Join Pete and Judy on their FIRST World Cruise on the Amsterdam

[The-Inside-Cabin]

Blog is now updated. More pictures there.

 

http://Www.theinsidecabin.com

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[jig]

How much time did you get there? Was your lunch at the hotel? We travelled from there to bromo and then to Surabaya by car. Never really that bad. I think it was over rated. It is an amazing place. We were there about the same time and it was very hot too but not sure if it was 100.

[The-Inside-Cabin]

How much time did you get there? Was your lunch at the hotel? We travelled from there to bromo and then to Surabaya by car. Never really that bad. I think it was over rated. It is an amazing place. We were there about the same time and it was very hot too but not sure if it was 100.

 

 

We had 90 minutes to explore Borobudur and then 60 minutes for lunch.

[jig]

I mean the traffic was overstated. In the heat 90 min is fine. Did you have to wear a covering on your legs?

[The-Inside-Cabin]

I mean the traffic was overstated. In the heat 90 min is fine. Did you have to wear a covering on your legs?

 

 

They asked people to cover there legs if shorts were above the knee. The tour had Sarongs to borrow right one bus.

 

I agree about the traffic.....busy, but no worse than any big city.

[The-Inside-Cabin]

Today at 10AM local, about 1 hour from now, we will enter King Neptune Realm and induct all of the slimy pollywogs and turn them into trusty shellbacks.

 

This is the second time we have crossed, the equator, the first time, southbound, was ignored.

 

 

Full report later with photos!

[MMDown Under]

Today at 10AM local, about 1 hour from now, we will enter King Neptune Realm and induct all of the slimy pollywogs and turn them into trusty shellbacks.

 

This is the second time we have crossed, the equator, the first time, southbound, was ignored.

 

Full report later with photos!

 

That would have been disappointing for cruisers only doing the leg to Australia.

 

Looking forward to your report and photos.

Edited February 27, 2016 by MMDown Under

[erewhon]

Thank you for all your interesting updates.

Did HAL arrange your Indonesian Visas?

[RMLincoln]

Pete, Thanks for your dedication to sharing with us! Question: Did you exchange dollars for local currency and if so where were you able to do that? Thanks to you and Judy too. Safe travels! m--

[The-Inside-Cabin]

Thank you for all your interesting updates.

Did HAL arrange your Indonesian Visas?

 

Yes....$60 pp

[The-Inside-Cabin]

Pete, Thanks for your dedication to sharing with us! Question: Did you exchange dollars for local currency and if so where were you able to do that? Thanks to you and Judy too. Safe travels! m--

 

I changed a lot of currency prior to leaving using AAA auto club financial services thru Wells Fargo. They will sell small quantities and as long as the total is $1000, there is no shipping fee or transaction fee. If you are a AAA member, check it out under financial services tab.

 

The ship also buys and sells small amounts and large amounts. I always sell back my extras - exchange rate isn't the best, but good enough and the convenience can't be beat - esp for small quantities

[The-Inside-Cabin]

Day 52, Jakarta, Indonesia

 

Heavy rained greeted us today as we closed in on our pier in Jakarta. The familiar cranes, intermodal containers, forklifts and longshoreman were numerous while the welcoming party was small, but enthusiastic.

 

The ship’s location team had successfully convinced most passengers that the traffic in Jakarta would be THE WORST ON PLANET EARTH. As it turned out, the traffic while busy, flowed in an orderly manner following expected traffic laws. Cars and mopeds stopped at traffic lights, yielded to pedestrians, and stayed in their lanes. I have driven in Rome and the traffic there is far more unruly and undisciplined. So a note to future cruisers: treat Jakarta traffic as you would treat Chicago traffic, Boston traffic or any other large city. Feel free to venture out independently, but give yourself a buffer as you would in any major city – traffic can gridlock anywhere – on a moment’s notice. I would use 20mph as a planning figure and then plan to arrive back at the ship 1 hour before all aboard.

 

Right outside the cruise terminal were 2 people wearing large costumes depicting somebody or something. They were dancing around to music while 4 women in costume were nearby welcoming guests as they entered the terminal. Once inside the terminal, we were greeted by a sniffing dog, although I don’t think he was looking for a turkey sandwich from the Lido, probably drugs, and there is more than one foreigner on death row here for violating Indonesian drug laws. After we passed thru metal detectors and our bags were sent thru this giant X-Ray, we were outside the terminal and being escorted to our HAL tour by our guide carrying a sign with a large numeral SIX.

