I happened to book "Kids Cruise Free" deal where my boy will only have to pay seaport tax. This package is applicable to a family of two adults and the most two children below 12 years old. In total, we paid SGD 1,800 for balcony class for our 5D4N cruise to Phuket.
Some points to note before you board:
1) Always prepare bottled mineral water as there is no complimentary unlike your usual hotels. Note that the tap water actually came from sea water which tasted a tad salty if you are making coffee.
2) RC doesn't provide toothbrushes anymore. We ended up buying on board.
3) Remember to bring a small bag for your last day's clothing or toiletries as RC will be collecting all luggage on the evening before the arrival next day.
4) The time changes as and when usually backward or forward an hour. Do take note of the notices left by your room attendant. You might miss your shows or meal time if you did not follow the correct time.
5) Do pack a set of formal attire for Formal Night or if you are dining at their Western Restaurant where shorts, and slippers are not allowed.
6) Always sign waiver or register for the activities in advance to avoid wasting time. I will explain more later in my post.
7) There is a 24hour room service (with limited choices), and do note that there will be a charge of USD3.95 (if I remembered correctly) if you order between 12am to 5am. On the last day of your arrival to Singapore, there is no room service available.
8) All charges on board is in USD currency.
9) There is an assigned dining room either level 3, 4 or 5 stated on your seapass card unless otherwise arranged on the day by RC.
10) Do check in online first to save time on your actual departure day.
11) Print out luggage tag (it will be sent to your email), and secure it to your baggage.
~ 17th October 2016 - Day 1 ~
Our check-in time was 1pm, and we arrived an hour earlier so we could have some time wandering around the cruise centre. We were so wrong as there was a freaking long queue already when we arrived.
First, we had to check in our luggage as it was too huge to be hand carried to the cruise. Next, we had to queue up to scan our hand bags etc. Then, we had to queue again for scanning of our passports at a counter. It was just never ending queue. We took about an hour before everything was completed.
Our first meal on board was superb. The Western dishes were great.
We went back to our room for a short rest before exploring the rest of the cruise. The room was much more spacious than Star Cruise.
The lift carpet will always be reminding you the day of the week. Sorry, I just cannot turn the picture to the correct direction.
Just like any other cruise RC has a library, casino, spa, gym, in-line skating, mini golf course, basketball court, pubs, arcade, swimming pools, wall climbing, and performances theatre. We were surprised that they have ice-skating rink as well as a chapel for those couples who wish to get married on the cruise.
We had some snacks at The Promenade which was opened 24hours. Basically, we were just eating and eating during our entire trip.
Managed to snap some pictures of the casino before it opened.
That's right. We ate hotdog bread at pool deck shortly after that.
Some pictures while Ethan was sleeping. Our cruise started sailing away at about 5pm. There was a sail away party with Shrek if I'm not wrong. But we were too tired to join, just laze on our bed.
Our last meal at Windjammer buffet before we call it a day.
~ 18th October 2016 - Day 2 ~
Our main purpose of this trip was just to relax, and travel at our own pace. So we missed our breakfast since we slept till 10am. We had to wait until 11:30am for Rhapsody in the Blue to open for lunch.
Their food was so far so good. But for the rest of the trip, the standard just deteriorated.
We went for some ice-creams at pool deck after this.
RC is most suitable for families with children as there is an Adventure Ocean program ranging from toddlers to teenagers. Parents could leave their child to different classes according to the age. The children will be making arts and crafts, having story telling time or simply just playing some games with the staffs.
**Remember to register on the first day for any Adventure Ocean program
Ethan enjoyed it a lot, and we sent him there for three days. There were 2 sessions (three hours each) from 9am to 12pm or 2pm to 5pm. You may send your child for both sessions if you wanted more time to yourself. When Ethan was at class, hubby went to the casino. I had some time to myself watching television in my room. Sometimes, I will just lay in bed listening to the ocean waves. Just so soothing, and relaxing.
We popped by Windjammer Cafe for some lunch again while Ethan was at Aquanauts. Then, we played some golf, and basketball before going back to our room. Life is good when you have some time to yourself. No children, just peace for a while.
Yup, we had ice-cream again...
Dinner at Windjammer Cafe, and I already felt bored with their food. They are serving the same types every day. I don't feel the same when I was with Star Cruise years back. Probably I was too young to care. People like to complain when they get older, and I guess this was why I'm always kind of upset.
We wanted to read some storybooks, but Kungfu Panda ended our night instead.
Our room attendant folded this lovely Elephant using bathroom towels. I must say the make up room service was swift as the room was cleaned up after we went back from our dinner.
~ 19th October 2016 - Day 3 ~
Our ship docked at Phuket from 8am to 6pm. Most of the people went down for some shopping, massage or seafood. Half of the staffs were not around too. We did not go down, just walking around the ship with not many crowds this time.
We had some lunch again after fetching Ethan from his class.
We just relaxed at the pool deck before heading to Promenade for snacks again.
We finally wanted to try our main dining room at level 4. However, due to short of staffs, we were ushered to level 3 instead. Apart from the appetiser - prawn cocktail, the rest of the dishes were disappointing. The Asian noodles, you could find this dish at Windjammer buffet section. The only difference was there were more ingredients.
Fish cake was not that good. You could also see the tom yam soup, and minestrone soup at Windjammer too. The chicken was bland. Apple crumble was dry. Period.
Another cute towel to brighten up our day after the terrible dinner.
**The ice-skating experience was pretty bad, not organised at all. Royal Caribbean has to improve on this or just remove this activity on board.
Our ice-skating session was at 8:30pm. At 7:50pm, there was already a queue forming up outside Studio B. Each session was half an hour, and everyone has to sign for a waiver before playing. The door was opened at 8:20pm. There was a lady who cut the queue with three of her children. But the staffs just let them in.
Everyone were busily signing the waiver. After which, we had to queue for the staffs to check our waiver. Next, queue again for collecting of ice-skates & helmets. By the time we put on our gears, we only had 10 minutes left for that session. I was so pissed off when the staffs told us to hurry up as we have not much time left. Like was it our problem that you could not open up earlier for everyone to settle down?
~ 20th October 2016 - Day 4 ~
Lunch at Windjammer before we went to our Ice Show. The show was quite entertaining. I managed to take a few pictures which was not allowed though.
Finally we had our dinner at main dining room. The only acceptable dish was its appetiser - scallops, and this prawn dish. We had to share our table with another family, and it was way too awkward. We cannot wait to leave immediately.
Cute folded tortoise by our room attendant. I love the sunset from our balcony, and could just stare at this sight forever.
We watched the Farewell Show which was entertaining as well.
Royal Caribbean
Tel: +65 6305 0033 / Fax: +65 6536 2282
http://www.royalcaribbean.com | APACRes@rcclapac.com
Mon-Fri: 9:00AM-7:00PM / Sat: 9:00AM-1:00PM
Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore
61 Marina Coastal Drive Singapore 018947
https://mbccs.com.sg/passenger-guide/getting-here
