first stop: penang (day 2)

first stop for the cruise: penang. my group decided not to get off the ship as we were too lazy to do so. there are paid tours and free and easy excursions that passengers can enjoy. you just make sure you get back on the ship before the ship leaves the port. or else you will have to fly to the next stop and the crew will bring you your passport which is collected as soon as you board the ship.
there are activities planned for passengers on board so you will not be really bored. movies, mild exercises sessions, palm reading, family hunt, etc. the casino can keep you occupied too if you are in the mood to gamble. naaa...i did not go in.

• a hazy shot of penang bridge

• penang island. the orange boat there is the one which they use to ferry the passengers from the boat to the island. there is no port for the ship.

• yoga session in star lounge. led by an indonesian crew member
  

• heads of departments in the ship. chiefly from sweden, germany, the philippines, indonesia, and singapore.

• all captains in their full uniforms for the gala dinner held every tuesday on board. you have to make booking for the dinner and come in your formal wear.

• the swedish captain taking photos with all who turned up at the dinner...using the ship's camera of course and you get to purchase each 4r photo for SGD10 each. yes, that is the currency used

• the captain's gala dinner at the ocean's palace. three-course meal followed by entertainment back at the galaxy of stars. entertainment comes in the form of acrobatic performances from a chinese troupe from harbin and sexy brazillian dancers. no photo taking allowed.

overheard at gala dinner coming from an elderly englishman.

it's nice to see all ladies dressed in their fineries for this dinner, isn't it?

awwww......how sweet and appreciative. cina man will surely say something else or say nothing at all ;(