Come sail with me on a virtual cruise on Majestic Princess to Fiji!

[ellie1145]

Food beckons...

 

We retrace our steps.

 

There is a restaurant beside the pool area, as well as a buffet in one of the main restaurants, but we really don’t want anything that heavy.

 

 

 

Mind you, the profiteroles are VERY tempting! 🙀

 

When we checked in the young lady told us that there was an all-day breakfast option in one of the bars so we decide to go for that. 

 

 

It is ridiculously cheap as it includes toast and either tea or coffee. In London it would be about 3 times the price.

 

 

 

The tea comes in a glass cafetière like the coffee, and is accompanied by a glass mug.

 

The server brings us little pots of jam for the toast. 

 

 

 

I order pork bacon but forget to order pork sausages so when it arrives there are two little chicken sausages which remind me, unfortunately, of the sausages (cocaine filled condoms!) we got served at the Holiday Inn Atrium, and I have to give them a miss. 

 

But it fills a gap and the tea and toast is good. 

 

We are beginning to feel a bit weary so we make our way back to our room. Sadly, I am too tired to swim in the lovely pool, but I hope that you get the chance to try it out one day, azbirdmom. 

 

 

There has been a large wedding, and the bride has changed out of her white wedding dress into this gorgeous evening dress. 

 

Guests at the wedding are having fun dressing up in hats etc and taking their photos in a special booth.

 

There are families eating in the Crystal Jade Pavilion, which serves contemporary Chinese cuisine. It is actually owned by an award winning third party.

 

The reception desk is still busy, with passengers arriving all the time. 

 

 

 

Edited September 17, 2020 by ellie1145

[azbirdmom]

Looks lovely!  Better than almost any airport hotel we have ever stayed in.  As I mentioned we were planning to stay there one night and then move to the JW Marriott for the next two nights.  We loved the JW Marriott (and the Marina Bay Sands) when we were in Singapore in 2019.  But we may want to reconsider staying at the Crowne Plaza for all three nights and taking the MRT to the attractions. 

[TeaBag]

I think Changi airport is the nicest in the world.  It's the only airport I have seen orchids growing in the middle of the baggage carousels.  I love that peacock flower display.

azbirdmom, we think to do the same as you had planned if our cruise goes ahead for June.  However, we may have to back up a day to get a saver fare (points).  The only one left is 33 hours of travel so I imagine we will be ready to drop when we get to Changi.  This hotel looks great for the first night.

[katisdale]

As this virtual voyage comes to an end, I for one will sorely miss it. This has been my first stop when I visit the cruise critic board site. Thank you so much Ellie1145.

[ellie1145]

3 hours ago, azbirdmom said:

Looks lovely!  Better than almost any airport hotel we have ever stayed in.  As I mentioned we were planning to stay there one night and then move to the JW Marriott for the next two nights.  We loved the JW Marriott (and the Marina Bay Sands) when we were in Singapore in 2019.  But we may want to reconsider staying at the Crowne Plaza for all three nights and taking the MRT to the attractions. 

 

I think it is certainly worth considering, azbirdmom. We really enjoyed our short stay, and if we ever returned to Singapore (fingers crossed!) then I would like to spend a couple of nights here so that I could get a good look at the Vortex as well as the other delights of Changi Airport, such as the Butterfly Garden, the Discovery Garden, the Water Lilly Garden, etc.

 

Transport would certainly be easy with the MRT so you could get to most places, and of course, if you use the ‘Grab’ app, then taxis are very cheap. 

 

Mind you, the Marina Bay Sands is also amazing...

[ellie1145]

1 hour ago, TeaBag said:

I think Changi airport is the nicest in the world.  It's the only airport I have seen orchids growing in the middle of the baggage carousels.  I love that peacock flower display.

azbirdmom, we think to do the same as you had planned if our cruise goes ahead for June.  However, we may have to back up a day to get a saver fare (points).  The only one left is 33 hours of travel so I imagine we will be ready to drop when we get to Changi.  This hotel looks great for the first night.

 

I absolutely agree, TeaBag. It is a simply amazing experience to visit it. It certainly deserves its many accolades as the world’s best airport. 