 

 

We picked the HAL tour that would visit President Obama’s school, a local market, Phinisi Schooners and finally the Grand Mosque. It was scheduled for 5 ½ hours and cost $89.

 

After about 45 minutes of driving thru the city, we arrived at a small school completely integrated into the neighboring houses. The school was surrounded by a stone fence that opened into a small circular driveway. The area was bustling with people with many shops nearby. Our single 40 passenger bus parked on the street and would be blocking a lane of traffic while we were inside.

 

A basketball court was in the center of the school, surrounded by a hallway that had doors to classrooms across from the basketball court. In addition to the classrooms there was the Headmasters Office, a computer lab and a few other administrative rooms. Class was in session, but any novelty of seeing foreign visitors was long gone and the children, while polite, moved about paying us little attention. Right after we arrived, probably 10:15 or so, a group of children gathered on the basketball court and raised what appeared to be a school flag on the flagpole adjacent to the court. This wasn’t done for our benefit, it was part of their daily routine.

 

 

One of the teachers escorted our group into an empty classroom, which was the one where Barrack Obama spent most of his time when he was a student. They pointed out that actual desk that they claim was used by President Obama, so we all posed for pictures with some of the children who had returned to the room. We remain a little skeptical that this was the actual desk, but it made for a good story nevertheless. We were allowed free reign to wander about and chat with the students who were all quite friendly and spoke excellent English. I asked one if they learned very much about Barrack Obama and he responded – not really.

 

Before we left we enjoyed some tea and snacks that were set up on a table in the entryway. By now the rain had stopped and we filed out to our waiting bus to head to our next stop: A traditional Chinese Market.

 

We could have skipped the traditional Chinese market, which was in a basement below street level under a freeway. Even by the standards of Asian city markets, and I have been to more than one having lived in Japan, this one was dark, damp and pretty foul looking. We were the only customers present during the entire 30 minutes we wandered about. Maybe we caught them at a slow time, but it wasn’t a place that was selling anything that looked fresh. We were glad to be on our way.

 

Phinisi Schooners are sail powered cargo vessels that have been used for centuries to deliver goods to smaller outlying islands in Indonesia. We stopped by a pier that was filled with these ships with a handful being loaded with cargo using nets, ropes and cranes. The modern Phinisi Schooners have been augmented with small motors so they are able to work into the wind, improving their speed and reliability. We spent about 45 minutes wandering up and down the pier, watching the men work and imagining what type of “cruise” they will be starting soon.

 

 

Our final stop of the day was the Grand Mosque near the center of Jakarta. This is a massive structure that is bigger that it initially appears from the outside. We learned that this mosque can accommodate up to 200,000 worshipers when filled to capacity. The bus dropped us off outside the main entrance, leaving us to walk about 200 yards to the buildings entrance past the usual gauntlet of people selling everything from miniature elephants, jewelry and those interesting paper parachutes, among many other items large and small. They are politely persistent as you walk by, but quickly move on to others if you act disinterested.

 

We had to remove our shoes at the door and carry them about 100 yards to a guest room. Here we could store our shoes on shelves and those wearing shorts or with bare shoulders were given long robes to wear while we toured the rest of the mosque. The mosque has a large central area, maybe 100 yards square, surround by 3 levels of additional prayer areas. Outside this area was another huge area marked off with thousands of rectangular praying areas – one to a person, all facing Mecca. The Indonesian word for Mecca is Kxxxxxx and there were numerous signs hanging over head pointing toward Mecca.

 

As we were leaving, Judy saw a group of Muslim women with a selfie stick taking their picture in front of a sign. She struck up a conversation with them and they eagerly invited her into their next selfie! They didn’t speak English but became quick friends thru smiles and hand gestures.

 

We were back on the ship right at 3pm giving us a couple of hours to relax before the Sail Away. Today’s Sail Away was billed as our farewell to Indonesia complete with complimentary standard drinks and a wider selection of appetizers than is normally the case. This Sail Away was held under the dome of the Lido pool, which was open. By the time I arrived around 6:30 pm, the ship was underway and there was a pleasant breeze keeping things fairly comfortable.

