2024 Grand World Voyage with The Inside Cabin

[WriterOnDeck]

2 hours ago, The-Inside-Cabin said:

What time did you arrive in HCMC?   What time did they tell you to meet for the return? Where did they drop you off?  What time did you get back?  
 

Did you get continuous commentary enroute? Or only answers to questions?  
 

I didn't get a current taxi fare quote, but I think it was around $150 USD round trip. 

We left about 8:10 am. There were four buses, and I was on the third. We arrived about 9:40 am at the Bitexco Financial Tower, the tallest in district 1 downtown. Our guides did not give a running commentary on the drive in, but gave some detail as we got closer. When we arrived, they directed us to the restrooms in the building (modern), ATMs and to the ticket counter to go to the skydeck (which I didn't). On the drive they handed out maps of downtown with a few sites marked, with the dropoff/pickup spot clearly marked and filled in with our departure time of 2:30 pm. (The bus after us had a 2:40 pickup time.) The map also had phone numbers for the guides. They answered any questions.

 

A couple was about 20 minutes late in returning. Christel (Henk's wife, retired guest services manager) was on the bus and checked the list we had filled out earlier (name, birth date) as we circled the block waiting. On the return trip, we stopped for a 15-minute bathroom stop. I didn't get off so don't know the condition of the toilets. For some reason after our stop they decided to play loud music for the rest of the drive, so no more chance to sleep.

 

I thought it was a great way to get into the city, which I had visited before. I felt comfortable walking around on my own.

 

 

 

on top that soe went t

[The-Inside-Cabin]

39 minutes ago, WriterOnDeck said:

We left about 8:10 am. There were four buses, and I was on the third. We arrived about 9:40 am at the Bitexco Financial Tower, the tallest in district 1 downtown. Our guides did not give a running commentary on the drive in, but gave some detail as we got closer. When we arrived, they directed us to the restrooms in the building (modern), ATMs and to the ticket counter to go to the skydeck (which I didn't). On the drive they handed out maps of downtown with a few sites marked, with the dropoff/pickup spot clearly marked and filled in with our departure time of 2:30 pm. (The bus after us had a 2:40 pickup time.) The map also had phone numbers for the guides. They answered any questions.

 

A couple was about 20 minutes late in returning. Christel (Henk's wife, retired guest services manager) was on the bus and checked the list we had filled out earlier (name, birth date) as we circled the block waiting. On the return trip, we stopped for a 15-minute bathroom stop. I didn't get off so don't know the condition of the toilets. For some reason after our stop they decided to play loud music for the rest of the drive, so no more chance to sleep.

 

I thought it was a great way to get into the city, which I had visited before. I felt comfortable walking around on my own.

 

 

 

on top that soe went t

That is a pretty good value - Thanks for the details

[The-Inside-Cabin]

Arrived Singapore.  Ship cleared at 8:15

 

Went ashore around 9 am.  Immigration was all automatic.  Scan you passport - do a thumbprint and away you go.  
 

No one wanted to see my landing card email, but as soon as I cleared the immigration computer I got an email from Singapore Immigration- Welcome to Singapore!  
 

We met some Navy friends who live here and they are showing us around.  
 

visiting Pulau Ubin Island 
 

 

night safari tonight. 

[The-Inside-Cabin]

It was a great day visiting Singapore with my old Navy friend Bill. We met his wife Nic and daughter Issie.

 

We visited Pulau Ubin Island. This small island is full of trails and a few restaurants. The ferry costs $4 each way and takes 10 minutes. Mountain Bikes are available for rent for $15 a day. Even if you have been to Singapore many times, I doubt you have set foot on Pulau Ubin island—check it out on your next visit.

 

Pulau Ubin Island is near the airport and close to Malaysia

 

$15 a day for a bike

 

Start early - it gets HOT

 

 

 

 

We had a nice lunch at Old Cheng Du restaurant in Chinatown.

 

The Golden Dragon Yarn Shop ( People's Park Centre #02-51 Upper Cross Street Singapore 058357) was nearby and Judy pick up a few balls of yarn.   

