Offering surroundings that rival those of any five-star hotel, Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounge redefines the world standard in airport lounge experiences.

From the moment you enter, you are confronted with a stunning portrayal of Arabian heritage, a resort-like ambience, tantalizing à la carte and buffet dining, and our unparalleled hospitality.A showcase of modern flair and classic style, Al Mourjan Business Lounge is adorned with exclusive marbles, designer furniture and intricate embellishments. Hand-crafted accents evoke a timeless appeal. High ceilings and bronze walls, featuring traditional calligraphy, create an elegant Arabian ambience. Every detail has a story to tell.

Al Mourjan Business Lounge offers a variety of dining areas to suit your taste. Whether you are in the mood for a light snack or a gourmet meal, we can satisfy your palate. To further enchant your taste buds, we also offer an exemplary bar, serving some of the world’s finest beverages.

To help our guests stay refreshed, we have taken special care in the design of our shower and restroom facilities. Each shower is part of its own spacious area, with luxury amenities and fine linens. Spread over 10,000 square metres, Al Mourjan Business Lounge is around 10 times the size of an Olympic-size swimming pool. A rich variety of spaces have been designed around your needs.

You can enjoy a refreshing drink in our garden resort area, catch a quick nap in one of the quiet rooms, relax in one of the family rooms or simply kick back and enjoy a moment of tranquility. And if you need to unwind, a wide range of facilities await you, from private family areas with widescreen TVs, free WIFI, leather couches, to a games room that includes a Formula 1 simulator and a children’s nursery.

The CLOVE welcomes diners to an unforgettable gastronomic voyage right in the Swisshotel Stamford hotel. Explore some of the best global cuisines in this all-day dining buffet restaurant. Travel across continents, lands and seas through a tapestry of aromas weaved together by an exquisite offering of native and international delights; including a sumptuous seafood selection with exciting Live and Do-It-Yourself stations. The surrounds of an earthy wooden palette with refreshing greenery basking in natural light, is the ideal social ground for a community that enjoys food.

Gardens by the Bay is right next door so I will visit the Christmas market there with light show.

Your evening tour starts in Suntec City, where you’ll hop aboard the open-top double decker bus. With your guide, you will be driving through the iconic Marina Bay and arriving at Chinatown. The first stop is the Singapore Food Street, a 60s-style food haven offering local cuisine where you’ll learn about the city’s culinary culture from your guide. Use the provided $5 voucher to purchase something to sample from the wide array of traditional dishes.

Then continue to your next stop, Gardens by the Bay. Stroll through the serene gardens and explore a little before the light and sound show starts at the Supertree Grove, an impressive set of vertical gardens that light up in a dazzling display. Your third stop is Bugis Village, Singapore’s biggest night street market, where you will sample fresh tropical fruit and shop for souvenirs. Don’t forget to bargain while taking in the bustling atmosphere.

Finally hop back onto the bus for a drive down Orchard Road, Singapore’s prime shopping belt. Enroute to Orchard, you have the option to alight and end your tour at Clarke Quay, a busy dining and entertainment district home to restaurants, bars and clubs. Say goodbye to your guide here to spend the rest of the night out on your own, or continue with your scenic drive down Orchard before ending the tour at Suntec City!

This morning I will rise and shine early and head on over to the Singapore Zoo's Ah Meng Restaurant, a cozy and casual lodge-style eatery that's perfectly set within the jungle-like setting of the zoo in order to have breakfast with the orangutans.

The rest of the morning will be visiting the incredible Singapore Zoo!

The Singapore Zoo, occupies 28 hectares on the margins of Upper Seletar Reservoir within Singapore's heavily forested central catchment area. This is consider the best zoo in the world working heavily on conservation..

Opened in 1971, Jurong Bird Park is Asia’s largest bird park, offering a 20.2-hectare hillside haven for close to 3,500 birds across 400 species, of which 20 per cent are threatened. The bird park is famed for its large and immersive walk-in aviaries such as Lory Loft, Jungle Jewels and the recently revamped Waterfall Aviary. Other unique exhibits include Penguin Coast and Pelican Cove. Jurong Bird Park sees approximately 850,000 visitors annually.

Committed towards conservation, the bird park is the first in the world to breed the Malayan black hornbill (1995) and the twelve-wired bird of paradise (2001) in captivity for which it received the Breeders’ Award from the American Pheasant and Waterfowl Society. Jurong Bird Park is part of Wildlife Reserves Singapore and is the only park in the Asia Pacific to have an Avian Hospital.

