Phuket to Singapore 27 Dec Diary

Hi SeaDreamers.

After months of lurking on this site, I can finally claim to be one of you! We just got back from our holiday which included our first SeaDream cruise, and I kept a daily diary which I'm posting here for anyone's enjoyment... I will also post a proper review in the review section later.

Happy reading!

Shaskelly

:D:D:D

Flight to Phuket from Sydney then Picked up by an arranged driver without hassle. Took about an hour to drive to the Holiday Inn Phuket through tourist hordes and picturesque squalor, tattoo studios, massage parlours, tuktuks and very heavy traffic.

Arrived at the hotel and very nice staff processed us. We also got them to book us a car to go to the yacht tomorrow (will cost about $25). Personally shown to the room which was ok - nothing special but quite a decent size. Unfortunately right on the main road so pretty noisy. It was about 1.30 am our time but we were both hungry so we ordered spring rolls from room service and they were delicious and quick and then we crashed.

Got up about 7.30 and breakfasted at about 9. Huge breakfast set up- I could not imagine any food they might have excluded. Fresh egg station but unfortunately DH had a problem and they took 15 mins to make his poached eggs so he was a bit peeved. Afterwards we went for a bit of an explore around the hotel. We were in the exclusive wing (Busakorn) and the pool in our area was quite civilised but when we walked around to the main wing the pool there was very crowded and not at all pleasant! Also had a peek at the Patong beach - yuck! Crowded with vendors and right next to the road and altogether awful! I had also been a bit worried that the lady who booked the car to the yacht last night might have mistaken the destination as the SeaDream instructions were a bit vague, so we went back to the reception people and got them to check again. Went to the in-house Thai restaurant where we had a lovely light lunch plus a glass of rose, all for about $30! Then into our car and drove for about 45 mins to the Makham Bay Area to the Port of Phuket and our yacht!

Embarkation 27 December 2013

Smooth. Got here at 1.45pm and had to wait but they took the luggage and it wasn't onerous. Wonderful greetings, champagne, canapés. Into our stateroom (307) quickly. Rowena our stewardess showed us everything and we were happy with both size and amenities. Stateroom was not big, but plenty of space for us, easy storage for the luggage under the bed, and the bathroom (thought small) was quite adequate. Requested change of pillows (done by turndown) and remake the bed English style with a top sheet (which she forgot and we had to ask again next day).

Unpacked then went for an explore. Everything in good shape and just as we'd hoped, no complaints about the state of the ship at all. Had a soft drink at the pool bar then went up to TOYB for another. Basically spent the arvo getting acclimatised and drinking a bit too much. Met some people and some staff (Shawn and Zoltan, Frank and Nicola). Lifeboat drill at 5.30. Also had a briefing about tomorrow. Found out that some of the advertised excursions have been cancelled as they did not work out too well on the first couple of cruises in the region. Ate dinner in the Deck 2 dining salon with a lovely couple from London (Gail and Michael). Consommé , duck and grand marnier soufflé all excellent with wonderful bread and some great rosé. Excellent service from Matija and others. Christmas decorations were still up everywhere on the ship, and it was quite fun to see them and imagine what Christmas must have been like on board. After dinner we just crashed, still a little jet lagged. Lovely nights sleep as we had sailed at 6 and we had already anchored at the next destination by 10pm, and the bed was really very good too.

Got embroidered pyjamas at turndown with our names on them! Lovely quality and very stylish.

Things to remember: lots of people smoking in the outdoor areas (a little off putting but restricted to certasin spaces so easy to avoid). Peanuts served with drinks. Lemon lime and bitters with real lemon! Cute officers in white shorts. People dressed up for dinner even on first night out, but nothing too formal except for one or two. A family of four children on board - impeccably behaved and very well dressed. Also a tiny baby on boardbut haven't heard a single cry. Shower has massage jets. Electric mirror for makeup. iPod Dock in the cabin.

Day 2 - Ko Yanta Lai

We were already here this morning so we awoke to see the Island out of our window. Lovely place with a white beach. Upstairs to breakfast at the Topsails restaurant. Wonderful staff accompany us to our table and the menu and the cold buffet are excellent. The waiter Matija was so lovely and chatted to us about whether we were going to go ashore... which we were. After breakfast we came straight back to the stateroom and changed ready to head ashore. Went down to the marina and donned a life jacket for the zodiac ride but the zodiac and the ship were not exactly in sync and it was very rough and basically I chickened out about getting on to the zodiac. I felt like such a fool, but the staff (well the officer at least) was understanding and said that shortly they would commence loading from the gangway instead of the marina, and that might be a bit easier so stick around. We waited near the pool and in 10 mins they had set up for the other side, and this time I managed to conquer my fears and get into the zodiac for the ride to the beach.

