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In 2022, after the world opened up again, my friend and I went on a three-night cruise from Singapore to Penang and back. Penang is a Malaysian island famous for its colorful street food and colonial architecture, with some buildings recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Since we were on a cruise, we only had an afternoon to see Penang. We chose a cruise line walking tour around Georgetown, the capital. I really enjoyed it because I love history, art, and architecture.

Our first stop was the Peranakan Mansion. It used to be called Hai Kee Chan, which means Sea Remembrance Hall, named by Chung Keng Quee, who was the Kapitan China of Perak and one of the wealthiest men in Penang in the late 1800s. The mansion blends European and Asian styles and holds over a thousand antiques, including furniture with gold and mother of pearl inlays. I loved it! If you have mobility issues like I do, you might not be able to go upstairs, especially when it’s crowded. It helps to have someone with you who can take photos.

Our second stop was at a Hindu temple for a great photo opportunity.  It is called Sri Mahamariamman Temple in the Little India of Penang.  It is the oldest standing temple in Penang, built in 1833 and features statues of gods and goddesses over the main entrance.  Our tour didn’t have time to go inside, though we  were  able to take photos of the pretty facade.

The third stop on our tour was at Chew Jetty.  This is an overwater site with souvenir shops and food vendors.   It was great to see, but caution is needed while walking, as many of the planks are in disrepair.  I always buy a small trinket to commemorate my visits, and this time I purchased a set of six foam coasters with pictures of well-known sites in Penang.  The shop fronts were small, and it looked like people lived in the back.  I certainly found it very different to how we live in Australia.

Our final stop on our Georgetown walking tour was at what Asian people call  a hawker centre.  These are essentially outdoor food courts.  The name, hawker comes from vendors who used to sell their food from mobile carts on the streets.  This particular hawker centre was quite large with many different cuisines on offer.  Unfortunately, there were no gluten-free options available.   My friend thoroughly enjoyed the dish she had chosen.  We both enjoyed our tour, but if I got another chance to visit, I would choose a different activity to give me a broader look at what Penang has to offer.  I later heard that the market on the other side of the island was excellent.  Since I hadn’t eaten at the hawker centre, I opted for the buffet but found it in its closing stages.  This meant I had to have a pizza.  Royal Caribbean offers gluten-free bases, which are quite nice, but this time I had a bit of trouble ordering due to the fact that gluten-free isn’t as well-known in Asia as in other areas of the world. 

Our three-night cruise was with Royal Caribbean aboard Spectrum of the Seas.  This is a Quantum-class ship carrying over four thousand people at full occupancy and with over two thousand crew members who are there to help make our cruising experience more wonderful than you might first imagine.  Quantum class ships have some unique features not seen on any other ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet.  These features include the North Star, which is an observation capsule on a ninety metre arm that rises into the air, giving fantastic views of the top decks of the ship and swings out to the side over the water.  Eight-minute rides are free when in port, though they cost of $20.00 when out at sea.  They also offer extended rides for sixteen minutes for a further cost.  Another unique feature offered on Quantum-class ships is the Ripcord by IFly.  This is a skydiving simulator allowing people to get an understanding of what it would be like to skydive from an aeroplane.  To do this experience, people must wear covered shoes, watch a safety video, wear the provided jumpsuits and sign a waiver.  People get two minutes in the simulator, and you have an instructor with you at all times.  When I did this, there was no charge, but that may have changed in more recent years.  Lastly, Quantum class ships feature an entertainment venue at the back of the ships called 270.  This venue has 270° views of the water and the wake.  It also features six robotic panels that integrate with the performance being held in the venue.  The show on Spectrum of the Seas is called “Silk.”  It tells the story of Marco Polo’s trip through the Golden Triangle.  It is an excellent show.  The venue also offers other entertainment.  Just outside the venue is the 270 cafe.  This is where people can get light bites, including sandwiches, soup and a salad station, which you can customise to your taste.  I think it is a great solution to overcrowding in the Windjammer Marketplace, the onboard buffet.

Other great features on Royal Caribbean are the Schooner Bar, which is a piano bar with a nightly musician who is always great.  I have also played trivia in this bar.  I love playing trivia, and most times it will be held in the Music Hall.  The Music Hall is a two-venue.  Both levels have bars, the top level also has pool tables, and the bottom level has a stage for bands to play and a large dance floor.  All of Royal Caribbean's ships have a sports court, though Quantum class has it indoors, where you can play any number of ball sports, laser tag and even dogem cars.  There is even a hot dog stand if you get hungry.  There is a mezzanine level with pool tables, air hockey and an Xbox room.  Royal Caribbean is a family-friendly cruise line, and they cater to everyone, even the kids.  Out on the pool deck, you will find Splashaway Bay pool with interactive parts to keep the kids entertained.  They also have kids' clubs from six months old to seventeen.  There are separate rooms catering to different age groups.  On the larger ships like the Quantum class, there are a number of pools to enjoy, but they also have a solarium for adults over eighteen.  There is also a solarium cafe which operates as a buffet for breakfast and lunch, though at night it becomes a restaurant where you need a booking.

For people who still wish to  keep fit, there is a great gym offering different machines as well as classes.  They even do aqua aerobics in the outdoor pool every morning.  Also for people who wish to treat themselves, there is a spa offering all manner of activities, including massages, a hair salon, a thermal spa, weight loss treatments, nail treatments and acupuncture.  For those who wish to keep it low-key, there is a jogging/walking track on an upper deck.

Cruising is known for its food, drinks and shopping.  You will always find free dining options, including a buffet, casual eats and main dining rooms. You will also find some specialty dining options for an extra fee.  My friend was interested in trying the Italian restaurant by Jamie Oliver.  We had lunch, which is obviously cheaper than dinner, and our meal was amazing.  Other options on offer are Chops Grill, serving steaks,  Wonderland, serving an experimental menu and a casual option on the pool deck, which is Asian themed on Spectrum of the Seas.  For people staying in a full suite from Grand Suite and above, there is Coastal Kitchen.  This is an elevated experience from the main dining room.  People staying in a Junior Suite can eat dinner in Coastal Kitchen, depending on availability.  Lastly, for people who wish to drink alcohol, specialty coffee/tea, mocktails and juices, there are numerous bars.  People can purchase drinks as they go or buy a package.  Packages on Royal Caribbean depend on your drink preference.  The price for packages depends on the itinerary, the length of the cruise and the exchange rate.  You can pre-buy the package in Australian Dollars on your cruise planner, but once on board, all purchases are in US Dollars.  A special feature of Quantum Class ships is the Bionic Bar.  This bar is serviced by two robotic arms.  People can order on an iPad, and the arms will make your drink.  People always gather around just to watch them and take photos and videos.  Not everyone who loves to cruise loves to drink or has a difficult relationship with alcohol.  On every Royal Caribbean cruise, there is a self-led meeting called “Friends of Bill W” for those who wish to have support while cruising.

Spectrum of the Seas is an amazing ship, and Penang was also wonderful to visit.  The walking tour we took was very easy for everyone, even for those who have mobility issues.  I would love to hear if you have visited Penang and what your thoughts were.