 

Daniel Len, one of HAL’s cast singers, was the featured entertainer for the 7:30 PM spotlight show. As expected, he turned in a wonderful performance of pop songs that put a smile on everyone’s face. Marvin Gaye’s “Heard in Thru the Grapevine” was a crown favorite. Adagio, the classical pianist and violinist, joined in for the last 3 songs. Daniel concluded with Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror” and received a well-deserved standing ovation.

 

Table 52 was back at full strength today as we all recounted our tales of Jakarta. Several of our table took the tour to the Safari Park, Bogor Botanical Garden & Country side. They all wish they could have spent more time in the Safari Park, which was better that the San Diego Wild Animal park according to Rick who has been to both. Note to future cruisers: Look into a private tour that only goes to the Safari Park, while a little ways out of town, you could probably build in enough buffer by skipping the Botanical Garden.

 

The main entertainer tonight was Virtuoso Flautist Clare Langan from England. She dazzled the crowd with her amazing performance of popular hits including a medley of catchy American tunes. She wrapped up the show with “Memories” from Cats and received an enthusiastic standing ovation.

 

 

NOTE: The regular drummer took ill just before this evenings performances - Digital Workshop Host, Kristin’s husband, Graham, is a professional drummer and seamlessly filled in at the last minute. Well Done!

 

More on the blog at http://www.theinsidecabin.com

Edited February 27, 2016 by The-Inside-Cabin

[travelbug615]

I appreciate your blog so much and am taking notes. I wonder what are the standard things you take with you when you go off ship at ports? Are you carrying a backpack? What are your thoughts on drinking/eating at third world ports? Do you always take your passport with you in port?

 

Thanks,

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

Day 52, Jakarta, Indonesia

 

Heavy rained greeted us today as we closed in on our pier in Jakarta. The familiar cranes, intermodal containers, forklifts and longshoreman were numerous while the welcoming party was small, but enthusiastic.

 

The ship’s location team had successfully convinced most passengers that the traffic in Jakarta would be THE WORST ON PLANET EARTH. As it turned out, the traffic while busy, flowed in an orderly manner following expected traffic laws. Cars and mopeds stopped at traffic lights, yielded to pedestrians, and stayed in their lanes. I have driven in Rome and the traffic there is far more unruly and undisciplined. So a note to future cruisers: treat Jakarta traffic as you would treat Chicago traffic, Boston traffic or any other large city. Feel free to venture out independently, but give yourself a buffer as you would in any major city – traffic can gridlock anywhere – on a moment’s notice. I would use 20mph as a planning figure and then plan to arrive back at the ship 1 hour before all aboard.

 

Right outside the cruise terminal were 2 people wearing large costumes depicting somebody or something. They were dancing around to music while 4 women in costume were nearby welcoming guests as they entered the terminal. Once inside the terminal, we were greeted by a sniffing dog, although I don’t think he was looking for a turkey sandwich from the Lido, probably drugs, and there is more than one foreigner on death row here for violating Indonesian drug laws. After we passed thru metal detectors and our bags were sent thru this giant X-Ray, we were outside the terminal and being escorted to our HAL tour by our guide carrying a sign with a large numeral SIX.

 

 

We picked the HAL tour that would visit President Obama’s school, a local market, Phinisi Schooners and finally the Grand Mosque. It was scheduled for 5 ½ hours and cost $89.

 

After about 45 minutes of driving thru the city, we arrived at a small school completely integrated into the neighboring houses. The school was surrounded by a stone fence that opened into a small circular driveway. The area was bustling with people with many shops nearby. Our single 40 passenger bus parked on the street and would be blocking a lane of traffic while we were inside.

 

A basketball court was in the center of the school, surrounded by a hallway that had doors to classrooms across from the basketball court. In addition to the classrooms there was the Headmasters Office, a computer lab and a few other administrative rooms. Class was in session, but any novelty of seeing foreign visitors was long gone and the children, while polite, moved about paying us little attention. Right after we arrived, probably 10:15 or so, a group of children gathered on the basketball court and raised what appeared to be a school flag on the flagpole adjacent to the court. This wasn’t done for our benefit, it was part of their daily routine.

