Revisiting this site of mine / Spectrum Of the Sea

 *blow dust*

What a long while it has been since my last visit here. If it had not been trying to dig back the post I wrote on our maiden cruise back in 2006, I would have almost forgotten this site of mine.  So many memories etched in here. 

Reason digging back to my archives was because we just came back from a second cruise voyage. Albeit a different ship, the route was the same,  also along Straits of Malacca to Penang and Phuket.

This round it was a big family trip sans J and Brian.  We got this deal from Matta fair some half a year ago and hubs with his siblings were so excited over it all these months.  They discussed over and over again,  hubs watched YouTube videos again and again and finally it was the day. 

A and C flew over to SG 2 days before to spend some time with my bro and his family which was heartwarming to me. The love and care they poured to them,  I felt very blessed and grateful.  My heart beamed with joy to hear their good time spent with them as well. 

The morning after I sent them off to the train station,  a preview of the empty nest syndrome to come, came hitting me.  I wouldn't have thought I would feel that way but in reality,  I am truly a normal mom/ human,  especially all these years being surrounded by their presence and busied myself with them. Nevertheless,  I'm grateful I had my routine of gym,  lunch time with friends,  and finally dinner on my own was alright (hubs had dinner plans). He was sweet enough to come back home early knowing I'm alone at home.  ;)

We went to bed rather late the night before of travel,  partly excited and partly making sure we packed all the things we needed. By 5.15am the alarm rang and I just had probably 4 hours of sleep.  After my routine of light breakfast and poop of the day,  we set off by 6.30am

It was a smooth journey all the way to Singapore and we made it by 12.30pm, getting to meet the kiddos at the cruise center at 1 pm for checking in. 

The giant haul was so impressive,  I just awe in wonder as I stepped on board.  Basically the 4 days 4 nights had been nothing short of amazing.  I loved the room service breakfast at our room's balcony,  I love seated on the deck chairs with the wind blowing on our faces and just love being at sea, just relaxing and chilling without any worries. 

And I came home with my heart left on the ship,  I started to look back on how long it had been since the last cruise.  Now,  I think I don't mind going on that world cruise with my hubs after all,  except that.... I'm not sure if the ocean would be kind to us or not.  Or if there would be pirates *gulp*. 

Well,  guess I try to write more here since someone (my baby girl) is reading this journal of mine...*wave*

Next stop @ Phuket

Though it was less than 6 hours of sleep that nite, I somehow, miraculously managed to wake up to catch the beautiful work of God on the sky just in time. I shook KT up, and he suggested to go up on the top deck to have a better view of the skyline with Phuket in view too.

Near the jetty area.


















A "tree" on the top deck.























The area was peacefully quiet and serene, it's like the whole place belonged to us, we could walk around in our pyjamas without washing up yet.











The ship has its own helipad.Isn't it so cool?



















Watching sunrise from the ship was fantastic. The Greatest show on earth.















































Apparently, I came to know that sometimes Virgo dock at the Patong beach, where cruisers walked on a long walkway to the beach itself to disembark. That would be so fun as Patong beach is famously known to tourists. Unfortunately for us, we dock at the jetty area, where going to Patong would take 2 hours or more to and fro by cab.


The star of the show "Kingdom of Kungfu" on our first nite was hanging around as well. So, we took the opportunity to take a picture with him. He told us he performed on board for about 4 months already and he came from Shaolin, China. I wondered if he was one of the "dropouts" from school and needed to give performances to make a living?? He gave a superb show anyhow.



We quickly went back to wash up, had our breakfast and eagerly await to see Phuket.



*Wolf whistling*.... That's one sexy pair of leggies, don't you agree?






















The taxi quotes were too pricey around the pier area. We were told that more taxis are available if we to walk out, say about 5-10 mins away. We took that advice, even though we need to walk under the hot sun. (Shows how far we can go in order to save some money!) Warm greetings awaiting us... it was pretty scary, in fact, everyone were talking to us in Thai, it was like being mugged.