 

Nic treated herself to a Singapore Ice Cream Sandwich - which is a slab of ice cream between regular bread.    Check it out here

 

We finished the day at the Night Safari, which is a zoo that is only open in the evenings - Great time -

Owl shown by the handler at the Creatures of the night show

Fun time!

 

View of the Marina Bay Sands from the Sea View Pool

 

 

Much more later on the blog

[TiogaCruiser]

Sounds like you have a fun time in Vietnam.

 

On 3/19/2024 at 10:51 AM, Toad said:

I can’t believe you got a tux in a day! Amazing.

Maybe the tailor had a cup of that ultra- caffeinated ice coffee for breakfast. I think its tag line is “sleep is overrated”.

 

After my first I couldn’t get to sleep until after 4:00 am. But was it ever delicious.

[The-Inside-Cabin]

3 hours ago, TiogaCruiser said:

Sounds like you have a fun time in Vietnam.

 

Maybe the tailor had a cup of that ultra- caffeinated ice coffee for breakfast. I think its tag line is “sleep is overrated”.

 

After my first I couldn’t get to sleep until after 4:00 am. But was it ever delicious.

An old Navy saying is —Never do anything ashore you can do on the ship. This meant plenty of "medicinal" alcohol and no sleeping ashore!

[The-Inside-Cabin]

Formal night this evening- Heritage dinner theme 

 

Here is the menu:

 

26 Mar MDR.pdf

Edited March 26 by The-Inside-Cabin

[flyingfish123]

How do I access your blog?

[The-Inside-Cabin]

1 hour ago, flyingfish123 said:

How do I access your blog?

www.theinsidecabin.com

 

 

[The-Inside-Cabin]

Here is our picture from last night's formal night, wearing my new Tux from Hoi An

 

 

We have another block party today.   I have included the initial announcement in the Daily Program, followed by the "Update" delivered earlier today.   They wanted to ensure guests knew tossing peanut shells on the carpet was NOT OK!

 

 

[SJSULIBRARIAN]

You two look fabulous. Like the new tux.

[cunnorl]

 The new tux looks great! You 2 look marvelous!

[LouChamp]

Aloha. You look great. All the best!

[RuthC]

Love the tux! Love the gown!! Love the pic!!! 
Thanks for posting it. 🙂

[oakridger]

That picture is "suitable for framing"!!  You both look so good!

 

 

~Nancy

[The-Inside-Cabin]

The highlight of 27 March - 

 

Block Party 

 

Everyone heads to the mid-ship elevator lobby to mingle rather than hang out outside their room.  This makes for better conversation.

 

 

 

The crew passed out bags of peanuts and poured Singapore Slings. 

Peanuts!

 

Singapore Slings!

 

 

The Capt,  Henk & Kimberly made speed runs down each floor - on both sides.  

 

The Capt stopped to chat as the event was wrapping up.

 

Good cast show tonight!  - Country Cross Roads

 

 

 

 

[The-Inside-Cabin]

Arrive Colombo, Sri Lanka - 

 

We are docked at the Container port and can no longer walk out of the port.  Must take a shuttle bus to gate 1A

 

Plenty of taxis next to the ship - Asking price to go to airport $50 - Tours $25/per hour before negotiation - Kimberly said don't pay more than $10 an hour.

Colombo Skyline

 

Panoramic from our verandah overlooking the dock

 

Entertainers on the dock

 

We are now located at the blue dot - We used to moor at the red pin.   This is much further away and now a shuttle is required.

 

 

[The-Inside-Cabin]

Here is the latest 2 week entertainment forecast.   
 

 

[The-Inside-Cabin]

This short video shows the area around the ship in Colombo, our previous docking location and a little of the arrival show.

 

 

[bcummin]

Is there handy shopping at this new container port docking location?  Colombo used to be one of my very favorite dockside shopping ports.

