We have cruised 16 times, 4 of those on RCL and the first on VOTS. We flew from Sydney to Beijing and spent 4 nights at Kempinski Hotel which was excellent. It was national holidays so Beijing was very crowded but we enjoyed what we did, although dealing with local customs and manners was a challenge!! We arranged a private car transfer to Tianjin which was a good option as it when well. The terminal is fairly new and well organised so after filling out all the paperwork we were on board within an hour. We went direct to our cabin, 6668 dropped our gear and headed off for a look around and have some lunch.

The ship is large but fairly easy to get around and looking closely it is in need of an upgrade which I believe is happening in May 2014, that will make this a very nice and modern ship. Our cabin on deck 6 was very average as it was aft and the corridor always seemed musty and there was regular very nasty smells out on the balcony and our neighbours had the same experience.

We left Beijing on time and off to 3 ports in Japan and all of these were excellent, very clean cities and well organised ship tours although you could do your own thing. Then to Hong Kong at the new terminal which is very new and not finished yet. Getting to the city from is here is easy and cheap on your own. Then to Saigon but that is over 2 hours away from where we docked so a challenge for many. This was an overnight stay so many stayed overnight in the city. Then to Bangkok again an overnight stay so many stayed there overnight as it is over 2 hours from the ship. Next to Singapore and the end for us and many others. Read more