The Esplanade is one of the busiest arts centres in the world with about 3,000 performances yearly. Presenting the best in the performing arts, this world-class venue has hosted a diverse range of dance, music and theatre performances, in addition to captivating visual arts exhibitions and more.

Swan Lake

The most loved and mesmerizing of classical ballets, "Swan Lake" was Tchaikovsky's first. It was composed in 1875 and over 100 years later it remains a favorite with ballet companies regularly performing it throughout the world.

"Swan Lake" is a timeless love story that mixes magic, tragedy, and romance into four acts. It features Prince Siegfried and a lovely swan princess named Odette. Under the spell of a sorcerer, Odette spends her days as a swan swimming on a lake of tears and her nights in her beautiful human form.

The couple quickly falls in love. As in most fairy tales, things are not that easy and the sorcerer has more tricks to play. That brings Odile, his daughter, into the picture. Confusion, forgiveness, and a happy ending with Siegfried and Odette together forever round off the ballet.

Since I will be onboard for quite some time I decided to spoil myself and splurge on a Mini-Suite. This category has plenty of space, a king bed, two televisions, living-room, fridge, walk-in closet, a balcony and a bathtub which I always prefer to a shower.

Your journey begins as you board your motorcoach for an all day tour to some of Kuala Lumpur's most fascinating and colorful sights. You'll pass by industrials and commercial developments, small townships and the impressive expressway developments before arriving to your first destination - the KL Tower. Rising over 1,381 feet the telecommunications and broadcasting tower also houses shops, restaurants, an open-air amphitheater, and a mini-theater that shows a documentary on the tower's construction. A walk ride up to the observation deck rewards you with stunning views of the city.

Next, is a visit to the National Museum. The museum is a palatial structure built in the style of Rumah Gadang, an aspect of Minangkabau architecture. Its facade comprises elements of traditional Malay and modern features. The various galleries, exhibits and displays inside reflect the country's rich history, culture and traditions from the Stone Age to its colonial days under British rule to Malaysia's eventual independence. An impressive collection of royal headgear of Malay rulers, and a recreation of a Malay home furnished with exquisite antiques are just two of the many exhibits on display.

Throughout the day, you'll have the opportunity for plenty of photo stops including the National Mosque, built in 1965 in honor of Malaysia gaining independence from Great Britain without any bloodshed in 1957, the key feature is the 73-metre-high minaret and a 16-pointed star concrete main roof. You'll also visit Merdeka Square. Also known as Independence Square, this historical area is home to the Royal Selangor Club and site of the August 31, 1957 proclamation declaring Malaysia's independence from Britain), the Railway Station, a superb example of Moorish-inspired colonial architecture built in the early 20th century and the National Monument commemorating Malaysia's heroes of World War II.

A buffet lunch at a local, leading hotel in Kuala Lumpur is next. Later, you'll re-board your motorcoach and head for the Karyaneka Handicraft Center to shop for pewter, crystal, glass, textiles and more or watch a batik painting demonstration. Your tour concludes with a ride through the same scenic route back to your ship.

This stunning day trip is the perfect way to experience the best of this beautiful city - your camera will be working over-time! The day starts when you meet your guide and driver at the port, before heading to the Kek Lok Si temple, which overlooks George Town.

Driving through George Town's historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will view the many charming 19th century shop houses, before later continuing along the island's northern tip passing the beautiful beaches of Batu Feringgi.

Your first stop of the day, however, is Kek Lok Si, the magnificent Temple of Paradise, also known as the Temple of Supreme Bliss. It is the largest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia and sits halfway up Penang Hill, offering wonderful views of George Town and a cooler temperature than the tropical heat of the city.

Dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy, the seven-story pagoda reflects a colorful mix of Thai, Chinese and Burmese architectural influences. A well-known retreat for Taoist practitioners, construction of the temple began in 1893,but it was only in 1930 that the temple was finally completed.

After leaving the temple, you will then have the opportunity to view the wonderful Baba Nyonya Mansion, also known as the Chung Keng Kooi Mansion. Formally a private home, it belonged to a Chinese Kapitan, who was the head of the Hai San secret society. The house has been carefully restored, and you will gaze in wonder at the stunning antique furniture and intricate, ornamental woodwork.

