Star Cruise Penang-Krabi-Phuket: Day 2

The cruise reached Krabi the next morning and we had a hearty breakfast before heading out for our first shore excursion of the trip.

As the ship could not get close to the shoreline, smaller boats were used to shuttle the patrons to and fro the ship and the jetty.

When we touched dry land, we took the time to soak in the view and the atmosphere of the jetty.

Then a little incident occurred that was the only sour part of the entire trip. We were taken for a ride by a local tour operator and I don’t mean literally. He advised us to visit Krabi Town which is about 30 minutes from the jetty by Tut-Tut bike when in fact the “happening” place was Ao Nang Beach which was just a mere 3 km away. I guess everyone has got to make a living one way or the other.

In between the bargaining and the decision making, Edwin found something to do to keep himself occupied. Bro, just don’t hurt yourself, ok?...

Anyway, we took the operator’s advice and off we went to Krabi Town in two separate Tut Tut bikes and that itself was quite an experience.

Luckily, Krabi Town was not all that bad and this rustic town does have its charms.

Gradually, the colours and culture of the town grew on us and it turned out to be a good outing.

And girls will be girls…

All the shopping certainly built up an appetite and a lunch break at the local eatery was inevitable.

From Krabi Town, we were then taken to Ao Nang Beach. It was only then did we realize our “mistake”. It was a lesson learned well and it always pays to do your research before visiting a new place. With only a couple of hours before we need to get back to the ship, we made the best of the time we had left.

This coastal stretch was certainly much more interesting and exciting than Krabi Town and we are glad that we did manage to spend some quality time here.

Back at the ship, we had to get ourselves ready because tonight is the Gala Dinner.

Everyone got into their best attire and behaviour for this slightly formal event.

I’d rather be swimming!

Star Cruise Penang-Krabi-Phuket: Day 1

This cruise would be a first for most of us and our anticipation of the trip ahead reached a climax when we gradually made our way from the check-in counter to this huge vessel of entertainment and leisure – Star Cruise Libra.

The cabins were quite pleasant and comfortable. It did not take long for us to adjust to our accommodations for the next few days.

The bathrooms were slightly small but then, they serve their purpose and that is all that matters.

The housekeeping team certainly knows how to make you feel welcome…

As the ship finally departs from the Penang shoreline, we tried our best to sit through the entire safety drill briefing but the temptation to explore was just a little too strong.

We conducted our very own tour of the ship starting from the inside the main reception area…

To the top deck…

One thing about going for a cruise of this nature is that you will never go hungry. Four complete meals are provided each day and our very first was a hi-tea in the high seas.

The pool deck was very inviting and it did take long for the whole team to gather and relax there.

There was even a Welcome Show performed at the poolside and everyone just join in the fun.

After the show, we had a BBQ dinner by the poolside as well. This is the life…

I really admire the persistence of the cruise staff as they will take every given opportunity to try to sell you coupons and tickets for shows, drinks and jackpot lottery.

Cruising into the sunset for real…

As night falls, there will be shows in the lounge area to keep the patrons entertained and thrilled.

Just before we called it the day, we chilled out at the top deck while listening to the soothing sounds of the sea and watch the stars lit up the night sky.

Cruising into the sunset

Come this Sunday the whole team will going for a maritime adventure - a 4D3N sea cruise to Phuket and Krabi. It is a much welcome break after all the long hours and hard work that everyone has put in for the past few weeks.

Thanks, Boss!

A really long day

It is now past 3am. We are just about to wrap things up for the day - finally. God, I'm truly looking forward to a shower and my bed...

It's Karaoke Night!

The team had themselves some fun and released some of the accumulated stress and pressure of work at one of the latest karaoke centers in Penang.

However, 2 members were absent from this outing. Jerry had a prior appointment and Michael was on medical leave. Looks like the work load got the better of him. Anyway, the karaoke package included a buffet dinner. Everyone dug in as we needed to re-vitalize ourselves after another tiring day at work and before the karaoke session commences.

Megan certainly had a great time belting out some of her favourite songs...

Although initially most of the us were a little reserved about singing in front of our fellow colleagues but gradually the mood set in and vocal cords started to expand. Edwin, you ought to know better than to do a prank on the person who prepares your salary each month.
The lovely ladies of MN...

And the dashing dudes...By the way, the dude in the center is Chin Wei - the latest trainee graphic designer to join us. He will have first-hand experience of life in an advertising agency for 3 months. If he survives his training here, I guess he will be to survive anywhere else.

Alex also dropped in to show off his talent. Being a "rock star", I guess singing in front of others is second nature to him.