Republic of Singapore

2019 HAL World Cruise

Friday, March 22 and Saturday March 23, 2019

 

We always enjoy coming to Singapore.  The shopping is great.  There are lots of good restaurants.  And there is quite a bit to see and do.  (check in archives for the postings from March 14 & 15, 2018 and March 17, 2017.)

This year, we followed our usual routine.  Kinokuniya Bookstore in the Ngee Ann City Mall for books and magazines; lunch at the Brewerkz in Clarke Quay; a walk along the Sentosa Pedestrian Causeway; and more shopping (the Vivo Mall has been renovated to great advantage)!

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This year, we are docked at the Singapore Cruise Center located next to Vivo City Mall. For the past 2 years, HAL has docked at the Marina Bay Cruise Center while Harborfront and Vivo City underwent renovations.
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The harborfront is directly across from Sentosa Island, a Universal Studios theme park.
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After a morning of shopping, we chose to walk along the Singapore River and stop for lunch in Clarke Quay.
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We had discovered Brewerkz last year and liked the food, beer and atmosphere. So we were ready to return.
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Brewerkz seems to be growing. The old four-top tables are replaced with long tables that will seat 6-8 guests.
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Rog’s libation of the day was a Short Fuse, part of the Gunpowder Series DIPA.  The printed desription said it would be a full bodied DIPA with a juicy blast of citrus, mango and white grapefruit.  It is a light gold color with a fruity aroma.
Today, we shared a plate of nachos.  Extra cheese and jalapenos!  Yummy!!!
Today, we shared a plate of nachos. Extra cheese and jalapenos! Yummy!!!
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Our friendly waiter, Randy, and the indispensable bartender, Jerald.  You might have noticed,, that’s a double row of tap handles. The brewery puts out an extensive line of beers.
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Ahh, more beer being delivered from the brewery. The restaurant has now taken over all the space in this building.  They had to move the brewing operation to another facility.
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Clarke Quay is now a tourist area, but it was originally developed in the late 19th century.  Singapore was growing rapidly and many merchants required new sites for their shops and “godowns” (warehouses).
This is a well preserved "godown"  It was built in 1891 for
This is a well preserved “godown” It was built in 1891.
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The tour boats along the Singapore River are a popular attraction. For only S$25.00 you get a 40-minute tour through Clarke Quay, Boat Quay, Marina Bay and the Singapore River.
A view of Marina Bay Sands from Clarke Quay.
A view of Marina Bay Sands from Clarke Quay.
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This colorful building is the old Hill Street Police Station. Now it’s a Ministry Building housing several different departments. But when it was built in 1934, it was the site of Singapore’s first prison.
St. Andrews Cathedaral
St. Andrews Cathedral
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After a hard day of shopping and touring and eating and drinking, we returned to the ship to eat and drink some more! The MS Amsterdam hosted a “Champagne Under the Stars” event on the back deck at sunset.
The champagne was served with a large selection of hors'd oevres.
The champagne was served with a large selection of hors d’ oeuvres.
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Our Piano Bar star is Jimmy Maddox. He had a piano moved out to the back deck and played as the sun went down!!!
Champagne Under the Stars aboard the MS Amsterdam.
Champagne Under the Stars aboard the MS Amsterdam.
Sunset in Singapore
Sunset in Singapore
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Before departing Singapore Saturday afternoon, we went over to Vivo City Mall to check out the recent renovations.
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The renovations and remodel that took place over the last couple of years are impressive. A seedy little mall with tired shops has been transformed!
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From Vivo City, you can walk along a pedestrian causeway to Sentosa. It’s a nice walk if you can adjust to the heat of Singapore!
Walking along the Sentosa Causeway.
Walking along the Sentosa Causeway.
All too soon, it's time to head back to the ship for the afternoon sailaway.
All too soon, it’s time to head back to the ship for the afternoon sail away.

Now we are heading for Colombo, Sri Lanka.

One thought on “Republic of Singapore”

  1. Great Pics. Rog, you have got to stop showing me all these wonderful brews–makes me thirsty. Keep enjoying your adventure (and continue the “views of your exotic brews”) BP

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