Harbour Plaza 8 Degrees

Need to stay one night in the Harbour Plaza 8 Degrees hotel after returning back from Singapore.

http://www.harbour-plaza.com/8degrees/Location-en.htm

Actually it is very near to the Kai Tak Cruise port, about 10 minutes walking distance if google map info is correct.  It is also a ten minute walk to the Kowloon City Ferry Pier which connects to North Point.

On Sunday March 16, wonder if harbour grand hotel will deliver one piece of luggage to harbour plaza 8 degrees for storage until return from cruise.  ask front desk when we get there first night.

Singapore Changi Airport

Flying out from Changi Airport, Terminal 1 on Mar 31 back to Hong Kong.

See the Getting Around Singapore post for details.

Singapore Hotel - Innotel

Innotel Singapore
http://www.innotelhotel.com.sg/

No. 11 Penang Lane,
Singapore 238485 (@Dhoby Ghaut MRT)
Tel: +65 6327 2727
Fax: + 65 6645 0808
Email: reservations@innotelhotel.com.sg

check in: 2 pm on Sun Mar 30, 2014

Room Facilities
Each room has the following facilities:

Complimentary broadband Internet access
Complimentary Wi Fi in all Rooms
Newly Launch Complimentary Internet TV In All Rooms effective 1st January 2012
Complimentary Drinking Water
Wide screen 32” LCD TV with cable channels* (37” LCD TV in Executive & Suites)
DVD player (Executive & Suites)
Tea and coffee making facilities (includes Green and Earl Grey teas)
Make Up Room/Do Not Disturb in-room switch
Electronic in-room safe
Full range of custom-made bathroom amenities
Hair Dryer all rooms
Mini fridge
I Pod / I Phone Docking Station for Deluxe / Executive / Suite rooms

Getting around Singapore

By Taxi

http://www.yoursingapore.com/content/traveller/en/plan-your-trip/transport/travelling-within-singapore/taxi.html

http://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltaweb/en/public-transport/taxis/getting-a-taxi.html

Rates as per the Singapore Transit Authority
http://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltaweb/en/public-transport/taxis/fares-and-payment-methods.html
some surcharges may apply for airport and city central.

This is a very useful website called gothere.sg.  It shows the transit and taxi rates, with distance, routes.
For example from Innotel hotel on Orchard road to Changi Airport Terminal 1 is under $20 SGD and takes 24 minutes.
http://gothere.sg/maps#q:11%20penang%20ln%2C%20singapore%20238485%20to%20changi%20airport%20terminal%201

From the marina bay cruise terminal to Innotel on orchard road it is around $7 SGD and takes 11 minutes.
http://gothere.sg/maps#q:marina%20bay%20cruise%20to%2011%20penang%20ln%2C%20singapore%20238485

By Subway

http://www.yoursingapore.com/content/traveller/en/plan-your-trip/transport/travelling-within-singapore/mrt.html

Visiting Singapore

Attractions

http://hubpages.com/hub/Visit-Singapore

http://www.yoursingapore.com/content/traveller/en/browse/see-and-do/nature-and-wildlife/stroll-among-trees/gardens-by-the-bay.html

What NOT to do
no eating or drinking on the subway, no chewing gum anywhere!

http://hubpages.com/hub/What-Not-To-Do-Singapore

Singapore Cruise Port - Marina Bay Cruise Centre

Cruise port Location

http://mbccs.com.sg/download/MBCCS_LocationMap.pdf

61 Marina Coastal Drive
Singapore 018947

http://mbccs.com.sg/index.php?option=com_jumi&view=application&fileid=4&Itemid=117&select_vessel=Celebrity+Millennium&to_date_hidden=31%2F03%2F2014&from_date_hidden=24%2F03%2F2014

Celebrity Millennium at Marina Bay

http://mbccs.com.sg/im/news_articles/MediaRelease-Celebrity-Millennium-Homeports-at-MBCCS-081212.pdf

Terminal map

http://mbccs.com.sg/inside-mbccs/shops-services?view=application

Features

Free wifi thoughout the premises.

Celebrity Millennium 14 Night Cruise

A 14 night Far East cruise aboard the Celebrity Millennium, leaving from Hong Kong with the final destination of Singapore.

Day 1: Hong Kong, China
* Transfer from airport to pier is not included in the Excursion Package, please arrange on your own transfer or ask cruise consultant for Cruise Line’s transfer. Hong Kong, officially the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, is a territory located on China’s south coast on the Pearl River Delta, and borders Guangdong province in the north and faces the South China Sea in the east, west and south. It has a population of 6.9 million people and is one of the most densely populated areas in the world. Hong Kong's skyscrapers are not limited to commercial buildings; many houses built the same very high. The tallest residential building in the world, at least half of them are located in Hong Kong.
Enjoy the delicious food and luxurious facility on board.

