Singapore and the Far East

After travelling west for a number of years, we decided to do something a bit different and travel to Singapore. The far east is something I have always fancied but been a bit worried about food etc. and thought a cruise would be the best way to try it.
Prior to boarding the ship, we stayed a couple of nights in Singapore itself. Found this great as after such a long flight we were rather jet lagged but still managed to get the full wonder of the cruise. Also gave us the chance to see Singapore in the evening and witness the wonderful free water and laser show near Merlion Park.
From embarkation onwards, nothing was too much trouble. We stopped in an inside cabin. We find we are only there to change and sleep and with no windows it is nice and dark at night so nothing to wake you up, so why pay the extra. Gives us chance to go on another one then! The rooms are plenty big enough and were kept spotlessly clean.
After a couple of days on board, I started with a very nasty cough (before ‘sharing’ and passing to my husband later!). We tried drinks, sweets and lots of other usual remedies and eventually tried steam by running hot water in the bathroom. This was at 3am. Not long after, our telephone rang in the room and it was the Officer of the Watch checking if we were ok as the steam had triggered an alarm on the bridge. We had visions of us ‘steaming’ whilst everyone else was abandoning ship!!!
By day, other than sea days, we ventured out and witnessed magnificent sights from the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, the hustle and bustle of people in Ho Chi Minh City on their motorbikes coming at you from every angle, my husband looking like all his Christmases had come at once while riding an elephant bare back in Bangkok and seeing a baby elephant with hair standing on end, to Buddha temples and beaches in Ko Samui.
In the evening the entertainment was first class, my favourite being the production shows in the theatre. The meals were all we could have hoped for in the restaurant with the buffet restaurant at lunchtime serving a wide variety of food to suit all tastes. Alcohol is a bit pricey but we are not particularly big drinkers so as long as you are aware that’s fine. As we have travelled with Princess a few times before, so we are lucky enough to get a certain amount of free internet which meant keeping up with family at home too.
From someone who was not sure the far east was for her, I would recommend it even if you only do it once. All in all a wonderful experience.