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Singapore is a city that never sleeps - pulsing with life at every hour. Our recent night out when over for the annual F1 race proved this true in every sense. It was a mad night filled with creative cocktails, temporary friends, and an unplanned short immersion into Korean culture. Get ready as I recount our unforgettable evening, which kicked off at a hidden speakeasy and ended up drunk in Korea Town. We should maybe have stuck to the plan and stayed in at the hotel, having enjoyed an extended happy hour in the hotel lounge. But it was the weekend, we were already a little merry and we felt we should go for a wander. No regrets. The Secret Speakeasy: Backdrop We started our adventure at Backdrop, a speakeasy hidden away in a quiet/closed shopping centre off Orchard Road away from the city’s hustle and bustle. The entrance was difficult to find - as it resembled a closed shop front. Then we found the hidden code and booked our access via the web portal - 5 mins later, a door that wasn’t previously obvious opened, and we were invited inside. Once settled at our table, we were quickly at ease with the soft lighting, classic decor, music and an extensive cocktail menu. The drinks were creative and very enjoyable - slipping down far too easily. We ordered their take on the Singapore Sling - as you do. There were no windows, the atmosphere was cool, filled with laughter and the clinking of glasses, with no idea of time. As we enjoyed our drinks, it got busier and soon we were sharing our table with another group. It wasn’t long before we/they struck up a conversation. I can’t remember their exact names - but let’s call these guys SJ, MJ, and Catrina, three Koreans who now lived and worked in Singapore. Their, what seemed to be genuine warmth, made us feel very comfortable in their company as we shared stories of family, culture and travel. New Friends and Shared Stories SJ, MJ, and Catrina were not just amiable; they made our evening. After a few drinks, they invited us to join them in Korea Town for more drinks and snacks. Agreeing to head off with them was unlike us - but was very tempting…. The Journey to Korea Town Are you coming or not? Before we knew it - we had all piled into a taxi, excitement buzzing in the air as we headed to Korea Town. The ride was filled with animated chatter about our different cultures, travel experiences, and random drunken chit chat. Korea Town didn’t disappoint and these guys knew where to go. We were in a lovely little bar that offered a variety of drinks and traditional snacks. Yes there was something in the back of my mind that this wasn’t our normal behaviour - though I was confident it didn’t feel like we were being abducted. It felt more like we had been adopted as interesting guests. That said we were quite drunk by then. Somaek: A Unique Korean Drink A standout moment of the night was when we tried Somaek, a traditional Korean drink made by mixing Soju with beer. This unique combination delivers a smooth yet refreshing taste that was a favourite of our new friends. SJ or MJ was very skilled in ordering mixing and managing an uninterrupted flow of strong drinks. Clinking our glasses together, we experienced a weird camaraderie unique to sharing drinks with friends that you had met less than a couple of hours ago. We also had some delicious Korean snacks. I haven’t a clue what they were or what they were called - but they were very nice. By this point Jane was becoming concerned by the situation, and was texting our location to friends at home - just incase this was a full blown abduction so the authorities would have a timeline to start their investigation. She looked over at me asking should we be here, should we be worried. When a safe word was suggested by one of our hosts that only served to put her further on edge. The Late Night Conversations As the hours passed, we got lost in conversation, sharing stories and laughter, and soon it was over. We were done in - both drunk and tired - and our hosts not done yet went on somewhere else, whilst we grabbed a taxi into the night. Yes we were probably dropped - as our shininess had worn off, but we’d had more than enough fun for one night. In the taxi ride back to our hotel we commented on how unlike it was for us to head out like this - but it was definitely worth it. Confident that we’d had a great time with people we would never see again. The Aftermath: Hangovers and Long Lies In Saturday morning brought the inevitable hangover. The reality of having too many Somaeks hit hard. A long lie-in was in order, the perfect remedy for our adventurous outing. We spent the rest of the day in a sleepy haze, lounging in bed and reminiscing about the incredible night we just experienced.