The ride was a bit rough and windy and we got a little sprayed, but not too bad, and the wet landing was ok too. I was so proud of myself! The beach set up was very pleasant - lots of loungers and many in the shade, and we just lounged and swam and read and enjoyed the breeze and the view for a couple of hours. They also set up a drinks station, and we could have gone and seen elephants but we just thought 'no' and didn't do much except rest and people-gaze.

Decided to come back to the yacht around 12-ish. It was quite an adventure! There were waves and we got totally swamped with them and thoroughly soaked, including the bags with our books and e-readers and such.. but it was also kind of exhilarating. By the time we got back on board ( I did it again!) we were so wet it wasn't funny, so we tried to dry off a bit and then quickly showered and changed and went up to Topsails for lunch. Yummy steamed crab dim sum rolls and rose again and blackberry pie with ice cream and all in lovely environs with breezes and people to watch and smiling faces. This really is heavenly!

Spent the afternoon in the cabin, reading and dozing. Very restful. We also got an invitation to dine with the spa manager, which ironically when we were seated turned out to include Gail and Michael! Lovely meal of antipasti, velouté of asparagus, macadamia crusted chicken and chocolate fondant. Lovely Tempranillo to go with it. Crashed after dinner. We really must stop all of this relation and start to party a bit more!

Day 3 - Phi Phi island and Ao Nang

We were booked to go onto a 'land adventure' today, so it was an early start. 7.30 breakfast then queued at the gangway to get onto the speedboat, but it was very hard for myself (and tiny Gail who is 4 feet something) to get on, so they moved the boat to the stern and we were able to easily get on off the marina platform. Sped off to Phi Phi first. Very exhilarating in the boat (one of two speedboats from the yacht) and when we got there, it was a bit of a disappointment. This is supposed to be the most beautiful beach in the world, the scene of 'The Beach', but it was crowded with hordes of tourists, and boats blocked any kind of view. Nice enough beach, but not THAT nice, and although the surrounding cliffs and vegetation made it spectacular, I was a bit underwhelmed. However, we had a swim in the roped off area and a walk along the sand for an hour and then back on to the speedboat for the next stop. We also met a couple of the Australians on board, Elizabeth and Mark from Mosman).

Phi Ley Bay was fabbo! DH snorkelled like a pro, and I also swam off the boat and it was amazing to be surrounded with tiny little striped fishes and surrounded by amazing cliffs and coral. We swam for about an hour then back on to the boat for another zippy journey to Maya Bay with more snorkelling for DH which he said was even more spectacular as the coral was better. I didn't swim this time just watched the amazing scenery with cliffs and caves all around. Then back to then yacht. Really great adventure!!

On our return we went up to Topsails for lunch to watch as we sailed away to the next stop, Ao Nang. We met Jenny who is part of a big group of Australians on board travelling together, having done many cruises on SeaDream. We only took a couple of hours to get to Ao Nang, but we had decided not to tender onto the beach but to sit by the pool for the afternoon after our big adventure this morning. Glad in the end, as those retuning from the beach said it was very ordinary, not a nice beach and smelly too. We enjoyed the sun and swam in the pool (very nice) and drank mango daiquiris, then went back to the stateroom to rest a bit before dinner.

Tonight the nightly pre-dinner cocktails were by the pool instead of in the main salon Very lovely, with lights on the horizon and breeze and a few stars and music playing, and people dressed beautifully. We stayed until after the cruise Director Scott's briefing on tomorrow' s activities and then went up to Topsails for dinner in the open. Tonight we opted for dinner for two, and we had a fabulous bottle of Napa Valley Cab Sauvignon (very big and bold!) and I had caprese salad and DH had chicken skewers tandoori, and then we both opted for the beef striploin (rare) which was absolutely excellent beef, but SOOO huge that by the end we were absolutely stuffed and couldn't manage the Stilton that Matija had prepared for us... We felt bad but honestly it would have been impossible to fit it in! Again felt exhausted (must be this sea air... nothing to do with continual booze!) so retired early again. Rowena left us an orchid in the stateroom. We seem to get a little gift every night, which is so sweet. Tomorrow is NYE! Champagne and caviar splash at Ko Rang Yai then Patong.

