In February 2024, Jill and I toured Southeast Asia by land and by sea. We sailed from Thailand to Hong Kong on board the Crystal Symphony and spent two days in Bangkok and two days in Hong Kong before and after our cruise. We had an epic adventure!
Click HERE to read a short introduction to our journey.
This story, part of a series, is about our transition from land to sea—the day we said ‘goodbye’ to Bangkok and ‘hello’ to the Crystal Symphony.
Click HERE to read a short introduction to our journey.
This story, part of a series, is about our transition from land to sea—the day we said ‘goodbye’ to Bangkok and ‘hello’ to the Crystal Symphony.
Laem Chabang, Thailand (February 16, 2024) I think it’s fair to say that of all the days in my epic adventure, this was the one I looked forward to the most—the day Jill and I boarded the Crystal Symphony.
Why?
Because I had never sailed on a luxury liner—heck, I’d never even stepped foot on one—and I was anxious to see and experience how ‘the other half lived.’
If first impressions were important—and they were—my initial experiences exceeded my expectations!
I’ll get to this in a bit, but first a few words—a few short stories—from the hours before we boarded the Symphony.
Why?
Because I had never sailed on a luxury liner—heck, I’d never even stepped foot on one—and I was anxious to see and experience how ‘the other half lived.’
If first impressions were important—and they were—my initial experiences exceeded my expectations!
I’ll get to this in a bit, but first a few words—a few short stories—from the hours before we boarded the Symphony.
Jill and I stayed at the Mandarin Oriental, a five-star hotel in Bangkok, the past two days. The hotel was stylish and refined, our room was well-appointed and luxurious, and service was impeccable. And of all the hotels I’ve stayed in over my many years of travel, I’d rate the Mandarin Oriental as a ‘top five’ for sleeping comfort.
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I almost hated to leave...but, of course, that wasn’t an option.
We had another scrumptious buffet breakfast on the terrace overlooking the Chao Phraya River. I will miss this decadent feast—for all the food I ate, I gained only two pounds, which reinforced my belief that I won’t gain much from ‘great-times’ eating!—and the pleasant views of and across the river. We checked out at 11AM, and as we stood in the short line to do so, I nudged Jill with my elbow. “Take a look at that get up,” I whispered to her. |
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The guest at the counter—he was an older guy, meaning older than me—wore pink tailored shorts with a navy-blue blazer over a white shirt. He had on a pair of boaters.
“I bet he’s on our cruise,” Jill whispered back, a smile on her face.
And wouldn’t you know it—he was! But for the record, he was dressed in more traditional clothes when I spotted him on the ship.
An hour later, we boarded a motorcoach that delivered us to Laem Chabang, a port city some 80 miles south of Bangkok on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand. With us were thirty or so hotel guests also bound for the Symphony.
It was a two-hour ride that took thirty minutes longer in heavy traffic and with a potty stop. It was the least scenic roadway I rode along throughout my adventures in Southeast Asia.
Well, you can’t make an omelet without breaking a few eggs came to mind as I stared out the window at ‘not too much.’ If a boring drive was the ‘cost’ of reaching the Symphony to begin our 12-day cruise adventure, then so be it.
“I bet he’s on our cruise,” Jill whispered back, a smile on her face.
And wouldn’t you know it—he was! But for the record, he was dressed in more traditional clothes when I spotted him on the ship.
An hour later, we boarded a motorcoach that delivered us to Laem Chabang, a port city some 80 miles south of Bangkok on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand. With us were thirty or so hotel guests also bound for the Symphony.
It was a two-hour ride that took thirty minutes longer in heavy traffic and with a potty stop. It was the least scenic roadway I rode along throughout my adventures in Southeast Asia.
Well, you can’t make an omelet without breaking a few eggs came to mind as I stared out the window at ‘not too much.’ If a boring drive was the ‘cost’ of reaching the Symphony to begin our 12-day cruise adventure, then so be it.
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About 15 minutes into our ride, as the bus driver navigated the streets of Bangkok, we approached a bigger-than-life sculpture that stood in the middle of an intersection we passed on our tuk-tuk tour our first day in the ‘City of Angels.’ Then, I was too slow on the uptake to snap a pic. Now, I had a second chance, and I took advantage of it.