After touring the house, you then visit the amazing Reclining Buddha Temple, a traditional Thai Buddhist temple which features the fourth-largest reclining Buddha in the world. This magnificent, gold-covered statue is over one hundred feet long - and is truly an amazing sight to behold.

Your spectacular day continues with a tour around Penang's butterfly farm, and a walk through their aviary, which is home to more than 100 species of live butterflies. Your guide will point out the wildlife that lives here, which includes giant water dragons and scorpions, as you wander through the landscaped gardens which boasts waterfalls, ponds, wooden bridges, and a rock tunnel.

A visit to a Batik factory rounds off the day, and here you will enjoy a delightful demonstration of this traditional art of printing fabric using dyes and wax. There will also be an opportunity for you to buy Batik fabrics and goods before you leave.

A delicious lunch will be served at a leading hotel restaurant before heading back to port, you will also enjoy scenic drive along Batu Feringgi, one of Asia's most beautiful beaches, and Fort Cornwallis, a star-shaped fortress which dates back to 1810, and was built to provide protection from local pirates.

My tour begins in a private car for a scenic, 45-minute drive to Cape Promthep, a windswept promontory that juts into the Andaman Sea at the southernmost tip of Phuket. Upon arriving, we'll take in stunning views of Phuket, its forested hills, rubber plantations and resort hotels, its surrounding islands and the Andaman Sea.

Next, we'll drive to Wat Chalong Temple, the largest and most respected of the island's temples. The architecture is typical of wats (monasteries) found throughout Thailand. Wat Chalong is associated with the revered monks, Luang Po Chaem and Luang Po Chuang, both famous for their work in herbal medicine and tending to the injured

We will also make a stop at the Big Buddha. Big Buddha Phuket is a 45-meter-tall white marble statue visible from anywhere in the southern part of Phuket. It is probably at the top of everyone’s ‘Must-Do in Phuket‘, and for a good reason. The views from up there are breathtaking. The statue is built with people’s donation and is still under construction. 

Next it's on to see the Crocodile show at Porosus Exotic Park. I love seeing animals on my trips and am looking forward to this visit. 

We'll enjoy a Thai lunch before departing for Phuket Town's local shopping mall store Ocean Time to browse for crafts, Thai cotton and silk, semi-precious stones, pearls and souvenirs.
 

"TIGER KINGDOM"

I love sea days and today I can relax, sleep in and have breakfast on my balcony. I will have the chance of using the pools and hot-tubs and partake in the various activities around the ship. 

I love sea days and today I can relax, sleep in and have breakfast on my balcony. I will spend some time at The Sanctuary which is an exclusive area for adults-only on the top deck with private pools, massage area and butler service for snacks. 

A scenic land of active volcanoes, dense jungle, stunning beaches, and a rich, ancient culture, Bali is an island of tranquility in the often-tumultuous Indonesian archipelago. Bali's peaceful way of life -- one marked by colorful ritual and genuine hospitality -- has drawn tourists, artists, and escapists for generations. 

Visitors are sure to find Balinese eager to sit for a chat and share a laugh. The Balinese always welcomed visitors warmly, a sense of hospitality that has even increased of late. A visit to Bali is, as always, replete with kingly comforts, beautiful resorts, fine dining, and immersion in an ancient culture amid an island dreamscape.

Your adventure begins at the conclusion of your welcoming ceremony. After boarding your motorcoach you'll drive through the emerald green hills and into central Bali. Your first stop is Sangeh Monkey Forest, a 34-acre sanctuary for hundreds of monkeys. Monkeys are believed to be sacred in Bali and have unlimited rein so be careful, although tame, they're not shy and won't hesitate to approach you. Vying for your attention are the aromatic nutmeg trees that can reach as high as 131 feet. Inside a grove of trees sits the 400-year-old Pura Bukit Sari Sangeh Temple.

Next on your itinerary you'll see Lake Bratan. Located almost 4,000 feet above sea level, this sparkling lake sits in the crater of Mt. Catur. Perched on the shore of the lake is a temple so famous it's featured on the country's 50,000 IDR note. Since its completion in 1663, Ulun Danu Temple has been the site of festivals honoring Dewi Danu, the Balinese water, lake and river goddess.

Then, you'll make a photo stop at a viewing area where you can look out over the "twin lakes," Buyan Lake, the smallest lake in Bali, and Tamblingan Lake.

