We got to go on shore in Vietnam on Day 3 (Nha Trang) and Day 4 (Ho Chi Minh) of our 6D5N cruise on board Genting Dream Cruise (29092019 - 04092019). I was super excited as the last time I went Vietnam was more than 10 years ago. I will share more on our experience in Vietnam in subsequent post. For this post, I will focus more on the process on getting on shore and the activities in Day 4 once we were back from our shore excursion.
As mentioned in my previous post: Day 2 of our 6D5N cruise on board Genting Dream Cruise (29092019 - 04092019), you will need to collect a assembly ticket even if you wish to go on shore in a free and easy manner.
Our scheduled timing was 1030. After breakfast, we headed to the assembly area (Zodiac Theater, Deck 7 Fwd) at around 1000. Genting Dream really need to think of how to improve on this process. It was chaotic when we arrived. Firstly there were many whom did not know that you need an assembly ticket to get off the cruise even if you do not wish to join any tour. Secondly there were only 1 assembly point (For both paid excursion tours and free and easy tour) where the assembly period were buffered at 30 mins interval. As a result, those scheduled at a later timing were also forcing their way into the Zodiac Theater hoping to be able to get off earlier instead. My suggestion is to give up tickets with numbering system and open more assembly points (Maybe can use some of the restaurant space) to scatter the crowds. Genting Dream should also think of how to enhance their notification for important information like collection of assembly tickets. Maybe the complimentary restaurant staff can help to spread the message?
Another important thing to prepare beforehand when visiting Vietnam was the Landing Card. I was given the Landing Card while waiting at Marina Cruise Center. The staff only told me to keep until we reached Vietnam. It turns out that we need to fill in our particulars like Passport Number on the card to be stamp by the immigration staff while alighting from the cruise into Vietnam. I end up delaying the queue because I need to fill up the particulars on the spot. (* ̄m ̄)
Finally it is time to go Vietnam. Yohoo!!!
As the port in Nha Trang is not deep enough, we need to transfer in a smaller boat (similar to their life boats).
For free and easy in Nha Trang, we were given up to latest 1830 Singapore Time to board the cruise. I almost forgot to mention all timings on board follows the original port of departure which in our case is Singapore's time. So do not mistaken it as the Vietnam time (1 hour behind) and be left behind by the cruise.
Once on board we went for dinner at Dream Dining Room Upper for the chinese set meals again (My parents prefer chinese meal over western) and chill at Bar 360 listening to live performance by Dazzle Duo.
We arrived in Ho Chi Minh on Day 4 of cruise. The cruise docked at a port which is 1.5 hours ride away from the city center. As such, we signed up for the city transfer service to Ho Chi Minh which is a round trip coach ride to Ho Chi Minh city center.
Again another round of chaos at Zodiac Theater before we get to alight. This time round we can get on land directly from the cruise. Our coach is already waiting for us.
We were given 7 hours inclusive of travelling time on shore. We got back on the cruise around 6. I finally convinced my parents to try the western set meals tonight as they were serving smoked salmon and seabass but ends up we were too late as the dining hall is full and the queue number i got was for 2100 but we got a reserved show to watch at 2100. End up we went Lido for dinner.
After dinner, we went to catch SONIO - the tale of 2 dreams at the Zodiac Theater, Deck 7 FWD.
As the night is still young, we head over to the Zouk Beach Club, Deck 17 AFT for some Rock and Roll theme night party.
Follow my experience on Genting Dream Cruise in the following post:
- PaPaZhao out to Sea: Genting Dream Cruise 2019 Day 1A - PaPaZhao out to Sea: Genting Dream Cruise 2019 Day 1B - PaPaZhao out to Sea: Genting Dream Cruise 2019 Day 2 - PaPaZhao out to Sea: Genting Dream Cruise 2019 Day 5 and 6
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KelvinYo. I am from Singapore. I love to travel. Follow me as I share my experiences and tips for budget travelling as well as my hunt for Ho Kangs around Singapore. Archives
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