Things to remember... Being escorted to dinner at night by Christof or Nicola or by ladies of the spa. Hand cleanser dispensers everywhere. The Captain's Breakfast tea blend – yum! Tea timers at breakfast. Fabulous canapés every night in the main salon with cocktails.

Day 4 - Ko Rang Yai and Patong

What an absolutely fabulous day and night! Today was the signature Champagne and caviar Splash event, at Ko Rang Yai beach. We moored at the beach at about 8 am and the staff spent two hours taking all of the stuff over to the beach for the event. It was a beautiful place, and a large chunk of the beach was reserved for us. At about 11am we caught the zodiac over (no particular dramas getting in or out for the wet landing this time) and arrived to find lots of shady loungers, white sand, rum punch and a lovely swimming area. Spent some time swimming (quite a big rip but there was a roped off area so we couldn’t get too carried away) and lots of people were using water toys too, including one guy who had to be towed back to shore are his hobie cat went too far in the wind.

Just before 12, the boys started to load up the caviar and take it into the surf, and the waiters started handing out the champagne. Then right on 12, the ships horn sounded and the splash began! It was great fun and so unique. We hung around in the water and everyone was in such a great mood. Then we proceeded to the BBQ area where there were chairs and tables and everything we could imagine for a lovely lunch. Beef, pork ribs, lamb cutlets, chicken wings, lots of salads and vegetables, bread, wines and beers, and for dessert cakes and fruit and cookies. Really very scrummy and we talked to a lovely couple of guys from the US and had a lovely lunch. We then had another swim and sat for a while and people watched, then came back to the yacht at about 2pm, where we immediately grabbed a place by the pool for the afternoon and swam and read and generally slobbed ( stylishly, of course). We then came back to the stateroom and I had a bit of a nap while DH played with his e-toys and read a thriller, until it was time to dress for dinner and NYE! Oh yes, we also went to see Scott ( the cruise director ) about a future booking ( we will definitely be coming back)! Sailing into Patong was also entertaining as there were several other cruise ships in the bay, and we were amused to be able to sail past all of them and moor very close to shore, as we were smaller and could come in-shore more easily. Ha, ha, Azamara!

We started the NYE evening at about 7 with cocktails and canapés by the pool, then proceeded down to the dining salon. We decided to eat on our own tonight, and we had ordered a lovely bottle of Austrian wine to go with the degustation dinner (8 courses!) all of them lovely - I didn't eat the first one (caviar based) but the sea bass and crab and lobster and all were very fine, and small portions so we didn't feel overwhelmed. After a leisurely dinner (served by the handsome Strahinja from Bosnia) we went back to the cabin briefly where we toyed ever so slightly with the idea of retiring for the evening (I think we were just so full of food and good wine and cocktails that we needed to get our second wind!) . SO glad we didn't! We happened to meet our across the hall neighbour as we headed back out to the pool party for NYE - Paul from Norway. We had already met his partner Amun earlier in the week, and we wound up sitting with them for the evening by the pool, watching thousands of lanterns being released to the air with good wishes, and fireworks for hours on end across the beach of Patong. Sort of deconstructed fireworks, with no rhyme or reason, but very exciting and pretty and fun to watch. The music by the pool was a bit too loud, but a few drinks and some dancing later and it wasn't so bad. They had a DJ and streamers and such, and food laid on (although after the dinner no one could eat anything). Midnight came and went, and we danced on, and Paul and Amun were kind enough to offer us a glass of their Dom Perignon, and the evening was really a blast! We didn't leave until about 1.30, and if we had known about it we might have gone on to the crew party which we understand went until dawn! A great NYE!

Day 5- Langkawi

Today we had decided not to participate in any of the land excursions. We breakfasted late (after last night) and then grabbed a position by the pool, luckily one of the few in the shade, for a couple of hours (Note: very few shady spots to sit in the outdoors on the yacht – one flaw we’ve noticed). We were still at sea and it was a beautiful day, sunny and blue and breezy, so it was spectacular. At about 12 we docked at Langkawi, and because many people were going on excursions at 2pm there was a rush at lunch so we actually had to wait for a table for the first time (we sat in the bar, drinking Pimms, so not such a hardship!) Lunch was lovely (more dim sum plus some spicy chicken wings) and then we decided to just laze for the afternoon. I had my spa appointment (mani/pedi) and it was very nice, and then we had a nap until it was time to dress for dinner. Tonight there was a change of venue, as there was a SeaDream Club Party in the main salon, so we had cocktails in the piano bar ( with about 5 other people who were not in the Club!) and then Scott the Cruise Director joined us to brief us about tomorrow in Penang before we headed up to dinner at his table with a lovely couple from Oklahoma (Brian and Janet). It was really a great meal - they were very funny and the evening was entertaining and I think Scott enjoyed it too. I had salmon and DH had rack of lamb, and tiramisu for dessert.