The day started the normal way, 5km run before breakfast, shower, suncream and sunning ourselves for the morning, before thoughts of lunch. It was then that the Uber App offered me 20% off if I was to take an autonomous taxi to Driftx - if I happened to be going. Two things; What’s Driftx - we’ll get back to that in a minute Uber Autonomous… I’ve always wanted a ride in an autonomous vehicle - so when I saw them available as an alternative on Uber, I paid a little more to book one. Took ages to arrive, not as efficient as a normal driver, but a great experience. Funny thing is that due to current UAE law a safety officer is permanently in the driver's seat, ready to save the day should anything go wrong with the autonomous system. Needless to say nothing went wrong, and I’m sure we will soon see the removal of the need for the safety officer. Back to Driftx - I looked it up and it was an autonomous conference on in Abu Dhabi - not far from our hotel, and had just opened that day. I couldn’t really work out whether it was a conference, expo, for industry or public. ChatGPT wasn’t much help either. Having an interest in this sort of technology it was too good an opportunity to miss, so I signed us both up for attending as 'visitors'. Whilst company and position in company were requested during the registration process (suggesting that it might not be for the public), I wasn’t put off. So off we popped and after presenting QR codes from our freshly installed conference app we had our lanyards and looked like any other delegate, except we had shorts, flippers, and brightly coloured shirts compared to our mostly suited and booted conference chums. Highlights when we were there were the many exhibits and demos - which included autonomous cars, trucks and vans - mostly for delivery, police and army, drones of every size and shape, and again for a variety of uses, and lastly robots - of all shapes and sizes. We saw the robots dance - which whilst not very useful demonstrated a whole set of cool and smooth movements. It did look like it would be useful in a fight - displaying some good martial arts skills. Outside, the full size drone that could probably deliver a small car, and the VR headset drone racing were also very cool. 60mins and we were done. The autonomous taxi ride home was a lot smoother than the uber that brought us - the software didn’t get as lost as many times as the previous driver had.

Lost in Singapore - big shopping centre and a need for lunch - but wanted to try something a little different. We decided to try a Chinese Hot Pot restaurant. We chose what I think might be the Hot Pot equivalent of McDonalds - Super Hi International / Haidilao Huoguo - available in many countries around the world. Apparently - “Not Just Hotpot, But Also A Culture Of Gathering”. We 'google map' walked in the direction of the restaurant and found ourselves heading down to the next floor on an escalator to be met at the bottom by a very smiley young man in a very bright uniform, waving at us. That must be it then. We confirmed that it was just for the two of us and he escorted us to our table. For some inexplicable reason he held his open hand in the air, right angled at the elbow, as we worked our way through quite empty restaurant to a free table. We were handed an iPAD to order our lunch from. It appeared to be very intuitive - I’m sure someone spent a long time making sure it was. Well it wasn’t and I failed pretty quickly to understand it after hitting a few buttons (more about that later). We looked at each other wondering whose idea it was (of course mine) to come in here without some sort of adult supervision - we aren’t even that good at chop sticks and this was well out of our comfort zone. Thank God there were aprons. We decided to attract the attention of some help which duly arrived and I made it clear we hadn’t a clue what we were doing or how to order as it was our very first time, not just at the restaurant, but first time having this sort of food. There was then a realisation that yes we didn’t have a clue what we were doing and we were then given a 1:1 session , slowly walked through each step of our order with lots of decisions made, advice given and appreciative nodding whilst smiling - which is a skill. We were complete - success. All was looking great. That was until my first attempt at ordering started to turn up. I’d neglected to tell them I had already had a go. Our nice assistant frowned and started to try to recover the situation as more items began to turn up from first and second order. I clammed up, deciding the best idea was to suck it up and assume we would be able to eat anything that might arrive. Spoiler - we finished everything. Food continued to arrive by robot - which was pretty cool. It would stop by our table, and it seemed that it was for the benefit of the staff serving us, as we weren’t encouraged (read not allowed) to take dishes from the robot. We were to wait and allow for the staff to transfer the dishes to our table. The concept was new to us, as I've mentioned. Numberous small pieces of thinly cut meat and vegetables were dunked into the hot soup for anything between 2mins and 15mins - it's up to you. We opted for rice and noodles to go with it. The soup had a fantastic deep flavour and I had a good number of small bowls of it alternating with noodles, rice, meat and vegetables. The meal was both an ordeal and an adventure wrapped up in a warm jacket of hot soup. The bill was a very reasonable concoction of the two orders minus some duplicates that were avoided. We did missed out on the sauces and fruit course - next time maybe. When we left the smiley young man at the bottom of the escalator smiled, handed us a couple of bags of questionable snacks, smiled again and waved us off. It feels a little odd as a 56 year old to be waving back at such a brightly coloured individual. But we were in a happy mood. Probably 80% satisfied with our luck, and 20% to have overcome the ordeal, though it could easily have been the other way around. That said - we will definitely be back as it was both lunch and an experience. We were lost and it was fun, and the food was great, and unlike their distant American cousins - felt healthy. Lastly - I appear to have joined their points scheme - 72 points banked so far!

