A “culturally enriching cruise” on Voyager of the Seas, Singapore to Hong Kong

[Atleastonce]

On Thursday we fly on a VA J reward flight Brisbane to Singapore on Singapore Airlines. After a few nights at the Marina Bay Sands we board Voyager of the Seas in a spaciousness balcony room midship. We have submitted a number of upgrade bids for suites but not fussed if they don’t come through. After visiting ports in Thailand and Vietnam we end the cruise in Hong Kong with 6 nights at the Novotel Nathan Road. We return on VA J reward flights on Singapore Airlines from Hong Kong to Singapore then onward to Brisbane.

The culturally enriching cruise will be interesting. We know the food will be localized, but we are not sure about the shows. Many forums have mixed information about shows with general announcements in multiple languages.

We are looking forward to the experience regardless.

Hopefully I can provide some entertaining information. We do have a internet package on the cruise that cost the same as a small mortgage, so should be able to upload some content during the nine night cruise.

 

[RB]

Am I right to guess it is the cruise company calling it "culturally enriching? I have a swag of VA points I have never looked at using, it is reassuring that you got flights you wanted.

 

[woodyren]

I have cruised in the region 7 times. All with RCL. 5 were from Singapore to China which included port stops in Hong Kong and 2 were short cruises from and returning to China. Ships were Ovation OTS, Quantum OTS and I just recently returned from a Singapore to Shanghai cruise on Spectrum OTS.


They are all now advertised as "Culturally Enriching" but there is quite a difference between the amount of cultural enrichment you receive on cruises from or to Singapore and or Hong Kong to those that depart and return to Shanghai and Tianjin.


Personally we love both itineraries and the on board product but I have read so many reports of disappointment from those who have obviously gone to the region completely clueless about differences in behaviours of the locals and expecting a typically Western style cruise. Again the differences are far more prevalent on cruises from China because they are almost totally booked by locals rather than a more varied cultural mixture when cruising from China. If the cruises out of China weren't far more expensive than they are elsewhere we would do many more as I have zero issue with the increased hustle and bustle that may be experienced at times and love the changes to menus. We currently have 3 more booked in the region.


So back to your question. The food and entertainment on the cruise from Singapore to Hong Kong will be very similar to the menus elsewhere. The shows will also be in English almost certainly. The passengers will be a great mix of many nationalities. There will be the normal activities. For example there will be trivia whereas the cruises out of China dont offer this as much. There may be minor variations from the norm such as more Asian food in the buffet but the usual staples will be on offer.

Voyager isn't China based so there shouldn't be any physical changes either or charges for items that maybe normally free. Quantum and Spectrum undergo changes because they are based in China.


Hope you have a great time and looking forward to reports from the cruise.


Feel free to ask more specific questions.

 

[Atleastonce]

Am I right to guess it is the cruise company calling it "culturally enriching? I have a swag of VA points I have never looked at using, it is reassuring that you got flights you wanted.

Yes this is how it is advertised.

 

[Atleastonce]

I have cruised in the region 7 times. All with RCL. 5 were from Singapore to China which included port stops in Hong Kong and 2 were short cruises from and returning to China. Ships were Ovation OTS, Quantum OTS and I just recently returned from a Singapore to Shanghai cruise on Spectrum OTS.


They are all now advertised as "Culturally Enriching" but there is quite a difference between the amount of cultural enrichment you receive on cruises from or to Singapore and or Hong Kong to those that depart and return to Shanghai and Tianjin.


Personally we love both itineraries and the on board product but I have read so many reports of disappointment from those who have obviously gone to the region completely clueless about differences in behaviours of the locals and expecting a typically Western style cruise. Again the differences are far more prevalent on cruises from China because they are almost totally booked by locals rather than a more varied cultural mixture when cruising from China. If the cruises out of China weren't far more expensive than they are elsewhere we would do many more as I have zero issue with the increased hustle and bustle that may be experienced at times and love the changes to menus. We currently have 3 more booked in the region.


So back to your question. The food and entertainment on the cruise from Singapore to Hong Kong will be very similar to the menus elsewhere. The shows will also be in English almost certainly. The passengers will be a great mix of many nationalities. There will be the normal activities. For example there will be trivia whereas the cruises out of China dont offer this as much. There may be minor variations from the norm such as more Asian food in the buffet but the usual staples will be on offer.