I can’t swear to it, but this armored giant trimmed in red sure looked like a Marvel Comic’s Transformer. Our tour guide told us it was sculpted from recycled auto parts and other scrap metal, and with that information, I did a bit of digging on the internet as we drove to Laem Chabang. |
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Thai metal workshop dazzles tourist with movie-inspired creations.
~ thejakartapost.com
~ thejakartapost.com
While I cannot say with certainty, I believe this extraterrestrial robot was the work of Phairote Thanmwong, an artistic welder with a workshop about 40 miles north of Bangkok who created life-sized, comic book inspired sculptures up to 26 feet tall.
As public art goes, this sculpture was excitingly different from much of what I’ve seen in other cities, and I must say that I rather liked it!
As public art goes, this sculpture was excitingly different from much of what I’ve seen in other cities, and I must say that I rather liked it!
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Last year, Jill and I visited Venice, a city famous for its canals. I’ve traveled to other cities with networks of canals—Amsterdam and San Antonio, to name a couple—and each boasted that they were the ‘Venice of the ____’ (the blank was generally a location, like ‘Northern Europe’ or ‘Texas.’). Well, Bangkok had a network of canals—about 200 miles worth—and it, too, had a nickname: the ‘Venice of Asia.’
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Frankly, from the little I saw of the canals while in Bangkok, I’d say they were more important to the city’s utilitarian needs—irrigation, drainage, and transportation—rather than as a money-making tourist attraction.
Speaking of networks, Thailand has an extensive network of motorways—what we call ‘turnpikes’ in the States—that are toll-based, controlled-access highways. The motorway from Bangkok to Laem Chabang (and beyond) was designated as Route 7.
As I said earlier, there was…
As I said earlier, there was…
Just. Not. Much. To. See.
But halfway through the drive, we stopped at the Outbound Rest Area for a potty break and an opportunity to stretch our legs.
This rest area, and I’m sure others like it, was a haven for anyone who craved American fast food, as ‘restaurant row’ included KFC, Taco Bell, Subway, Dunkin’ Donuts, McDonalds, 7 Eleven, and other names commonly found in the States. Not exactly authentic Thai cuisine, right?!
This rest area, and I’m sure others like it, was a haven for anyone who craved American fast food, as ‘restaurant row’ included KFC, Taco Bell, Subway, Dunkin’ Donuts, McDonalds, 7 Eleven, and other names commonly found in the States. Not exactly authentic Thai cuisine, right?!
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Of course, there were plenty of non-U.S. eateries and marts as well, but I was a surprised by the ability of these U.S.-based companies—with locations in Bangkok, too—to attract Thai people.
“Enough of your morning and early afternoon stories, Howard,” I heard one of you say. “Tell us about the Symphony.”
Ok…I will.
It was midafternoon when we arrived in Laem Chabang, the largest commercial port in Thailand. This port also serviced the cruise line industry, including Princess, Celebrity, Seabourn, Viking, and Crystal.
The Symphony was the only cruise ship in port this day, and it was a welcome sight for sure. The reason was twofold: First, I was anxious to begin our cruise across Southeast Asia to countries I’ve never visited. Second, I was excited to sail on a luxury liner for the first time in my life.
Ok…I will.
It was midafternoon when we arrived in Laem Chabang, the largest commercial port in Thailand. This port also serviced the cruise line industry, including Princess, Celebrity, Seabourn, Viking, and Crystal.
The Symphony was the only cruise ship in port this day, and it was a welcome sight for sure. The reason was twofold: First, I was anxious to begin our cruise across Southeast Asia to countries I’ve never visited. Second, I was excited to sail on a luxury liner for the first time in my life.
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This map shows our ports of call: Sihanoukville in Cambodia; Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Chan May, and Ha Long in Vietnam; and Hong Kong. With overnight stays in three ports and a few days at sea, our itinerary stretched to 12 days...which meant I had 12 days to experience life on a luxury line.
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I am thrilled to welcome you on board the luxurious Crystal Symphony. All of us on board sincerely hope that the elegance and charm of our ship, along with the pleasant nature of our staff and crew, will provide you with a vacation experience unlike any other. We want you to know that every member of our staff and crew has but one goal: to ensure that you have the best cruise experience ever.
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~ Josef Matt, Hotel Director
The onboarding process was ‘smooth as butter’—easy, effortless, and pleasant, and no more than 15 minutes from start to finish. And when we finished, Jill and I headed to our stateroom—a newly-remodeled Sapphire Veranda Suite.
