WaveSplasher Posted November 24, 2016 #26 Share Posted November 24, 2016 Hi What was Celebrity Definition of a Immersion Cruise seeing as this was an immersion cruise, not a regular cruise in terms of the entertainment, food and the activities on board? Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ronbetty2001 Posted November 24, 2016 Author #27 Share Posted November 24, 2016 Hi What was Celebrity Definition of a Immersion Cruise seeing as this was an immersion cruise, not a regular cruise in terms of the entertainment, food and the activities on board? Thanks. I guess it means that all the ports were Asian. Ports were: Hong Kong, Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh (Saigon), Bangkok and Singapore. Didn't have any real different entertainment or a lot of Asian type food really. Just all about the itinerary being all in Asia. Capt. Ron Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happythoughts1 Posted November 28, 2016 #28 Share Posted November 28, 2016 That is exactly my feb itinary Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ine Posted November 28, 2016 #29 Share Posted November 28, 2016 We will sail in the opposite itinary. We plan to do shiptours in Vietnam. What is your opinion do we need to change US$ to local money? We will in Singapore, Bangkok and Hongkon as we have either a private tour or we will use cabs etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PCWalton1 Posted November 28, 2016 #30 Share Posted November 28, 2016 Hi, looks like you have started two message strings for questions so I figured I would post my questions here too. :D Did you use private tours, if so what companies? Of the places you stopped at we will be in the following ports in April 2018 on Royal's Ovation so anything on tours for these ports will be appreciated. Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) Chan May Port (Hue/Danang) Hong Kong (overnight) Singapore Thanks a lot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordo Posted November 28, 2016 #31 Share Posted November 28, 2016 We will sail in the opposite itinary.We plan to do shiptours in Vietnam. What is your opinion do we need to change US$ to local money? We will in Singapore, Bangkok and Hongkon as we have either a private tour or we will use cabs etc. We just had two stops in Vietnam, and we were able to use US$ everywhere we went. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buggins0402 Posted November 29, 2016 #32 Share Posted November 29, 2016 Thank you for the detailed review. Please let me know how you liked Le Meridien...we're there in February on a points booking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ine Posted November 29, 2016 #33 Share Posted November 29, 2016 We just had two stops in Vietnam, and we were able to use US$ everywhere we went. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ep1987 Posted November 29, 2016 #34 Share Posted November 29, 2016 What were the all-aboard times in the ports? The dailies from the identical cruise in 2014 showed 15 mins before sailing. Am mostly planning to get back to the ship an hour before departure but think 45 minutes would be plenty for Thailand day two as our last stop (Sanctuary of Truth) is only about 12 miles away. Also was the lifeboat drill at 7:30 on day 2 (thinking about dinner plans) and when and where was the cruise critic get together? Thanks for any help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ronbetty2001 Posted November 30, 2016 Author #35 Share Posted November 30, 2016 We will sail in the opposite itinary.We plan to do shiptours in Vietnam. What is your opinion do we need to change US$ to local money? We will in Singapore, Bangkok and Hongkon as we have either a private tour or we will use cabs etc. We found that in the tourist places they price things in both Dong and US dollars. In a couple of the off the beaten track places our guide took us, like the pharmacy they requested Dong. I would not change dollars for Dong, you can't even get Dong from your bank before leaving as Dong is not internationally traded. I had private guides for Da Nang and Saigon. I can get you their e-mail if you want. They both specialize in food tours, though. Happy Planning, Capt. Ron Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ronbetty2001 Posted November 30, 2016 Author #36 Share Posted November 30, 2016 Hi, looks like you have started two message strings for questions so I figured I would post my questions here too. :D Did you use private tours, if so what companies? Of the places you stopped at we will be in the following ports in April 2018 on Royal's Ovation so anything on tours for these ports will be appreciated. Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) Used Vu another great tour guide, left a review on Tripadvisor, web site: saigonstreeteats@gmail.com Chan May Port (Hue/Danang)Used Shaun and Expat from the states, left him a great review on Tripadvisor, web site:danangfoodtour.com Hong Kong (overnight) Did a free walking tour first day, really pretty good, very informative. Web site: http://hkfreewalk.com/partnership/# Singapore Did another free walking tour, was excellent. Length 5 hours, VERY informative. Felt guilty only giving a tip, group size was a little big, maybe 12 people. Very good none the less. Web Site: http://www.sneakpeeksingapore.com/register Thanks a lot Happy Planning, Capt. Ron Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ronbetty2001 Posted November 30, 2016 Author #37 Share Posted November 30, 2016 What were the all-aboard times in the ports? The dailies from the identical cruise