 

 

One of the teachers escorted our group into an empty classroom, which was the one where Barrack Obama spent most of his time when he was a student. They pointed out that actual desk that they claim was used by President Obama, so we all posed for pictures with some of the children who had returned to the room. We remain a little skeptical that this was the actual desk, but it made for a good story nevertheless. We were allowed free reign to wander about and chat with the students who were all quite friendly and spoke excellent English. I asked one if they learned very much about Barrack Obama and he responded – not really.

 

Before we left we enjoyed some tea and snacks that were set up on a table in the entryway. By now the rain had stopped and we filed out to our waiting bus to head to our next stop: A traditional Chinese Market.

 

We could have skipped the traditional Chinese market, which was in a basement below street level under a freeway. Even by the standards of Asian city markets, and I have been to more than one having lived in Japan, this one was dark, damp and pretty foul looking. We were the only customers present during the entire 30 minutes we wandered about. Maybe we caught them at a slow time, but it wasn’t a place that was selling anything that looked fresh. We were glad to be on our way.

 

Phinisi Schooners are sail powered cargo vessels that have been used for centuries to deliver goods to smaller outlying islands in Indonesia. We stopped by a pier that was filled with these ships with a handful being loaded with cargo using nets, ropes and cranes. The modern Phinisi Schooners have been augmented with small motors so they are able to work into the wind, improving their speed and reliability. We spent about 45 minutes wandering up and down the pier, watching the men work and imagining what type of “cruise” they will be starting soon.

 

 

Our final stop of the day was the Grand Mosque near the center of Jakarta. This is a massive structure that is bigger that it initially appears from the outside. We learned that this mosque can accommodate up to 200,000 worshipers when filled to capacity. The bus dropped us off outside the main entrance, leaving us to walk about 200 yards to the buildings entrance past the usual gauntlet of people selling everything from miniature elephants, jewelry and those interesting paper parachutes, among many other items large and small. They are politely persistent as you walk by, but quickly move on to others if you act disinterested.

 

We had to remove our shoes at the door and carry them about 100 yards to a guest room. Here we could store our shoes on shelves and those wearing shorts or with bare shoulders were given long robes to wear while we toured the rest of the mosque. The mosque has a large central area, maybe 100 yards square, surround by 3 levels of additional prayer areas. Outside this area was another huge area marked off with thousands of rectangular praying areas – one to a person, all facing Mecca. The Indonesian word for Mecca is Kxxxxxx and there were numerous signs hanging over head pointing toward Mecca.

 

As we were leaving, Judy saw a group of Muslim women with a selfie stick taking their picture in front of a sign. She struck up a conversation with them and they eagerly invited her into their next selfie! They didn’t speak English but became quick friends thru smiles and hand gestures.

 

We were back on the ship right at 3pm giving us a couple of hours to relax before the Sail Away. Today’s Sail Away was billed as our farewell to Indonesia complete with complimentary standard drinks and a wider selection of appetizers than is normally the case. This Sail Away was held under the dome of the Lido pool, which was open. By the time I arrived around 6:30 pm, the ship was underway and there was a pleasant breeze keeping things fairly comfortable.

 

Daniel Len, one of HAL’s cast singers, was the featured entertainer for the 7:30 PM spotlight show. As expected, he turned in a wonderful performance of pop songs that put a smile on everyone’s face. Marvin Gaye’s “Heard in Thru the Grapevine” was a crown favorite. Adagio, the classical pianist and violinist, joined in for the last 3 songs. Daniel concluded with Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror” and received a well-deserved standing ovation.

 

Table 52 was back at full strength today as we all recounted our tales of Jakarta. Several of our table took the tour to the Safari Park, Bogor Botanical Garden & Country side. They all wish they could have spent more time in the Safari Park, which was better that the San Diego Wild Animal park according to Rick who has been to both. Note to future cruisers: Look into a private tour that only goes to the Safari Park, while a little ways out of town, you could probably build in enough buffer by skipping the Botanical Garden.

 

The main entertainer tonight was Virtuoso Flautist Clare Langan from England. She dazzled the crowd with her amazing performance of popular hits including a medley of catchy American tunes. She wrapped up the show with “Memories” from Cats and received an enthusiastic standing ovation.