Day 2: Hong Kong, China (Own arrangement or join Cruise Line’s shore excursion tour, own expense)
Enjoy the delicious cuisine and extensive facilities onboard.

Day 3: At Sea
Enjoy the delicious cuisine and extensive facilities onboard.

Day 4: Hanoi, Vietnam
Whilst a full day involving a long drive of around 3.5 hours to reach the nation's capital, Hanoi is a city that will seduce you with its old-world charm. Boasting its romantic blend of ancient Asia and French heritage, Hanoi is the jewel of Vietnam's crown. Upon arriavl in Hanoi, visit the serene Temple of Literature, dating from 1070 in honor of Confucianism. In 1076, Vietnam's first national university was built next to the temple. Enjoy walking through the tranquil five walled courtyards and see the pavilion where "men of letters"
once recited their poetry. Photo stop at the peaceful Tran Quoc pagoda, one of the oldest pagoda in Vietnam. Further on, you will come to the rebuilt "One Pillar Pagoda", shrouded in legendary origins. Continue with a photo stop at Hoan Kiem Lake which is also known as the Lake of the Restored Sword. You will hear the legend that is the origin of this name. Afterwards is free time to wander the famous Old Quarter of 36 streets district that were traditionally named after the tradesman that worked them - such as Tin Street, Paper Street and Silk Street, etc.. In the 18th century, each street was the home of a particular craft guild, with small shops dedicated to selling silver, silk or handmade crafts. After an exhilarating day in exploring Hanoi, drive back to Halong Bay to re-board the ship. (Lunch not included)

Day 5: Halong Bay, Vietnam
Legends say that a huge descending dragon and her babies came to help the Vietnamese to fight against the northern invaders. After victory, they wanted to stay there to protect the locals by turning into a fence of rocky islands. Her place is called the descending dragon and the place for babies is called “The bowing baby dragons”. The mother dragon extends her tail up to the Cat Ba islands which is the national wild life reservation now. Ha Long is recognized as the World Cultural Heritage. More than 3,000 islets and the calm blue sea surely bring back many exciting memories to any visitors. In the 14th century King Le visited the bay and admired the beauty of the bay by inspiring a poem, which was carved onto a mountain right at Hon Gai town. After many years at loss, the government already discovered where the poem was carved. Ha Long bay hide thousands of grottoes though many have been discovered. Thien Cung Cave and Dau Go Cave are magnificent. However, there are 100 steps to climb up the caves and nearly 100 steps down. Young and adventurous visitors may take a challenge to climb up and find themselves lost in the colorful and splendid huge dome of the caves. Colorful stalactites and staglacmites form many odd-looking structures inside the caves. Leave for Bai Chay tourist quay where you will board the local wooden junk for cruising Halong Bay. (Lunch not included).

Day 6: Hue/Danang, Vietnam
Hoi An, the World Heritage Site which is located along the pretty river. The town has remained unchanged for centuries. Hoi An used to be the big port for the Cham Kingdom to import and export gold, wood, pepper. At that time, every year Hoi An had some trade fairs that attracted merchants from many countries. Nowadays, Hoi An is a tourist place with many hotels and restaurants and silk shops. Start your walking tour by visiting Hoi An Museum (entrance included) where the exhibits reflect a busy time for trade among the local and the foreign people from Holland, France, Portugal, Japan and China. Continue to visit a traditional merchant house which is made of wood and lime stone. Most houses are more than 300 years old. The house is quite long with a lot of wood carvings and ceramics. Visit Hoi An open market which offers a chance to see local products from meat to fish, all kinds of fruits and vegetables. (Lunch not included)

Day 7: At Sea
Enjoy the delicious cuisine and extensive facilities onboard.

Day 8: Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
Visit National History Museum (entrance included). Built in 1929, this museum houses an excellent collection of artifacts illustrating the evolution of the cultures of Vietnam, from bronze aged Dong Son civilization to Cham, Khmer and modern day Vietnam. Enjoy a short performance of Water Puppets (Admission included), a unique Vietnamese art form. Photo stops are included at the Notre Dame Cathedral, a neoclassical structure dating back to the 19th century. Then a short walk into the Central Post Office nearby; and take photo stop at the Former Presidential Palace that now known as the Reunification Hall. This historic building was made famous when a Vietnamese. The tour continues into Dong Khoi Street which is a famous shopping zone. Stop at a Lacquer Factory for an opportunity to see the lacquering process and shopping.
Return to the ship. (Lunch not included)

Day 9: At Sea
Enjoy the delicious cuisine and extensive facilities onboard.