in 2014 showed 15 mins before sailing. Am mostly planning to get back to the ship an hour before departure but think 45 minutes would be plenty for Thailand day two as our last stop (Sanctuary of Truth) is only about 12 miles away. Sail Away: Day 2 Hong Kong: 8:00pm Day 2 Hanoi/Ha long Bay: 1:00pm (only tendered port, IMHO, so get back maybe 1 hour prior to sailing) Da Nang: 7:00pm Saigon: 8:00pm Day 2 Bangkok: 6:00pm. Traffic shouldn't be bad as your not goiong to Bangkok, if so really watch out as the traffic is nuts there. Also was the lifeboat drill at 7:30 on day 2 (thinking about dinner plans) and when and where was the cruise critic get together? Yes it was, good catch. The Cruise Critic meeting was on first sea day about 10:30 on deck 11 in Quine. Well attended, drinks and some snacks offered. Thanks for any help. Happy Planning, Capt. Ron Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PCWalton1 Posted November 30, 2016 #38 Share Posted November 30, 2016 Happy Planning,Capt. Ron Thank you, much appreciated Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rosie#1 Posted December 1, 2016 #39 Share Posted December 1, 2016 Please let me know how you liked Le Meridien...we're there in February on a points booking. We are also using points. I contacted the hotel and upgraded the rooms for a fee. I will let you know what we think. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buggins0402 Posted December 1, 2016 #40 Share Posted December 1, 2016 We are also using points. I contacted the hotel and upgraded the rooms for a fee. I will let you know what we think. What upgrades are possible? I didn't see a club room, so I just left it at the base room. In Hanoi, I called Sheraton and they had a pretty decent points rate for a club room, so I upgraded there. I contacted the concierge regarding tours and he sent a pdf for a two day tour by car. Through the hotel it looks like $104 per day with a guide + the cost of the pass. Perhaps there are cheaper tours out there - but, I'm burning out on the trip planning, so I'll probably just go through the hotel. I also arranged and confirmed our airport pick up through them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
traveld Posted December 3, 2016 #41 Share Posted December 3, 2016 Do you recall which cruise terminal Celebrity uses in Hong Kong? The older Ocean Terminal or the new Kai Tak? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ronbetty2001 Posted December 3, 2016 Author #42 Share Posted December 3, 2016 We are also using points. I contacted the hotel and upgraded the rooms for a fee. I will let you know what we think. Sad to say we didn't stay at the Le Meriden so have no comment on the hotel. It's a big chain and am I'm sure it nice. Again, no comment as we didn't stay there. Capt. Ron Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ronbetty2001 Posted December 3, 2016 Author #43 Share Posted December 3, 2016 Do you recall which cruise terminal Celebrity uses in Hong Kong? The older Ocean Terminal or the new Kai Tak? Kai Tak cruise terminal, very large and new. Built on the old airport runway of Kai Tak airport which has been moved to outside the city on Lantau island. Web Site: http://www.kaitakcruiseterminal.com.hk/ They offered free bus/shuttles to diamond mall which has a MTR station so that was nice. Go early as the shuttles leave when full in the morning starting at about 7:30am. Capt. Ron Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluewezzie Posted December 3, 2016 #44 Share Posted December 3, 2016 Started cruise in Hong Kong, then Vietnam (Hanoi, Da Nang, Saigon) then Bangkok ending in Singapore, 2 weeks. Willing to answer questions now that we've returned today. Ask away if you have any questions while it's still fresh is my mind. Also spent 5 nights in Seam Reap touring the area and Angkor Wat temples.Capt. Ron Hi Ron we are doing this cruise in Feb 2017 and it is the first time to this region, we are looking to plan some shore excursions but are unsure where to start. We would appreciate any advice you could suggest places to go and things to see in each of the ports of call. Would you advise using the cruise line trips or have you used any private companies before who offer similar excursions but at a reduced cost than the cruise line? Any advice would be welcome. I would also add I do have reduced mobility (cant walk long distance without rest or stand for prolonged periods. Secondly what are the staterooms like for space? we have booked an accessible cabin with balcony. Thanks in advance for any assistance Bluewezzie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teamflames Posted December 4, 2016 #45 Share Posted December 4, 2016 Do you recall which cruise terminal Celebrity uses in Hong Kong? The older Ocean Terminal or the new Kai Tak? My travel docs say Kai tak Sent from my iPod touch using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ronbetty2001 Posted December 4, 2016 Author #46 Share Posted December 4, 2016 Hi Ron we are doing this cruise in Feb 2017 and it is the first time to this region, we are looking to plan some shore excursions but are unsure where to start. We would appreciate any advice you could suggest places to go and things to see in each of the ports of call. Would you advise using the cruise line trips or have you used any private companies before who offer similar excursions but at a reduced cost than the cruise line? Any advice would be welcome. I would also add I do have reduced mobility (cant walk long distance without rest or stand for prolonged periods. Secondly what are the staterooms like for