We cruised back-to-back from Singapore to Bali, Phuket, Penang, POrt Kland (Kuala Lampur) and back to Singapore. Stayed over night then went to Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, skipped Da Nang as the unprotected port was unsuitable for berthing the ship, then on to Hong Kong. Overall the cruise was very nice. Asa a general observation, the crew on this ship seemed more interested in providing excellent service to the passengers than ever before. After 36 cruises, we can tell how the crew is feeling generally after the first half day. The ship was as lovely as it has ever been (twice before) and the wait staff was outstanding. We did note that the entire wait staff was more interested in talking with the passengers than we remembered. The sommelier, waiters, bus staff, maitre de, the hostesses all were very "chatty". Much more than usual. Wonder if that is somehow a training issue they have been briefed to do. It was a nice touch whatever the reason. The food was good as usual, however most of the fish we had did not seem very fresh as most of it had that "old" odor. I wasn't at all pleased with the fish on this cruise. The beef was quite good and the lamb seemed good as well. The vast majority of the menu was quite good. Oddly, the scrambled eggs in the Oceanview were much better than the last cruise. They were NOT overcooked and actually had a very nice flavor for a change. The same can be said for the patty sausage. The fruits and desserts were fresh and tasty.

Our cabin attendant was the most attentive we have ever experienced. He showed genuine concern over our well-being throughout both cruises and was exemplary when we came down with a bit of stomach problems late in the last cruise. We don't normally require any assistance with shore excursions, but this time we had some questions and issues we needed to have addressed. The hours of the shore excursion desk seemed to be ill thought out and when we did get answers it was right at the end of their operating period and they seemed "irritated" that we didn't observe the posted hours! Really!?!?

The entertainment on the first cruise was quite average and the featured vocalists were just fair. Perhaps they were anxious to go home as their contract was up upon our return to Singapore. The new ship's singers and dancers who came aboard wre head-and-shoulders above the prior group. More energy and certainly more talented, especially the vocalists. The speakers were monotone, professorial types who were capable of inducing sleep within 2-3 minutes. The sole exceptions were Mike Live! who was very interesting and extremely informative, and the guy who did the two-part series on Marilyn Monroe. He was extremely interesting. Read more