New Year's on the Malaysian Peninsula: Live from the Sapphire Princess 30 Dec - 09 Ja

[Keith1010]

Enjoying your posts.

 

Keith

[Keith1010]

Enjoying your posts.

 

Keith

[Davidc5412]

Ok I have a dumb question for any of you who might want to weigh in:

 

Do the crew have access to foreign currency exchange? I've got a bunch of Indonesian Rupiah left and will probably also end up with a surplus of Malaysian Ringits as well. I was considering including that as part of the extra tips I leave for my cabin steward and other crew.

 

Good idea or dick move?

 

Discuss.

We always do that so long as we know the ship is returning to those countries

 

Have asked crew before and they appreciate it and can find a way to use it

[Croptop]

When you are told which, it would be great if you could post back.

 

Western side is easy for all sorts of DIY transport options.

Eastern side is more limited.

 

Thanks.

According to the port guide, we'll be docking at the Star Cruise Terminal in Port Kelang approximately 50 kms from Kuala Lumpur.

[Croptop]

03 Jan 2018 - Sea Day

 

Today was another sea day and thus, there's just not much to report. I drank some coffee, I read a book, I did some laundry. All in all pretty boring.

 

So I thought I'd take a moment to talk about the ship herself a bit if you'll indulge me a little. Prior to taking this cruise, I'd discovered that recent information about the Sapphire was hard to come by. Then, shortly before my cruise, a couple of threads popped up reporting some less than favourable experiences on and impressions of the Sapphire. I was a bit worried that I was going to travel to the other side of the planet to board a ship for 10 days that was going to leave me wanting.

 

I needn't have worried. In my opinion, the Sapphire and her crew are just fine.

 

Is she showing some age? Sure. Yes, the carpets show some discoloration here and there. But they still cushion my walk to the piazza where George greets me like a long lost friend and makes me my morning espresso or macchiato. There might be some scuffs on the bulkheads here an there but Ayrin takes a minute from her busy day to greet me by name with a warm smile every time I encounter her in the passageway (I tried to convince her to call me "Batman" but she was having none of it).

 

Are there spots of wear and tear on the Promenade deck? Yup. But the crew is out there every morning nonetheless, mopping the deck and wiping down the rails all the while greeting everyone with a cheery "good morning". Are the teak loungers sun-faded? Uh-huh. But their cushions are still comfy and they still support you when you want to take a minute to relax and watch the sea slide by.

 

Is there confusion and griping during tender operations. Yes. But that has been true on the Caribbean, the Star, the Ruby, and the Regal too. The experience has been no different -- for better or worse -- than any of the other ships I've been on. People get stressed and lash out and the crew takes it all in stride and does their best to make things right even though there was nothing wrong in the first place.

 

The food has been tasty and plentiful. Whether I dine in the MDR or the Horizon Court, I'm never at a loss to find something good to eat. Sure, I've seen some repeat dishes in the buffet but I'm still presented with a wider variety of foods than I would have access to at home and I didn't have to prep or cook any of it. And someone else does the dishes too so what on earth would I have to complain about?

 

Yes, the Sapphire is due to go into drydock for a bit of a refit and she will be the better for it, I'm sure. But in my opinion, there's nothing wrong with her -- or her crew right now. People will always find things to complain about. Sometimes they are valid complaints and sometimes they are petty. As for me? Maybe I'm just easy to please and happy to be at sea again but this cruise has lived up to my expectations and represented the Princess brand with aplomb and grace and I'd sail on the Sapphire again in a second.

 

I'll get off my soapbox now. Tomorrow, I'll be a goof again.

[OhioDogLover]

Thanks for your "Live from". Having never been to that part of the world, I am enjoying learning about it. Maybe some day Il will try it. Meantime, at least you are warm. Wow, is it cold here!

 

Enjoy.

 

Ohiodoglover

[tompeter]

Thanks for posting! Not only am I enjoying your journey, I LOVE your sense of humor!

[Nixieh]

Thanks for your post about the Sapphire. I am going on my first Princess cruise in July on her in the Med so it is good to hear she’s ok. Sounds like you have the same priorities as me on a cruuse - food, reading and relaxation. Enjoy the rest of the cruise :D

[IDB37]

Really appreciate all of your posts, thoughts & comments.

 

We are booked on Sapphire March 2019 from Singapore to Southampton & I had been getting worried about some of the reviews which have appeared recently, so your blog is providing welcome reassurance !

[Captain&Commander]

Hi John,

Thanks for your travel log--like a lot of people following you I have an upcoming cruise on the Sapphire Princess. We're traveling from Singapore to Southampton on March 28th. Due to the length of the cruise I'd like to bring some extra bottles of wine on board and pay the corkage. I've always been able to do this in other ports but I have a vague remembering of someone telling me that this might be a problem in Singapore. Did you happen to bring extra wine or notice anyone else doing it?

 

I'm inspired by your morning coffee photos--they just might get me up early to experience looking back at the bridge while having my first cup of the day!

