THE FILIPINOS’ IDEA of lakwatcha has no limit.
In the past posts here, we have featured diving in Batangas, mountain climbing in Makiling, beach bumming in Caramoan, island hopping in Hundred Islands, swimming in Baguio, dating in Nuvali Sta Rosa, surfing in Baler, horseback riding in Tagaytay, food tripping in Bacolod, touring Coron Palawan and Phuket Thailand, and so many others.
Different travel blogs also feature almost the same type of lakwatcha: walking around a city, hitting the beach, or conquering mountains.
This time around, we bring you a different level of lakwatcha: cruising.
Lakwatcha Magazine spotted Riccia Adlaon, 26, who went aboard Star Cruise Virgo (SG-Malaysia-SG) with Singapore officemates who are in their late 20s and early 30s, for an extra-ordinary team-building.
Riccia talks about the thrill of cruising with naughty friends, the things she would miss, and how much it would cost.
For 3 days and 2 nights, Riccia and friends played tourist crossing the ocean.
Asked whether they got bored on the ship, she said no since there are “so many activities like theatre, movies (they’re showing The Tourist that time), live bands, fashion show, two swimming pools and jacuzzi, arcade, casino, spa, ice cream and gelato shops, bars, restaurants, and so much more!”
Riccia narrates that their first day was spent entirely on roaming and exploring the ship which has 13 decks (or floors).
Most of the entertainers are Filipinos, she said, like 50% of the staff and crew are “kababayan,” from housekeeping to show hosts to bands.
Guests, on the other hand, are composed of Singapore locals and foreigners, Asians and Westerners alike. Food selection is wide: Mediterranean, Chinese, Indian and other international cuisines.
Their first day was such a long day, she said, but this did not stop them from having more awesome fun at night—the time when the ship is bursting with life because of simultaneous live shows happening in different parts of the ship.
And before they retired to their cabins, they lied down on the helipad for stargazing. “We looked crazy because we were there like dead. We’re almost not moving, looking at the stars.”
Needless to say, they all slept so late that only the girls managed to wake up early to catch the glorious sunrise and sumptuous breakfast.
“Sobrang sarap ng breakfast (breakfast was so delicious),” commented Riccia on the morning buffet. That day, however, has a lot of things in store for them more than a yummy breakfast. It was the day they dock at Pulau Redang, Malaysia. Before noon, guest passengers were oriented in an auditorium and queued for 20-minute ferry boat ride that will bring them to the beach.
At 2pm about 20 ferries reached the shore and as Riccia narrated, everyone was on his/herown.
While some went swimming, others bought pasalubong (food, shirts, hats, trinkets, displays and other souvenirs) from an interestingly named store, More More Tea.
That night, back in the ship, the party continued. Riccia and friends watched an acrobatic show. ”Ang ganda. (It’s beautiful),” she said. Then they transferred to a theatre showing a “musical” love story with topless women. They ended the night with sweet strawberry vodka.
How much did you spend for the trip? I finally asked her.
“We availed of a group promo. It costs SGD350 each. Our cabin is the third type next to the Executive suite and Junior suite,” she said. Star Cruises’ website gives the exact description of their cabin:
Oceanview Stateroom with Balcony
(3 Adults / 2 Adults & 2 Child)
One queen size bed & one double sofa bed / two single beds & one double sofa bed / one special sofa bed & a single sofa bed.
Floor Area: Approx. 18.16 – 20.20 sq. m (195.47 – 217.43 sq.ft)
“In spending within the ship, we didn’t use cash. We were given an access card/credit card. We used it as room keys and for purchasing,” added Riccia.
Any memorable experience?
“The entire trip is memorable. But we almost didn’t make it because we’re late. We were coming from work, we had to park the cars, check in our baggage, and wait for one officemate who’s coming from work, too. When we got there, the immigration has closed (since they’re travelling from Singapore to Malaysia, passports have to be stamped, etc.), but we talked to them and explained our situation, that we’re coming from work.”
What are you going to miss?
Riccia thought for a while and said, “The food. And the activities. Every hour there’s an activity, you’ll be very busy enjoying yourself, without getting exhausted. In fact, you’ll have time to relax, especially if you’re with your crazy office mates. You’ll never be bored.”
Will you recommend cruising?
“Yes,” she immediately replied, “and I recommend people cruise in groups. It’s more fun!”
Side dish
The Lakwatchera Question:
What are the top three places you’ve been to?
Riccia:HONGKONG. Maraming shopping at ang lamig kasi pumunta kami dun November. At saka yun ang una kong labas ng country. 2009. Nag-Disney Land kami. As in turista kami dun. Maganda yung Victoria Peak, lugar sa Hongkong na ang taas taas as in kita mo yung buong Hongkong. Sakay ka ng tram papunta sa peak. Pagkain sa Hongkong masarap.
GENTING, MALAYSIA. Malamig dun. Foggy, sobrang taas, [at may] ibang lamig. Hotel nila walang aircon sa sobrang lamig! Tapos yung paakyat sobrang tarik.Parang naging bata kami [nung pumunta kami doon] kasi may theme park. At saka mura mga pagkain. Maganda ang view.
BOHOL. Panglao! Bohol Beach Club. Sobrang ganda ng tubig. White sand. Parang sa Pulau Redang (Malaysia), powdery white sand.
Post Published: 04 July 2011
Author: Lakwatcha Editor-in-chief
Found in section: Lakwatcha, Travel
Tags: cruising asia, cruising malaysia, cruising singapore, how much cruising, how much is cruising, star cruises review, star cruises virgo, star cruises virgo reviews
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