Voyager isn't China based so there shouldn't be any physical changes either or charges for items that maybe normally free. Quantum and Spectrum undergo changes because they are based in China.


Hope you have a great time and looking forward to reports from the cruise.


Feel free to ask more specific questions.

Thanks Woodyren. We have spent some time in China before and we will expect some crowded pushing etc... but hey we are in their world and if you don’t like it don’t travel there. Really looking forward to the small differences on the cruise from others we have done with Royal.

 

[Major]

Did you book the flights from the Velocity site or did you transfer VFF points to KF ?

 

[Atleastonce]

Did you book the flights from the Velocity site or did you transfer VFF points to KF ?

I booked the BNE to SIN via velocity site. We originally were flying HKG to SYD on a J reward with VA. We decided to stay longer in Hong Kong and there were no VA J seats available when we wanted to return from HKG and nothing on their website for a return via Singapore. I called the VA Platinum line for international flights and they were able to get me J on SIngapore Airlines via SIN into BNE. The change fee in cash was way less than a fare to get back to BNE from SYD if we had kept our original flights.

 

[Major]

The reason I ask is that we prefer daytime flights and I have found that booking through KF I can select SQ256 and SQ245. Looking at Velocity they mostly offered overnight flights which are a PITA.

 

[Major]

We have cruised with HAL from SIN to HKG (14 days) and stayed at the airport Regal Hotel to catch a morning flight to SIN. We also went on a 3 day Star cruise SIN-SIN and stayed at Changi Village for a feed of chilli mud crab before returning to BNE.
The Star ships are mostly Asian food but Western is available if you want it

 

[Bindibuys]

Woodyren, I have booked the family (6 adults) on Quantum of the Seas, 5 nights out of SIN, next February. Have you any trip reports on this site regarding your cruises?

 

[woodyren]

Woodyren, I have booked the family (6 adults) on Quantum of the Seas, 5 nights out of SIN, next February. Have you any trip reports on this site regarding your cruises?

No I don't but cruises out of Singapore are normally a mixture of many nationalities and cultures. My advice to you is to book the activities and shows as early as possible through your cruise planner login. There will be a show in 270 lounge and iFly and Nth Star that need to be booked. They only become available a few months out. If you can't then book on cruise planner then do so as soon as you board. Reason being on short cruises there are not enough days to fit everyone in. Also if you or family want to have a go on the flowrider you should try to board early, take your swimming gear and go to the boarding day session. Most people pack their stuff in their checked luggage so lines are short.

 

[Atleastonce]

The reason I ask is that we prefer daytime flights and I have found that booking through KF I can select SQ256 and SQ245. Looking at Velocity they mostly offered overnight flights which are a PITA.

I got any flight option when I called them

 

[stm1sydney]

As a cruise bigot, I would say that "culturally-enriching cruise" is an oxymoron. Particularly if it includes "cultural" shows.

 

[Atleastonce]

BNE to SIN
Singapore airlines A350-900

Arriving at Brisbane International right as check in opened we purchased some wine duty free (BNE International Parking gave us a $20 discount offer). We are allowed one bottle of wine each when we board the Voyager of the Seas in Singapore. Knowing the cost of alcohol in Singapore we purchased a few bottles each at duty free then onto the Singapore Airlines lounge.

I have always found the food in the Singapore lounges all around the world not to my liking. This time was different, the food was good, and the service was impeccable.

We wandered to the gate after the lounge announcement and straight through the boarding processes and onto the aircraft.

We settled into our seat. The service was amazing, introductions from the CSM and pre departure drinks.

This was our first trip on the A350, having only previously flown on the older Singapore Airlines aircraft and seating from Australia. The new pods are much more private, although travelling with a partner and having the centre seats in row 12 we felt too far apart to converse. We needed to resort to Auslan sign language to ‘speak’ with each other. Mrs Atleastonce is studying to be a translator for Auslan; she welcomed the practice.

I found the seating to have very little storage, and not as roomy as the VA 777 J seating.

We pushed back 9 minutes late with an announced 7 hour 10 minute flight. After a long taxi we took off 25 minutes late.

I was served a huge plate of warm nuts and my requested Singapore Sling soon after departure.

The meal was swerved swiftly, starting with the Ginger Coriander Cured Salmon. This was very light and refreshing.

Next was my book the cook duck with rice. This was one of the largest meals I have been served on an aircraft. Mrs Atleastonce had the book the cook chicken.

