A well-crafted family journey, blending the urban sophistication of Singapore, the indulgence of a Royal Caribbean cruise, and the cultural flavours of Malaysia and Thailand. This wasn’t a checklist trip. Every day was curated for comfort, variety, and unforgettable moments.. from iconic skylines to turquoise waters.
The trip began with the 6 AM Pune Vistadome Shatabdi, a refreshing start with wide-window views of the Western Ghats.
By early afternoon, we were in Hyderabad; no visit completes without Paradise biryani. The evening was a mix of relaxed anticipation and the inevitable travel formalities. Boarding the late-night flight to Singapore, we settled into the rhythm of a holiday that promised both energy and ease.
The morning was spent unwinding from the journey. By afternoon, we stepped into the futuristic wonder of Gardens by the Bay — from cloud forests to supertree groves, each section a world of its own.
As evening descended, we rode the MRT to Clarke Quay, where the river shimmered with lights, live music spilled from waterfront bars, and dinner was a feast featuring the famed chilli crab. This was Singapore at its best — efficient by day, electric by night.
The day began with excitement — boarding the Spectrum of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s 18-deck marvel. The check-in formalities at Singapore port were surprisingly efficient for such a massive operation.
Once inside, the balcony stateroom opened to an endless view of the water. The ship itself was a destination — pools, entertainment arenas, and gourmet dining that could seat 3,000 guests at once. We watched the sail-away from the top deck, champagne in hand, as the city skyline faded into the horizon.
Morning light revealed us docked at Port Klang. After immigration formalities, a smooth drive into Kuala Lumpur brought us to:
- Petronas Twin Towers – soaring steel and glass, with panoramic views from the skybridge.
- KL Tower – the city sprawling beneath us in every direction.
- Batu Caves – climbing the vivid staircase to the golden Murugan statue was as much a cultural immersion as it was a workout.
Lunch was a homely Malaysian spread — rice, fresh fish curry, and spicy chicken. Evening back on board meant live shows, sports decks, and the tempting boutiques in the ship’s shopping promenade.
We stepped into George Town, a blend of colonial architecture, street art, and bustling heritage lanes. It was Diwali, and the Indian quarter buzzed with music, colors, and sweets.
From quirky stops like the Upside Down Museum to market strolls filled with aromas of spices and street food, Penang was as photogenic as it was flavorful. Evening back on the ship was for games, meeting fellow travelers, and a cultural performance that felt like a celebration of the journey so far.
By sunrise, we were anchored off Patong Beach. A tender boat ferried us ashore, where a private transfer took us to James Bond Island — a limestone wonder framed by emerald seas. Kayaking through sea caves and hidden lagoons felt cinematic.
Later, a visit to the Kathu Elephant Rescue Centre was both humbling and heartwarming. Patong offered its usual mix of tuk-tuks, beachside cafés, and souvenir markets before we returned to the ship. That night, dinner featured garlic-butter escargot, a 100-drone light show lit up the skies, and the captain’s address capped off the evening.
Disembarking in Singapore, we explored Merlion Park, the Singapore Flyer, and the lively streets of Chinatown. There’s a charm in wandering without a checklist — finding a quiet beer by the river, watching the city move at its own pace.
Our last day took us to Sentosa Island via sweeping cable car rides with panoramic harbor views. The S.E.A. Aquarium was an underwater world in itself, while Siloso Beach offered a final, relaxing pause. Lunch at Arbora Café was a fitting end — elevated both in location and mood.
Evening flights carried us home, bringing an end to a journey that balanced luxury, exploration, and family time in equal measure.
15 AUG 2025
