Three Sea Days Between Japan and Hong Kong

2019 Summer Trip to Asia

July 18, 2019 -- Day at Sea

Well, we were supposed to dock at Kochi, Japan on July 18 for a day trip there, a port which we have never been and much looking forward to. Unfortunately, after we had dinner the night before, we heard on the PA system that we will have to miss the port because of a typhoon heading our way. Instead of spending the day in Kochi, we will head out to the ocean instead. Which means we will have three straight days at sea before going back to Hong Kong. Not the best for us but no one can argue with the captain's decision. The original Cruise Compass for the day was already delivered to our cabins the night before but a new one was available in the morning which I did not take a picture of.

What do we do on an unplanned sea day? Trying to have some fun!

We went to a trivia game and surprisingly I won first place. I can't remember what the trivia game was about, probably music related. We also went to a Chinese trivia game on Teresa Tang's music later that day. We won second place on that other one also but only received a cheap ball point pen for that one. I certainly felt the different treatment.

Got some cheese and cold meats from the salad bar as appetizers.

Soup of the day

Toasted Steak Sandwich

Pan-Seared Ocean Salmon Fillet

Raspberry Chocolate Tart

For the next three dinners we requested to have a table by the railings so we could see what was going on. It made a lot of difference being able to be at the center of things.

Same table on our last three sea days.

Melon and Prosciutto

Rack of Lamb

Sweet and Sour Fish (with the mushy ball of rice)

Orange Almond Cake

July 19, 2019 -- Day at Sea

RCCL was efficient and quick in respond to the missed port in Kochi with detailed information about compensation. We had to fill out a claim to receive adequate refund as OBC. 

Claim form for the insurance

more information about the change of itinerary

Breakfast menu remains the same

Cantonese breakfast (?)

Nothing much to do after breakfast so we went around the ship and took some pictures of places we have not been.

I believe Studio B  is where the ice-skating ring is.

Basketball court. Loved these sculptures!

Rock climbing wall

mini golf

Watching the Flowrider was fun.

Entrance to the arcade

An empty Johnny Rockets at this early hour.

Another serving of Tutti Salad at lunch in the main dining room.

We loved this cozy corner under the banister.

Poached Pork Belly

Fried Calamari Salad

Daily Special--Japanese Miso Soup

Cat fish in black chili sauce

Roasted beef striploin

Salad Bar at lunch in the main dining room

A 'Gold' medal for the trivia game that I won.

Dinner time!

Pepper and Corn Soup

Double Duck Consomme

Creamed Wild Mushroom

Vegetable Spring Rolls

Jumbo Shrimp

Slow-roasted Prime Rib

Baked Alaska

July 20, 2019 -- Day at Sea

The Tavern

2nd place at the Sudoku Challenge

Charred Berramundi Fillet with some decently cooked rice, excellent!

Roasted Beef Striploin

Millie Feuille

Almond Polenta Cake

Pan-seared Sea Scallops

West Lake Beef Soup

Rosemary Lamb Shank

Manhattan Strip Steak

Crew bidding farewell

Key Lime Pie

This ended our 9-day cruise to Japan from Hong Kong. Thank goodness that we did not experience big waves despite the approaching typhoon. As I was a little hesitant to take this cruise in the beginning, it turned out to be quite pleasant after all. Aside from the buffet which was always filled to the brim with passengers wandering around looking for empty tables, I rarely felt crowded in other parts of the ship. I totally enjoyed the cabin with the promenade view, which I thought was of good value. Food was decent and service was mostly good. One disappointment was that there was no parade throughout this cruise, I wonder why? I was also surprised that with such a huge percentage of Chinese passengers, they were not being treated fairly in many ways. One being the prizes given out at games and trivia. Cheap ball point pens that breaks in one day were given out at Chinese speaking games versus the medals with ribbons that were given out at English speaking ones. If RCCL is serious about their business in Asia market, they need to take a good look at their practices. Be fair and be consistent in treating ALL their passengers the same. I may be a little sensitive about this subject but I have lived in the US long enough to feel the differences. I hope that by the time I take my next RCCL cruise, things will be better.


"A prudent man keeps his knowledge to himself, but the heart of fools blurts out folly."   -- Proverbs 12:23