This was the first time that we went to the Singapore F1, in fact it was the first time that we had been to Singapore. The blend of new city, track action, food, star studded concerts delivered well. Whilst the race itself may not have set records for excitement, the overall setup and enjoyment were excellent. Let me walk through the details.... Practice Day: A Pleasant Surprise The practice day at the Singapore F1 2025 was great, largely due to comfortable crowd numbers. We could easily find great spots to watch the cars zoom by and the weather behaved itself. It was hot though - I'll only say that once, as it was hot all the time - never cool. There were plenty of water stations, shade and excellent food and drink stalls. I particularly liked the way that permanent restaurants continued to operate within the F1 areas. We took time to explore the whole course - taking in different views for each of the practice sessions. Qualifying Day: The Highlight of the Weekend Among all the days of the Singapore F1 2025, qualifying day emerged as the standout. We had an excellent standing position with our roving tickets and really enjoyed seeing the cars coming around the corners at speed. A big screen kept us informed of each driver's pace and performance. We then had the Foo Fighters concert later in the evening - an excellent show. Race Day: A Bit of a Letdown Race day was crowded, and slow and difficult to move around easily. We had already taken the potentially odd decision to watch the race from the concert ground as opposed to a difficult standing position with a limited view. We weren't alone with this approach. Pre race we had a great view of Lewis Capaldi's set, and post race we kept the same postion to watch Elton John bang out some great songs. On track race day lacked the edge-of-your-seat thrills we wanted - at least we had the big screens so could easily follow all the racing right down to the back markers. Concerts: Night's to Remember One of the crown jewels of the Singapore F1 2025 was the fantastic concert lineup that complemented the racing schedule. The Foo Fighters were the highlight, delivering a great show that left fans buzzing. Lewis Capaldi and Elton John, also took the stage, enchanting the crowd with their memorable performances. Elton John did show his age in his slower movement - but his voice was 10/10. Accommodation: A Missed Opportunity For the duration of the F1 I decided to stay at the Hilton Garden Inn - in Little India, before moving to the Hilton on Orchard Road the the week after. This was an error as the two hotels were night and day in terms of offerings. The Hilton was so much more refined and comfortable, and Little India was not a great area at all. That said both were well out of the city, and despite the great MRT for getting around, I think I would opt for a hotel in the city, if we were to visit Singapore again. Getting Around: MRT and Grab Getting around Singapore during the F1 weekend was effortless, thanks to the efficient MRT system and the convenience of Grab. The MRT offered a reliable and affordable way to cross the city and avoid all the traffic and road closures. Final Thoughts The Singapore F1 2025 was great. There was the enjoyable practice day, thrilling qualifying and really great music. Although the race itself fell short of excitement, the overall experience was well-organised and enjoyable. Food options, drinks and available hydration stations, together with efficient transportation made it a so much easier experience.

This is more a point in time for me to look back at, rather than anything else. So feel free to bail now. When I started out with this blog, I said I would continue to review whether 'it's working for me' or not. Three months in and it's not. TL;DR I started this blog on 16th July 2025. That happened to be about a month after completing a long period of travelling and on reflection I think being a little lost with what to do with my time. I set out to document my travels and share some of my accumulated knowledge with like minded people. My Self Assessed Report - Can't Be Arsed That's the overall assessment that I'm giving myself for the third month. Maintaining growth of my website and exposure on Facebook became a distracting driver to the extent that I was posting a few times a day and it started to feel like a job - and I don't want one of those! So I'm drawing a line under progress for now - and opting to simply review and document travel and travel plans. What Went Well Content Creation I've got a good set of content on the Norwegian Coastal Route, which is served by Havila Voyages and Hurtigruten. These posts continue to prove popular - though I've had a couple of haters. I'll keep in with the facebook groups that I'm part of and continue to update key posts where I feel it's needed. When I get closer to doing the Norwegian Coastal Route again - I'll do a complete review of the key information. I'm documenting our adventures and observations of Singapore, and activiely planning for trips to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Guernsey, Japan, as well as a longer trip to South America. Engagement Stats (after 3 months) With the grades that I've awarded myself in this report. Facebook - B The facebook tools that I've now got tell me loads of stuff. I'm not going to pay any attention to these going forward - but to close out the stats for first 90 days; Views (number of times your content was played or displayed) - 950k. Engagement (number of reactions, comments, shares and clicks) - Dropped, as I've been less involved. Reach seems to be an important number (so will start to track that) - Dropped, as I've been less involved . Much of the content and interaction continues to be buried in specific interest groups - I'll continue to post content where I think it will be read - i.e. Singapore travel related content in Singapore travel related facebook groups. Instagram - B Got a better handle of this and enjoying it a little more. Website - C Expect to improve with less, better content. Goals For Month 3 Post when I feel like it Less, better posts Take more better photos That's all for now. Happy travels!

