Sydney to Singapore in Feb 2012 on Voyager

[mom0f3]

Hi! We are considering the 19 day cruise from Sydney to Singapore in Feb 2012. Has anyone cruised Regent on this or a similar tour in the area? The tour also goes to Indonesia. We would also take the pre-cruise excursion to the Outback. Any feedback would be appreciated.

 

We have never cruised Regent before, and although it's very pricey, we like the idea of an all-inclusive trip including excursions. We are a bit concerned by some on the messages we've read on this board regarding included excursions being unavailable or not very good. We'd appreciate hearing others experiences regarding Regent excursions in this area.

 

Regarding suites, we were considering a category G, which seems to include either aft rooms on deck 7 or slightly more forward on deck 6. I have read about vibration problems on the voyager--should we try for a suite as far forward as possible? Is it worth an extra $1000/suite to upgrade to a category F, solely for location?

 

Finally, we were thinking of booking through Virtuoso travel, as they include their own tour in Bali. They also have supposedly have staff on board to assist passengers. Has anyone used Virtuoso or another luxury travel company to book a Regent tour? Any advice or suggestions?

 

Thanks!

[mrlevin]

We recently completed a similar itinerary - Sydney to Beijing - on the Voyager.

 

Cat G is fine; so are Cat H. Vibration is minimal and doesn't bother us (or many others) at all. Still, the best cabins on the ship are the Cat G on Deck 6. Always first to sell out and a favorite of world cruisers.

 

We had no problem with excursions; able to get our first choice even though we didn't book until four months before sailing. In Bali, we switched to a shared six person van for $250 using up some of our shipboard credit. Probably better than regular tours as guide and driver at your whim. From the number of vans mtg the ship; it seemed quite popular. Just a warning, in a lot of the Australian ports, the tours were nothing to write home about because there just wasn't a lot to see. I went on the Military History of Darwin tour that could have been done in half the time. Brisbane, we weent to Steve Irvin's Zoo. Thursday Island, we ditched the tour for a beer. Townsville, they have an acquarium and a history museum; the former wonderful and the latter not so. Cairns, we had an excursion to great barrier reef; fantastic. All tours extremely well run.

 

You are going to Port Moresby; oh, I had wished that we could go there.

 

It has been a while since I used a virtuoso agent so I don't know what they are doing with tours; I assume they are still including one of their own. Now, I use an agent that specializes in Regent (my Virtuoso agent specialized in Crystal but were still knowledgeable about Regent).

 

I think you will have a wonderful time. Can I make a recommendation about post-cruise. When we debarked in Singapore a few years back, we stayed an extra day in Singapore (so much to see) then flew to Seem Reap to see Angkor Wat. I strongly encourage a stop in Angkor Wat of at least two or three days. We had no problems flying home from Seem Reap through Saigon.

 

Enjoy; Regent is the best!

[mariners]

Two of the best excursions we've been on with Regent are on this itinerary. In Semarang, Java, the tour to Monumental Borobudur was fantastic. It is a long journey, but we were escorted the whole way by police who had their sirens blasting. This ensured that we could be back to the ship by departure time. Much of the scenery was beautiful and it was always interesting although sometimes quite heartrending. At the site, one can choose to be as adventurous as one wants - climb the whole monument, walk around the monument, or just go straight to the facility (which might have been a hotel and is definitely modern and beautiful) where lunch will be served.

We also took the catamaran tour to the Great Barrier Reef. It was a fabulous introduction to the reef and I only wish that there was more time to experience different sites on the reef. If you don't swim/snorkel or want to swim/snorkel, there were semi-submersible tours as well as an underwater viewing area.

I thought the Komodo Island tour was fascinating and, depending upon your interest, could also be a highlight.

Like mrlevin, we chose to take independent tours in Bali and rented a vehicle with a driver and a guide. There is so much to see and experience and we didn't feel that we could get that through a group tour. We had a fabulous time and would highly recommend that route.