Continuing on, you'll head over to the highland village of Bedugul for lunch. Tucked along the mountain slopes you'll see a number of 100-year-old Dutch houses that have survived since the days Munduk was used as a mountain retreat.

It may be hard to leave your surroundings, but after lunch you'll visit the colorful Pasar Candi Kuning market. In addition to fresh fruits and vegetables, you can also purchase handicrafts, paintings, and fabrics.

Your final destination is the village of Tohpati, famous for its fine batik. During your visit you'll watch how the fabric is dyed, the pattern is outlined with charcoal or graphite and then you can see how wax is applied, tracing the outline. The final step is dyeing the fabric again. After observing the batik process you can try your hand at painting traditional batik designs. Later, you're invited to browse for souvenirs, gifts and fine Balinese crafts.

When your exciting highland exploration comes to an end, you'll return to your motorcoach, perhaps laden with crafts from the market or Tohpati, for the relaxing ride back to your ship.

I love sea days and today I can relax, sleep in and have breakfast on my balcony. I will have the chance of using the pools and hot-tubs and partake in the various activities around the ship. 

I love sea days and today I can relax, sleep in and have breakfast on my balcony. I will spend some time at The Sanctuary which is an exclusive area for adults-only on the top deck with private pools, massage area and butler service for snacks. 

Since I visited Singapore at the start of my journey today I will spend time at Universal Studios.
Universal Studios Singapore is a theme park located within Resorts World Sentosa on Sentosa Island, Singapore. It features 28 rides, shows, and attractions in seven themed zones. 

                                      Here are a few of the attractions I want to visit:

TRANSFORMERS The Ride:
 

The Ultimate 3D Battle
Join OPTIMUS PRIME and the AUTOBOTS as you become a freedom fighter in the ultimate 3D battle against the forces of evil.

Welcome to Vietnam's ocean city! The capital of Khanh Hoa Province, Nha Trang sees a heavy local and international tourist influx.  Nha Trang is a good place for diving to soft coral sites brimming with reef fish.The surf is good for frolicking along the vast crescent-shaped beach in Nha Trang's central city, and the bright-blue vista is dotted by more than 20 surrounding islands.
 

Board your motorcoach at the pier and begin your half-day excursion with a scenic drive to your first stop. Arriving at the Xom Bong Bridge, you'll disembark for the opportunity to view and photograph a charming fishing village and its colorful boats.

Continuing to the historic Ponagar Cham Tower, you'll stand in awe before the best preserved relic of the thousand-year-long Champa dynasty. A commanding presence overlooking the Cai River, the complex boasts four intricately carved towers set amidst lush tropical gardens. Each of the towers reveals a different architectural style indicating that they were built over an extended period of time between the seventh and 12th centuries A.D.

The central tower in the complex is dedicated to Cri Cambhu, and is thought to bless devotees with fertility. The northwest tower honors Sandhaka, a wood cutter and foster father to Ponagar, and the south tower is dedicated to Ganeca, Ponagar's daughter.

To this day Cham, ethnic Chinese and Vietnamese Buddhists come to Ponagar to pray and make offerings, according to their respective traditions. This site has a continuing religious significance, so be sure to remove your shoes before entering.

Leaving the Cham Tower, your excursion continues to the Hon Chong Promontory, a small, rocky peninsula that juts out into the South China Sea and offers fine views of the bay, the coast and the offshore islands.

At Long Son Pagoda, dragon-shaped balustrades flank the entrance and lead the way into an imposing sanctuary decorated with murals and images of the Buddha. Behind the pagoda sits an enormous white Buddha built in 1965. The Buddha commemorates those monks who protested the abuses of the Diem regime by setting themselves aflame.

A visit to a silk embroidery workshop provides a fascinating glimpse into the ancient Vietnamese art of picture embroidery. Marvel as skilled artisans illustrate a dazzling array of subjects ranging from mythology to scenes of everyday life. Then enjoy a stop at a local center where you can enjoy refreshments, browse for souvenirs and applaud a cultural performance.

Returning to Nha Trang, you'll drive through the downtown district, enjoying views of the cathedral, the small shops, and the few remaining French colonial-era buildings.
 

Years of war and a difficult reunification took their toll on Ho Chi Minh City. The bustling, French colonial city was on the skids for years. But in the 1990s, the city Westerners once knew as Saigon gradually returned to life. Ho Chi Minh's central district is still called Saigon, and the war is recalled in the War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace. But visitors will also find intriguing attractions like Ben Tanh Market, sandy beaches and mouth-watering food stalls. Ho Chi Minh is a city worth exploring.

