Who doesn’t love a vacation? Things tend to get a little tricky when you have to plan for the whole thing though, and trying to pack in everything you want to do on your precious few days off is very often an exercise in futility. There is a way to experience a little bit of everything, combined with a whole lot of fun however, and that too in less than a week. A cruise is the perfect option to get the best of all worlds out of your vacation, and that’s exactly what I chose to do!
Here are just some of the many fantastic things I got to do on my cruise !
1. Enjoyed a first meal of scallops in a delicious lemon butter broth and washed it all down with a fine Cabernet Sauvignon at the Sound Of Music dining room
2. Tried my hand at ice skating (and promptly fell right over)
Also watched the Eastern European professional ice dancers take over the rink in the evening for the show and dazzle with their swirls and pirouettes at Studio B. Let’s just say I was impressed and more than a little jealous.
3. Caught some of the latest movies on the big screen by the pools
Munchies? No problem, hot dogs and other meaty goodness was always just a step away.
4. Felt kind of full so went for a run around the dedicated running track
And followed that up with a dip in one of the many pools on the top deck before soaking in one of the hot tubs while watching yet another movie with a beer from the Sky Bar!
Note: Few feelings surpass watching Ant-Man while sitting in a steaming hot jacuzzi and drinking a cold beer.
5. Hit the Dragon’s Lair nightclub around 11pm, got a drink, made some new friends and danced all night. The DJ knows what’s up.
6. Checked out some of the workshops such as the towel folding workshop and learnt to make everything from elephants to monkeys using only towels!
7. Asked the Schooner Bar to whip me up the cocktail of the day. These Caribbean coolers are something special
My favourite – the ‘Paradise Cocktail’, a delicious blend of tropical orange juice, apricot brandy and gin, shaken and stirred with ice.
8. Watched a killer band play everything from the latest dance numbers to old school rock and roll and bossa nova
I think the band’s name was Soundwave, check them out!
9. Watched a musical with a million set changes, as well as an acrobatic dance and magic show in the immaculately done Savoy
Every evening at around 7 with a repeat after dinner. These shows are world class, and are among my top 3 things to do on the cruise.
10. Went Island hopping in Langkawi and swam in a freshwater lake
I asked the cruise masters sort out my shore excursions and enjoyed a hassle-free, informative and safe journey through the different towns and ports we docked at. I chose to go island hopping in Langkawi, and it involved swimming in a mystical fresh water lake, watching eagles swoop down and pick out fish right from the sea and preventing monkeys from stealing my passport!
The cruise staff sorted everything out to the T. All I had to do was sign some papers!
11. Tried my hand at some karaoke in the Lotus lounge and met some pretty crazy people!
Make sure the crowd is drunk enough for your crooning though! It happens almost every evening!
12. Watched and was blown away by the world class Marine Orchestra belting out some amazing performances
Watched the onboard orchestra consisting of some ace musicians from all over the world and a full fledged horn section back up the live entertainers as well as hold their own in a number of different performances. The Marine Orchestra is a seriously class act.
13. Availed of some crazy discounts on everything from jewellery to watches from stores located right inside the ship!
14. Treated myself to some sausage buns, chocolate truffle and other goodies at the main promenade at 3 am
The’re open round the clock, perfect for someone like me.
15. Hit the Casino Royale and tried my hand at a bit of everything. Didn’t get lucky but didn’t go broke either, so that’s something!
16. The rooftop also has a basketball court,but I preferred to try rock climbing instead
Yup, there’s a huge rock climbing wall complete with safety gear just waiting for you to clamber up. Don’t beleive me? Just take a look at the picture below!
17. Finally got to play golf via the mini golf course located on the top complete with little obstacles and a whole lot of fun
They need to build one of these in India! Regardless of the slight rain that dogged my game, I still managed to get a few good hits in. Rainy golf should be a thing!
18. Sailed straight through the notorious Malaccan Straits safe and sound, entombed in a cosy room with a view par excellence
I don’t think anything matches waking up in the morning and just staring out at the horizon, the calming seas ridding you of any animosity you ever held towards anything. This right here is a natural antidepressant.
Head on over to the Tirun website and let them take care of your travel dreams in the best way possible. If you love seeing the world by ship, ask Tirun and #JustCruise!
