Tips For Travellers
l look at the 7 worst pieces of cruise advice that I hear, or see, being given to cruise passengers all the time – and what I you should do instead, and why.
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I have revisited the 4 main classic premium cruise lines (Princess Cruises, Holland America, Celebrity Cruises and Cunard Cruise Line) to see how they have changed, what makes them different to each other and who they are now best for. Even if you think you know these lines, you may be surprised at how different they are to before.
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I looks at how I manage to cruise so often, and although mine is an unusual situation, all the tips and tricks I discovered and use that any cruiser can use to cruise more or get more cruise out of their budget
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I look at the best cruise lines in each of the 4 main cruising categories and why they are the best choice right now, and why smart cruisers are choosing them over the other options.
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The worst packing mistakes that I see cruise passengers make and cruise packing mistakes to avoid as they could get you into trouble, have you disembarked, affect enjoyment of your cruise or items confiscated.
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I explore 3 big issues that many cruise passengers have with Holland America
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Returning to Viking Ocean Cruises, I discovered 4 things I hadn’t appreciated last time, making me rethink and reappraise Viking Ocean cruises. It had a big impact on my thoughts about if I would consider returning to cruise on them, and who I would recommend them to
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I booked myself on a 3-week cruise on a foreign cruise line and started worrying about it. As it came closer, I grew increasingly apprehensive having done a few foreign non-English speaking cruises before. Some of which had not gone so well. But finally on this trip, I found out when going on a foreign cruise line cruise does and does not make sense. As you will find out.
info_outlineGary Bembridge of TipsForTravellers.com shares observations, tips and advice for visitors to Singapore.
This show covers among other topics:
General Observations
- Country and city in one - there are actually 63 islands but one main one which has been constantly expanded through land reclaimation.
- One of wealthiest countries in the world and one of most expensive to live in.
- Singapore means "lion city" - also known as "Garden City of Asi"
- Many see it as too sterile and lacking warmth - been many times and I like the efficiency, cleanliness and order and mixture of cultures.
- Strict and regimented state - authoritarian democracy - bit of "nanny state" with lots of rules and fines.
- Although trying to promote arts and culture constant struggle against state censorship with strict rules on anything seen as pornographic, promoting homosexuality etc.
- Economy very export and services focused - one of worlds busiest harbours - lots of head offices for Asia region based here.
- About 4,5 population - 75% Chinese - multi cultural though - lots expats - Buddhist is main religion.
- For visitors is easy as English spoken all over and very well
History
1819 Sir Thomas Raffles wanted to protect British trade routes for British East India company in Asia and landed in singapore to establish a base as was along the shortest route between India and China. Free port was established and he encouraged migrants to come and settle and boomed from there- he is very fondly regarded even despite some policies like Raffles plan which segregated ethnic groups. 1963 joined union with Malay States but did not work as rest were suspicious about the Chinese so broke away 2 years later to become independent state.
Best time to go
High humidity all year round - but pretty constant weather too. Rains most of the year but usually in short bursts.
Great to visit when big events like Singapore F1, Fashion Week and Big Singapore Sale are on.
Getting there
Changi airport is a major hub - only about 25-30 minutes into centre
Cruise ship - big modern cruise terminal in Marina bay development opened in 2013 - public transport accessible
Getting around
- Good transport and not too bad traffic as strong disincentives to private ownership of cars.
- Metro (mass rapid transport ) easy to use and cheap - also the stops usually named by the tourist feature there so Chinatown is at Chinatown MR.
- Taxis use meters and inexpensive - lots of them.
- Trishaws - expensive but good for sight seeing.
- Pedestrian friendly with lots if walkways over roads.
- Hop-on Hop-off bus has many options and routes and brands - very frequent - CitySightseeing has 3 routes with a cross-over station for all routes at Suntec mall.
- Duck Tour also available - leave from singapore flier
General tips
- Know and watch out for the rules and fines - compliance is important.
- Drug laws very draconian and mandatory death sentence
- Tipping not expected or encouraged ! Though never had anyone turn it down.
- Pick up the brochures at the airport arrivals or tourist information centre - excellent ones focused by topics like Chinatown and little India , shopping, river walks
Tips on must-do things to see and do
- Chinatown
- Little India
- Kampon Glam Area
- Raffles Hotel
- Merlion Fountain and Marina Bay Hotel / Development
- Botanical Gardens
- Singapore Zoo and Night and River Safari
- Singapore Flyer
- Shopping
- Sentosa Island