Your excursion begins at the pier where you'll board your air-conditioned motorcoach for the approximately one and half hour drive to Ho Chi Minh City. The route follows the Saigon River to Ho Chi Minh City, passing through a landscape of small villages, rice paddy fields, and oil and rubber trees.

Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, you'll visit the National History Museum of Vietnam. Their collection traces the cultural history of Vietnam with exhibits that feature stone and bronze artifacts, Champa art, ceramics and traditional costumes. At the National Museum Theater, traditional Vietnamese water puppet shows are performed. Enjoy watching a performance of this national art form.

You'll drive past the Botanical and Zoological Gardens, City Hall, Ho Chi Minh Park and the site of the U.S. miltary's weekly updates at the Rex Hotel, home of the infamous "Friday Night Follies." You'll stop for photo opportunities at Notre Dame Cathedral, the French Colonial Post Office and an photo stop at the Reunification Hall.
You'll stop at Minh Phuong Lacquer Factory. See the art of lacquerware-making, one of Vietnam's most popular exports. Take in a brief demonstration of the lacquering process and see a variety of lacquerware pieces, ranging from small boxes to large pieces of furniture.
 
Drive to Ben Thanh Market, also called SAIGON market.

Next, you'll head to a deluxe hotel restaurant in downtown Ho Chi Minh City for a lunch buffet where both western and Vietnamese entrees will be available. Enjoy traditional Vietnamese entertainment.
 
Afterwards, explore the many shops on Dong Khoi Street , formerly Rue Catinat of Author Graham Green's Viet Nam. Dong Khoi street is still a fascinating place. Explore the many shops selling porcelain figurines, cinnamom boxes and other souvenirs. Enjoy your time on your own to shop before driving back to the pier.
 

I love sea days and today I can relax, sleep in and have breakfast on my balcony. I will have the chance of using the pools and hot-tubs and partake in the various activities around the ship. 

Your excursion begins at the pier where you'll board your air-conditioned motorcoach for the drive to your first stop, the village school. En route, pass Victory Hill and Independence Square. Stop for a photo opportunity at the War Memorial, commemorating Cambodia's war dead.

Upon arrival at the school, you'll meet the children and observe the activities in the kindergarten where they spend their day while the parents work the fields. It's a delightful experience. (You may want to bring some small gifts to share with the children.)

Next, ascend Mt. Sihanouk to Wat Leu or the "upper temple." Situated on the mountaintop, Wat Leu offers panoramic views of the port, town and sea. Don't miss scenes from the life of Buddha inside the temple.

Afterwards, travel to beautiful Sihanoukville Beach Resort, Sihanoukville's most popular beach resort for approximately three hours of beach time. Swim or simply relax on the fine white sands of its private beach.

Enjoy a private BBQ lunch on the beach before re-boarding your motorcoach for the return route to the port and your cruise ship stopping at the market on the way.
 

With its intense humidity, hedonistic nightclubs, and hurly-burly taxiing of tuk-tuks, Bangkok is an exhilarating attack on the senses. Sukhomvit's malls and gleaming skyscrapers are just a veneer of modernity for a city firmly rooted in ancient Buddhist beliefs and traditions. Watch saffron-robed monks on their morning alms rounds, clouds of incense rising above the Grand Palace's golden spires, and long-tail boats gliding along the Chao Phraya River at dusk to discover Bangkok's underlying sense of calm and the spirit of old Siam.

This enchanting city on the Chao Phraya River is a magical place where graceful dancers perform in shimmering silk gowns, temples with gold-leaf spires harbor priceless Buddhas and riverboats cruise a maze of canals. The only nation in Southeast Asia to escape colonial rule, Thailand offers a rich and ancient culture that flowered unhindered by Western influence. Proud and strongly nationalistic, the Thai people call their nation Muang Thai - "Land of the Free."

Founded in 1782 by King Rama I, Bangkok is home to more than eight million people. The capital's proper name is Krung Thep - the "City of Angels."
 

Board your motorcoach at the pier and enjoy a scenic drive to Bangkok.