Whilst in Singapore for the F1, we went to the Tiffin Room at Raffles Hotel. We had their Diwali Celebration lunch, an experience that was very enjoyable but for me didn't quite hit the spot. Ambiance and Setting Entering The Tiffin Room, the cooling AC was very welcome. The tables are elegantly set, properly separated, complemented by soothing music, creating a peaceful backdrop for dining. The service is a standout feature. The staff were attentive and knowledgeable, ready to offer insights about the menu. This excellent service contributes significantly to the overall dining experience. Starters: Nice and Light The Diwali Celebration lunch presented a delightful lineup of dishes, starting with crispy poppadoms paired with a variety of chutneys. The poppadums were light and flavorful, and the accompanying chutneys were tasty, we ate them so quickly another pot turned up. Following this were cleverly crafted starters inspired by Indian street food. The dishes were not only visually appealing but also rich in flavours. Next was an expertly prepared fish featuring a delicate blend of spices that left a lasting impression. Neither of these starters were overly filling - which was appreciated as there was so much more to come. The Curries: A Mixed Bag The main attraction of the meal was the trio of curries: prawn, chicken, and lamb, beautifully served in a traditional tiffin alongside lamb mince rice and freshly baked naan. The presentation in a traditional tiffin was cool - but lacked a wow factor. Prawn Curry : A standout, the prawn curry was expertly crafted, striking the perfect balance between spices and the natural sweetness of the prawns. The prawns themselves were large and meaty. Chicken Curry : The chicken dish was equally satisfying, with tender pieces that were bursting with flavour. Lamb Masala : Although well-cooked, the lamb masala didn't entirely meet expectations. We both felt it lacked the complexity typically expected from such a dish. Desserts: A Missed Opportunity As the meal concluded, I reviewed the dessert selection on the menu card that they had left with us at the table. It was a number of traditional Indian sweets. However, when it came time to taste, they failed to impress. It was probably me though as I'm not a big fan of Indian desserts - they are overly sweet or rich for me. Value for Money A noteworthy aspect of dining at The Tiffin Room was the chance to use the £100 dining abroad credit from my Amex Platinum card. This perk made the experience more accessible and allowed for a luxurious meal that would normally be out of budget. While the overall dining experience was commendable, it didn’t fully meet the high expectations that I had in my head when we first decided to go. In that I mean it was good, but it doesn't sit in the top ten of memorable meals that I've had and we had better in Singapore whilst there. The ambiance, attentive service, and standout dishes contributed to a pleasant outing; however, inconsistencies in the curries and desserts left the meal feeling incomplete. Final Thoughts - Tiffin Room For those looking to explore Indian culture and cuisine, the Tiffin Room is worth a visit, particularly for its ambiance and attentive service. That said maybe it would be better to consider the more reasonably priced lunch menu (which appeared not to be available during the Diwali period) or simply go for a main course. Overall, while it offers a good experience, it falls short of being truly memorable.

