We are in Vietnam!
The ship probably reached Vietnam before we were up. Decided to go ashore to take a look. We proceeded to Deck 5 Star Lounge to collect our tender tickets at about 10am Vietnam time. Our number is 20 and we were to go to the reporting area when our number is called. At that time, it was only number 2 or 3. The first few ones are generally more time consuming and problematic due to the unfamiliarity. We realized that the tender is the name of the boat that fetches us to and fro from the shore and ship. Although I took it before on the Legend of the Seas, I had no clue the procedure as I was on a shore excursion, which did not require tender tickets. I don't think tender tickets will run out but it's a matter of the time you get to go down the shore. The best time is about 12/1pm I guess when the arrangements gets better. Make sure you are at the various public lounges hearing out for your number because it will not be announced shipwide or in the room.
We went to Windjammer for a leisurely breakfast after collecting the tickets. The key here is to collect your tender tickets first because you definitely got to wait. Okay I was kind of rushing my breakfast because who can predict maybe suddenly our tender number will be called lol. But no worries, we only got ours called at about 11 plus, which means we had at least an hour. We both ate a bit heavier for breakfast since we would be going on land, and we had no Dong with us, so we would not be able to buy any food.
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| Pictures taken from our balcony |
When our number was called out, we proceeded to the designated report station. The pink immigration form must be filled up properly before you go. It would be stamped by the Vietnamese immigration staff and it will be your "passport" for visiting Vietnam. We queued and waited for our turn to get on the tender! Everyone wants to take a full body picture of the big ship.
When we arrived, there was a tent set up by Royal Caribbean just for us, sheltering us from the hot sun. There were ice water dispensers and disposable cups for us to grab a quick drink. If there happens to be any queue for the tenders back to the ship, there were chairs provided for the comfort of the cruisers. Awesome, felt like some royalty. There wasn't much to do other than walking around. Good that we did not change any money since there's nothing to buy anyway! It's also not walking distance to any other place, so we decided to play safe and not wonder far or take a cab somewhere. There were a few cab drivers around telling you that they can bring you here and there. Be warned, they can be quite aggressive and too close in proximity. It is so windy on land!
We went back pretty soon and had lunch at Windjammer's, played another few games of Sorry at the Library to digest the food, and headed to the pool at about 3.30pm. P.S. the mushroom soup is thick and yummy. Also, we saw Rudy serving at Windjammer, and we had a nice chat about his job on board.
It is a good suntanning session today. After the big Jacuzzi time under the shelter, we went to try the smaller Jacuzzi under the sun, and the water was pretty heated up. The sunburnt bf must have been hurting haha. Not sure if the kids were in there or came in after we were in. We met an Australian guy who is the kids' father after he joined us in the soaking. I couldn't catch his name. The conversation lasted about 45 minutes and it was so interesting to listen despite not contributing much. We can tell that he is quite a reasonable and strict parent from the way he reprimanded other kids who came in the Jacuzzi. But knowing my bf, I know we totally agree with his parenting. We talked about Singapore, Australia and where we would go in Hong Kong mainly. Then he asked about us and whether we were married. Actually we got a similar question at our dining table, asking us whether we have children :p. So anyway we answered the guy that we are not married, though have already been together nearing 8 years. And it was so funny when he looked surprised and asked us what were we waiting for. Then he was suggesting maybe my bf is waiting for a special night, maybe on this cruise haha. When we talked about our Hong Kong itinerary, he asked my bf; "Going jewellery shopping?" >.< The whole conversation was so fun but we had to go to prepare for formal night dinner at Sapphire Dining Room!
I prepared a dress I bought from Zalora, but it just didn't look good on me. I felt like I was wearing a pyjamas. I did try out the dress back at home though. I didn't want to repeat my yellow dress as the other diners have seen me in it. So I have no choice but to wear my most formal chiffon top with black jeans.