Day 10: Bangkok, Thailand
Depart from Laem Chabang Port for Bangkok. Visiting Bangkok Canal through Thonburi Klong (Included boat trip). Visit Grand Palace (Admission included) now reserved for royal ceremonies and state occasions, the palace complex was once the residence of the Kings of Thailand. Beautifully situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, the palace's major buildings are topped by glittering spires with soaring finials and are decorated with gilt and colored-glass mosaics. The next stop will be at Wat Arun (Admission included). Begun in 1809, it may have been named "Temple of the Dawn" because the first light of morning reflects off the surface of the temple with a pearly iridescence. Shopping at local handicrafts and jewelry stores before return to the pier. (Lunch not included). * Dress code in Grand Palace Visitors are required to dress appropriately

Day 11: Pattaya, Thailand
Visit Nong Nooch Village, just 15 minutes east of Pattaya (Admission included Thai Culture Show & Elephant Show). Nong Nooch Tropical Garden has emerged as a fascinating tourist destination renowned for its wide-ranging orchid species, a palm garden, various flowering and decorative plants from all corners of the world. In the beautifully landscaped gardens, you can quietly stroll among flower beds, enjoying the profuse colors and fragrance of millions of flowers, as well as the well-trained chimpanzees and elephants in the natural surroundings. Enjoy a stroll around the huge gardens of Nong Nooch Village and take in a spectacular live exhibition of Thai Culture Show and an Elephant Show - these gentle giants, the symbols of Siam, perform various tricks such as riding bikes, playing football and they'll even invite you to a tug of war. (Lunch not included).

Day 12: At Sea
Enjoy the delicious cuisine and extensive facilities onboard.

Day 13: At Sea
Enjoy the delicious cuisine and extensive facilities onboard.

Day 14: Singapore
Visit The Merlion Park. It was first designed as an emblem for the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) in 1964 – the lion head with a fish body resting on a crest of waves quickly became Singapore’s icon to the rest of the world. Continue to The Sri Mariamman Temple. It is Singapore's oldest Hindu temple, built in the Dravidian style. Located in the downtown Chinatown district, the temple serves mainly South Indian Tamil Hindu Singaporeans in the city-state. Due to its architectural and historical significance, the temple has been gazetted a National Monument and is a major tourist attraction. The next stop is Little India. Today, Little India is the focal point of Singapore's Indian community. Its spice-scented streets beckon you to a cornucopia of ethnic jewellery, jasmine garlands and silk saris. From the large Tekka Centre and Little India Arcade to the small provision shops, Little India is packed with interesting things to discover. Pass by Raffles Hotel and Old Parliament House which are also the landmarks of Singapore. Free time in Sentosa Island (Admission included). (Lunch not included)

Day 15: Singapore
Transfer from pier to airport is not included in the Excursion Package, please arrange on your own transfer or ask cruise consultant for Cruise Line’s transfer.


***Payment by cheque/cash only & 100% Non-refundable after payment. 4% service charge on credit card payment***

A minimum number of 30 participants are required to operate this tour or price will be adjusted for less than 30 participants Price Included Price Excludes All Arrangement as per itinerary Arrival and Departure transfers Cantonese or Mandarin speaking tour leader Gratuities to Guides, Drivers, Assistances, Tour Leader , Baggage Handling, Beverage, Personal Expenses, Travel Insurance Specified admission Meals and Admission (Unless specified)

* Special package price offer for booked with Cruise and Air with Ucruising Vacations; Excursion Tour only USD$528/person
1. Ucruising strongly recommended purchase the travel insurance; some policy would protect uncertain issue
2. Price would various if fuel surcharge increase; Exchange rate would always interference Package Price, all rates would be protected once payment in full
3. Suggested gratuities for tour guide, driver and assistance are USD$49/person/sailing; suggested gratuity for group leader is USD$30/person/sailing
4. Price would various if passengers not book the cruise with Ucruising
5. Air schedule is base on exiting airline information; it is client’s responsibility for any schedule change supplement
6. Traveler has the responsibility to determine valid documentation to enter all ports of call. It is necessary that passports have a minimum of 6 months to expiry. You may
ask our consultant for the details.
7. Itineraries maybe changed due to weather, traffic conditions or port delayed/cancelled. Ucruising Vacations reserves the right to substitute itineraries due to conditions
beyond our control. Any changes to itineraries will not result in eligibility for a refund



© Ucrusing.com. www.ucruising.com. Ucruising Vacations Inc.

