Okway... So here's my post on my recent Star Cruise trip..
Ship: Star Aquarius
The first sight of the ship (the place where I'm going to spend my next 5days) just right after passing the Custom.
Onboard the Aquarius at about 12pm. The room wasnt totally cleared when we stepped in. Nevertheless, we still made ourselves comfortable while leaving the door opened for the crew to enter.Look at our room!
There was free lunch on board but we had lunch before embarking so we decided to nuah in the room till the ship moves.
Oh, and it's pretty interesting that there is a Evacuation Drill conducted where all passengers will have to grab their life jackets from their room and proceed to their respective designated areas. I wonder how am I supposed to rush to my room for the life saving jacket if say I was somewhere else like the gym or pub, anyway...
We spend he afternoon exploring the ship and enjoying the view..
We basically spent our time (like 3.5hrs) in Star Club (casino) till dinner time. I got full house during my poker game but a waste I didnt bet the jackpot. But we had fun fantasizing if we hit the jackpot, we will be taking plane direct to Taiwan, not the cruise back to Singapore. Ha!
Then we were full of energy to whack every single kind of food @ Mariners Buffet! Muahaha. It's free anyway! :D
We headed to Aquarius Lounge which was a-la-carte (chargeable) for some drinks and live band music playing late at night too. But that was after Supper when we couldnt get to sleep. Hah. Slept too much in the day I guessed. :p
Day 2
I was all so excited because it will be my first time landing my feet on Penang land! The Penang shore excursion approximately about 4hrs actually costs like SGD42/pax!
While waiting to reach Penang.
@ the Penang Jetty at about 2pm+
First stop was the Temple of the Azure Cloud, better known as Snake Temple. Legend has it that after the temple was built, snakes from the surrounding forest mysteriously appeared in the building and sensing this phenomenon as a good omen, the monk immediately gave shelter to the snakes and allowed them to take up residence in the sacred halls. I already spotted quite a handful but they sleep in the day so it's pretty safe.
Ah beng praying
There was a Snake Farm but cost money to enter so we didnt.
Next stop was a short stopover at Malay Village. Simplicity of life.
And yes, Tree Shot
Next stop was the Malaysia Local Fruits Stall-Tuborg, displaying all types of local fruits and spices like nutmeg and cloves.
Look at how everyone is crowding over at the durians stall!
Got monkey in cage too. The kids gave her some keropok.
2nd last stopover was at the Penang Batik Factory where we witness the traditional technique of batik painting using wax and dyes. I didnt buy any batik though but bought a Penang keychain and Beng bought coffee. Haha
Final stopover was at Tean Ean Local Products, where they sell local products like Tau Sa Piah, Nutmeg mace, Bah kut teh, etc. I bought one big bag, so did Beng!
Took the small boat back to big Cruise. The sight at our seats in the small boat. Heh^^
Yummy Penang
The next thing we know, super hungry, growling stomachs. We discovered eating at another restaurant-Dyansty is free too! Only drinks are chargeable. There, we had our 2nd dinner of the trip. :)
Slept early because the following day excursion would be early morning, had to get up even earllier for breakfast before heading out.
Oh, not to mention, we made friends with a vey young couple from Brunei. The husband is Magician lar. HEHE. We also made friends with retired couple form Singapore. :p
Day 3
Woke at 7am+ for washing up and head to breakfast. Excited again, first time to Phuket~ This shore excursion which duration is approximately 7hrs costs another SGD77/pax!
This time is slightly better, no need boat transfer, straight away alight and land on hard concrete ground. Heh.
Myself before the excursion begin..
On way to first stop, passed by these old military planes. They were meant to be lowered into the sea in Phuket to feed the corals! Wow, I didnt know this.
The first stop is to Wat Chalong, Phuket's most important Buddhist temple. Because I was too scantily dressed, I cannot enter the temples. I have to remove my cap to enter so I chose to enjoy the view from outside. But again, Beng went to pray..
Second stop is to Adventure Island Safari for Monkey show, Elephants show and of course, Elephant ride!
Beng fed the elephant. As usual, I timid, I hid.
3 elephants, aged 11, 5 and 7. The 5 years old elephant very cute!
It was really a waste I didnt volunteer myself for the elephant massage. I dont know why, I would usually be very sporting and be among first few to volunteer but I didnt. Wasted. Probably the glaring sorching Sun wears me out? Probably I was too hungry to be supportive? Probably I was excited for the ride than to spend 3mins on that massage? Probably I worry Beng laugh at me? Haha... Nah, no idea.