[eem]

There were specials on day 1. I don't recall what they all were. I get 250 minutes for free and took advantage of an offer for another 200 mins for $40.I did not have to get any visas on my own. Princess took care of the one needed for Indonesia. The people on the 21 day cruise did have to get one for Vietnam I think.

 

Internet connection is reasonable by dialup standards but I don't try streaming anything. I will get a count of the PCs in the internet cafe but it's at least 10.

 

EDIT: There are 18 PCs in the Internet Cafe.

Thanks for the info, John, I also get some free internet and will be using the internet café instead of bringing my laptop. Good to know about not having to worry about visas as well. Thanks for posting every day. Elli

[eem]

Westbank BC...:D We have booked the evening river cruise in Singapore as we are arriving on the 22nd. Have booked a couple of shore excursions but are hesitating on booking more because if you want to cancel, the funds are credited back to your credit card and you probably will have exchange costs both ways.

Looking forward to meeting you at the meet n greet on the 26th, or possibly sooner if you are in Singapore earlier.

Take care John and Julie

Thanks for your reply, John, I lived in Kelowna for 23 years and moved to Toronto in Oct. 2015. I am travelling with my friend Sally, and look forward to meeting you and Julie.

[Croptop]

Hi John,

I've always been able to do this in other ports but I have a vague remembering of someone telling me that this might be a problem in Singapore. Did you happen to bring extra wine or notice anyone else doing it?

 

Unfortunately, I can't answer that question for you. I am not a drinker and am blissfully ignorant about bringing bottles aboard. Hopefully someone else will spot this question and weigh in with an answer.

[Croptop]

Starting the day off right.

[Croptop]

Admit it. You guys are just using me for your Patter fix, right?

[Croptop]

Welcome to the equator.

 

If you look closely, you can just make out the seam where the sea height of the northern hemisphere doesn't quite line up with the southern.

 

 

Honestly though, it's a bit of a letdown. Being the equator, I expected a bit more. Maybe a tourist information booth or a plaque. Kinda surprised that there isn't even a Starbucks.

 

I also tried gambling for the first time. I put $20 on my cruise card and played a slot machine. I never could figure out what denoted a winning combination but I ended up running it up to $31 so I cashed out. The casino cashier looked at me like I was a bit off when I told him I wanted to take the money and run. The purser's desk was equally impressed when I told them to put the $31 back on my shipboard account.

 

I'm pretty sure I'm part of the Princess High Rollers club now.

[DaveinWhales]

Well so far you don't seem to be doing too much other than drink coffee! How's the food been? You mentioned Sabatini's was OK but not up to usual standard, we found the same with all the SP's dining compared to our last trip on SP although didn't pay to go to the speciality restaurants.

Have they fixed the cash dispenser/exchange machines?

Are the bars all fully stocked now?

Do they have beer on draft now ( it appears they do on other ships)

No wine package still? ( They do on other ships!)

You are posting the day's programme but what have you tried? I was unimpressed at the quality overall, not a lot to keep me occupied anyway.

Glad you won on the slots but why they still allow smoking in the casino is beyond me.

Seems they were still struggling to organise the ships tenders on your last port of call. How's the complaints been going? So much discontent on our November cruise.

They can't have done all the repairs needed of course but they are bearable if the other issues were fixed.

Anyway, the most important thing is that you seem pretty relaxed.

Enjoy the cruise.

cheers Dave

[Nixieh]

Hi John,

 

I have been back every day to see your posts, pictures and the Princess Patters and I have noticed you have stopped updating. I really hope this isn't because of the last post. I know it could also be because you have run out of internet minutes or maybe you are just too busy having fun but I just wanted to say that there are lots of us out there who are enjoying your posts and would love to see how you get on over the last few days of the cruise.

 

Thanks again for taking the time to do a live thread during your holiday.

[DaveinWhales]

Nothing rude intended and I'm not sure what you interpret as rude either, what would be really good would be for John to give an impression of how he sees the entertainment,his opinion of the drinks package compared to other ships, if there is still a lot of grumbles on board etc etc. I'm sure that those who are due to sail on this ship will need reassurances that things are improving since the November cruise that was reported, quite rightly, as being below the expected standard.

[Croptop]

Apologies for the lack of posts everyone. It was raining steadily when we reached Port Kelang (Kuala Lumpur) yesterday so I didn't really do much (surprise!) and I didn't want to just post another picture of coffee. [emoji14]

 

I ended up just taking a shuttle bus to a mall and having a look around for a few hours before heading back to the ship. There were plenty of other options and no lack of cabs to wisk me off to wherever but I just wasn't in the mood. So no adventures in K.L. to report on. Sorry.

 

Today, however, was epic.

 

I'd first heard about Matahari Cycle Tours from TracieABD's thread when she sailed this same itinerary on the Diamond last year. A cycling tour of the Balik Pulau countryside sounded like fun so I booked it months ago. Communications with SJ were fast and friendly and the instructions I received were clear and concise.

 

[WARNING: I'm now going to rave like a rabid fanboy about this tour and you're going to think I'm exaggerating but I'm conciously trying to under-sell it.]