The beer battered cod fingers is so good, so nicely fried, and barely have the beer taste :D. I love all kinds of fish except Dory. The duck is tender and appetizing with a citrus twist. Today's fish main dish looks like the Trevaly I had the previous day. Unfortunately, this fillet lost out because it is too dry. I believe my bf had the Chicken Kiev and it is very tasty. But his inner desire was for beef, and when our server recommended this dish, he gave it a try. However, I doubt he truly enjoyed it as it is a dish with red wine sauce, and I'm not sure why he chose it.
I believe I ate a little too much today too. I remembered I was helping my fellow diners to ask whether there was sherbet on board already. Rudy went to check and he came back with this pineapple sherbet, despite me not actually asking him to get one for me. As the aunties were rushing for the show, this pineapple sherbet becomes mine. I'm not sure if I mentioned previously about my craving for banana cake, there is a banana and blueberry cake!!! Not sure when I ate this other dessert which is like lemon sponge cake, but that was super awesome as well. It is soft on the inside and crispy on the outside, and and and it was warm when I ate it. Pure bliss. Unfortunately, that was the only one I ate.
Today's performance - Singing session of all the chefs behind the scene.
It is a good suntanning session today. After the big Jacuzzi time under the shelter, we went to try the smaller Jacuzzi under the sun, and the water was pretty heated up. The sunburnt bf must have been hurting haha. Not sure if the kids were in there or came in after we were in. We met an Australian guy who is the kids' father after he joined us in the soaking. I couldn't catch his name. The conversation lasted about 45 minutes and it was so interesting to listen despite not contributing much. We can tell that he is quite a reasonable and strict parent from the way he reprimanded other kids who came in the Jacuzzi. But knowing my bf, I know we totally agree with his parenting. We talked about Singapore, Australia and where we would go in Hong Kong mainly. Then he asked about us and whether we were married. Actually we got a similar question at our dining table, asking us whether we have children :p. So anyway we answered the guy that we are not married, though have already been together nearing 8 years. And it was so funny when he looked surprised and asked us what were we waiting for. Then he was suggesting maybe my bf is waiting for a special night, maybe on this cruise haha. When we talked about our Hong Kong itinerary, he asked my bf; "Going jewellery shopping?" >.< The whole conversation was so fun but we had to go to prepare for formal night dinner at Sapphire Dining Room!
I prepared a dress I bought from Zalora, but it just didn't look good on me. I felt like I was wearing a pyjamas. I did try out the dress back at home though. I didn't want to repeat my yellow dress as the other diners have seen me in it. So I have no choice but to wear my most formal chiffon top with black jeans.
The beer battered cod fingers is so good, so nicely fried, and barely have the beer taste :D. I love all kinds of fish except Dory. The duck is tender and appetizing with a citrus twist. Today's fish main dish looks like the Trevaly I had the previous day. Unfortunately, this fillet lost out because it is too dry. I believe my bf had the Chicken Kiev and it is very tasty. But his inner desire was for beef, and when our server recommended this dish, he gave it a try. However, I doubt he truly enjoyed it as it is a dish with red wine sauce, and I'm not sure why he chose it.
I believe I ate a little too much today too. I remembered I was helping my fellow diners to ask whether there was sherbet on board already. Rudy went to check and he came back with this pineapple sherbet, despite me not actually asking him to get one for me. As the aunties were rushing for the show, this pineapple sherbet becomes mine. I'm not sure if I mentioned previously about my craving for banana cake, there is a banana and blueberry cake!!! Not sure when I ate this other dessert which is like lemon sponge cake, but that was super awesome as well. It is soft on the inside and crispy on the outside, and and and it was warm when I ate it. Pure bliss. Unfortunately, that was the only one I ate.
Today's performance - Singing session of all the chefs behind the scene.
The show today is called Music in Pictures. The performers sang the theme songs of the various famous shows. Their introduction picture included Titanic in it (Can you see?) and I was so excited. However, I was filled with disappointment because it was a scam, no "My heart will go on" was sang :(. A starfish received today!
"You make me sing woo woo woo, la la la
You make a girl go woo woo woo,
I'm in love, love."
"You make me sing woo woo woo, la la la
You make a girl go woo woo woo,
I'm in love, love."