I will take a "Hop-On-Hop-Off" tour of the city. I will visit the following:

Wat Trimitr, the Temple of the Golden Buddha, houses one of the world's largest statues of the Buddha, carved from solid gold in the Sukothai style. In the 18th century, the Buddha was covered in plaster to protect it from invading armies. It was then "rediscovered" in 1957 when the statue was being moved by a crane. The plaster-covered Buddha slipped and landed in the mud, only to be found by a workman. Through a small crack in the plaster, he saw a sliver of gold and the magnificent work of art was revealed.

Continue by a drive past Chinatown and the colorful flower market en route to the grounds of Bangkok's Grand Palace, where you will discover Wat Phra Kaeo, also known as the Royal Chapel of the Emerald Buddha. This is one of Buddhism's most magnificent monasteries and one of the most celebrated sites in all Thailand. At the heart of the monastery is a Buddha carved from a single piece of emerald-green jasper, perched atop a gilded pedestal. The Emerald Buddha wears a costume that is changed throughout the year to reflect the seasons. In the summer months it wears a crown and jewelry, in the winter it is wrapped in a gold shawl, and in the rainy months it can be seen in a headdress and gilt robe. The Thai king, in a ritual ceremony that ushers in the new season and celebrates good fortune, is given the honor of changing the Buddha's costumes.

A walking tour of the Grand Palace takes you through its ornate and elaborate courtyards. The city's most spectacular landmark, the palace complex, once the residence of the Kings of Thailand, is now reserved for royal ceremonies and state occasions. Beautifully situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, the palace's major buildings, although designed in the European style, are crowned with glittering spires richly decorated with gilt and colored-glass mosaics.

After your palace tour, walk a short distance to the Chao Phraya River to board your riverboat for a scenic cruise.

Bangkok has long been hailed as the "Venice of the East." You'll float down the canals of the city's Thonburi district and possibly cruise past Wat Arun, known as the Temple of the Dawn, which once served as the Royal Chapel. The riverboat could also take in Phra Prang, a 260-foot high pagoda decorated with ceramic tiles and fragments of multi-colored porcelain. Numerous photo opportunities abound.

Once docked, a short walk brings you to a local restaurant where you are treated to a buffet lunch of international dishes and Thai favorites.

Refreshed, enjoy free time to shop for souvenirs at a nearby reputable shop.

A relaxing motorcoach drive back to port completes your day.

Your half-day excursion begins at Nathorn Pier where you'll board your air-conditioned motorcoach for a scenic drive to Temple of the Big Buddha. En route, you'll see a lush landscape of rubber tree orchards and coconut plantations, dotted with small villages.

Temple of the Big Buddha is located on the small, rocky Fan Island. This "wat" or temple has become a major meditation center for both local residents and foreign visitors. Erected in 1972, the temple's centerpiece is a massive seated Buddha that stands 39-feet high. Browse the vendor stalls for souvenirs and local crafts. 

Continue on to Island Safari Cultural Theme Park or Funny Days Safari or Na Muang Island Safari Camp. You'll mount elephants and ride the mammoth beasts, caravan style, on an approximately 30-minute trek over the lush plantation. Enjoy an amazing performance that features the plantation's furriest and biggest workers: the monkeys who climb the palms and pick the coconuts, and the elephants that carry the workload. After the show, you'll re-board the motorcoach for your return route back to the port and your cruise ship.

Today is Christmas and we are at sea so it will be a relaxing day.....tonight there will be a special dinner and celebrations all over the ship...... should be exciting!
 

I will book myself a spot at The Sanctuary today and get pampered. A unique oasis of tranquility on Princess vessels, The Sanctuary offers guests the perfect place to take a break and indulge in a private getaway. The exclusive adults-only retreat offers a relaxing alternative to the myriad outdoor activities and entertainment available elsewhere throughout the vessel. Solitude seekers can escape completely to this plush, outdoor spa-inspired setting with signature beverages, light meals, massages, attentive service and relaxing personal entertainment.

“Serenity Stewards” Attend To Every Need

The presence of Serenity Stewards in The Sanctuary underscores the atmosphere of tranquility and service, offering a respite for relaxation. These stewards are on hand to provide guests with everything from a chilled face towel and Evian water atomizers, to a menu of healthy beverages and fare. Serenity Stewards also have personal MP3 players with noise canceling headphones available for rent, loaded with themed playlists focused on relaxation for those who want to escape with music.

This morning I will experience something really special only seen this year in Southeast Asia, the Annular Solar Eclipse! The ship will be in the best position to see this for three hours.

