The best way I can describe Singapore is a city of the future. If you could build a city from scratch, this would be how I would imagine it. During my time there, I almost expected to look to the sky and see flying cars and the whole city under a dome only to find out that the human race has successfully populated a new planet.
Our arrival was fairly standard, a quick tour around the terminal revealed an immigration process full of technology making the process smooth and seamless. The terminal itself was a thing of beauty, over several floors, everything was gleaming and the staff friendly. This was a good start. We docked just outside the city, maybe a ten minute shuttle ride away and from our vantage point the cityscape looked inviting, akin to our regular call into New York City.
Em and I headed ashore to see for ourselves what all the fuss was about, making our way to the Marina Bay Sands where later that day we would return for the World Voyage Gala Night, more on that later!
The Marina Bay Sands is huge, the hotel is iconic in its design and is surrounded by an opulent shopping mall and the modern Gardens by the Bay. It's quite the place and dominates a large area of the marina area.
After a wander around the mall, seeing all the shops that were so obviously beyond our finances, we headed to the Gardens by the Bay to have an explore and see the iconic trees.
£8 later and we were ascending the inside of the largest of the trees to take in the view
Unsurprisingly, it was hot!! The humidity was something else, this part of the world is brutal! So after a bit of sightseeing it was time for lunch. Back into the mall we went with lunch in mind and some liquid refreshment.
We'd passed a burger and craft beer place earlier so made a beeline back past the high end fashion shops towards what was an extremely busy restaurant. Thankfully, we managed to get a table for two and proceeded to order one of, if not the best burgers I've ever had. Now that's a big statement but it was really really good! A look at the drinks menu came with an unexpected surprise!
Garage Project! This was a brewery that I visited in New Zealand in 2019. In fact, their artwork hangs in my house. It was only a small brewery 7 years ago so did not expect to see it in Singapore. To be fair I also didn't expect to be in Singapore ever. There you go, life is full of surprises!
A couple of beers and a cracking burger later and it was time to head back to the ship, we had another engagement to honour!!
The World Voyage Gala
Each world voyage is marked by a gala night to honour our guests who have booked the full 106 day round trip. This year's was to be held in Singapore, in the Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre. It was to be a formal night, so tuxedos and bow ties. Over 900 of our guests were to get coached across to the venue for a three course meal, cultural entertainment and an open bar. Some 50 odd of us officers were also attending to meet and greet and then host a table of guests each.
At around 5:30 the forward recce party assembled in full formal wear in Singapores humidity and headed to the venue to prepare for the arrival of our guests.
A bit of highly amusing manual labour followed with officers in formals carrying our logo letters up the various escalators to the venue to then be challenged with a Krypton Factor style spelling test
With the all correct letters arranged in, not necessarily the correct order, we had a bit of time to check out the venue and the gifts
A pair of chopsticks with hand written messages of hope and prosperity along with a hand fan adorning similar positive missives. One can only hope the symbols match the chosen message.
Next, it was a glass of wine and take position to welcome the arriving bus loads of guests. After which, take your seats and let the fun begin!
The night was not without an issue or two, but on the whole was a success and with the night coming to an end and guests being shuffled off back to the ship via coaches their was one final treat in store
The After-party
As the night wound down, the executive decision was that as we had been unleashed into the wide world in full officers formal wear, and no curfew it was time to see what Singapore night life was like
So the 57th floor of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel it was, for a night in the roof top bar!
So a bunch of us made our way up the express elevator to the top. It's fair to say our choice of evening attire drew some attention.
Upon arrival, the order of the evening was of course a Singapore Sling!
The venue was amazing, the huge infinity roof top pool overlooking the bay, the music and the company made for a great way for us all to let our hair down. The view was incredible.
The witching hour came and went until eventually we found taxis and made our way back to the ship. A truly amazing night followed by a not so amazing morning. What happens in Singapore stays in Singapore!!
Singapore..... Wow!
Create Your Own Website With Webador