Darwin was the port that we liked least and much of that was because we were unhappy with the tour that we chose. Our Regent tour described the museum and other sites we would see. "See" was correct as the bus stopped outside the museum and the guide proceeded to tell us what we would see if we went inside. Instead of going inside, we proceeded on to the next stop where, once again, we got to see the outside of buildings while the guide described what was inside. We had only one stop where we were allowed off the bus and that was at the botanical gardens. They were lovely but the tour was definitely a low point. I'm sure there must be better tours.

I would not book an aft room on the Voyager. To me, it is worth the extra money to upgrade to a more mid-section suite.

We have never booked through Virtuoso. We use an agency that specializes in luxury cruises.

[room010]

I think I was probably on the same cruise (Sydney-Beijing) cruise as mrlevin and agree with all his comments regarding suit location and tours. One point to remember about Bali is that the little town where the ship anchors (it's a tender port), Pedang Bai is a 45+ minute drive on poor roads to the main tourist centres around Denpasar and Obud so good transportation is essential whether you take a private tour or something organised by Regent. We did the "Arts and Crafts" tour which, predictably, turned out to be visits to batik, jewellery and woodcarving places with some VERY persistant sales people. But that's Bali for you ;)

[NCCruzQueen]

My former TA was associated with Virtuoso. The included excursions were a mixed bag: some good, some bad. At one time, you could opt out of the excursion for $150 added to your SBC, if I remember correctly.

 

Last fall friends and I made our own arrangements getting from Sydney to the GBR and back. We found it fairly easy to make our own arrangements. The outback was on our list, but we just didn't have enough time to go there also. There are a lot of tours available. Maybe the Australia board can help you.

[Kiwi Kruzer]

You are going to Port Moresby; oh, I had wished that we could go there.

 

Local Cruise Lines tend to leave Port Moresby off their itineraries these days.

If you do go ashore, make sure its with a tour group, and do not wander off on your own.

 

[mom0f3]

Thanks so much to all of the kind CC members who have responded thus far--getting great ideas. We are getting very excited. Any more advice is greatly appreciated.

 

I don't think we'll be able to extend our travel by too much due to other responsibilities, but wonder if having at least an overnight in Singapore before we return home is a must-do. Is there much of interest to see in one day?

 

Thanks again! Sue

[mrlevin]

When we went on Mariner, we actually had an overnight on the ship in Singapore. We then stayed one more night with a guide for the full day after debarkation. There are still places that we want to see.

 

Singapore is such a unique country. Being on the equator, the tropical flowers are wonderful. The history is very interesting. The mix of British, Chinese, Indian, and Malay cultures is a site to see; and the food wonderful. The Night Safari at the zoo is unique. Raffles Hotel for a Singapore Sling is a great touristy thing to do.

 

I am sure others have wonderful stories from Singapore, too.

[Arizonasunshine]

Thanks so much to all of the kind CC members who have responded thus far--getting great ideas. We are getting very excited. Any more advice is greatly appreciated.

 

I don't think we'll be able to extend our travel by too much due to other responsibilities, but wonder if having at least an overnight in Singapore before we return home is a must-do. Is there much of interest to see in one day?

 

Thanks again! Sue

 

The Orchard Garden is special. I would suggest that in the morning, Dim Sum for lunch, in the afternoon, China Town, a visit to the Sands Hotel and Casino, Raffles Hotel and the Long Bar, then dinner at Jumbo's. This can be done easily using taxis which are clean, honest and inexpensive.

[traveller333]

I have been to Singapore several times and recommend that you stay overnight even if for just one night, more if possible. I agree that there is much to see. I would make arrangements to disembark as early as possible and spend the daytime with a guide, maybe lunch at Raffles Hotel. At night I would also recommend the Night zoo. It is unique and very enjoyable.