KT found a guy who could speak "pass-able" English, and quoted us half the price of the taxi fare from where we started. The guy turned out to be quite a nice guy, and the car was a comfortable spacious 10-seater.










He took us to a "shooting" gallery. KT paid 890 Baht (that's RM89, bugger!) for 10 bullets. He made a pathetic 35% score.















Then, just nearby, there were elephants for sale. Not the elephants-la. Elephants ride, that is. And the fee was ridiculous. It would be silly to pay that much to experience the bumpy ride on the back of an baby jumbo under the scorching sun and worse, in that unbearable stench! We just took a look at the little jumbos and continue on with our Phuket-one-day tour. Forget about snake watch or cock fights, all the entrance fee were way too unreasonable. Or is it just us?



We then went to a temple. It was much too hot, and with the guide realising that too, he took us to "cool down" in a shopping mall, similar to Carrefour. Then, lunch was near a seaside and was "butchered" left and right by those bloody thirsty leeches! (spent about RM160 for just fried rice and noodles! The tom yum soup was great tho.)














After lunch, we then made another shopping tour at Robinsons, but there were nothing much to see or buy too. We had to leave Patong beach for the next round, as it was getting pretty late. The cruise guidelines clearly state that they wouldn't wait for late boarding cruisers. So, we went back "home", and made some last minute shopping right at the "doorsteps".



























































This is the market place that's right at the "doorsteps". I bought a scarf for a blardy 400 Baht, and a piece of beachwear plus a little frock for Chloe was 250 Baht. These blood suckers, they are not even interested to bargain with you, they prefer to entertain the angmohs lurking around.

When I was done and about to get back onboard, I couldn't find my ID card. This ID card is important, if I lose it, that would mean I am an illegal, and I can't get back up there. Panicked for some few mins or so, when I saw KT and his parents and my mil asked if it was in my pants pocket. I was relieved to find it there. Whew! The adrenalin was really pumping all over, and I had to take a few long breaths to cool down.

The cruise departed earlier than scheduled, probably everyone was back up again. We had to take a good rest, as it was exhaustive, mostly because of the heat, I think. The gala dinner was in a few hours time with code of attire "smart casual". Everyone is expected to "dress up" a bit, and there would be a cocktail party at the Grand Piazza to meet with the executive crew.


The meal was a grand 8-course dinner, portion was more than enough for us as the 3 little ones were counted as 3 adults. Everyone had about 3-4 bowls of shark fin soup.




Before dessert was served, we were entertained with some performance from the waiters and waitresses. It was planned to details showing their appreciation for us being there. Not sure how they felt inside though. Just imagine if you were them, your job doens't only cover waiting on patrons, but dancing happily and monkeying around to entertain them as well... tough, isn't it?
I think it's just a matter of getting used to, huh?





Then, we met and took picture with the captain and had a look at the executives of the crew.

Later on, we watched another performance by the same people from the first nite, I think. It was pretty late, as they arranged the time so we won't have to rush over the dinner. But bad news was, Chloe got pretty uptight with the lack of rest she had the whole day, and I had to missed the highlight of the show. Heard it was a good show with acrobats balancing on some teeny weeny string... something to that effect. Anywya, I missed it as I took Adrian and Chloe back to the room, and they went to slumber almost immediately.

Later in the nite, the 3 of us excitedly left the kids in their grandparent's care, for another "highlight" of the whole cruise. It's the "FEVER Las vegas styled topless revue". Yes, not a typo error there, it's TOPLESS, ok?

I haven't seen a topless show before, and it was so cheap.. only SGD20 per boobs, err.. person. It starts at 12 midnite, and wanted to make value for money, we went at 11+ to make sure we get good seats with a nice and clear view.

The people earlier than us probably thought the same, I think, and they were 95% men! Both of us (female) felt rather weird coming in from teh doorway, and so, we quickly took a seat. We sat on the 3rd row, where the first 2 were almost preoccupied with these ham-sup-lo. When KT went out for a while, I felt very uncomfortable, it was the feeling of being surrounded by these men all over. I suggested to Jm to move a seat back, and she quickly agreed. It was much better then.