 

I hope all goes well with your trip. It certainly was bliss being able to walk from the baggage reclaim area straight to the hotel without all the hassle of taxis etc. 

[ellie1145]

1 hour ago, katisdale said:

As this virtual voyage comes to an end, I for one will sorely miss it. This has been my first stop when I visit the cruise critic board site. Thank you so much Ellie1145.

 

Thank you so much. I’m really pleased that you have enjoyed our virtual adventure. I’ve certainly enjoyed posting it as it’s been great to revisit all the places again. 

 

There is still a little more before we must say auf wiedersein so hang on in there! 😉

[azbirdmom]

22 minutes ago, ellie1145 said:

 

I think it is certainly worth considering, azbirdmom. We really enjoyed our short stay, and if we ever returned to Singapore (fingers crossed!) then I would like to spend a couple of nights here so that I could get a good look at the Vortex as well as the other delights of Changi Airport, such as the Butterfly Garden, the Discovery Garden, the Water Lilly Garden, etc.

 

Transport would certainly be easy with the MRT so you could get to most places, and of course, if you use the ‘Grab’ app, then taxis are very cheap. 

 

Mind you, the Marina Bay Sands is also amazing...

 

Yes, Marina Bay Sands is a wow.  Except when we stayed there last time we got a free upgrade to a suite, likely because the room category we reserved wasn't available when we checked in (which wasn't a problem for us as we had full day plans made already).  So it's almost certain that we wouldn't be in the same lavish accommodations next time and it would probably be an ever so slightly diminished experience.  We would be happy with what you've shown at the Crowne Plaza, or JW Marriott for that matter, at a fraction of the cost of the Marina Bay Sands.

Edited September 17, 2020 by azbirdmom

[ellie1145]

7 minutes ago, azbirdmom said:

 

Yes, Marina Bay Sands is a wow.  Except when we stayed there last time we got a free upgrade to a suite, likely because the room category we reserved wasn't available when we checked in (which wasn't a problem for us as we had full day plans made already).  So it's almost certain that we wouldn't be in the same lavish accommodations next time and it would probably be an ever so slightly diminished experience.  We would be happy with what you've shown at the Crowne Plaza, or JW Marriott for that matter, at a fraction of the cost of the Marina Bay Sands.

 

Hmm, I can see that after that amazing upgrade anything less might be a disappointment. 

 

As you say, the other hotels are nothing like as expensive, and I guess there will be some bargains available once Singapore really opens up and they want to attract people back there. 

[ellie1145]

 

Back in the room it’s time for a relaxing bath and a cup of tea before we crawl into bed. 

 

Just time to take a few photos of the room for you to see. 

 

Shaver point

 

Hairdryer

 

I’m wondering if I can snaffle these amazing weight loss scales - pity they are so heavy and I’m on the limit for my suitcase.....(I wouldn’t really, I promise, but it’s very tempting! 🤔) What if I get back home and my own scales tell me I’ve put ON 7lbs??? 🥴

 

Lots of drawer space.

 

A big safe

 

Lots of sockets (outlets) and USB ports

 

Even a spare toilet roll! 😉

 

Iron and Ironing Board

 

 

 

 

 

[ellie1145]

Time for some shut-eye...😴

 

After a long flight it’s time for sleep. 

 

Tomorrow we will have breakfast, and what a spread that turned out to be. Then we will visit the pool area again, before saying a sad goodbye to Singapore. 

 

But would you like a quick trip in my Tardis to see another wonderful attraction in Singapore? 

 

Let me know, please as I don’t want to bore you all.....😉

[azbirdmom]

3 hours ago, ellie1145 said:

Time for some shut-eye...😴

 

After a long flight it’s time for sleep. 

 

Tomorrow we will have breakfast, and what a spread that turned out to be. Then we will visit the pool area again, before saying a sad goodbye to Singapore. 

 

But would you like a quick trip in my Tardis to see another wonderful attraction in Singapore? 

 

Let me know, please as I don’t want to bore you all.....😉

 

Yes, step into the Tardis please!  We don't want this trip to end.

[cnd crsr]

After the long flight from Sydney, a relaxing evening and good sleep in that beautiful hotel, I am all set and waiting to board your Tardis. Another adventure in Singapore is a perfect way to spend today!