 

If cycling is your thing, this is the tour for you. If cycling is not your thing, this is still the tour for you if you want to see the real countryside in Penang away from the hustle and bustle of Georgetown and the bus loads of tourists.

 

I stepped off of the ship at shortly after 0800hrs and made my way to the exit area of the port. I was met right at the gate and wisked away for a 40 or so minute drive out of Georgetown, over a mountain and down into Balik Pulau.

 

When we stopped, I was provided with a well-maintained mountain bike. I had brought my own bike helmet with me but one would have been provided for me if I hadn't. I had a short wait for the rest of the tour group to arrive - they were coming from a hotel - and then, after a quick briefing, we set off on our ride: 5 tourists and SJ our guide.

 

The first portion of the ride was at a pretty sedate pace by anyone's standards and we made frequent stops were SJ would point out some interesting local flora, fauna, or village architecture. He'd also remind us all to drink to stay hydrated (water provided with the tour).

 

Along the way, we saw:

- A working goat farm where we took our first rest break to feed the goats and sample goat's milk ice-cream and yoghurt, along with some nutmeg and so-called "miracle fruit".

- A fishing village where we stopped at a local coffee shop and had a snack of coffee (hot or iced) and various treats made from glutenous rice or bananas, along with samosas and a bunch of other treats I neglected to write down the name of.

- A palm oil plantation were we were chased by cows and buzzed by birds of prey and scolded by monkeys.

- A rice paddy where we stopped for a delicious lunch of noodles, spring rolls, cuttlefish with chili sauce, nutmeg juice, and fruit.

- A shrimp farm.

There was so much more but I've been going on and on so I'll cut it short here. The final portion of the ride was a kilometre climb over a hill and down to a beach. From there, we turned in our bikes, grabbed our gear from the sag wagon that had leap-frogged us all day and were driven back to Georgetown but not before we were presented with a box of deep-fried bananas. They were incredibly sweet but oh so good.

 

Don't sign up for this ride expecting to lose weight because just about every stop was met with food and/or drink.

 

I was dropped off at the cruise port at shortly after 1700hrs tired but happy. Pretty much skipped supper because I ate so much on the tour.

 

If you go to Penang, you owe it to yourself to do this tour. I don't know what I'm going to do in Phuket tomorrow but no matter what it is, it won't be as memorable as today was.

 

http://www.cyclematahari.com/

[DaveinWhales]

Looks like a great day out !

[Croptop]

Nothing rude intended and I'm not sure what you interpret as rude either, what would be really good would be for John to give an impression of how he sees the entertainment,his opinion of the drinks package compared to other ships, if there is still a lot of grumbles on board etc etc. I'm sure that those who are due to sail on this ship will need reassurances that things are improving since the November cruise that was reported, quite rightly, as being below the expected standard.

I didn't take your message as rude. But I won't post any more coffee photos. :)

 

I haven't commented on the drinks packages or the bars because I am not a drinker and thus have no frame of reference. Every time I ask for a Diet Coke, I get one. The bartender even remembers that I don't want a straw!

 

Similarly, I am mostly a "keep myself to myself" type of person so I don't participate in very many shipboard activities or shows.

 

As for the smoking in the casino, I am in total agreement that it shouldn't be allowed but again, I seldom gamble - this cruise was my first time - so it hasn't been an issue for me. I went in mid-afternoon and no one was smoking at the time.

 

Tendering had been no better or worse than any other cruise I've been on. When I tendered ashore in Bali, I was on a ship's tour so I was told where and when to go and everything was copacetic. Sure, there were people complaining but people always complain. We'll see how things go in Phuket were I'll be part of the general herd.

 

Food is subjective. For my tastes, the food has been good. I've already reported on my dinner at Sabatini's. Since then, I've dined in the MDR (food was good, service was excellent), the Horizon Court (food was good and plenty of variety for my tastes), and Sterling Steakhouse (my steak was excellent, the Black and Blue Onion Soup was good but seemed like the portion was smaller and there weren't any lobster tails on the menu. I didn't ask if they were available because I feel awkward making special requests. I would have liked to have a lobster tail though. The service, though, was impeccable).

[p0240]

Hi John, could you tell me if the mall that you go to on the shuttle at KL is very big, is it little shops or a department store, is there a supermarket there? Do you have to pay for the shuttle?

Keep enjoying, loving your posts

Pat

[DaveinWhales]

We had lobster tails on our last formal night ( we had three in 14 days which was overkill for me but my other half likes dressing up) so maybe don't go to a speciality dining room until you have checked the menu! I chose the Pheasant and regretted it.

[Quenby]

Hi John,

 

I have been back every day to see your posts, pictures and the Princess Patters and I have noticed you have stopped updating. I really hope this isn't because of the last post. I know it could also be because you have run out of internet minutes or maybe you are just too busy having fun but I just wanted to say that there are lots of us out there who are enjoying your posts and would love to see how you get on over the last few days of the cruise.

 

Thanks again for taking the time to do a live thread during your holiday.

 

Amen - thanks for posting.