What a long wait, but we had our own entertainment meanwhile. Being early has its advantage, at least, we don't get judged when we enter the hall. So, WE look at the people coming in, and talk about why they were here etc etc. Quite a nice watch.

The show finally began. Juicy. But what the heck do you know.. I almost fell asleep because I was wayyyy too tired. Then again, I didn't let myself down, I did watch until the end, and enjoyed the glory of it. Boobs are really beautiful, aren't they? Ok lah, the dancers danced beautifully too, with their happy smiles slapped all over their faces. There was some parts of the whole show I particularly liked. Too bad they don't allow cameras, it would surely attract viewers here.



The next day was a leisurely day, we took our own sweet time getting out of the bed, having american breakfast by the seaview window (with just both JM and I), lazed around, walked around, until we reached back to where we started out.




Very punctual. We arrived at 7pm, disembarked at 7.30 sharp. Bye bye, my dear, it's nice cruising on you. We'll be back!

Docking at Penang shore.

Early next morning, by the time I opened my eyes, the sun was shining brightly thru the drapes(dammit! I missed the sunrise!). If you asked me, I would say I won't mind sleeping in till afternoon, the ship was rocking lullabies, ok? It was completely sensational, no wonder babies liked their parents to carry and rock them to sleep. Well, of course, the ship doesn't look like a big rocking cradle. I don't feel it moving most of the time actually, unless I see the view outside the window. But lying down on bed, you couldn't miss that slight little swaying left to right, right to left...... zzzzz.....

OK, so we dragged ourselves up, quickly ran to make it for breakfast before they close shop, and ran to the other restaurant for another round of breakfast before they close too.. imagine! Then, we regretted for eating too much and tried to burn off that extra food away by walking around. Walking around only la, it would seemed entirely out of place if you jog or run around the area, everyone is supposed to releks here, right?

So, we snapped some pics..

Mommy and daughter, cool pic, hoh? I like.


The Aft part of the ship (i.e the BACK) where the mini wet theme park lies.


So many lazy chairs for everyone.



We wanted to have a cup of tea while enjoying the breezy air, but how to do that with these running kids around?



I know, these giant chess is such an eye-sore, it's just too "norm" already. Promise I won't put in anymore of these kind later on.



There's this little area meant to be a little playground. But it's so pathetically "unexciting", the kids didn't hang around like they used to in "normal" playground.



They liked this place better. Somehow, they think they are controlling the game even it's in demo mode. Well, kids happy, we happy.



This is the western style restaurant. The menu for dinner looks yummy, we would be there for it tonite.


About noontime, we went back to our room, and coming close to Penang.



This the balcony I had been talking about. Really a room with a view. Nice.

Chatted with our neighbour who came from Perth (if I recall correctly), as we were moving closer to Penang. As usual, we were ever ready to introduce and promote the interesting places of Penang when we talk to some foreigners/ tourists.


Soon, we had our lunch, went to the disembarking point to go to Penang itself, and took this little boat across. It looks like a refugee boat from inside. And the ship looks so almighty big and grand as we move away from it. I hate to leave the ship, actually, Chloe was shutting her eyes away already and it was scorching hot. With the taxi fare charging the fee which is enough for us to drive from Ipoh to Penang and back, half of us took a U-turn and got back on the ship, the other half went to hunt for chendol and assam laksa. It was such a relief getting back onboard, it felt like returning to paradise.

Almost the rest of the whole afternoon was spent lazing around in the balcony room. They came back with mouth watering cool chendol and delicious laksa. Some of them went to take the afternoon tea while I don't know what else the rest did, I just sat in my room, gazing into the sky for nothing. Well, I wasn't bored, I just felt relaxed.

We then went to dip in the pool again. I somehow managed to get away for awhile and went to the Parthenon Pool (for adults). It really feel kinda weird swimming in there. 2 more people inside the pool, and I would feel like an invasion had just taken place. Quickly swam a few laps consoling myself that yes, I'm a bit skinnier now, I hurried back to the Wet and Wild.

