This scenic cruise on the Diamond Princess of Halong Bay ranks up there with my first view of the Grand Canyon, the fulfilling experience of Niagara Falls and incredible visit to Iguazu Falls on the border of Argentina and Brazil.  This latter waterfall system is the largest system in the world.   Went there 8 years ago: has a max flow more than five times that of the Niagara is 50% higher is three times wider has 275 drops versus 3 is 200,000 years old compared to 12,000 is a UNESCO World Heritage Site--Niagara Falls not but is difficult to reach Woke up to see another ship next to us.  Just in time, for the Diamond Princess was departing at 7:35 in the morning. Here are videos of our scenic cruise. Lunch brought back noodles, Dinner was again in the Pacific Room.  Ordered only appetizers. First, salad with Pasta E Fagioli.  Duckhorn Chardonnay. Duck Liver Paté and Oysters Rockefeller, The dessert menu, . Harvey's Bristol Cream on ice and a cream brulé Did...

Day 10 was at sea and Day 11 is in the Port of Cai Lan, the gateway to Halong Bay.   Halong Bay is a little more than 400 miles south of Hong Kong and 1400 miles north of Singapore. We have two more stops, Chan May on Day 13, which means a tour to Danang, also known as China Beach, and Phu My, the port leading to Ho Chi Minh City, on Day 15. Then a day at sea, ending on Day 17 in Singapore, December 23. Lunch for Day 10 again avoided the ramen.  My swollen feet looks better, but not by much. I've had a book,  A History of Japan: Revised Edition , for decades.  Took it on at least three trips.  Never opened it.  Finally, today, I read the first five of 18 chapters. Sunset The Diamond Princess hawks all kinds of stuff.  Here, a Louis the 13th cognac.  Only $3800.  Could cost $1000 more in Honolulu. Had formal photos taken. On to Pacific Moon for dinner.  Started with a champagne. Dinner of Caesar Salad and a mushroom soup. Plus an exc...

The Diamond Princess had to bypass Nha Trang because of super-high winds.  We were thus at sea for two more days and hopefully will arrive in Cai Lan ( Halong Bay ) on Day 11.  Day 12 will include a scenic cruise to Chan May ( Danang Beach, or China Beach ) through Halong Bay. Our Day 8 began with a different kind of lunch for me.  I actually skipped the usual ramen, and had beef stew over rice and a salad, with a Kirin Lager. Walked by the ice cream counter and got a matcha cone, Stayed for some entertainment, Took my usual nap, then down for dinner in Pacfic Moon,  The menu Ordered  Steamed Green Asparagus warm bacon jerez vinegar dressing, Skinniest asparagus I've ever seen. Also Mexican Albongas Soup.  Duckhorn Chardonnay. Twice-cooked port in szechuan saue, After dinner menus, Had a Cherries Jubilee with a Monte Chocso.  What is that?  See above After Dinner Beverages menu. Next, the Princess Theater with Monique Montez. Then, drinks in the W...