We then went down to the piano bar and sat at the bar and I had port and DH had Cointreau on ice, and we even chatted with the lone Japanese couple who are on board... well we chatted to her, as he has no English and is incredibly shy. They are dentists and seem to cruise quite a bit. Then we chatted on some more with others we have met during the week, listened to karaoke and bad lounge singing, and so to bed.

Day 6 - Georgetown, Penang

A sparkly hot and blue sky day. We've been very lucky with the weather so far this week, but really it was terribly sticky and hot. We docked in Georgetown about 8am, and unfortunately our stateroom was facing the dock so we had no view, but the other side of the yacht was facing an industrial port anyway so not a huge loss.

Breakfasted as usual on yummy things in the sunshine at Topsails, and having decided to forego the offered shore trips, we consulted the local concierge who was onboard the yacht and got maps and a list of locations worth seeing so we could do our own thing. The town is full of colonial influence as well as Arab, Chinese, Indian and Malay populations. Buddhist, Moslem and Hindu live side by side and the town has lots of all of them. We set off at about 10, and the first thing we did was catch a taxi to the far side of the 'core zone' of the town. The taxi driver had lived in Australia for three years! We then proceeded to walk around the town for a couple of hours, seeing lots of stuff including beautifully preserved old buildings, modern hotels, and lots of squalor and open drains. It was SOOO hot and sticky... within about 20 minutes we were both drenched with sweat. I was very glad I had taken my umbrella which provided good shade and was more pleasant than a hat (lots of the locals do the same, I noticed!) There were hardly any footpaths so we walked in the road quite a bit. I know I won't be back to Penang and I'm glad I've seen it, but frankly are about an hour we were both done, and getting back to the ship was a long walk and two hours walking around the town seemed to be plenty to us.

We got back to the Port Swettenham dock at about 12, and first thing we did (after the very welcome cold towel) was have a very refreshing swim. No-one else seemed to be around, either on excursions or whatever, and so we had the pool to ourselves. It was still boiling hot and we were glad that we'd gone out early - we noticed a few people departing at about 12 and wondered what state they would be in if they were walking in the midday sun! A few started to trickle back at about 12.30, and so we went up to lunch and had lovely dim sum and I had a tomato and zucchini quiche and DH had cold salmon and salad, and then Matija made me a choux pastry swan with raspberry purée and it was divine! DH had pineapple sorbet which he said was lovely, and we had a glass or two of Californian Sauvignon blanc which was really very good.

After lunch we retired back to the stateroom, and after the exertions of the morning we wound up both falling asleep - me for 3 whole hours! It was heavenly and very restful, and I felt refreshed for the evening' promised dancing and such.

However, things didn't quite turn out as planned tonight. The first item on the agenda was cocktails by the pool. We went on deck, and they had set up Mexican-themed hors doevres and a martini station. I had a 'lemon drop ' martini which had limoncello in it - very yum. The chairs were all set up and we were ready to settle in for an hour or more of cocktailing, but then the rain came... Not a lot, but enough to dampen the party a bit and so they decided to move the cocktails into the main salon, and announced that instead of dining in Topsails, dinner would be in the dining salon and start little later so they had time to set up.

We chatted a little to Paul and Amun, and then sat and talked to the Canadian family of Brent and Lara and Pat (hilarious family patriarch) and Sue and Kent. Very entertaining and we also watched the fashion show with items from the boutique and members of the crew modelling them. The Canadian family then went to dinner, and as we were walking out of the salon we stopped to chat to Ashok and Al (the couple we met at the BBQ the other day) and they asked us to dine with them. We had a lovely meal with them. Great food and great company. They also bought some lovely Argentinian Merlot which went well with the osso bucco and the French onion soup. They were really great to eat with. We talked politics, travels, families, etc. After the main course, there was supposed to be a dessert 'extravaganza' on the pool deck, plus dancing, but due to the rain they had to bring it into the salon, and of course no real dancing, but we still chatted on and had limoncello (a couple at least) and toasted their marriage and in all it was a lovely evening. Retired at about 12ish.