Dinner was, as agreed, western but what a mistake it was. Heard the BBQ dinner at the pool area was much a better choice. The children weren't too patient about appetizers, main dishes and desserts served in big lapse of time, so it practically spoilt the fine dining atmosphere in there. Take note, everyone. Don't repeat this mistake! Go for the BBQ, heard it's damn good.



We went for another performance after dinner. It was a show performed by the crew themselves. We could see the difference immediately, but nevertheless enjoyed watching, especially the "4 divas" where 4 men dressed up in sexy, skimpy clothes and danced like christina aquilera and the like. They provided the laughs.

It was time for bedtime, and JM offered to look after Chloe for us if we wanted to go "out". How NOT to love her liddat? *kiss*, this for you, JM.

So, we went for a few hours of pak-tor. Lost 50 bucks in the casino in just a matter of seconds, no wonder they called it "rapid roulette". Then, we walked around the ship and promenade, exploring some "quiet" areas... (tsk tsk). It was midnite when we were dead tired, suddenly remembering a scene from "Titanic" where Jack and Rose found a car to hide.. now, where is that, sure it will be around here somewhere..

Argh!! Forget it. Might as well go for another round of FOOD, it was supper time. By now, I was honestly trembling hearing that word. But what to do, hubby wants to gobble down what he can after paying so much for the holiday, and I have to be a supportive wife la! Aiseh! Now I have to worry how to cut the excessive fat away, which is on top of the existent excessive fat..sigh!

I really couldn't take it anymore. My eyes can't open up, we quickly hurried back to our room before we knocked out embarassingly there and then. But it was such a lovely nite, we continued our "pak-tor" session for some extra time in the balcony room before we went to sleep. Like to know what we did? *smiling cheekily*

Cruising on the Straits of Malacca

Oh, my! Oh, my! 2 weeks of events, and no time to blog.

To cut it short on what was going on, I was busy welcoming my mom home from her short stint of work in a land of greener pasture, entertaining guests from elsewhere for few days, going for the much awaited long break, and recovering from the exhaustive trip.

So tired now! Adjusting back to the routine life. Anyway, though the trip was hectic, it was nonetheless, awesome! The cruise on Virgo had been lingering in our mind since years before we married. And now, we went on our "maiden trip" with our 3 children and their paternal grandparents (plus a friend, cum part-timer nanny! How nice!)

The journey to Spore was nothing less than monotonous and in-adventurous, except for the excitement and anticipation to see the ship. We drove leisurely a day before and didn't have much time to go round as we got lost a bit on that little island. The next day, I met my good friend from the uni days for breakfast. My goody nice big brother drove me and some of us to the Harbourfront to meet the rest of our group at about noon time. We were so excited! Finally!


Checked in our luggage before getting our boarding pass. How considerate! We don't need to drag our few pieces of luggage while hanging tight to the children's hands in that crowded area!


The group leader went to check in for all of us, while we hang around away from the queue. It took some half an hour to get it done, considerably a short wait, judging from the long queue.




After getting the pass, we couldn't wait to get on the ship. How small Gemini is hanging around right beside her big sister. It was no regrets going for the magnificient 13 storeys ship.



We walked some passageways leading to the doorway. There were a mascot, and a Hawaiian-style-dressed up girl tricking us to take pictures with all fellow passengers, and (yes, we guessed it right) later, trying to make another hole in our pockets from buying their expensive pictures and keychains.



Flirting was one of the main agenda! It starts right here when we stepped onboard.



We can't wait to find our rooms. It looked like long tunnels running along the length of the ship. In any case, it wasn't difficult locating our rooms, we are quite smart people indeed (ahem!).



After dumping our remaining pieces of hand luggage into the room, and enough admiring the view off the room's balcony (at least, for the moment), we charged to the Mediterranean buffet at Level 12. We passed through the pool on the top deck, the one we saw many times on the flyers. There were some people cleaning the deck, I started to wonder if we were not allowed to be at that place. Anyway, we soon found the restaurant and ate to our hearts desire. The food was good.