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun, thereby totally or partly obscuring the Sun for a viewer on Earth. An annular solar eclipse occurs when the Moon's apparent diameter is smaller than the Sun's, blocking most of the Sun's light and causing the Sun to look like an annulus (ring). An annular eclipse appears as a partial eclipse over a region of the Earth thousands of kilometres wide.

From a lawless huddle of kampongs in the trackless jungle, Kuala Lumpur, the capital city has grown into a fascinating metropolis. Steel and glass towers stand side by side with graceful stone colonial buildings and mosques adorned with slender minarets. The commercial, financial, economic and cultural heart of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, is a melting pot. Its population of 1.6 million is comprised of Malays, Chinese, Indians, and a mix of different cultures including Eurasians and others.

Kuala Lumpur is located at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak Rivers. The city was founded in the 1850s as a tin mining outpost. At the end of the day, I'll board the motorcoach at the predetermined time for a scenic ride back to the ship.
 

Since this is the second time we stop in this city I will simply go on my own to do some shopping as I will have done all the main sightseeing when we were here at the beginning of the cruise.

This excursion allows you to take in Kuala Lumpur at your own pace. The 90-minute motorcoach ride from the port travels past the industrials and commercial developments, small townships and the impressive expressway developments on to the Golden Triangle, Kuala Lumpur's central shopping and business district, and disembark near the Petronas Towers. The tallest twin towers in the world and built on the world's deepest foundation, these architectural wonders stand over 1,400 feet high. A connecting sky bridge rises 557 feet above street level and unites the towers at the 41st and 42nd levels - making it the tallest skybridge in the world. Although businesses occupy the towers, the ground floor features upscale retail stores, an art gallery, a theater, an aquarium and a science center.

Shopping, restaurants, skyscrapers, landmarks and other points of interest can be found along Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur's trendiest shopping and entertainment district. For lunch, stroll over to Bintang Walk, a wide pedestrian walkway that is filled with restaurants and open-air cafés, as well as specialty shops.
 

Hop onto a bumboat at Clarke Quay for a cruise along the Singapore River to see Singapore lit up at night, showcasing beautifully restored shop houses, modern skyscrapers of the financial district, colonial buildings and the iconic Merlion statue.             

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s record-breaking musical CATS comes to Singapore this December for a strictly limited season. 

CATS, one of the longest-running shows in West End and Broadway history, received its world premiere at the New London Theatre in 1981 where it played for 21 record-breaking years and almost 9,000 performances. 

Since its world premiere, CATS has been presented in over 30 countries, has been translated into 15 languages and has been seen by more than 81 million people worldwide.  Both the original London and Broadway cast recordings won Grammy Awards for Best Cast Album. 

Fascinating, thought provoking and more than a little bizarre, Qatar's capital Doha combines desert landscapes with a futuristic skyline and more money than anywhere else in the world. Its ever-growing cityscape of avant-garde architecture and flashy hotels prove it is determined to become a tourist hub to rival its neighbours in the Emirates.

While there is little of historical interest, its vast shopping malls and glittering architecture mean there's no shortage of things to keep visitors occupied. At first the vast shopping malls and glittering skyline may seem to have more in common with Dubai than its more conservative Arabian neighbours. However, Qatar also has much in common with the country on its southern border, Saudi Arabia.

While much of Doha is sparklingly new, some quarters still reference the Arabia of old, including Souq Waqif, where Qataris come to shop and eat just as they have done for the last 150 years. Locals visit the Falconry souk nearby to buy birds for their favourite sport, while the Gold Souk remains the destination of choice for couples about to tie the knot. This is the area to really get a feel for multicultural, multi-dimensional Doha – at once contemporary and conservative.
 

         Transfer to the Souk Waqif Boutique Hotels
 

As in other countries I will take a "Hop-On-Hop-Off" tour of the city. This tour goes to all the main sights of the city and includes a night tour as well.

The Pearl-Qatar is an iconic mixed-use urban development project distributed across world-class architecturally distinct precincts. The island sits on 4,000,000 sqm of reclaimed land, along 32 km of seafront off the coast of Doha’s West Bay and can accommodate 50,000 residents.

The Island offers a variety of luxury apartments, villas, penthouses, townhouses, diverse leisure and entertainment facilities, awards-winning marina and beautiful serene beaches, as well as a selection of world-class restaurants and shopping outlets.