Barbara

[The-Inside-Cabin]

6 hours ago, bcummin said:

Is there handy shopping at this new container port docking location?  Colombo used to be one of my very favorite dockside shopping ports.

Barbara

Vendors set up temporary stalls across from the cruise ship.  Here are two videos of my "Walk By".    There are more shops here than in the previous location. 

PART ONE

 

PART TWO

 

 

 

Edited March 29 by The-Inside-Cabin

[BetsyS.]

Thanks for the updates and pictures!  I agree with others about your formal night photo -  I love the new tux and beautiful gown! You both look great! 😊

[The-Inside-Cabin]

We arrived in the Maldives around 7 AM

 

The tender landing is at the Presidential Jetty

 

Presidential Jetty as viewed from the Ship

 

Male Skyline

 

Sunrise over the open bow

 

Male Rolls

 

Here is a short video of our arrival

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited March 30 by The-Inside-Cabin

[The-Inside-Cabin]

SINGAPORE PULAU UBIN ISLAND AND THE NIGHT SAFARI (POST #41)

MARCH 30, 2024

Click "Show More Posts" to show all the links to the other posts for the 2024 World Cruise

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We visit Pulau Ubin island and go to the Night Safari

ARRIVAL SINGAPORE

View of Singapore Skyline from the SeaView Pool

 

The Zuiderdam moored at the Marina Bay Cruise Centre (MBCC) instead of the more convenient HarbourFront Cruise Centre (HFCC). I think the days of HAL mooring at the HFCC are long gone. Cruise and Travel Director Kimberly tried to spin our location as being better since it is closer to downtown – which is true if you are walking, but the nearest MRT station to MBCSS is 3/4 of a mile walk, while the nearest MRT to the HFCC is 1/4 mile. Additionally, the nearest MRT station to the MBCSS doesn’t sell the Singapore Tourist Pass as they do at the HFCC MRT station.

Note: The walking distance from MBCC to Chinatown is 4KM while the walking distance from HFCC to Chinatown is 5KM. More on using the MRT later.

HarbourFront Centre remains the more desirable Cruise Terminal in Singapore

 

IMMIGRATION

The ship was connected to the terminal from Deck 3 via a jetway-type bridge. Once inside the terminal, we first had to clear Immigration using the automated clearance lanes. There are two steps: First, we scan our passport, and if everything is OK, a gate opens and lets us go a few steps to the second station, where we are asked to place our thumb on a scanner glass. We have to remove any masks, glasses, or hats when using the automated lanes.

NOTE: Before you arrive, you must complete the Singapore Arrival Card HERE. If your cruise ship is not listed, select OTHER. After you complete the card, take a screenshot of the email you receive with your reference number and bar code. You shouldn’t need to show it as the card is linked to your passport. But if it is not linked, having this email handy will save you time later.

This is a photo of the Automated Immigration lanes at the airport, but they look the same as the ones at the Cruise Terminal. Photo linked from www.singaporetravellers.info

 

NOTE: If you have a choice, pick a lane without anyone ahead of you. During my first trip, I was behind someone who had difficulty getting their thumb to scan. I had to wait 5 minutes until they sorted him out.

After immigration, we headed down an escalator to baggage claim, where we would clear Customs. There is a choice of GREEN or RED lanes depending on whether we had anything to declare. Here, our bags went through the X-ray machines, and we passed through a VERY sensitive metal detector. Our waiter told us later that a crewmember was fined SD$200 because he forgot to leave his cigarettes on the ship. Read the list of prohibited items carefully.

Uber is not available. There was a taxi stand, and since there were two ships there, the line was long. I learned later that it took about 15 minutes to get a taxi.

USING THE SINGAPORE MASS RAPID TRANSIT (MRT)

You have several options for using the MRT, and they are described in detail in the links below:

HERE  is a great blog post that explains how to ride the Singapore MRT.
HERE is where you can buy the Singapore Tourist Pass.
HERE is where you can learn about the different types of passes.
HERE is a post about how you can use your contactless credit card on the Singapore MRT.

