THE RITZ-CARLTON

I should warn you about Singapore.  December is the best month to be here because of the Christmas holiday decorations, plus, it is not uncomfortably hot....just plain hot, typically still up to 90F.  However in the hottest month, June, only goes up to 92F.  But the monsoon season starts in December, where it rains, usually in the later afternoons.  

The second day in the Singapore Ritz-Carlton Millennia started with breakfast.  Entrance to hotel from inside.

Lobby area, featuring Chihuly art.

Line for the buffet breakfast.

Entrance to breakfast area.

Noodle maker.

First course of noodles.

Second course of miso soup, rice, Japanese pickles and two eggs over easy.

Third course of bread from India, tart from China and donut from the USA.

Very soon after breakfast, into the Club Lounge for a very light lunch.

Then came dinner in the Club Lounge.

Light show of Singapore Marina Bay from the Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge.

Walked only 1500 steps today.

I provided a history of the Ritz- Carlton Hotel in September.   

The Ritz-Carlton brand began with Cesar Ritz, born in 1850, who managed The Ritz in Paris and the Carlton Hotel in London.

I found it interesting that he seemed to gravitate to work where there were early World Expos, the 1867 Paris Universal Exhibition and 1873 Vienna World's Fair.

• 
  Marriott in 1998 bought 99% ownership of Ritz-Carlton.
• The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong opened in 1993, as the world's highest hotel.  However, it closed in 2009, for that building was demolished, and the current hotel is within the International Commerce Centre tower.  We will be staying there when our upcoming Ritz-Carlton cruise arrives in that port on January 13.
• There are today 115 R-C hotels.

• 
  We moved from the Marriott Tang Plaza into the Ritz-Carlton Millennia, in preparation for our R-C Luminara cruise on December 30,
• A 32-story hotel with 608 rooms located at Marina Centre.
• Opened in 2011.
• Has a 4,200-piece modern contemporary art collection, including works by Andy Warhol and Dale Chihuly.
• Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga stayed there.
• Video of view from the Ritz-Carlton Millennia.

I asked Google AI, what is there to see next to the Ritz-Carlton Millennia:

Next to The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, you'll find a wealth of Marina Bay attractions like Gardens by the Bay, ArtScience Museum, Singapore Flyer, and Marina Bay Sands, accessible via sheltered walkways to Millenia Walk and Marina Square malls for shopping/dining, plus iconic sights like the Merlion and vibrant waterfront shows. 

Attractions (Walkable)

• Gardens by the Bay: Explore Supertree Grove, Cloud Forest, and Flower Dome.
• ArtScience Museum: Iconic lotus-shaped museum with unique exhibits.
• Singapore Flyer: Giant observation wheel for panoramic views.
• Marina Bay Sands: Walk across the Helix Bridge to shops, restaurants, and the rooftop infinity pool.
• Merlion Park: See Singapore's iconic mythical creature.
• Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay: Catch a show or enjoy the waterfront area. 

Shopping & Dining

• Millenia Walk & Marina Square: Directly connected to the hotel for retail and food.
• The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands: Upscale shopping and dining.
• Waterfront Promenade: Lively dining options with bay views. 

Evening Entertainment

• Spectra - Light & Water Show: At Marina Bay Sands' Event Plaza.
• Garden Rhapsody: Supertree Grove light and sound show. 

Quick Access

• MRT: Bayfront, Promenade, and Esplanade stations are nearby for easy access to other parts of Singapore. 

So where did we go?  Nowhere.  We saw all those sights the last time we were here in 2022.

We board the Ritz-Carlton Luminara today for our two-week cruise to Hong Kong.

Very expensive cruise.  I asked Google AI if this cost was justified.

A two-week Ritz-Carlton Luminara cruise from Singapore to Hong Kong typically starts in the low-to-mid $20,000s per person for base fares, with specific departures in late 2025/early 2026 ranging from around $22,300 to over $25,000 USD, potentially reaching higher for suites, but costs vary by sailing date, suite category, and inclusions. These prices cover luxury accommodations, gourmet dining, beverages, Wi-Fi, water sports, and gratuities as part of their all-inclusive luxury experience. 

Cruising on the Ritz-Carlton Luminara is worth the high cost for those seeking ultra-luxury, personalized service, exceptional dining, and unique, intimate experiences far from typical large cruise ships, with all-inclusive amenities like spacious suites with balconies, top-tier food, drinks, Wi-Fi, water sports, and gratuities included, offering a "best land resort meets sea travel" vibe, though some guests note potential  inconsistencies compared to land-based Ritz hotels in toiletries or room finishes. 

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