Hong Kong Ferry North Point and Kwun Tong

The ferry schedules can be found below.  Need to figure out what time to board cruise ship.

http://www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/hongkong/transportation/ferry2.htm

The Fortune Ferry (Chinese: 富裕小輪) still provides a regular service between Kwun Tong and North Point every half hour. Foot passenger fare HK$5, bicycles $5.50; the journey time is approximately 12 minutes.

From here, hire a taxi to get to Kai Tek cruise port.

Ferry to Macau

Macau Ferry Info - to and from Hong Kong

EMBARKATION / DISEMBARKATION TERMINALS

Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal

3/F Shun Tak Centre, 200 Connaught Road Central, Sheung Wan

fares and schedule

http://www.turbojet.com.hk/en/routing-sailing-schedule/hong-kong-macau/sailing-schedule-fares.aspx

FARES (in HKD)

	HONG KONG    MACAU    HONG KONG
	ECON. Class	ECON. Class
DAY SERVICE (Weekdays)	$ 159	$ 148
DAY SERVICE (Weekends & Holidays)	$ 172	$ 161
NIGHT SERVICE (Weekdays, Weekends & Holidays)	$ 195	$ 184

Hong Kong Island Tour

Service provider: SSITS
Departure time:  9:20 am on Wed Mar 5, 2014
Details:  meet in hotel lobby and join tour to Victoria Peak, Repulse Bay, Aberdeen Fishing Village, Stanley Market and a Jewelry factory.

Would be interested to note where the final stop is and whether we can leave the tour to spend the rest of the afternoon on our own.

Googled SSITS in Hong Kong:  Shanghai Spring International Travel Service
http://www.at0086.com/SSITS/

Hong Kong hotel Harbour Grand hotel

The Harbour Grand Hotel is  situated in the North Point/Causeway Bay area and is a short walk to the Fortress Hill MTR  station.  This hotel is not far from the Metropark Hotel that we stayed in during 2007.

In the map above, one can see the location of the hotel and it's proximity to the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal just across Kowloon bay.

Internet access is NOT free at this hotel.   The best and closest wifi hotspot is the Hong Kong central library.
http://www.hongkongshuttle.com/free-wifi-in-hong-kong/

Here is the connection info that is posted on the hong kong government wifi website
http://www.gov.hk/en/theme/wifi/guide/

How to use free GovWiFi service

Visit a government venue where GovWiFiservice is provided (these premises will have GovWiFisignage signage posted, the GovWiFi Locator can help you to locate these premises).
Turn on a Wi-Fi enabled mobile device that is compatible with IEEE 802.11 b/g/n standards.
Establish your Wi-Fi connection (for details, please see Setup Guides).

To use unencrypted connection,
Set the Network ID (SSID) to "freegovwifi" and click "Connect";

To use encrpyted connection,
Set the Network ID (SSID) to "freegovwifi-e" and click "Connect";

Input user name: "govwifi" and password: "govwifi".
(Refer Setup Guides for detail configuration procedures of specific operation systems)
Open your web browser and accept "Conditions of Use and Disclaimers".
Start free surfing.

Hong Kong Schedule and Locations

Will be staying four nights in Hong Kong.

Tue Mar 4:  flight arrives from YYZ at 6:00 am, clear customs, fetch luggage, transit to Harbour Grand, drop off luggage - too early for check in?, grab breakfast - remainder of the day for sightseeing,  check in hotel later, nap, go back out in evening?  peak at night?  - on Hong Kong side?

Wed Mar 5:  sleep in, or when does half day city tour start?  grab early dinner and then evening sightseeing, take ferry to tsimtsatsui?  night markets? - on Kowloon side?

Thu Mar 6:  check out of  Harbour Grand hotel,  arrange to leave extra luggage with hotel until return, transit to airport for 13:00 pm flight to Shanghai.  Do we need to meet with tour rep or group in Hong Kong airport?

* * *

Fri Mar 14:  flight arrives from Shanghai at approx 16:00 pm, clear customs, fetch luggage, transit to Harbor Grand, check in,  head over to tai koo shing for dinner and shopping (uniqlo)? - on Hong Kong side?

Sat Mar 15:  full day - head to Macau?

Sun Mar 16: check out of hotel, take ferry to Kai Tak cruise port, board Celebrity Millennium, still in dock, so eat lunch onboard and go back out until dinner time.  what time do we have to be back onboard? - on Kowloon side

Mon Mar 17:  In port during the day, but need to be onboard before 8 pm sailing.  What's the plan for the day?

* * *

Mon Mar 31: flight from SIN arrives at  approx 17:00 pm, clear customs, fetch luggage, share taxi to Harbour 8 degrees, check in, then dinner, early sleep?