The two day Singapore Tourist Pass costs SD$29 which includes a SD$10 deposit which you can get back if you return the card to a station where they sell the card. The net cost of a card is SD$19 for two days. Most MRT rides in the tourist area are about SD$1 to SD$1.50 and can go up to SD$2 if you go to the Zoo or the Airport. This means you would need to make at least 10-15 rides to break even with the Singapore Tourist Pass.

They no longer sell single trip MRT tickets. You will have to buy a stored value card (EZ Link) first if you arrive at the MBCC to get to a place where you can buy the Singapore Tourist Pass. You may be better off simply using this card (EZ Link) for your entire visit. You can also use your contactless credit card instead of a EZ Link card which is even simpler. My advice – do your homework before you arrive and decide what may be your best option if you plan to use the MRT.

PULAU UBIN ISLAND

Prior to our arrival, I connected with an old Navy shipmate, Bill, who now lives in Singapore with his wife, Nic, a Singapore native and their children. They picked Judy and me up outside the terminal and spent the next two days showing us a wonderful time.

Our first stop was the Changi Point Ferry Terminal near the airport where we took the ferry for the 10 minute ride to Pulau Ubin island. The ferry – or “bumboat” cost SD$4 each way and you pay in cash on the boat.

Typical Bumboat – photo from The Occasionaltraveller.com – see their site for more information about how to get to the island HERE

NOTE: To get to the Changi Point Ferry Terminal, take the MRT to the Tanah Merah station and then take Bus 2 to the Changi Village Bus Terminal—it’s a short walk from here. The bumboats don’t run on a schedule, but leave whenever they fill the 12 seats. You shouldn’t have to wait more than 10 minutes.

This map shows the location of Pulau Ubin Island and The Night Safari

 

Pulau Ubin, a small island located off the northeastern coast of mainland Singapore, offers a stark contrast to the skyscrapers and high-rise buildings that dominate downtown Singapore. More than 80% of the island remains undeveloped and visitors can enjoy the lush greenery, mangrove swamps, and scenic coastline. The island is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering a plethora of activities such as hiking, cycling, and bird watching.

After we arrived on Pulau Ubin we headed to the right and spent some time exploring the Sensory Trail. This trail contains a variety of plants and is designed to appeal to all five senses: Sight, Sound, Touch, Smell and Taste.

Arrival Sign

Entrance to the sensory trail

Sensory Trail

Pete and Judy with a Torch Ginger Plant

Pulau Ubin Island Map

 

When you head off to the left you discover the small village center, bustling with activity and local charm. Here you can rent bikes, browse through shops selling handmade crafts and souvenirs and sample local Singaporean cuisine.

Bikes for rent – about $15 a day

Bikers returning from the bush

 

We stopped at the Season Live Seafood Restaurant and enjoyed some fresh coconuts filled with chilled coconut water before returning to the ferry pier and returning to the mainland.

Note the sign – “No Durian” in the upper left in the restaurant seating area. Durian is popular with some people, but the smell is very strong. It has been described as a combination of sulfur, sewage, fruit, honey, and roasted and rotting onions. It is usually banned in any common area. Fresh cold coconuts with refreshing water inside

 

CHINATOWN

After about 45 minutes, we arrived and parked in the Chinatown Point Parking Garage. We headed to Old Cheng Du restaurant, which specializes in Sichuan Cuisine. The restaurant is on the first floor, and the closest MRT station is “Chinatown” Exit A. You order using your smartphone after scanning a QR code on the table. You don’t have to interact with a server unless you don’t have a phone, in which case they will bring you a menu.

Old Chengdu Restaurant

Order on the APP here

 

This is one of Nic’s favorite places, so she ordered it for all of us. The food arrived quickly and was fabulous.

I got a chuckle out of this sign in the bathroom – I didn’t realize that vomiting in sinks was a problem requiring a sign banning the activity,

 

As we headed back to the car, Nic stopped by a street vendor and picked up a Singapore Ice Cream Sandwich. This is simply a slab of ice cream between a folded slice of ordinary white bread. Classic.