[mariners]

I agree with the other posters that spending time in Singapore is an excellent idea. There's lots to see: Arab Street, Colonial District, Chinatown, Little India, Orchard Road, Sentosa Island, and the river/harbour areas. Singapore Airlines used to have a great overview of what you could do when in transit or for stopovers. I haven't checked it out lately, but it might be a good place to look at some ideas.

[Kiwi Kruzer]

Singapore is a fabulous stop. Lots and lots to see and so easy to get around. The Night Zoo is a must.

Raffles also do a "High Tea' every afternoon at 3.30 and is very popular. If of interest , do book ahead on the net , as it books out for most days.

 

[mom0f3]

Thanks! Looks like an extra night in Singapore is definitely worthwhile. How did you arrange transfers from the ship? Did you need to bring all of your luggage to the hotel and have them store it for you until check-in?

Any recommendations for hotels? Sue

[mrlevin]

Thanks! Looks like an extra night in Singapore is definitely worthwhile. How did you arrange transfers from the ship? Did you need to bring all of your luggage to the hotel and have them store it for you until check-in?

Any recommendations for hotels? Sue

 

We arranged a private guide who met us at the ship. Singapore Cruise Terminal was wonderful. When we debarked, all of our luggage was loaded on luggage carts ready to push to parking lot.

 

The guide took us out for the day (there were four of us) and then dropped us off at our hotel late afternoon. We stayed at the Conrad which was wonderful. Many others have stayed along Orchard Road. We had a quick trip via taxi from hotel to airport early the next morning.

 

I don't remember who we used for guide. You can find plenty of guide recommendations on this site or others.

[555lavan1t]

My wife and I are booked on the same cruise. Hope to see you on board. Thanks for starting this thread; the information will be be very useful to us.

[Travelcat2]

Another voice from someone whose previous TA was with Virtuoso. We had no difficulty with Virtuoso and had a couple of lovely tours with them. The only reason we swiched TA's is because we found one who specialized specifically in Regent and knows everything there is no know about the ships, ports, etc. Your itinerary sounds great - enjoy your cruise.

[24theroad]

Hi all. Connie and I will be on this cruise as well. Great info here....I know you cant post the name of the agent you use who specializes in Regent...if you could PM me that would be great...an agent who knows your favorite cruise line!

Thanks.

[mrlevin]

Hi all. Connie and I will be on this cruise as well. Great info here....I know you cant post the name of the agent you use who specializes in Regent...if you could PM me that would be great...an agent who knows your favorite cruise line!

Thanks.

 

You've Got Mail. ;)

[555lavan1t]

We recently completed a similar itinerary - Sydney to Beijing - on the Voyager.

 

We had no problem with excursions; able to get our first choice even though we didn't book until four months before sailing. In Bali, we switched to a shared six person van for $250 using up some of our shipboard credit. Probably better than regular tours as guide and driver at your whim. From the number of vans mtg the ship; it seemed quite popular. Just a warning, in a lot of the Australian ports, the tours were nothing to write home about because there just wasn't a lot to see. I went on the Military History of Darwin tour that could have been done in half the time. Brisbane, we weent to Steve Irvin's Zoo. Thursday Island, we ditched the tour for a beer. Townsville, they have an acquarium and a history museum; the former wonderful and the latter not so. Cairns, we had an excursion to great barrier reef; fantastic. All tours extremely well run.

 

You are going to Port Moresby; oh, I had wished that we could go there.

 

Enjoy; Regent is the best!

 

Thanks for your posts mrlevin - very informative. My wife and I are booked on this cruise and are trying to get our act together on what we will do. Regent doesn't yet have all the excursions on their web site but I followed your cruise from Sydney to Beijing through your real time posts and others on board during your cruise. You all were very helpful and were an influence in us booking this shorter Sydney to Singapore cruise.

