Monday 26 February 2018

Sapphire Princess - February 2018 - Post 1

I flew to Singapore on January 27th. to join Sapphire Princess the next day, for 3 weeks around South East Asia (two cruises). I'd been to all these ports many times before so I spent most of the time on the ship enjoying the facilities and hot, humid weather throughout. I flew home on February 20th. Both the flights, with Singapore Airlines, were excellent with great food, wine and service. The cruises too, were excellent with the very high standard of obliging and friendly service and great food, as I always experience in Princess ships. The ship itself, soon to to dry dock for hull and technical work as well as a refresh (new carpets etc.) was spotless inside, very comfortable and in very good condition.


Flight to Singapore

I was very fortunate to be the only passenger in the front cabin for this flight from Melbourne to Singapore.


Lovely offerings on the menu.
Sailing from Singapore




The new Chinese cruise ship Genting Dream.

Some much appreciated Welcome Aboard treats delivered to my cabin. The chocolates, made on board, were especially delicious.
Early morning on deck.



Arriving at Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia







Sailing from Nha Trang, Vietnam


Bar staff Kay (L) from Thailand and Melody (R) from the Philippines - friends from previous cruises.



The ship's party band, from UK, were very enjoyable throughout.



I got an award for being the third most frequent Princess cruiser on board this voyage.

Sapphire Princess - February 2018 - Post 2

Phu My, Vietnam - shipping on the Thi Vai river






Arriving at Sihanoukville, Cambodia







With Qi from China, another of the delightful bar staff.
At Laem Chabang, Thailand

This is the port for Bangkok and always busy.

Evening departure

Ko Samui, Thailand


Tendering ashore
A local fisherman
With good friends Elaine and Tim at our regular haunt when here.
Heading back to the ship.
The Captain very kindly invited me on to the bridge for a private visit.
The crew pool deck as seen from the starboard bridge wing.
The 8-12 watch as we approach the Singapore straits.

Sapphire Princess - February 2018 - Post 3

Back in Singapore to start the second cruise


New passengers arriving
Bunkering completed
RCCL's Mariner of the Seas also at the terminal

The second cruise begins

 Benoa, Bali


 Port Klang, Malaysia

Local taxi drivers sheltering in the shade
One of Star Cruises' many gambling ships
My lovely friend Melody - we sailed together many times in Dawn Princess
Melody and Hanna from the Ukraine
Being the main port for Kuala Lumpur, Port Kelang is always busy

A very enjoyable Hall and Oates concert on the deck tv, late afternoon

Sunset sailing


 Penang, Malaysia

Early morning arrival



 I went for a walk around Little India






Continued - Older Posts