After having a good time there, we walked around to check the place out. First, we walked over to the other side of the ship at that same level. Found some library, a room for mahjong-addicts (come on! play mahjong on the ship? Well, not for me), board games for loan, and a cosy lounge called "Galaxy of the Stars". In there, there's a spiral staircase leading down to "the Bridge", where we can observe the captain and his crew swing into action operating the whole ship. KT said there's even a monitor showing the condition beneath the ship itself. I didn't see that though. It was amazing and exhilarating.




We waited for the ship to depart at 4.30pm in our room. Almost deciding to let the children have a nap, when the drill started, and we pulled them out, with our life jackets on. Chloe fell asleep during the drill.. shows how boring it was.



The kids and nanny went to sleep right after the drill, and we went off to book our table for the Gala Dinner for Tuesday. We heard there would be abalone served in that Gala Nite, but disappointed it was only meant for Balcony Class people. Though we had balcony room, but as we paid for it at Matta promotions, we were the 2nd class citizens of the ship. So, have to settle for something less glorious. Sigh! Meanwhile, the ship began to move, and the "Sail Away" party started in full swing. Everyone is encouraged to dance and chacha with the crew...



We walked around, lost each other, and I went back to our room and sat in the balcony. It was really awful wonderful, seaview rooms like this, where to get??? I could feel the sweet aroma of the breeze as the ship sails. It was perfect, blue skies and everything nice.

Enough of nap! We mustn't waste time like that. We woke the kids and let's go.. to the swimming pool. But wait.. how sad, children under 12 are not allowed here in Parthenon Pool (No wonder Chloe was complaining!). There's another special place for them called "Neptune Wet and Wild" on 2 floors down though, to the Aft. (See the rainbow in the background? So pretty, hoh?" )



This is where all the fun begins (for them). The wind might be chilling the water, but hey! this is so warm and lovely, dipping in these water is so shiok. The hot jacuzzi tub was great, albeit a bit too crowded at times.



This is the trail the ship leaves behind. The view from the Aft.



We went back to shower, dressed up a bit, and went to the Chinese "Pavilion" for chinese servings. I love the stewed sea cucumber with brinjals. It was so delicious. We were allowed to choose from 3 restaurants for all our meals, chinese, international buffet and western. The food from the "pavilion" gets the thumbs up compared to the earlier lunch, and we decided to come back for the next day's breakfast.

We then watched the live performance "Kingdom of Kungfu". It was something like Broadway, but they injected shaolin masters, chinese acrobats into it with the caucasian sexy dancers. Rather peculiar mix, but no complaints, at least we need not pay for the entrance. Well, can say, we paid for it for the whole package though, but least, we do not need to fork up another few bucks for that.

The show went on for about 45 mins, I think, no cameras were allowed. After the show was over, we were given a chance to pose with the shaolin masters on stage. Thought they looked pretty pathetic with their moody looks on their faces, as if being forced. We gave it a pass and took a walk on the promenade instead. The wind was blowing gently and comfortably.



On this level 7, is where the "Grand Piazza" lies. The bubble lifts were the favorite place for the children. Hence, it became more like their "playground".



It was tough to take a picture with all 3 of them sitting and smiling nicely for you. But this pic was rather cute and funny though.



Off we go to the highest deck. The whole ship looks like a brightly lit-up party place from there.



See? Even Chloe was shouting "Hold me tight! I'm being blown away by the wind" (I think!)



We retired for the night. Pondered to go for the Ladies Nite at "Celebrity Disco", but too lazy and tired.

For those who want to know, there were a lot more activities on board than what we had. Every day, we would be given the day's itinerary and activities. You won't have the chance to wonder what to do next. It's all planned to suit everyone's needs.

There are musicians rendering "love notes dedication", salsa dance class for beginners, "the oasis club" for those who wants to try get their money back, programmes for teens and children, cooking classes, karaoke lounge, spa and massage, gym, aquapool (something like the treadmill, where you swim against the current and never gets to the other end), video arcade, childcare centre (SGD6 for each hour), and picture house showing blockbuster movies. Massaging and aquapool are chargeable though.

Please drop by for the 2nd instalment of the cruise trip..