SailorJill and I Sail on the Orient Express a.k.a. Millenium's Immersion Cruise

[SailorJack]

Hi Sailor Jack, I was wondering if you know what time the last tender boat in Ha Long Bay is? We are trying to find out because of the time we are due back from Hanoi. We are due back 9ish so hopefully that will mean we can get back onboard.

 

 

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I pulled out my copy of Celebrity Today to make sure of the time. The first tender of the day left at 6:30 and the last tender back to the ship left at 9:00 PM. We took a ship tour to Hanoi at the last minute and were glad we did. I was leery of the long ride there and back, but it was worth it. Most of the road to Hanoi is one lane each way and traffic was pretty hectic - you drive through a lot of small towns and villages so you don't make real good time. Wasn't so bad going but coming back it was raining so it took a little longer. We were supposed to get back a little after eight, got back about a quarter to nine and they were already packing up the signs, ropes, etc. and were putting them in our tender. There was one last tender there which I assume was the 9:00 PM one. If you are on a ship tour then there shouldn't be a problem. While we were boarding the tender I overheard one of the crew members talking on the phone calling the ship and telling someone that the last bus was about 15 minutes out, so I assume the guide on the bus was in phone contact with the ship's crew on the dock - so they keep track of the ship tours.

 

The trip to Hanoi made for a long day, but it was worth it. The visit to the Hanoi Hilton (the prisoner of war prison) was most interesting and it was quite compelling to hear the Vietnamese version of how the camp was operated. I'll post my photos of the Hanoi Hilton and our tour of Hanoi when I get them uploaded.

 

Jack

[SailorJack]

I envy your trip to Singapore. We sailed out of that port several years ago on a fantastic cruise that ended in Sidney. Make sure you have Singapore Sling in the bar that invented it! Have a great time on the cruise.

 

Jack

 

Jack

 

 

Jack -- We are very much looking forward to the trip & definitely planning on enjoying both Singapore Slings & Absolute & Tonic / G&T @ Raffles - which is where I believe the Singapore Sling originate. Seven Days & counting for our departure - can't wait!

 

 

Yes, Raffles is the place. It is kinda a must stop in Singapore. But it is expensive. We were there several years ago and at the time a Singapore Sling was $23. You are really paying for the experience more than the drink.

 

Have a great trip!

 

 

I have read it wonderful as usual. You can buy Tiger balm at good health food stores.:cool:

 

Thanks. This stuff is everywhere! Jill is in California and mentioned on the phone that she forgot to take a jar along. I will let her know she can pick up one at the mall.

 

Jack

[SailorJack]

Our hotel was just two blocks from Nanjing Road - sort of the Rodeo Drive of Shanghai. Here are some shots looking down Nanjing Road towards the Huangpu River.

 

 

 

 

Nanjing Road was awash in color. Even supporting columns were decorated.

 

[benjoon]

I pulled out my copy of Celebrity Today to make sure of the time. The first tender of the day left at 6:30 and the last tender back to the ship left at 9:00 PM. We took a ship tour to Hanoi at the last minute and were glad we did. I was leery of the long ride there and back, but it was worth it. Most of the road to Hanoi is one lane each way and traffic was pretty hectic - you drive through a lot of small towns and villages so you don't make real good time. Wasn't so bad going but coming back it was raining so it took a little longer. We were supposed to get back a little after eight, got back about a quarter to nine and they were already packing up the signs, ropes, etc. and were putting them in our tender. There was one last tender there which I assume was the 9:00 PM one. If you are on a ship tour then there shouldn't be a problem. While we were boarding the tender I overheard one of the crew members talking on the phone calling the ship and telling someone that the last bus was about 15 minutes out, so I assume the guide on the bus was in phone contact with the ship's crew on the dock - so they keep track of the ship tours.

 

The trip to Hanoi made for a long day, but it was worth it. The visit to the Hanoi Hilton (the prisoner of war prison) was most interesting and it was quite compelling to hear the Vietnamese version of how the camp was operated. I'll post my photos of the Hanoi Hilton and our tour of Hanoi when I get them uploaded.

 

Jack

 

 

Thanks Jack,

 

At least being on a small private tour we can insist on being back by 8.30 even if we have to miss something to do so.

 

 

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[SailorJack]

Thanks Jack,

 

At least being on a small private tour we can insist on being back by 8.30 even if we have to miss something to do so.

 

 

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We were on a small group tour - just 18 of us and we managed to see a whole lot and get back in time. The one thing we did not see was Mao's tomb, as the lines were tremendous. But we asked the guide if he would at least drive by it so we could at least see it from the outside - which he did. See if your guide can do the same thing.

 

Jack

[SailorJack]

The Orient Shopping Center was sort of like a mall in the US. The really upscale shopping center was further down Nanjing Road.

 

 

 

 

We were walking down Nanjing around nine in the morning and came across people actually doing ballroom dancing in the street.

 

 

 

 

This gentleman approaching asked Jill if she would like to dance, but despite my protestations Jill politely declined. The group was having fun and as we left they all stopped and waved goodbye. A very friendly group that was having a lot of fun despite a rather chilly morning.

 

[7leagueboots]

Enjoying the photos.

[avcruz]

Yes, Raffles is the place. It is kinda a must stop in Singapore. But it is expensive. We were there several years ago and at the time a Singapore Sling was $23. You are really paying for the experience more than the drink.