 

 

NOTE: The regular drummer took ill just before this evenings performances - Digital Workshop Host, Kristin’s husband, Graham, is a professional drummer and seamlessly filled in at the last minute. Well Done!

 

More on the blog at http://www.theinsidecabin.com

 

Thanks for the tip.

[jig]

Sorry you did not get to Batavia. One of the reasons we very rarely do tours. The port lecturer used to be independent of the shore ex dept. not anymore. Having watched many many talks they are geared to push the tours. Most of the rest of your trip you can pretty. Much do on your own. Not sure what your doing in Colombo but as you are overnighting you should not miss kandy.

[The-Inside-Cabin]

I appreciate your blog so much and am taking notes. I wonder what are the standard things you take with you when you go off ship at ports? Are you carrying a backpack? What are your thoughts on drinking/eating at third world ports? Do you always take your passport with you in port?

 

 

 

Thanks,

 

 

 

Here is what I take when I go ashore.

 

 

 

I start with what I call my “Man Bag”, a zippered bag made by pacsafe. It has a cut resistant strap and numerous zippered pockets. If I find myself in a high pickpocket area, like Barcelona, I can zip everything up and feel pretty safe. Even in lower threat areas, I know once I zip the top, nothing is going to fall out and get left behind. The bag is made by Pacsafe, and no, I am not getting paid to mention brand names.

 

 

 

Below is a list of my standard pack to go ashore.

 

 

 

Small notebook and pen

 

 

 

Small wallet with driver’s license and 2 credit cards.

 

 

 

Port information card with name and phone number of the local port agent. If you are ever delayed in the port, you will increase the chance that the ship may wait if they know where you are. The port agent is the only way you can hope to get a message to the ship quickly. Make sure you know how to dial local numbers first – sometimes you dial the country code or area code, other times you don’t.

 

 

 

5 Hour Energy Bottle – if you don’t want to fall asleep on the long bus ride back to the ship.

 

 

 

Sealed fig bar – For a quick snack

 

 

 

Snack Size Zip lock with several hundred USD for emergency use if credit cards don’t work

 

 

 

Snack Size Zip Lock with local currency.

 

 

 

Charging cable for Ipad and Iphone

 

 

 

Panasonic HC-V700 HD Camcorder. This camera has an incredible zoom and takes excellent stills making it quite versatile

 

 

 

I also added a Sennheiser boom mike which improves sound capture in noisy areas but focusing sound capture only to the front. Optional windshield not shown.

 

 

 

I Phone – with 300MB ATT International Passport plan

 

 

 

Garmin Edge 810 Cycling GPS – used to track and record out daily track for our later amusement.

 

 

 

64GB USB Stick – I keep a copy of all our pictures here, in addition to a copy back in the cabin. If there was a fire or flood in our cabin when we are off the ship, I have a backup of all our pictures.

 

 

 

Spare battery for Video Camera and Go Pro – I only take the Go Pro if I plan to get wet or if heavy rain.

 

 

 

Mini Ipad. Good for taking pictures in certain conditions and with the Kindle app, all my books are here, including guide books for the various ports. The Ipad also has the valuable app called MAPS.ME which allows you to use local maps without any internet connection. Amazing and very useful. Once I arrive in port, I take a screen capture of our current location which can be used to show a cab driver where we need to go if necessary. If you are on a long bus ride, your mini Ipad has music and movies, along with books if you get bored.

 

 

 

Hoo Too Tripmate Elite Model HT-TM04 – allows multiple devices to share a single WiFi login. If you pay for a wifi session at a hotel or restaurant, sometimes it is only good for one device. This allows you to share the wifi with other devices simultaneously. There are several manufactures making similar devices. Do some research and find the one you like. The HooToo has a built it battery to recharge you devices if necessary after a long day along with other features.

 

 

 

Shore excursion ticket if applicable

 

 

 

Passport if staying overnight. Copy of passport otherwise. The ship will keep your passport unless you have to have it for an overnight stay or something. They need to present them to immigration folks at each port.

