We were woken for breakfast shortly before 8.00 am. We were given several knocks on the door which indicated that there was only one sitting for breakfast & we should go NOW! Those of us that were slow off the mark to have a shower had to settle for a cold shower or just a wash after breakfast as the hot water had run out by then.
We found out that our ship was called the "Blue Whale". Our River Guide and official english speaking person on the boat was named "Tony". He gave the instructions and the running commentary on the river.
There were three meals a day served - all buffet style, one sitting only - come when called. The food was okay & we did not starve. The staff were really nice & friendly. They could speak enough english to get by and we had some fun with them.
Doug & Robyn found that their room (one of the Presidential suites) had wet carpet which the staff were trying to soak up with towels. They told Doug & Robyn the floor was wet because the waves were splashing in through the windows from the river.
Hello!!!!! we are a long way up from a waveless river & have got fixed windows except for a couple of small push out's at the very top to allow a small amount of fresh air in. Robyn & Doug changed rooms only to find the same story in the next room. They changed again & thankfully found a room with dry carpet.
(Later the river guide asked Robyn to sign a letter excusing the captain & staff from any wrong doing regarding their room mix up. The guide appologised on the Captain's behalf as the Captain did not speak english - but the Captain did not approach Robyn or Doug in person. Not a good feeling for Robyn or Doug)
The other cabins were "old" but okay. Some of us were in deluxe cabins which were quite roomy and in their day (1970's) would have been top class.(Photos attached).
Some ended up in just single cabins - Rod & Dawn had a single cabin each??? Some of our singles had twin rooms - some confusion there. Anyway we decided that we could cope for three days.
The best thing of all we decided was the small lounge off the other Presidential suite. (Ron & Di had that room) so we shared that space with them. No one else on the boat could go there so we thought that was pretty special.
We all decided that the best thing to do was to relax and enjoy our cruise as best we can with what we have got. Good attitude I say!
The rest of the ship contained a lounge where we could have tea/coffee/beer etc (Photo attached); A tea room at the front of the ship (photo attached); a small room which was the gym (none of the equipment worked) but non the less it was there; a massage room (one at a time please) appointments neccessary;a hairdresser;a doctor on board; a business centre which was very useful for me to use my computer and to charge my camera battery & phone (we could not use any of the electrical points in our rooms for any reason because the electricity fluctuated too much); some small shops in the foyer and the lounge that sold souveneirs, clothing etc.; a meeting/lecture room; a cabaret/dance two story room.
The upper deck was just that. It was a big open space with high sides so that we had to walk to the side of the ship to take photos. (The windows were too dirty downstairs to take a decent photo) the floor was covered in artificial grass carpet and there were a handful of cheap ($9 "Target") chairs to sit on. No pool, no Jacuzi, no deck chairs and no umbrellas.
Probably the worst part was that the other 5 star "Yangtze" cruise ship that we were supposed to be on was moving along the river near us.
We did meet up with other Australians on the boat & found out that all the rest of the passengers were in the same situation as us. They were meant to be on the other cruise ship as well. I don't know what their cabins were like (I was afraid to ask as we were supposed to have the best cabins on board).
We soon learnt the routine - quick to the showers and quick to the dining room.
Photo attached of one of the exit doors from the ship (damage at the bottom) and a sign on one of the doors which I think must have meant "Staff Only".
No comments:
Post a Comment