship anchors off the port and passengers head ashore in either the ship's tenders, or local tender boats depending on local regulations.

On mass transit in Singapore, carrying durian on the train is illegal too.  The MRT in Singapore could be the best in the world and is very user friendly.

 

For our only day in Singapore on the boat, I’m most interested in the Orchid Garden tour.  I’ve done the Night Safari in my previous visit to Singapore.  That is impressive but while I’ve explored just about all of Singapore’s beautiful botanical garden (most is free to explore) I have not seen the Orchid Garden.

[Cruisetones]

15 hours ago, LindaS272 said:

Don’t be apprehensive! Bali is magical! We spent three weeks there years ago and even extended our stay—back when you could call up the airline and leave three days later with no extra charge. 😄

 

Two appealing excursions there for your cruise are the arts village of Ubud & rice fields; and the evening Kecak Monkey dance at the Bird Park. I find it magical because of the animist religion and the rich history of art, culture & dance. The food is good too—nasi goreng in particular.

 

Enjoy your travels—sounds like a great cruise!

Ummmm Nasi Goreng.  My mouth is watering after looking doing a quick search and seeing photos.  My anxieties are already starting to disappear.  My only anxiety now is just making sure I do not miss my flights.

 

I am glad I read the details about the VISA requirement for Vietnam: eVISA’s are not accepted from cruise boats and our travel agent was going to have us do that instead of the label VISA.  
 

Thanks for your Bali pep talk.  I am starting to get more excited about the time we will spend there.

[LindaS272]

We loved Bali so much that two years later when we adopted a pair of kittens we named one of them Gamelan—for the musical instruments of Bali. 😻

[the2ofus]

Hello, everyone.  My sister and I are booked on this cruise.  Neither of us has been to Indonesia so it will be a new experience, although we have cruised many times and once previously on Viking Oceans.  My Sis, the intrepid traveler, has traveled in China and Southeast Asia.  I appreciate any and all information and suggestions about what to see and where to go in our ports.

[Cruisetones]

With Day 1 and 2 in Bali, we’ll probably fly in few days earlier and take care of sightseeing.

are you embarking on 3/18?  If so, we can compare notes.  I’m researching while waiting for that day to come sooner.  Will you arrive in Bali earlier?

[CurlerRob]

I thought you may be interested in the Roll Call for your cruise (below) if you have not found it yet. It will be the best place to connect with other pax for research and arrange private shore ex should you wish to. 🍺🥌 

 

 

[Heidi13]

2 hours ago, the2ofus said:

Hello, everyone.  My sister and I are booked on this cruise.  Neither of us has been to Indonesia so it will be a new experience, although we have cruised many times and once previously on Viking Oceans.  My Sis, the intrepid traveler, has traveled in China and Southeast Asia.  I appreciate any and all information and suggestions about what to see and where to go in our ports.

 

Hereis some info on the ports you visit

Indonesia Bali.docx Indonesia Samarang.docx Singapore Singapore.docx Vietnam Saigon.docx