Tue Apr 01: flight for YYZ departs at 17:00 pm, arrange late checkout of hotel, share taxi to airport?

Key Locations

The Hong Kong airport is located on Lantau island.
http://www.hongkongairport.com/eng/index.html

The new Kai Tak cruise terminal is located on kowloon bay where the previous airport used to be situated.
http://www.kaitakcruiseterminal.com.hk/

The Harbour Grand hotel is located in North Point near Causeway Bay.
http://www.harbourgrand.com/hongkong/causeway-bay-,location-en.html

HARBOUR GRAND HONG KONG
MTR Fortress Hill Station Exit A,
23 Oil Street,
North Point, Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 2121 2688
hghk@harbourgrand.com

Getting There - Cathay Pacific Premium Economy

Here's a look at the Seat map of the Boeing 777-300ER (77G) airplane.  There are 32 Premium Economy seats aboard this aircraft.  (Image courtesy of seatguru.com).

      Seating detailsSeat map key

		Pitch	Width	Seating details
	Business	82	21	40 flat bed seats
	Premium Economy	38.0	19.5	32 standard seats
	Economy	32.0	18.5	268 standard seats

Comparing the Premium Economy to Economy seating, there isn't a large difference in seat width, but there's definitely 6 more inches of legroom, which is beneficial for long haul flights to Asia.  Other benefits include dedicated check-in counters and priority boarding, increased baggage allowance and comfort amenities.

Here's what Cathay Pacific has to say about their new Premium Economy seat offering.  http://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_CA/travel-information/inflight/travel-classes/premium-economy-class/premium-economy-class.html

Shanghai Tourist Spots

Here are the distances to the major tourist spots in the Shanghai vicinity.  Really want to see the Bund at night but not sure what time we get to Shanghai and  if the hotel is near enough for a visit.

Nexus Holidays New Jiangnan 9 Days tour

This tour originates in Shanghai China.  A Nexus Holidays tour guide will be at the airport to meet and greet. Hotels listed here have not been finalised, therefore may be subject to change.

Day 1 - Thu 06 Mar - Shanghai
PM:  Transfer from Pudong airport to hotel.
Shanghai Wyndham Hotel - 25 Ningguo Road, Yangpu District Shanghai
http://www.wyndham.com/hotels/china/shanghai/wyndham-bund-east-shanghai/hotel-overview

Day 2 - Fri  07 Mar
Gusu Jinjiang Tower Hotel - 77 Shihu Road, Suzhou
http://www.jinjianghotels.com/hotel/accommodation/590
http://www.vhotel.org/Hotels-11477.html

Day 3 - Sat 08 Mar
Xizhou Hotel - 68 Er Chaun Zhong Road, Xishan District Wuxi
http://www.xizhougardenhotel.cn/en/aboutus.asp

Day 4 - Sun 09 Mar
Wuxi Shanse Hotel - Jiuhuashan Wuxi Shanse Tourist resort
http://www.vhotel.org/Hotels-25244.html

Day 5 - Mon 10 Mar
Junrui Baihe Hotel - 55 Qiyun Road, Tunxi, Huangshan
http://www.vhotel.org/Hotels-13354.html

Day 6 -  Tue 11 Mar
Junrui Baihe Hotel - 55 Qiyun Road, Tunxi, Huangshan

Day 7 - Wed 12 Mar
Hangzhou Braim Canal Hotel - 58 Jinhua Road, Gongshu District, Hangzhou
http://www.vhotel.org/Hotels-9104.html

Day 8 - Thu 13 Mar-  Hangzhou/Shanghai
AM: Hangzhou - Tea Garden
PM: Shanghai
Evening: Shanghai Acrobat show
Shanghai Wyndham Hotel - 25 Ningguo Road, Yangpu District Shanghai

Day 9 - Fri 14 Mar:  Shanghai
AM:  Transfer from hotel to airport

Important Dates

Here's a look at the dates and milestones.

Trip Planning for 2014

This trip flies direct via Cathay Pacific and includes a 4 night stay at the 5 star Harbour Grand Hotel in Hong Kong.  To sweeten the deal, a 9 day air, hotel and meals inclusive China shopping excursion is thrown in.  It originates in Shanghai and visits the scenic Mount Jiuhua and the legendary Yellow Mountains known as Huangshan.  Other freebies include a $250 HKD Octopus card, to be used on the Hong Kong Metro, a half day city tour of Hong Kong, a 5 day tourist Sim card for your smartphone, and a Menchies frozen yogurt gift certficate.

Travel in March 2014.   Booking is handled through The First Travel agency in First Markham Place.