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The Crystal Symphony Sapphire Veranda Suite is a great choice for those who like more space. It has a living room area large enough for a dining table and chairs as well as a separate bedroom.
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~ theluxurycruisereview.com
It had all that and more, including a lavish spa-style bathroom with a double sink, marble countertops, and large walk-in shower with a raintree shower head, and an oversized walk-in closet with ample hang-up and storage space for two.
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Jill loved the lighted make-up mirror in the bathroom, and another large mirror over the desk in the living area. There were two sets of floor-to-ceiling sliders—one in the bedroom, one in the living area—that led to our private teak veranda.
Pinch me, I thought, as I believe I’ve gone to heaven! Without a doubt, our stateroom was the most exquisite one I’ve ever stayed in, bar none. |
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Soon the doorbell rang (yes, there was a doorbell!), and when Jill answered, she met our cabin steward, Rapunzel. After introductions—me included—Jill said, “When you have a moment, please split our queen bed into two twins.”
“I’ll have it ready for you by early evening,” she replied…and she did.
We met Jaison, our butler, a while later.
(Did you see the movie, Clue? If so, you’ll get what comes next.)
I very much wanted to channel my inner Colonel Mustard and ask Jaison, “What exactly do you do?”, and then listen to him say, as Wadsworth the butler did, “I buttle, sir.” It would have been classic!
But with Jill present, I was on my best behavior. So, instead I said, “Hello Jaison. It’s nice to meet you.”
And then, without a prompt, Jaison told us what he did.
“I am your personal concierge,” he said, “and can help with most anything—reservations for dinner, bookings for spa treatments and shore excursions, in-suite breakfast, canapes, and drinks, and laundry and dry cleaning. Whatever you need, please ask.”
Well, I’ll be darned. I could get used to this!
Rapunzel and Jaison were fine individuals with perfect manners, and they served our needs and wants flawlessly.
We had a light meal in Marketplace, a buffet-style restaurant with many cold and hot options. I’ll tell you about Marketplace in future stories, but for now I’ll say it was my go-to eatery for breakfast and lunch on most days.
When we finished eating, Jill said, “Let’s take a look at the atrium and a couple other venues before we unpack.”
And that was what we did.
“I’ll have it ready for you by early evening,” she replied…and she did.
We met Jaison, our butler, a while later.
(Did you see the movie, Clue? If so, you’ll get what comes next.)
I very much wanted to channel my inner Colonel Mustard and ask Jaison, “What exactly do you do?”, and then listen to him say, as Wadsworth the butler did, “I buttle, sir.” It would have been classic!
But with Jill present, I was on my best behavior. So, instead I said, “Hello Jaison. It’s nice to meet you.”
And then, without a prompt, Jaison told us what he did.
“I am your personal concierge,” he said, “and can help with most anything—reservations for dinner, bookings for spa treatments and shore excursions, in-suite breakfast, canapes, and drinks, and laundry and dry cleaning. Whatever you need, please ask.”
Well, I’ll be darned. I could get used to this!
Rapunzel and Jaison were fine individuals with perfect manners, and they served our needs and wants flawlessly.
We had a light meal in Marketplace, a buffet-style restaurant with many cold and hot options. I’ll tell you about Marketplace in future stories, but for now I’ll say it was my go-to eatery for breakfast and lunch on most days.
When we finished eating, Jill said, “Let’s take a look at the atrium and a couple other venues before we unpack.”
And that was what we did.
The two-story atrium, which I would describe as elegant, was located midship on Decks 5 and 6. In this photo, which I snapped from outside The Bistro (“a Parisian-inspired café and coffee bar with light snacks”), you can see the Avenue of the Stars boutique shops on Deck 6 (from right to left, Apropos, Facets, and Crystal Collection), and you might make out the front desk (Reception, Concierge, and Shore Excursions) below on Deck 5.
Front Desk
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The Bistro
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Check out this piano—made of Lucite, I believe—in Crystal Cove on Deck 5 (“the perfect place for a pre-dinner cocktail”) and the cascading waterfall behind the dancing duo. Doesn’t she look like she’s about to leap into the pool of water?!
