🚢 My First Cruise from Singapore: 12 Days on Celebrity Solstice

Just got back from my very first cruise experience—12 days, 11 nights sailing on Celebrity Solstice, boarding straight from Singapore! This Southeast Asia itinerary covered 2 countries and 7 cities: 🇹🇭 Koh Samui – Bangkok – Pattaya 🇻🇳 Ho Chi Minh – Nha Trang – Da Nang/Hoi An – Halong Bay ✨ The Ship Celebrity Solstice is part of the Royal Caribbean family, but much smaller than ships like Spectrum of the Seas. Most of the guests onboard were older Western couples (85% White, 10% Asian, 5% Black)—as a 30-something, I was definitely one of the youngest 😅 I booked directly on the official app. The Oceanview Balcony Room was cozy but spacious enough. The views from the ship? Stunning. 🍽️ Dining & Onboard Life The free dining options were a bit limited—mainly just one complimentary buffet. The food leaned Western/Middle Eastern, but the desserts were surprisingly good! 🌍 About the Ports Here’s the catch: Disembarkation starts super early—like 6-7am! It takes 1–2.5 hrs one way to reach city centers from ports (especially Nha Trang and Da Nang) You only get around 3–4 hrs in the city before heading back Cruise doesn’t cover your transport/activities on land—you’ll need to pay extra via the app or onboard Tour Desk All purchases are charged to your room card, which is linked to your credit card #celebritysolstice #firstcruiseexperience #southeastasiacruise #ensgcruisejourney #balconyviewgoals #travelnotes #tripcruiselife #cruisetips #oceanviewvibes