Woo, finally the elephant ride!
Then went to a short Monkey show, collected our photo (taken by their photographer, us on the elephant during the ride halfway) at the counter. So fast, end of Safari tour!
Then hurray, to Thai Naan Restaurant for our Lunch Buffet!
Then went to Wang Talang, where they offer quality local handmade souvenirs, gifts, Thai silk, pearls and jewellery.
Second last stop was to Sri Burapa Cashew Nut Factory. We both bought some local goods from there too. I bought durains crackers too :p
Last stop, to Patong Beach.
We were so typical. So hot to shop. So, we searched for Massage!!! Wahaha. S.h.i.o.k..
We only have like 1hr20mins at the beach. The massage is 1hr so left few minutes to shop. We both bought 2 apparels each! Hehe.
Ok, bye Patong Beach!
So, going back the slopes up and down from Patong back to the Port of Phuket takes another 45minutes. Thats how we basically spent the 7-8hours of our Tuesday.
We made friends with one aged couple and their youngest son, from Singapore. Very friendly.
First thing back on ship, took a quick nap and headed for dinner at Dynasty Restaurant again. Chinese food this time round. Heh^^
Right after the dinner, I felt terrible seasick. We took a short walk and tried to catch Crew Extravaganza performed by the crew at Stardust Lounge and I cannot take it, so headed back to room for a sleep. Beng went for supper himself while I decide to take a walk to the roof for some fresh air. But only for awhile because Beng forgot his access key card. Vomits on the floor, no lar, not from me. So I trust myself to be normal. To be feeling seasick. Ha.
Day 4
We woke pretty late somehow. Missed the breakfast and went to Spices Restaurant for late Morning Tea at 11am. The restaurant was facing the PACKED pathetic tiny swimming pool, but I was still tempted to plunge in after lunch.
It was Beng's turn to feel sicksea so he went to sleep while I got changed and plunged in! I was all alone in the pool at 2.45pm!! I swam and I sunbathed.
Headed to the Acitvity Centre to purchase Beng's Bingo tickets and it made my day. The crew asked how old am I. I thought this Bingo was for kids and I was overaged. After much persistence from the crew, I revealed my age and asked was there a age limit. She laughed and say because I looked very very young, these Bingo tickets can only be sold to people above 18 years old. I broke into laughter! What?! I looked like under 18??!
Went back to room and woke Beng up for the Bingo game. We didnt win... LOL. 5 sets for SGD10.
Then we went to Oceana Barbecue at Deck 12 (roof) to have dinner. Shiok. But Beng went back right after dinner for his work to be done, while I walked around, enjoying the live band, sunset view and BBQ fragrance. That was when we reached Port Klang, to disembark some passengers.
Then we nuah-ed in the room. He worked and I tv-ed. Till late night we went for supper, with bill settlement in mind after meal. The last supper on board. The Q for bill settlement @ the reception was surprisingly short.
Back to the room, I watched "Stay Alive" via HBO. Beng so tired he slept early. I pestered him to be awake as I'm afraid of watching thrillers alone but he chose to hug my pet frog and sleep. Haha. I screamed and jumped throughout but none of my actions woke him at all. Ha. In the end when the show ended, I dont even dare to pee, I merely off the lights and covered in blanket, scaring myself with every single sound I heard when my eyes were closed. Terrible.
Day 5
We woke late again! But I have good reason, I slept late watching HBO! We rushed for breakfast after showers. Collected passports immediately after meal, Q was again, surprisingly shockingly short and fast.
Went back to room for quick check-check to see if missed anything and wait for time for gather to check out. Heh. All's packed!
Look at the video and you guys will understand why seasick is unavoidable!
Back to Stardust Lounge, waiting for disembarkment. That was a freaking long wait...
Finally hallo Singapore at about 12pm! Had MacDonalds for lunch before heading back home for long long afternoon nap because I tried to escape from unpacking. HAHA.
It was a happy trip, thank you Beng.
The ship was infested with Japanese and people from India!! I was not a racist but I must say they were rude. Yay.
Imagine taking Cruise to HK or Taiwan, I probably would have puked till jellied legs and white sheet face. Where shall we head to next? hehehhehe. Oh, and take cruise only when you have extra money to spend. Expensive. I didnt even know they will charge 25% on the room rate per pax! WOah
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