Nic with a local favorite – a classic ice cream sandwich.

 

GOLDEN DRAGON YARN SHOP

The Golden Dragon Yarn Shop is on the second floor in the People’s Park Centre. The shop sells yarn and other items and is more like a smaller version of JoAnn Fabrics in the USA. Judy scanned the yarn section, looking for brands she wasn’t familiar with. She bought two big balls of Jewelspun by Sirdar, a UK brand. At 546 yards, each ball has enough yarn to knit a hat and a small scarf. She also bought Big Value Chunky by King Cole, another UK brand. It’s a lovely dark blue for a friend who likes to crochet scarves and blankets to relax.

Judy shopping at the Golden Dragon Yarn Shop

 

SELATAR HILLS

We left the yarn shop and headed about 5 miles north to Bill and Nic’s house in Seletar Hills. The house is lovely, and we enjoyed meeting Nic’s parents and enjoying some snacks.

NIGHT SAFARI

The Mandai Wildlife Reserve is the parent company for the following attractions:

Bird Paradise
Night Safari
River Wonders
Singapore Zoo
Mandai Wildlife WEST

We visited the Night Safari, which is adjacent to the Singapore Zoo but is a completely different attraction. The Night Safari is only open in the evenings and was designed to view nocturnal animals. The Night Safari opens at 7:15 pm and closes at midnight.  The tickets cost SD$55, and there is a 10% discount if you buy them online in advance. The tickets are sold for a specific entry time, and your preferred time may be unavailable if you show up without a ticket. For this reason, you should buy your tickets in advance HERE.

The Night Safari is accessible via the MRT, and the bus and directions are available on the website for buying the tickets.

There is 30-minute show, “Creatures of the Night,” where various animals are brought onto the stage, and some of their behaviors are explained by the hosts.

Creatures of the night stage – It will be dark when the show starts A Safari host describes some of the Owl’s behavior

The tram ride is included in your admission and is worth the 30 minutes it takes for a loop. There can be a line, particularly after the first “Creatures of the Night” show. I recommend going to the tram ride instead of the first show when the lines may be shorter. The show was just “OK” and you won’t miss much if you skip it.

We went to the show first and then had to wait about 30 minutes for the tram. The tram ride was a nice overview of the animals, but you only had a few minutes to view them at each stop. Given a choice, try to get seats toward the middle of the tram, as sometimes the seats toward the back don’t have a good view of the animals at each stop.

HERE is a park map. As you can see, there are walking trails that visit areas where the only access is on foot. Even though we didn’t have the time or energy to walk after our tram ride, walking is probably the best way to see the animals as you have more time to observe.

We visited the park after a long day with an early start. If you have the flexibility, I would sleep in on the day you visit and arrive well-rested after 8 pm. This way, you will avoid some of the crowds and the temperatures.

HAL offers a tour to the Night Safari for $130 USD. Nothing else is included except round-trip bus transportation. You can buy a park admission for $40 USD in advance. A taxi will cost around $20 to $30 USD each way, so going on your own, even as a single will always be cheaper. You could take the bus and MRT, which would be cheaper still, but not as fast.

There is a nice snack bar and gift shop available.

DAY TWO

We took it easy on our second day. Bill picked us up, and we headed to the Tanglin Club, the oldest private club in Singapore, where he is a member. We had a very nice time enjoying a long lunch and headed back to the ship in time for the Sail Away party at 4:30 pm.

The Tanglin Club is very nice – don’t miss a chance to visit if you get an invitation from a member

 

Izzy, Pete, Bill and Judy

Goodbye Singapore – Great Visit!

Dennis Lau was the featured entertainer on the world stage

[cunnorl]

 Thank you for the very detailed description of the MRT.  I was last in Singapore in 2006 so many changes since then. My husband actually had an apartment in Clark Quay during his work years because he spent so much time there.  He was last there in 2014. We are looking forward to the return and was disappointed to have the itinerary changed to 1 day.

    We will make the most of it with your detailed instructions!