 

Gail

 

PS - I looked for you at the pool, the water was a perfect temperature!

[CruzinNoony]

20 hours ago, ellie1145 said:

Time for some shut-eye...😴

 

After a long flight it’s time for sleep. 

 

Tomorrow we will have breakfast, and what a spread that turned out to be. Then we will visit the pool area again, before saying a sad goodbye to Singapore. 

 

But would you like a quick trip in my Tardis to see another wonderful attraction in Singapore? 

 

Let me know, please as I don’t want to bore you all.....😉

Yes, please!!  I love Singapore and we have been there 3 times.  Can't wait to go again!!

[ellie1145]

18 hours ago, azbirdmom said:

 

Yes, step into the Tardis please!  We don't want this trip to end.

 

Ok, well we will take one last trip in my Tardis! 😉

[ellie1145]

11 hours ago, cnd crsr said:

After the long flight from Sydney, a relaxing evening and good sleep in that beautiful hotel, I am all set and waiting to board your Tardis. Another adventure in Singapore is a perfect way to spend today!

 

Gail

 

PS - I looked for you at the pool, the water was a perfect temperature!

 

I am so glad you slept well after the flight. Hope your bed was as comfortable as ours was. 

 

Ah, so it WAS you in the pool! It was a little dark so I wasn't sure. We were too tired to take a dip unfortunately, but I'm glad you enjoyed your swim...

[ellie1145]

1 hour ago, CruzinNoony said:

Yes, please!!  I love Singapore and we have been there 3 times.  Can't wait to go again!!

 

Well, here we go again, then.....😉

[ellie1145]

The Magical Mystery Tour is coming to take you away,

Coming to take you away, take you away.....🎵

 

So close  your eyes, hang onto your hats and join me in another adventure to..................

 

 

Nestled within the Singapore Botanic Gardens is the beautiful National Orchid Garden. The Botanic Gardens themselves are over 160 years old and are the only tropical garden to be recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 

 

Located on the highest hill in Singapore, the National Orchid Garden is home to over 1,200 species of orchid, 2,000 hybrids and 60,000 orchid plants.

 

It is a quiet and restful area, which is divided into four separate colour zones, representing the seasons. Spring has bright shades of yellow, gold and cream, whilst summer has strong tones of red and pink, and winter is full of cool blues and white.  

 

 

 

 

Singapore is a major exporter of cut orchids, and the Orchid Garden is at the cutting edge of the study of orchids and the cultivation of hybrids.  

 

 

 

In fact, the hybrid climbing orchid, Vanda Miss Joachim, is Singapore's national flower. When heads of state, celebrities and dignitaries visit an orchid is usually named in honour of them. Indeed, our own Princess Diana had an orchid named after her. 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ellie1145]

Wander through the beautiful National Orchid Garden and enjoy their beauty...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited September 18, 2020 by ellie1145

[ellie1145]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ellie1145]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited September 18, 2020 by ellie1145

[azbirdmom]

They are stunning!

 

[ellie1145]

7 minutes ago, azbirdmom said:

They are stunning!

 

 

So glad you are enjoying the orchids. They were beautiful, and we could have spent longer there is only we had had more time. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited September 18, 2020 by ellie1145

[PurpleTraveller]

Your photos of the orchids are beautiful! As a horticulturist I love going to Botanic Gardens all over the world but I haven't been to the one in Singapore. 

 

Before you finish your wonderful journey I must let you know how much I have enjoyed following along, reading about your trip and enjoying your fabulous photos. Thank you so much for taking the time to allow us all to join you. I will miss my daily travel fix when your journey ends. It has been a delightful escape particularly during this "interesting" time in the world. Thank you. 🌷🌺🌹

 

Edited September 19, 2020 by PurpleTraveller

[cnd crsr]

Thank you Ellie.

 

On our first trip to Singapore way back in 2004, we spent an afternoon at the Orchid Botanical Garden. It looks even more spectacular now than 16 years ago. As I recall there was a building there where we witnessed a wedding. Because it was mid November, there was a large Christmas tree in the gift shop covered with orchids.

Gail