Day1 Singapore
Arrived at 12.30 noon on Friday. Got out of taxi and next to it was the luggage drop. It all happened too fast that I had to asked twice what would happen to my luggages. Of course it will be sent to my room. Neat! Next up was the human clearance which took a little while. Guess that would happen since we had chosen the peak hour. But we don't mind the queue since we were on vacation mood. It helped that the new cruise centre is bright with large glass panels where you can see the ship docking beside. Can't contain the excitement. Next thing we knew we were on the ship searching for food.
Windjammer is on the top deck. We only managed to get the outdoor dining table since the place was packed. Food was plentiful in buffet style. Shit. There goes my diet. It was starting to get hot so comfort level was greatly reduced. Quickly after meal, we got into the air conditioned part of the ship and started some self exploring. The ship is smaller that what I expected but facilities were pretty impressive. The centrum is pretty elegant with 2 glass elevators travelling up and down all 11 decks.
Soon our rooms were ready. We booked 2 of the smallest cabins with no windows. Figured that with no view, it will drive us to get out and interact more. At 6pm we made our way to the romeo and juliet dining room. Name sounded cheesy but place was pretty classy. Mum and Dad sure enjoyed the close attention of the waiting staffs. Food was not fantastic but we do have fun with the fine dining idea. Tonight show featured a couple of contortionists. Its looks painful and fascinating at the same time. Very impressive to me since I have never passed my sit and reach tests during school times.
Day 2 Penang
Woke up early at 6.30 to catch the sunrise. It was windy at deck 10. Some people were already jogging around the track against the wind. Where do they get their energy from? Maybe they were thinking of the many buffets ahead that need to burn. Its weird why we would view sunrise and sunset so differently when on vacation. On normal working day, I would have hoped the sun never came up.
Guess Mum was impressed with the main dining room so we had breakfast there as suggested. Today there is a towel folding class which sounds like a lame chore on normal day but turned out to be great fun. We folded a few animals as shown. All my animals turned out soft and sad looking since I am to lazy to tighten the folds. Little Miss Perfect sister got better looking animals since she is more serious with her skills. Mum went creative and invented her steps when she cannot catch up with the demonstrator. With our creativity all fired up, we headed for the card making session. We befriended a korea cruise staff named Yui. Yui is very friendly and through our conversation, we learn more about the ship and the staffs working on it.
In the afternoon we went down to explore Penang. Initial idea was to stroll down to the Perankan museum, hit a few street art corners and stuff ourselves mad with penang delights. But the sun was hot hot hot and our spirit when down with each steps. Perankan museum was a welcome place since it shaded us from the sun. But after that it all downhill. By the time were at the famous teochew chendol, our heads were spinning and our appetite were gone. The chendol was a lousy watered down dessert with only a few kachang and tasteless green jelly. The fruit rojak was not bad with a thick sweetened prawn paste. We head back to the ship earlier than we plan. Air conditioned haven is such a bliss, why did we want to ventured out in the first place?
Day 3 Kuala Lumpur
Got wiser today. While the rest of the cruisers were preparing to get down for shore excursions, we took our leisure time to have breakfast (yes in the main dining room again). Then its golf time! At first my Dad was a little apprehensive to learn new skill. But after seeing my sister, mum and me's lousy first round, he figured he can't do worst and joined us. Soon we are showing each other lame moves and how not to get the balls into the hole. Ha. Guess we really do not have golfing in our genes.
In the afternoon, we decided to go swimming in Solarium the indoor pool. Initially parents did not wish to join us but after much persuasion, they relented. Dad said he have not swam for more than 20 years whereas mum never learned at all. First dip and we found out that the pool was filled with salt water. Dad and sister manage a few rounds in the pool while me and mum just laze by the side. Then we tried out the jacuzzi. This is the first jacuzzi dip for us as a family.
Saw a few rounds of rehearsal trapezes in the centrum. Guess the coming cruises will have more entertainments to look forward to. Sister bought a bingo ticket which nearly won. Just 1 more number...arghhh... Look how sad she is.
Tonight show was a dance and magic show. Mum was amazed by how fast the lady can change her dresses. Better than bian nian (change face) show, she commented.
Day 4 Singapore
After breakfast, its time to depart. All in, we did have a good time. Total damage was $1700 which worked out to be only $140 per person per day. With full meals and daily entertainment aboard, it's really worth every penny. Dad is very happy and full of praises till to date. We got to spend time either doing fun things together as a family or just lazing around enjoying each another's company. Too bad brother did not join us this time but there is always chances. I bet this will not be my last cruise with Royal Caribbean.
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