 

What is it about Port Moresby that made you want to stop there? Military history? people? culture? I am interested in the the military history of the region and want to see all I can before my wife makes me stop. Kiwi Kruzer mentioned it was not a popular stop and to not wander off on our own. Not sure what he meant, but he obviously knows the area well. Perhaps if he reads this he will comment further. Unfortunately we won't be able to spend any time in Singapore due to commitments at home, but will stay in Sydney for a couple of days pre-cruise. Any restaurants or bar recommendations. Thanks again for your help and informative posts.

[NCCruzQueen]

..... but will stay in Sydney for a couple of days pre-cruise. Any restaurants or bar recommendations. Thanks again for your help and informative posts.

 

We had a nice lunch at Pony, a restaurant in The Rocks on the corner of Kendall Lane and Argyle Street. For a fun pub experience, the Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel on 19 Kent Street in The Rocks is an interesting meal. Their Amber beer is very good. Also Darling Harbour has lots of eateries on the water.

[Dreps]

We were on the cruise with MrLevin and I agree with his comments and those of others. Also, if it becomes a choice between a pre-cruise to the Outback or a post-cruise to Angkor Wat, I strongly urge the latter. We had an incredible time in Angkor Wat. We flew there from Bangkok at the end of a Hong Kong to Bangkok Regent cruise several years ago. This was easily done on our own and reasonably priced.

[jhp]

555lavan1t, for a Sydney restaurant suggestion, if you like Italian food, I highly recommend Alfredo's, it is on a tiny little pedestrian street behind the Mariott very close to the harbor. We were staying at the Park Hyatt, and it was a nice walk along the harbor to get there, maybe 10 minutes. Especially pretty after dark with the lights from the Opera House across the water. The restaurant has been there for many years, and I found it just as enjoyable in February this year as the last time I was there in 2005. They have a website, just google Alfredo's Sydney. The owner is a charmer, and an opera fan.

 

For everything in Sydney, get ready for sticker shock.

 

Fully concur with mrlevin about the Bali private van booked through Regent, it was wonderful, and very nice to stop and go on your own time. However, before switching to my present TA (mentioned before on this thread), I used a Virtuoso agent and always thought their special included tours were nice.

[555lavan1t]

Thanks jhp. We also are looking to stay at the Park Hyatt which is due to reopen for reservations in Nov/Dec after renovation. Alfredo's sounds nice and Italian food is my favorite. We will have to try it. I've also found that Italians make great martinis. The private van through Regent for Bali also sounds good. Thanks for all the great suggestions.

 

Dreps, I wish we had time post-cruise for Singapore, but alas, we must get back to Houston quickly. My wife's sister and brother-in-law lived in Singapore for 5 years and we were looking forward to seeing sights they have told us about.

 

NCCruzQueen, we will be looking for Pony's for lunch. I'm more martinis and scotch than beer, so we'll be looking for quiet lobby bars (ie Alexander's Bar in the Grand Bretagne) rather than a pub or a brewery. However, I can make do and I'm no stranger to a cold ale in a pub if I can't find a decent martini or good single malt, so we will keep your suggestions in mind. My wife loves pubs, brewerys and ale.

 

Thanks to all. Larry

[mrlevin]

What is it about Port Moresby that made you want to stop there? Military history? people? culture? I am interested in the the military history of the region and want to see all I can before my wife makes me stop.

 

Definitely the military history. I have been trying to get Regent, through posts on this and other boards and through comment cards, to do a WWII Pacific Naval Battles tour with expert lecturers. I don't dive so diving WWII wrecks isn't my thing but there is still so much history on these islands. Our tour of Corregidor was wonderful; I would like to see more of these battle islands with military historians (and survivors if possible) onboard.

[mom0f3]

I just got the cruise booket from Regent and found out that the post-cruise land package for this trip is Ankgor Wat...that does sound too good to pass up! Have written to my TA to see if she can get details. It does sound more exciting than three days at Ayers Rock pre-cruise (although that sounds like fun too.)