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The Symphony had one of the finest at-sea libraries I’ve seen. Located on Deck 6 in a large, dedicated room, the library held a vast collection of books catalogued and organized by topic, stored in wooden bookcases, and overseen by a very pleasant and personable librarian.
“My wife Debra is an author,” I said to her one day at sea. “She’s written two books, and I brought a copy of each that I’d love to give to you for the library if you will have them.”
She said ‘yes’ and seemed genuinely grateful.
I stopped back the next day…and there they were. In these pics, the arrows point to Debra’s books: How To Chat With Archangels on the left and Bio-Touch: Healing With The Power In Our Fingertips on the right. Her books were now part of the permanent collection onboard the Crystal Symphony.
“My wife Debra is an author,” I said to her one day at sea. “She’s written two books, and I brought a copy of each that I’d love to give to you for the library if you will have them.”
She said ‘yes’ and seemed genuinely grateful.
I stopped back the next day…and there they were. In these pics, the arrows point to Debra’s books: How To Chat With Archangels on the left and Bio-Touch: Healing With The Power In Our Fingertips on the right. Her books were now part of the permanent collection onboard the Crystal Symphony.
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I showed Debra her books during one of our many Facebook video chats. Needless to say, she was THRILLED!
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The Starlite Club, located on Deck 6, offered a variety of evening entertainment, including cabaret performances and dancing. This evening, as Jill and I listened to music and watched guests dance, we noticed a few gentlemen on the dance floor with name tags on their shirts. Later, we learned they were ‘Ambassador Hosts’—Crystal employees who will partner with single ladies “to provide an exceptional dance experience.” And there was an Ambassador Hostess for single men. Well done, Crystal!
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With an eye on my watch, I said to Jill, “Let’s unpack and we’ll see more later.”
For two days, we lived out of our suitcases at the Mandarin Oriental, so it felt great to unpack our clothes and other things, and to have enough storage for everything we brought—hang up clothes on hangers and fold up clothes in drawers and on shelves.
For two days, we lived out of our suitcases at the Mandarin Oriental, so it felt great to unpack our clothes and other things, and to have enough storage for everything we brought—hang up clothes on hangers and fold up clothes in drawers and on shelves.
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Jaison came by with this lovely tray of bite-size sandwiches, watermelon, veggies, and chocolates at five—a pre-dinner treat he delivered each day. He also delivered a bottle of Jim Beam for me, part of our ‘all-inclusive’ package that included alcohol, specialty restaurants, and gratuities.
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When Jaison left, I said to Jill, “How did he know I liked Jim Beam?”
"Oh, earlier he asked me what you like to drink. I said red wine and whiskey.” Yep, I thought again, I could REALLY get used to this! For the record, I hardly put a dent in the Jim Beam over our 12-day cruise—just a handful of two finger drinks. Hopefully the rest of the bourbon did not go to waste. |
We had dinner that evening at a table for two in Waterside Restaurant, the main dining room aboard the Symphony. Seating was first come, first served. At 7PM, there was no wait.
The tent card at our table told us the names of our senior waiter and waiter—Yorrick and Oybek. Our experience with them was so good we made it a point to sit at one of their tables for the balance of the cruise when we dined in Waterside.
(A quick aside on the name of the restaurant. Coincidentally, this was also the name of Debra’s California-based publisher, Waterside Productions. “There are no coincidences in life,” my wife reminded me when I shared this nugget with her.)
For dinner, I started with grilled vegetables and buffalo mozzarella, which I followed with lobster bisque with a puff pastry straw. My entrée was broiled fresh lemon sole with cockles-dill chowder, snow peas, and confit potatoes. And for dessert, I had Ile Flottante—Floating Island—a soft meringue topped with passion fruit and mango salsa. The food was delicious, and the service was exemplary. And when I finished, I knew THAT meal foreshadowed great dining ahead.
The tent card at our table told us the names of our senior waiter and waiter—Yorrick and Oybek. Our experience with them was so good we made it a point to sit at one of their tables for the balance of the cruise when we dined in Waterside.
(A quick aside on the name of the restaurant. Coincidentally, this was also the name of Debra’s California-based publisher, Waterside Productions. “There are no coincidences in life,” my wife reminded me when I shared this nugget with her.)
