March 15th, 2024

Today was a late docking day. The sail into Singapore was slow because of all the traffic. The Captain told us that around 8:30am we would enter the TSS zone which is the traffic sequencing sector. There are so many cargo ships in the straits off Singapore that they have their own traffic patterns. It has only become worse with the Red Sea and Suez Canal closed.

Sailing into Singapore with all the cargo ships

Passing by the famous Marina Bay Sands resort that was featured in the Crazy Rich Asian movie.

We were docked by noon and then we had to go through face-to-face immigration. They took photos and checked your passport and took your thumb prints. Every time we get on or off the boat we have to go through the same routine minus the thumb prints. They also x-ray everything coming on and going off the boat in the terminal.

The boat is docked right next to a HUGE shopping mall. There are so many stores and eateries there that most of the boat people will be fine getting off, going to the mall, and then getting right back on the boat. Although it is a long walk through the terminal. We got off around 1pm and walked around the mall and maybe made a purchase or 2 and then walked over to an island called Sentosa which has a water park and Universal Studio and lots of tourist things. We just walked around and then went back to the boat to drop off our purchases, run a few errands and go back out for our excursion which was Singapore after Dark.

We are always fascinated to see the potato chips offered when we go to a new country. Not brave enough to try them but we do like to look at them.

Can’t even imagine what the crunchy cereal tastes like. For reference 1 singapore dollar is worth .75US

We had a great guide who told us all about living in Singapore and like every place else the housing prices are getting ridiculous and no one can afford to live in the city.

These houses pictured are historic houses and cannot be altered in any way. It used to be the trading markets for the Chinese and the taller the building the wealthier you were. They are now restaurants, cafes and bars and their value is in the millions.

After driving through the city we took a boat ride down the river, around the marina bay to see the sights of Singapore.

Colorful buildings along the river front again restaurants, cafes and bars.

Loved this building with the rainbow shutters that went around the entire building.

The Singapore flyer and a very fancy casino More historic houses with cafes along the waterfront.

They do keep the historic houses pristine and they love that they have the low houses by the water, the old Singapore, and the new high-rises behind them, the new Singapore.

They are very proud of their Merlion and it is always packed Here it is with the Marina Bay Sands in front of it.

This is the largest fountain in Singapore and it is the fountain of wealth. It was recognized as the largest fountain in the world by Guinness Book of World Records but has lost that title to Dubai. It is now the 8th largest fountain. It symbolizes wealth and prosperity and the water flows down instead of over the top. They say if you walk around it 3 times it will bring you luck.

The Marina Bay Sands hotel during the day And at night

They had a cute baby elephant unicorn….who knew?

After the boat ride and the drive around the city we went to the world famous Raffles hotel. The hotel was started in 1887 by 2 Armenian brothers and was named after British statesman Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles who is considered the founder of modern Singapore. They are known for their world famous Singapore Sling.

The front of the hotel. We did not meet the dress code to enter the lobby. It is a huge property and costs about 850 for the cheapest suite. We all got to go into one of the many bars with the wicker fans and have a Singapore Sling. The drink is made of Angostura bitter, 1/2 oz fresh lime juice, 1/2 oz Herring Cherry Liqueur, 1/3 oz Grenadine and 1 oz Gin.

Singapore slings The old fashion machine that shakes up the drinks

A Singapore Sling costs you 26 US dollars. We sat at a table with a very nice couple from South Carolina but they are getting off soon due to the itinerary change. They have a giant bag of peanuts on the table and the joke is that this is the only place in Singapore that you are allowed to litter. Every place else there are heavy fines for littering. Singapore rules are quite extensive including no gum chewing. They have rules about smoking, vaping and cigars which are very strict. The city is very clean especially compared to Viet Nam and Bali.

Everybody drinking Singapore Slings and peanut shells all over the floor.

After spending time in Raffles we were taken back to the port and arrived around 10pm. We walked the mall for a few minutes looking for something to eat but everything nearby was closed.

Tomorrow we have the included tour which starts at 9:15 and is 3.5 hours and it takes you to the Marina Bay Sands hotel where we will get off and explore until we can check into our room. I want to swim in the pool at the top of the hotel and the only way to swim in the pool is to stay in the hotel.