Day 7 - at sea

We were supposed to be going to Lumut in Malaysia today, but the captain announced yesterday that they had decided to have a day at sea instead with swimming off the marina. Apparently, the previous visit to Lumut had been less than wonderful and they decided to forego the visit this cruise. We didn’t really get specifics about the reason. Unfortunately the weather decided not to cooperate fully. It stormed all through the night, and in the morning it was still sprinkling and grey. We went up to breakfast at about 8.30 and we were virtually the only ones there. The decks were a bit wet, and the wind was bringing in a little water, but we sat in the middle of the restaurant and had a lovely breakfast and lingered a bit as there did not seem much prospect of the marina or water sports. Then we went to the boutique and I bought a tote bag and DH bought a belt and then we sat in the library for a while, and slobbed and rested and entertained ourselves while they made up the room. Read the daily news sheets. Surfed a bit online (although reception was almost non existent as we were right out at sea). We then came back to the cabin and made a start on the packing so as to get it out of the way.

On deck, the marina had opened, but as were in the middle of a sea lane, there was heaps of debris and crud floating around. Certainly not suitable for swimming, and only a few braves souls tried some water toys ( jet skis, banana boat ride). Then up to lunch where the weather started to try and clear, and we had lovely Dim sum, I had a turkey burger and P had fish and chips, and Matija surprised me again with a lovely coffee roulade with vanilla idea cream. We also had some of that lovely Belleville rosé.

After lunch, the sun was shining and it was hot, so we quickly grabbed a spot by the pool. Lots of people had the same idea and it was very busy. Nice to just sit and read and have a dip and we also managed to get a spot in the shade, and Pimms and 7-up hit the spot too! Came back in about 4-ish in time for a rest and showers and diaries and a bit more packing, then off to cocktails at 6.30. We chatted at the main salon Bar to Paul from Sydney, and he gave us a good recommendation for a hotel near Rome that he says they all use when boarding SeaDream from Rome (which we have booked for our next cruise) - the Ponta Vecchia. Sounds great. Then we chatted for a while to Japanese Akiko, who was on her own as her husband Tom ( short for something complicated) had left her alone while he stayed in their cabin and drank his private stock of Guinness! Akiko presented me within origami flower she had made for me (I think because we were possible the only people we know that tried to talk to them on the whole cruise) - I was so touched! Eventually Tom joined us and we listened to Captain Lund farewell us all, and Scott gave us the rundown for tomorrow and disembarkation, and then DH and I went down to dinner at the dining salon. Earlier in the day we had arranged with Frank to have a bottle of Chilean red, which was lovely. We requested to go onto Matija's station, and he was marvellous as usual. We both had the foie gras, then a light cannelloni, which gave us room for a cheese plate. Matija served us slowly (which was our preference), and the evening was lovely, but by the end of dinner at about 10 we didn't have the heart to go on anywhere. I suppose we should have, but we just went back to the cabin, finished packing and put the bags out for collection, and I wrote up my diary plus feedback forms for the cruise review and also a couple of thanks you notes for Matija and Rowena and Frank, and then bed. Tomorrow morning, Singapore.

Day 8 - Singapore

Sad but our lovely cruise ends today. We sailed into Singapore harbour at about 9 as we were breakfasting. Some amazing architecture to watch as we sailed in. Matija and Nicola bade us farewell, and we went back to the stateroom to pack our last things, then off the yacht at about 9.30. Immigration was no problem, and we found our bags and then had to wait briefly for our chauffeur and the Mercedes to take us to Raffles. Wow!

Thanks for the report, how I wish I could have joined you!

It sounds like you had a great trip. Thank you so much for taking the time and effort to tell us about it in such wonderful detail. I enjoyed reading it and seeing the trip through your eyes.

Thanks shaskelly for the great report! Would love to do that cruise but I've got a hard sell to get my DH to travel that far. It's a long flight from NC Enjoyed all your great details!

Thanks shaskelly for the great report! Would love to do that cruise but I've got a hard sell to get my DH to travel that far. It's a long flight from NC Enjoyed all your great details!

Agreed, very interesting review and really appreciate you taking the time to write such a detailed account of your SDII cruise, Shaskelly.

Glad you had such a wonderful time - especially in light of some of the recent issues going on with SD1 - and lucky you to be spoiled by one of our favorites and one of SD's finest: Christophe!! :D

Thanks again for posting a great report!