Sailing through Taiwan Straits

2019 Summer Trip to Asia

July 13, 2019 -- At Sea, RCCL Voyager of the Seas

Please click here for video.

Our ship continued her course to Okinawa, Japan on this day at sea. When we woke up in the morning, the TV monitor was showing that we were sailing along the west side of the island of Taiwan. Actually quite near MOR's hometown.

Trying to avoid the crowded buffet this morning, we headed over to the main dining room on deck 3 which was opened for lunch and breakfast everyday. Other than the regular breakfast items, they also had some breakfast sets for those who needed their Chinese food fix. They also had the food bar where you can go get other stuff, like cheese, bread, fresh fruits etc. 

Breakfast menu

MOR had the Taiwanese set, which turned out just OK.

I had the French Toast with some sides which were all good and hot.

As usual we did not do much on this sea day, just walking around the ship exploring. The Promenade Cafe offer sweet treats, coffee and tea, etc. all day long. I just did not like the cramped space so we only went there once but dropped by occasionally  to get tea bags to take back to our cabin.

Again, lunch was at the main dining room where I always was able to enjoy a good bowl of Tutti Salad, made to order at the salad bar. My problem was, they usually give you a huge bowl which I had to tell them to cut down on my order.

Freshly tossed!

Barramundi Filet was my main.

I thought the elevator door was very pretty.

As expected in Asia, not many people were using the pool and the sun deck. We like shades!

Penguin Duo, love them! They sang and played oldies from Theresa Tang to Carpenters, wonderfully!

Yep, Voyager is showing her age! She is going to get a face-lift soon!

Dinner in the main dining room, which was also our first formal night. The only peeve was that we had a set time, set restaurant, but no set table. We would be taken to different tables every day depending on what was available at the time. We have soon learned to tell them when we enter the restaurant where we wanted to be and usually they were able to grant our wishes. On our last few days we managed to have the same table by the railing in the center of the restaurant right near the entrance.

These photos came out a little blue because we were by the windows with blue tint.

Shrimp Cocktail

Not escargot, but Bay Scallop Gratin

Lobster Bisque

Not 100% sure, but this may be the Asian Roast Duck.

Corvina Filet

That evening, we were able to watch the Captain's Welcome Aboard Party from our stateroom.

Come to think of it, there was never a parade throughout this cruise. 

Meeting all the senior officers on boar.

Can't wait to be in Okinawa again tomorrow.

Boarding Voyager of the Seas

2019 Summer Trip to Asia

July 12, 2019 -- Boarding RCCL Voyager of the Seas

Please click here for video of this day.

With the jet lag, both of us woke up early this morning and ready to find breakfast. Our room did not come with breakfast and we did not feel it was necessary to pay for expensive buffet breakfast when there is so much good food throughout this city. One of our favorite food items in Hong Kong is the fish belly porridge. Something that we don't want to miss whenever we visit Hong Kong. Surprisingly the place where we usually get our fish porridge in Jordan (Wo Mei) was not opened. Fortunately, there was our second choice right up half a block away. Sun Hing Chang was a place that was introduced to us by my cousin years ago, but we ended up like liking Wo Mei over here. No matter, we will just have our fill of porridge here this morning. It turned out to be better than our experience the last time we were here so all is well. 

Delicious fish belly porridge with lots of fish pieces.

An unattractive storefront that serves wonderful porridge, Sun Hing Chang, near the famous Temple Street in Jordan.

(23 Ning Po Street, Yau Ma Tei, Hong Kong)

After the simple breakfast, we went back to the hotel, packed up and checked out. The young doorman at the hotel hailed a taxi for us and made sure that the driver knew exactly where we needed to go-- Kai Tak Cruise Terminal. The taxi driver was very nice. He was talking the whole time, pointing out all the interesting sights along the way and telling stories of the city, in English. I thought it was very cute of him even though his English was not the best but at least he tried. I praised him as we got off the taxi when we reached the terminal and he just humbly said that he takes every opportunity to practice his 'primary grade' English. Way to go, sir!

Once we got off the taxi, we were met by porters who took our luggage away curbside. We then found the entrance to the huge boarding area upstairs. We were there early and had to wait til they started the check-in procedures.

Boarding Voyager of the Seas

Getting closer to the cruise ship!

Something was happening on the other side of the terminal with two roast pigs being chopped. Unfortunately none of us got any of it.

The huge waiting area inside the cruise terminal.

Finally boarding the ship after the orderly check-in.

Kai Tak Cruise Terminal

The empty buffet will soon be jammed with hungry passengers.

It was always difficult to find tables at the buffet during meal time throughout this cruise.

Carving Station

Good spread of food

But no more Honey-stung chicken.

Enjoying his first meal on board.

We still had to wait for the cabin to clear after lunch.

Promenade on Deck 5

We could see our room right above the cafe on deck 7.

Finally got inside our cabin with a view of the promenade. I was really excited trying out this cabin.

It only cost us $50 more per person than a regular inside cabin. In my opinion, quite worth it.

A good-size cabin with the extra couch right by the window. The only down side is remembering to close the blinds at all time.

Yes, the shower was tiny.

Packing cubes worked well on these shelves.

Time for muster drill.

I thought we would have the drill inside but it turned out that we had to line up on deck and went through the whole procedure outside.

Once that was done, we were able to enjoy the beautiful harbor as the ship got ready to leave town.

One thing I like of RCCL ships is they allow passengers to go on the outdoor/observation deck at the front of the ship. 

Sailing out towards Lei Yu Mun

I believe that was Dream World of Star Cruises that was docked behind Voyager.

Bon Voyage!

It was just a fantastic sailing out. 

Time for dinner. We were assigned early dining which was at 5:30. We had assigned time on deck 5 but not an assigned table. We would be at different tables everyday which I found quite annoying.

Well, at least we got a table for just the two of us.

A huge restaurant that covers three decks.

Cream of Asparagus

Escargot. When we took the Radiance in 2014, they had escargot on the menu everyday but not anymore on this cruise.

Strawberry, Kiwi, and Pineapple Medley

Prime Rib

Creme Brulee

I forgot to take photos of the menu, fortunately, the menu was posted on the interactive TV outside the restaurant.

Plenty of shopping opportunities on the ship.

Welcome Aboard Show with David Muzio at the Theater

I really enjoyed the Penguin Duo who performed oldies both in English and Chinese at the Promenade and other venues on the ship.

That was our first day on the ship and so far so good. The main thing that was different from our other cruises was that this cruise comprises of at least 75% Chinese passengers, with many Chinese crew members and Chinese entertainers. I suppose it's natural since the home ports are mainly in Asia. It's just something that we needed to adjust to and a refreshing change for a few days. 

"Ill-gotten treasures are of no value, but righteousness delivers from death." -- Proverbs 10:2