 

Jack

 

 

It was $32 this past December. But you're right, it's the experience, kinda like high tea at the Empress Hotel in Victoria.

 

Adrienne

 

 

 

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[SailorJack]

More Nanjing street photos as we head to the river.

 

 

 

 

 

Another group of people doing early morning exercises in the street. As this was a pedestrian street there was a lot of activity.

 

[SailorJack]

It was $32 this past December. But you're right, it's the experience, kinda like high tea at the Empress Hotel in Victoria.

 

Adrienne

 

 

 

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$32...I guess that is inflation! It has been a few years since we have visited the grand old lady of Victoria, but as I recall, high tea is even a little bit higher than Raffles - but it is something that must be done while in Victoria - along with the gardens.

 

Jack

[SailorJack]

People were exercising everywhere. These fan dancers were actually very good. They opened their fans with a "pop" and had some really good moves. The couple in the background by the bike were playing badminton sans net.

 

 

 

 

The colors on the buildings were vibrant.

 

 

 

 

A little difficult to see, but there was a mini dog show going on in the side plaza - really cute small dogs.

 

 

[SailorJack]

Enjoying the photos.

 

Thanks, lots more coming.

[SailorJack]

One last group of exercisers. We were struck by the fact that almost all the people exercising were women. Don't know where the men were.:)

 

 

 

 

This was the largest Apple store we had ever seen. It opened at 10:00 AM and there must have been nearly 200 people lined up to get in. I don't know if it is standard practice at Apple stores, but the store's staff was lined up and applauded as the customers entered.

 

 

As best we could make out, this was the a Burger King store - Chinese version.

 

 

 

But if you didn't want a burger, there was always McDonalds and Kentucky Fried Chicken. We never did see a General Tao's Chicken store.

 

[SailorJack]

This statue is at the entrance of The Bund. It is of Chen Yi who served as a commander in the People's Revolutionary Army and became the first mayor of Shanghai after the founding of the new China - according to the inscription at the base of the statue.

 

 

 

This is The Bund - a very nice promenade along the Huangpu River. It stretched for quite a distance and afforded great views of the city.

 

 

The river - a major transportation avenue for the city. It was not unusual to see smaller cruise ships sailing up the river and coal barges sailing down stream.

 

 

 

 

A view of the amazing architecture of the other side of the river. There were some great hotels on that side, but I think most were on our side of the river.

 

[SailorJack]

Some other shots of Shanghai architecture on the east side of the river.

 

 

 

 

 

[Jasperdo]

I was just directed over here from the Princess Board. (Thank you caribill!) Once again you have outdone yourself, Sailor Jack. I finished reading the review, and will delve into the pictures next. Yay!

[SailorJack]

I don't know if the west side of the river is an older part of the city, but the architecture would certainly seem to indicate that may be the case.

 

 

 

 

[BettyPC]

OMG!! How have I missed you? I am so happy that I am now retired & can go back & read all your reviews! I was reading portions aloud to my husband - always the sign of a fabulous job!!

[Baatman]

Another masterpiece! Thanks so much. Everyone made such a big deal out of Tiger balm that I went out and got some. It actually does work. Thanks again!:D

[SailorJack]

This must be the most popular restaurant in the world. Notice the long line along the left hand side of the photo. We walked by this place four or five times and there was always several hundred people waiting to get in -morning, noon, and late afternoon. Never walked by at night so I don't know what the dinner crowd was like!

 

 

 

 

 

 

We were in China during Chinese New Year and we saw LOTS of people carrying these cases (note the guy in the photo above) which we assumed was related. Jill thought it might be some kind of food, but whatever it was it was flying off the shelf. It was one of the great mysteries of our trip. I suppose I could have asked someone, but I thought that might be a little impolite.

 

[SailorJack]

I was just directed over here from the Princess Board. (Thank you caribill!) Once again you have outdone yourself, Sailor Jack. I finished reading the review, and will delve into the pictures next. Yay!

 

Thanks for reading... glad you enjoyed it. It has been a while since I have sailed Princess, but we are looking at one for next year.

[JohnGaltny]

Yet another Sailor Jack classic.

 

I really resent that I will never be more than the third best (if that) writer on CC as long as you are the first two.;p

 

I have a new one in the RCI board if it interests you.

[debshomespun]

Sailor Jack

Can you tell me in the Casino on the Millennium, do they use US $$$? We will be on the Millennium 11/12/17 sailing out of Singapore round trip with several sea days, and DH likes to play the slots in the Casino. Thank you so much!

[SailorJack]

Sailor Jack

Can you tell me in the Casino on the Millennium, do they use US $$$? We will be on the Millennium 11/12/17 sailing out of Singapore round trip with several sea days, and DH likes to play the slots in the Casino. Thank you so much!

 

I was hoping someone else would have jumped in and answered your question as I do not know the answer as we did not play at the casino. I looked through our "Today" flyers and the only reference I could find was, "Get more credit for your Dollar with our Slot Packages, up to 15% extra credit. Available from the Cash Desk, limited time only." I would assume from that blurb that US dollars are used, but that is just a guess. Perhaps you can post a question on the board and get an answer.

 

Jack

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

I don't frequent the casino much, but the currency on board all Celebrity ships is the US dollar. That would include the casino, which is on board the ship. If you have some other currency, guest relations can change it for you.