space? we have booked an accessible cabin with balcony. Thanks in advance for any assistance Bluewezzie I'll try and answer as best I can. First I would suggest going on Tripadvisor for each of the cities, tons of information on those forums. Things to do and see, trip reports from other people, itineraries etc. Hong Kong: https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g294217-i1496-Hong_Kong.html Ha Long Bay: https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g293923-i9984-Halong_Bay_Quang_Ninh_Province.html Da Nang: https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g298085-i10088-Da_Nang_Quang_Nam_Province.html Ho Chi Minh: https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g293925-i8433-Ho_Chi_Minh_City.html Bangkok: https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g293916-i3687-Bangkok.html Singapore: https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g294262-i1747-Singapore.html All the tours we did involved some form of walking. We only do private tours and enjoy food tours. The other thing to know is the ports in Vietnam are industrial ports and pretty far from the cities stated. For Hong Kong you dock at Kai Tak cruise terminal, which has nothing around it to do or see, except the harbor of course. They did provide buses to Diamond Hill Mall where you can excess the MTR (trains) for public transport and buses. We did a Free Walking Tour our first day, which involved a lot of walking. The next day we went up to Victoria Park (The Peak), which was easy and great to do, over looks the city and skyline. Our last day we went to Landau Island to see the Big Buddha. The free walking tour we used: http://hkfreewalk.com/partnership/# Hanoi/Ha Long Bay: Ship tenders in Ha Long bay, Hanoi is like 3 hours one way. We stayed over night on a private junk with 7 other couples in Ha Long Bay. This was one of the high lights of our trip. We used indochinajunk: http://www.indochina-junk.com/ Da Nang: You'll dock in a very industrial port, no way to walk out in our opinion as there is nothing around it to walk to. Da Nang is about 1 hour drive from the port. We did a food and walking tour with an expat, Shaun: http://danangfoodtour.com/ Saigon/Ho Chi Minh: Again you dock at a very industrial port. We used the ship's tour to get into the city. The drive is about 90 minutes one way. They dropped us off and picked us up at end of the day. Here we did another food and walking tour with Vu: http://saigonstreeteats.com/ Bangkok: You'll dock again in a very industrial port with nothing around it. The city is about 90 minutes to 2 hours one way. We stayed over night and a dinner cruise at night. Our tour company was: http://www.thaitourguide.com. Our dinner cruise was provided by: http://www.loynava.com/ Singapore: You'll dock at the Marina Bay Cruise Center. Not a place to walk from, it can be done, but it's quite a ways to get to anything. There is a MTR station which is about a 15 minute walk to excess the public transport and they did I think have some buses at the Cruise Terminal. We did a free walking tour which was pretty long, like 5 hours. We used: http://www.sneakpeeksingapore.com/register All our tours and guides were great and I would highly recommend any of them. I am in the process of leaving them reviews on Tripadvisor. As I said before we only do private tours and not ship tours. The private tours are much more personal (smaller groups) and don't cost near as much as ship tours. Look up your ship's sailing on the Celebrity Connections Roll Call: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=206 Here you can talk with others that will be on board your ship. You will find others that will post tours they are organizing be able to join them. Hong Kong and Singapore have government tourist sites that are very helpful also. Hong Kong: http://www.discoverhongkong.com/us/index.jsp Singapore: http://www.yoursingapore.com/en.html Our cabin was 9024, a 2B with balcony. Cabins are of a decent size with enough storage for a 2 week cruise. Happy Planning, Capt. Ron Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ronbetty2001 Posted December 4, 2016 Author #47 Share Posted December 4, 2016 My travel docs say Kai tak Sent from my iPod touch using Forums Here is the web site for Kai Tak Cruise Terminal: http://www.kaitakcruiseterminal.com.hk/ Happy Planning, Capt. Ron Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teamflames Posted December 5, 2016 #48 Share Posted December 5, 2016 Cap Ron, at laem chabang did the ship provide any transfers to Pattaya for those not wanting to go to Bangkok? Sent from my iPod touch using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teamflames Posted December 5, 2016 #49 Share Posted December 5, 2016 Another question to the one above, how smooth/rough was your journey? How does this part of the world compare to the Med sailing wise? Sent from my iPod touch using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
traveld Posted December 5, 2016 #50 Share Posted December 5, 2016 Kai Tak cruise terminal, very large and new. Built on the old airport runway of Kai Tak airport which has been moved to outside the city on Lantau island.Web Site: http://www.kaitakcruiseterminal.com.hk/ They offered free bus/shuttles to diamond mall which has a MTR station so that was nice. Go early as the shuttles leave when full in the morning starting at about 7:30am. Capt. Ron Thanks for the information. I was hoping they were still using the Ocean Terminal site. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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