Finally, choc chip ice cream, some fruit and cheese.

There were so many movies and television series, it was hard to choose something to watch. I had some music playing in the background whilst I studied and read papers for my literature review.

We landed in Singapore 25 minutes early. A reasonably long walk to immigration, a short wait for our bags and a quick trip to the hotel.

It looked as though most of Singapore was at the Marina Bay Sands and check in was slow. We were told they were sold out.

Marina Bay Sands is just an amazing hotel. A quick trip to the infinity pool on floor 57 to check out the night views. We only have one full day in Singapore so an early start the next morning for a swim and some photos at the pool.

 

[Atleastonce]

 

[Atleastonce]

With only one full day in Singapore it was up early for a swim and a few photos in the infinity pool at Marina Bay Sands.

 

[offshore171]

As a cruise bigot, I would say that "culturally-enriching cruise" is an oxymoron. Particularly if it includes "cultural" shows.

Haha.

Reminds me, in this season of Travel Guides on channel 9. I think it was the Taiwan episode, there was a classic quote from the snobby couple:

“A short cultural show is a good cultural show”

 

[Atleastonce]

Our room is on level 9 overlooking the gardens on the bay. I have stayed here numerous times, both on higher floors and the lower floors. I would recommend the lower floors, you look straight out to the gardens on the bay rather than over the top of them. This gives you a real good perspective of the structures and a better view if you want to watch the evening light displays from your balcony. If you want the higher view you can visit the pool area and sky deck on level 57.

This morning was mainly spent at Gardens on the bay and in particular the Cloud Forest structure. Apart from being air conditioned, the gardens were spectacular. There were sculptures from different regions, waterfalls and a tree top walk along the canopy. Well worth the $28 to spend a few hours. This cost also gave you entry into the Flower Dome, which for us was not as interesting. Don’t let the name fool you, this is mainly a structure that houses millions of plants, not just flowers.

After a short rest we ventured out to Fort Canning. This park area shows the Fort area built in early Singapore. We were there late in the day and most guided tours were sold out so we had a leisurely walk around. This is the only outside park area I have been to that has escalators outdoors. For those who have been to Universal studios, think of the escalators from the upper lot to the lower lot, but not as long.

Mrs Atleastonce wanted to spend some time at the ‘spiral staircase’ taking artistic photos for Instagram. I was not that impressed with the staircase, but lots of others were, including a wedding that took far too long to take a handful of photos.

Back to our hotel and a wander around the Marina Bay shops then later in the evening to watch the light show from Gardens on the bay from our balcony with a bottle of wine

 

[Atleastonce]

Today we docked in Bangkok at the cargo terminal. We are on Voyager of the Seas and this is the only dock in Bangkok that has the size to berth this ship. The first day was a sea day and we spent most of it exploring the ship and taking a few photos. Honestly Bangkok was not on our destination list, but we are here anyway and doing a shore tour tomorrow.
We docked today about 11:10am and people with shore tours were sent through immigration first, then private tours then the rest of the passengers. We disembarked about 1pm, had a look around the sparse terminal and reboarded about 2pm. For the past two days the crew have been drilling in the Thailand immigration process at this dock. Sign the arrival cards and have your passport with you. Everyone, regardless of you ding shore tours or your own tours, or just staying on the ship for the two days needs to go through the immigration process. Needless to say, people stood in line whilst these announcements were being made and still did not have their passports with them and had not signed the immigration cards. #facepalm

It was a real relaxing day, basically having the ship to ourselves. We took a few photos, were allowed into the speciality dining areas to have a look around. The crew are amazing. On that note, our stateroom is brilliant, but was confused why I was giving a tip, every day. Some recent readings suggested tipping daily and letting the stateroom attendants know the tip was for yesterday and today, that way they know you will tip and will provide consistent service. I know most of you know this, and it is working well.

I started this report talking about the cultural aspect and how it was advertised as such. Well, it is a normal cruise, food is the same as other cruises we have been on, shows are in English, and in fact the largest number of passengers are from USA. The Asian population on board is very low and I would confidently say in the minority. The speciality regional food last night was USA fare. Hotdogs and hamburgers.

Here are a few photos from around the ship.

 

[stm1sydney]

It's amazing, from an engineering perspective, how the cruise ships these days are decked out. Very impressive. But I am not convinced that hotdogs and hamburgers are culturally enriching.