 

 

 

I don’t worry about eating food from normal looking restaurants in any country. I avoid street food. Some countries I may stick to bottled water.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I also always take a picture of the ALL ABOARD sign. Helps settle arguments about when you have to be back. And sometimes the time will change from what was published earlier. This photo will be the final word as you leave ship.

 

 

 

Edited February 28, 2016 by The-Inside-Cabin

[gigianne]

I always stop and take a picture of the all aboard sign! You are a very organized traveller - thanks for the excellent posts and photos.

[erewhon]

Yes....$60 pp

 

Thanks for your reply.

Same price as two years ago on the Volendam.

[newfarmers]

To us it is sad that you avoid the street food.

 

We've eaten some amazing food on our many and varied travels. I remember the first time we were in Hoi An. We were on Legend of the Seas. By the time we eventually got to Hoi An (we were stiffed by the private guide we'd booked but that's another story) we were starving and jumped at the first street stall we got to. We gobbled down a number of bits and pieces on sticks that had been grilling.

 

The couple who had shared the cab with us were horrified.

 

When we returned to Vietnam a couple of years ago we went on a two week food tour and were encouraged to try everything.

 

But of course, each to his and her own :)

 

LOVING THE TRIP REPORT!! It's always interesting to read someone else's perspective and i'm enjoying comparing your's Pete with Mary-Ann and Bill's.

[The-Inside-Cabin]

Day 53, Sailing toward Hong Kong

 

The sea day was a welcome chance to relax after 2 consecutive port days with busy schedules. Today we would be crossing the equator and conduct an appropriate ceremony as we entered King Neptune’s domain. We had previously crossed the equator on our initial transit from Panama to Nuku Hiva, but that crossing did not receive any formal recognition.

 

I first crossed the equator on the USS Saratoga, back in 1985, in the Indian Ocean. The US Navy ceremony is far more elaborate than what occurs on cruise ships and can occupy the attention of much of the crew for the entire week prior. Here is a brief rundown of what occurs on the typical Navy ship.

 

Once the date for the ceremony is announced, the Trusty Shellbacks (those who have previously crossed) announce themselves and begin to mock and belittle the “Slimy Pollywogs”. All rank is ignored and senior officers are subject to the same medicine as the newest seaman. The night before the ceremony, the Trusty Shellbacks will issue Subpoenas to the Pollywogs to appear before King Neptune the following day and answer for their “crimes” which usually involve some form of disrespect toward Shellbacks or King Neptune.

 

The Pollywogs will often try to curry favor with the Shellbacks by putting on an entertaining show of semi-humorous skits, funny songs and dance the night before the big ceremony. After the inevitable failure of any mercy for the Pollywogs, the “Wogs” will occasionally mount a Wog rebellion and play pranks on any unsuspecting Shellbacks.

 

Bright and early the next day, the “Wogs” are assembled by department and are first taken to “breakfast” usually a disgusting form of oatmeal or grits, that while edible, is entirely unappetizing in appearance and in taste. The Pollywogs will be wearing the standard uniform which is their normal uniform only with all the clothes being worn inside out and backwards. It is as silly as it sounds.

 

The ceremony begins with the Shellbacks, dressed as pirates, herding their “Wogs” thru the gauntlet consisting of the Royal Barber – who rubs foul, rotten food or food shortening into your hair, a requirement to kiss the Royal Baby – which means kissing the grease covered belly of a heavier than normal shellback and finally you appear before King Neptune where you may receive mercy or be ordered to crawl thru the Royal Garbage tubes. These tubes, about 4 feet in diameter, are made from durable plastic and filled with old food waste and garbage – as nasty as it sounds. Once you crawl thru about 10 feet or so of these tubes, you can rinse off in a makeshift bathtub – usually a large container used to hold aircraft engines – and after you are clean you are declared a trusty shellback. The completion of this ceremony is made an official part of your service record. Participation is voluntary and those who choose not to attend are required to sit in a room the entire day and are forbidden from witnessing the ceremony.

 

The ceremony I described was typical of what was performed on USN aircraft carriers in the 1980s and early 1990s. You can look on You Tube and find some video of various ceremonies. The events I described are abbreviated and edited and can vary widely from ship to ship – there is no standard ceremony – it is up the ship involved to work it out.