For dinner, I started with grilled vegetables and buffalo mozzarella, which I followed with lobster bisque with a puff pastry straw. My entrée was broiled fresh lemon sole with cockles-dill chowder, snow peas, and confit potatoes. And for dessert, I had Ile Flottante—Floating Island—a soft meringue topped with passion fruit and mango salsa. The food was delicious, and the service was exemplary. And when I finished, I knew THAT meal foreshadowed great dining ahead.
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(Another quick aside. I was struck by how few guests dined at Waterside this evening, and wondered where everyone was as the redesigned Symphony accommodated 606 passengers. A few days into the cruise, I learned the ship was half full, and so it wasn’t my imagination the Symphony at times felt like a ghost ship. When I asked our Head Waiter about this, he said, “This is too far to travel for many people, especially from the U.S.” I could relate to his statement, as it took 32 hours for Jill and me to make the journey from Phoenix to Bangkok.)
“Jill, let’s head to the Galaxy Lounge, as the show starts in 15 minutes.”
The Galaxy Lounge was the main theater on the Crystal Symphony, and show time was 9:15 every night. This night’s performance, Welcome Variety Show, featured an ensemble of singers and dancers with music by the Crystal Show Band and violinist Martina Yarova. It was a lively show, which made great use of the small stage in an intimate setting, with many set and costume changes that included songs we knew…and some we didn’t. All in all, the performance was very entertaining.
“Jill, let’s head to the Galaxy Lounge, as the show starts in 15 minutes.”
The Galaxy Lounge was the main theater on the Crystal Symphony, and show time was 9:15 every night. This night’s performance, Welcome Variety Show, featured an ensemble of singers and dancers with music by the Crystal Show Band and violinist Martina Yarova. It was a lively show, which made great use of the small stage in an intimate setting, with many set and costume changes that included songs we knew…and some we didn’t. All in all, the performance was very entertaining.
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The show was over at 10. I was tired, but not ready for sleep.
“I’m going to get some fresh air before I go to sleep,” I said to Jill. “Care to join me?”
“No, I’m ready for bed,” she replied.
“I won’t be long.”
I rode the elevator topside to Deck 12, where I snapped this pic of Seahorse Pool—it’s on Deck 11—the water colored teal by the in-pool lights. The temperature was in the low 80s. Not exactly cool, but a slight breeze off the harbor water helped.
“I’m going to get some fresh air before I go to sleep,” I said to Jill. “Care to join me?”
“No, I’m ready for bed,” she replied.
“I won’t be long.”
I rode the elevator topside to Deck 12, where I snapped this pic of Seahorse Pool—it’s on Deck 11—the water colored teal by the in-pool lights. The temperature was in the low 80s. Not exactly cool, but a slight breeze off the harbor water helped.
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The port was not picturesque—it was, after all, a commercial port—but I loved how the lighting on the dock cast colorful, shimmering mirrored images of the cranes, straddle carriers, and other machinery onto the calm water.
My mind wandered, and soon I found myself reflecting on this day.
Yes, the drive to Laem Chabang was oh-so-boring…but that slice of Americana at the roadside stop was kinda interesting. And breakfast at the Mandarin Oriental was soooo good!
But the best of my day was everything I experienced once I boarded the Symphony—superb accommodations, warm and friendly service, delightful meals, and lively entertainment.
Yes Howard, you are off to a great start!
And I was.
The Symphony remained docked overnight in Laem Chabang. The next day, I joined fellow passengers on a full day tour, Live Like a Local. We explored a local market in the town of Chachoengsao, had lunch at a neighborhood restaurant popular with locals, and visited the sacred Phra Phutthasothon. I look forward to sharing my experiences with you in my next story.
My mind wandered, and soon I found myself reflecting on this day.
Yes, the drive to Laem Chabang was oh-so-boring…but that slice of Americana at the roadside stop was kinda interesting. And breakfast at the Mandarin Oriental was soooo good!
But the best of my day was everything I experienced once I boarded the Symphony—superb accommodations, warm and friendly service, delightful meals, and lively entertainment.
Yes Howard, you are off to a great start!
And I was.
The Symphony remained docked overnight in Laem Chabang. The next day, I joined fellow passengers on a full day tour, Live Like a Local. We explored a local market in the town of Chachoengsao, had lunch at a neighborhood restaurant popular with locals, and visited the sacred Phra Phutthasothon. I look forward to sharing my experiences with you in my next story.