 

The ceremony on the Amsterdam is crammed into 45 minutes and is mainly performed as entertainment for the passengers. Crewmembers have an opportunity to volunteer to take part if they desire. Passengers are rarely involved in the actual ceremony, but can be – Judy was allowed to take part on our Princess Cruise 10 years ago. If you are interested, make your preferences known to the cruise director and they may or may not be willing to give you a role or allow participation.

 

At 10 AM sharp, the ships whistle blew and with the passengers assembled around the Lido pool, they announced the arrival of the slimy pollywogs who were marched into the pool area by other crewmembers who were dressed as pirates. Gene played the role of magistrate and would read a list of humorous charges against the various pollywogs as they were brought before King Neptune (played by Event Manager Mark) and his Queen played by Showhost Jodie. They would be required to “Kiss the fish” - a large fish mounted near one end of the pool and then ordered onto the surgeons tables where they would be covered with a colorful slime – which was some concoction of eggs whites, cream, sugar and food coloring. Nothing like the slop we used during the USN ceremony, but this is a cruise ship after all.

 

After the pollywogs were completely slimed they were brought before the judges who would then give them either thumbs down – meaning a dunk in the pool or were ordered stand by the bears at the other end of the pool. A dunk in the pool was actually preferable from my observation as you were able to rinse yourself of the gook immediately. The first group who were judged were all the ships deck officers – and many produced Go Pro Cameras once the pool to film their ceremony.

 

 

The ceremony was well done, the weather was pleasant and a good time was had by all. We would all receive certificates commemorating our crossing later in the evening.

 

The History of Hong Kong was the subject of this morning’s lecture by guest speaker Dr Ping-Wing Kam who provided interesting insight about Hong Kong’s colorful past.

 

During crafts, Judy made a key chain constructed out colored pieces of felt and buttons that looked like a camera - it was immediately cute!

 

My luck continued with Texas Holdem as I won my 2nd consecutive tournament.

 

The steaks on the dinner menu this evening were monster sized. They looked like something you would normally only find in the Pinnacle Grill, and as always, they were very good.

 

 

Pingxin Xu provided the entertainment tonight with an amazing performance on a Hammer Dulcimer. Having never heard of a Hammer Dulcimer before, I was intrigued to watch him play it with small mallets like a xylophone. Instead of bars, music is made by hitting on 144 piano style wires, making it sound much like a piano. Pingxin Xu is well versed in a variety of musical styles. This evening performance included Sugardance, The Flight of the Bumblebee and Memories from the musical Cats. After his performance, we were invited to go on stage to have a closer look at the Hammer Dulcimer, with no apparent markings for the notes, we gained a deeper appreciation for his performance. This is another case of seeing a performance on the Grand World Voyage that I would never seek out on a land vacation and was another case of expanding your cultural horizon.

 

 

We have to advance our clock tonight, but with a sea day tomorrow, it won’t be so bad.

 

More on the blog http://www.theinsidecabin.com

[The-Inside-Cabin]

To us it is sad that you avoid the street food.

 

We've eaten some amazing food on our many and varied travels. I remember the first time we were in Hoi An. We were on Legend of the Seas. By the time we eventually got to Hoi An (we were stiffed by the private guide we'd booked but that's another story) we were starving and jumped at the first street stall we got to. We gobbled down a number of bits and pieces on sticks that had been grilling.

 

The couple who had shared the cab with us were horrified.

 

When we returned to Vietnam a couple of years ago we went on a two week food tour and were encouraged to try everything.

 

But of course, each to his and her own :)

 

LOVING THE TRIP REPORT!! It's always interesting to read someone else's perspective and i'm enjoying comparing your's Pete with Mary-Ann and Bill's.

 

Grilled food is normally OK....it all depends on the situation - you have to evaluate each situation separately

[jig]

Years ago pax could take part in the ceremony but I think that's a thing of the past.

[KirkNC]

I am leery of street food as well. I am sure I miss some good food but I also avoid some things as well.

[travelbug615]

Here is what I take when I go ashore.

 

Thanks for both the answer and photos! Really appreciate your efforts.

[The-Inside-Cabin]

They will be showing the Oscars live in the Queens lounge today at 9:30 AM Local..

 

I suspect it may be just as boring as it has been late at night