Nestled in the heart of Singapore city is Raffles, a hotel that I've always wanted to visit. Whilst at the F1 - we took the opportunity to book their famed afternoon tea - which is served in their Grand Lobby - what a good use of space. It was a lovely experience made all the better with great service, live music, excellent food and tea. The Grand Lobby is grand, not breathtakingly grand, but grand all the same. With its high ceilings, colonial architecture, and plush seating, it sets the perfect environment for a leisurely afternoon tea. TL;DR This isn't just afternoon tea, it's a Raffles Afternoon Tea. An Exquisite Selection of Teas One of the highlights of the afternoon tea experience at Raffles Singapore was the impressive selection of teas available - each was shared in its dry form for a sniff. I chose the jasmine tea and it didn't disappoint. It was served in a translucent tea pot, with a timer, allowing full appreciation of the brewing process. Generous Portions of Sandwiches, Scones, and Sweets As the tea was served, along came an impressive tiered stand filled with an array of sandwiches, scones, and sweets. The generous portions were more than enough to satisfy our appetites. The sandwiches were a delightful mix of flavours - chicken pesto and egg mayonnaise - if memory serves correctly. Next came the scones, I wasn't sure about the savoury scone, but the fruit scone with jam and clotted cream was lovely. There were a lot of sweets - not a heavy texture - but very filling. Unexpected Birthday and Anniversary Surprises As if the afternoon tea experience wasn’t already special enough, we were pleasantly surprised with a few treats to celebrate my upcoming birthday and our wedding anniversary that had just passed. Not sure why I was surprised as they had asked whether we were celebrating anything. I must have helped justify the expense in my head by aligning not with just one celebration but two. As we saw the surprises delivered to most tables - I clearly wasn't the only person that thinks this way. A Missed Opportunity - the Long Bar (Raffles) While our afternoon tea experience was nothing short of spectacular, we did have one small disappointment. We had hoped to visit the iconic Long Bar after our tea, but unfortunately, the massive queue and the inability to make a reservation meant we had to forgo that experience this time. The Long Bar is famous for its Singapore Sling cocktail, peanut shells on the floor and its vibrant atmosphere, making it a must-visit for anyone at Raffles. Maybe next time.

Visiting the 1-Arden Sky Garden in Singapore combines both breathtaking views and nice drinks. Whilst in Singapore we took the opportunity to to explore this stunning rooftop garden, we do like a roof top bar. Initially we were refused entry as we hadn't got a reservation - this was quickly remedied with a QR code and internet access and within 30mins we were seated by a window. TL;DR We took a fast lift to the 51st floor that gave great views of Singapore and beyond. The Arrival at 1-Arden Sky Garden As we stepped out of the lift we found we were quickly in a lush green garden environment. The garden is designed to be an escape from the bustling city below, and it certainly lived up to that promise. Sipping on Drinks with a View The drinks list wasn't bad - we opted for draft beer and wine. The few that we had went down nicely over the couple of hours that we spent watching the sun go down. The panoramic views of Singapore’s skyline were breathtaking, and the changing colors of the sky created a picturesque backdrop. A Stroll Around the Garden After finishing our drinks, we decided to take a leisurely stroll around the garden. The pathways were lined with various plants and flowers, creating a tranquil environment. We wandered through the different sections, each offering 360 views. Heading to Fisherman’s Quay for Dinner As the sun fully set and the city lights began to twinkle, we made our way to Fisherman’s Quay, which was conveniently located nearby, and in the general direction of our hotel. Fisherman’s Quay is known for its seafood and vibrant atmosphere, making it the perfect spot to continue our evening. For a Monday night - it was pleasantly busy without being over crowded. We decided to share a few satay dishes, which were great along the water's edge, together with a few more drinks. Reflecting on the Day It was a pretty good day - good drinks and nice food. Prices in both locations were very reasonable - especially at the Sky Garden considering the view. Our visit to 1-Arden Sky Garden made for a relaxing afternoon in Singapore, escaping the hustle and bustle of city life. If you find yourself in Singapore, make sure to book a visit to the Sky Garden and enjoy the magic of the sunset, followed by a delightful meal at Fisherman’s Quay. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss!

....I could probably book another trip on Havila today. There are two types of people in this facebook group; those that have just joined seeking information to enable booking on Havila, or wanting to check arrangements for an upcoming journey Those that have travelled before, and have an affinity for Havila that is difficult to shake We've all spent time as the former - so repeats of the same questions from the recently joined should be expected, and the later group should be happy to provide and share their experience and informed knowledge. TL;DR This blog takes the most basic of questions relating to booking and travelling with Havila and provides a definitive answer together with its source. The format is Question, answer together with source. I'll continue to update the blog to include questions and answers as and when I spot anything missing. So here goes.... Questions & Answers Is there a hairdryer in my cabin/suite? Yes. Source - I confirmed direct with Havila Am I allowed to bring alcohol on to the ship for consumption onboard? No - Passengers are not permitted to consume alcohol purchased outside of the vessel onboard. Source - Website (T&Cs) Do I need to dress up for dinner? No - You are travelling in nature; the dress code is casual, and you do not need to dress up for dinner. Source - Website Can I wash my clothes? Yes, you can wash your clothes in the laundry facilities at deck 4 and 5. There are three washing machines that automatically dispense soap, three dryers, and ironing equipment. Washing and Drying machines are free to use. Source - Website What type are power outlets? European , the voltage is 220V. If you need an adapter, you can buy it on board. Source - Website Do I have a TV in my room? Yes Source - Website Is there WIFI? Yes - all over the ship and in the cabins and suites Source - Personal experience Are there tea and coffee facilities in my cabin/suite? There are water kettles available in the sea view cabins. They are not provided in the interior cabins. But, you can inquire at the reception for assistance. There are coffee machines in the suites. In addition suite guests have the Havly Cafe package included - which includes all coffee beverages available from the Havly Cafe. Source - Havila Helpdesk Is tea and coffee free? Coffee and tea are complimentary during breakfast. There is black coffee and hot water available outside the shop, with milk and sugar available for free. Suite guests have the Havly Cafe package included - which includes all coffee beverages available from the Havly Cafe. Source - Havila Helpdesk Is there a dressing gown and slippers in my cabin/suite? These are available to those guests in Junior suites and Lighhouse suites. Source - Website Which is better - Port or Starboard? Difficult to answer as that is down to personal preference Source - Personal experience Are there USB ports in the cabin/suite? Yes - USB A Source - Personal experience Are their bathroom toiletries in the cabins/suites? Yes, and whilst good quality, you may want to bring your own Source - Personal experience Do I get a lanyard? Suite guests get a free lanyard, other guests can purchase one Source - Facebook Can I get more Towels? Yes - just ask at reception Source - Personal experience Are there towels for the Jacuzzi and sauna? Yes - just ask at reception Source - Personal experience Tips? Not expected Source - Website How do I contact Havila? Call Customer Service International: +47 7000 7071 UK: +44 3455 280 026 US: +1 833 210 9067* Canada: +1 647 3675922 Denmark: +45 7080 1154 Sweden: +46 (0)840 000 718 Germany: 0800-72 43 122* Norway: +47 7000 7070 Email contact.voyages@havila.no reservations.voyages@havila.no Source - Website When do I get a cabin number? BKB journeys with your booking confirmation, other travellers on checkin. Source - Facebook What does BKB stand for? Bergen to Kirkenes to Bergen, also known as the Round Voyage - 11 nights, 12 days. Source - Website Is priority checkin available for suite guests? Yes - well signed at boarding Source - Facebook What's the weather going to be like? Impossible to predict Source - Personal experience Which Cabin should I get? Its up to you - I've written up the accommodations available in these blog posts; https://www.retiredcormac.co.uk/post/accommodation-options-on-havila-voyages-ships https://www.retiredcormac.co.uk/post/cabin-options-on-havila-voyages-ships https://www.retiredcormac.co.uk/post/suite-options-on-havila-voyages-ships Source - Personal experience How does the Jacuzzi work? I've written a blog post here; https://www.retiredcormac.co.uk/post/the-havila-jacuzzi Source - Personal experience How does the sauna work? I've written a blog post here; https://www.retiredcormac.co.uk/post/the-havila-sauna Source - Personal experience Tell me more about the Gym & Fitness Rooms Here's the blog post for those; https://www.retiredcormac.co.uk/post/the-havila-gym-fitness-rooms Source - Personal experience How does Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner work? I've written a blog post for this here; https://www.retiredcormac.co.uk/post/how-havila-breakfast-lunch-and-dinner-works Source - Personal experience How can I best communicate my dietary needs? If you contact customer support before you sail they will take details of all dietary requirements. This is then communicated to the ship. The information is loaded on your card which you receive on checking in and carry with you. The crew serving you at meals all have access to this information too. Source - Facebook Updates - 23 August.... Can you get any medication for seasickness aboard the ship? Havila sell both oral and bracelet-style seasickness remedies on the onboard shop. Source - Facebook Can I get a certificate for passing over the Artic Circle ? Yes - you can purchase a certificate or postcard to commemorate your crossing into the Arctic Circle in the onboard shop. Source - Facebook Many stops look like they are only 10-15 minutes duration ? These stops are for the drop off / pick up of passengers or cargo - going back to the days where the only reliabel connectivity was the daily ship. The stops are not designed for port visits. Source - Facebook Paying over the internet can sometimes fail ? There have been many reports of this - best advice has been to call the helpdesk. Where it will be quickly sorted out. Source - Facebook Are there USB ports in the TVs ? There are USB-A (old style USB ports) on the TVs and in the cabins Source - Facebook Can pick specific cabin numbers, rather than be allocated ? A cost of £200 has been reported on facebook Source - Facebook How are schedule changes reported? Either via an announcement, on the big screens and also on this web page https://www.havilavoyages.com/sailing-schedule Updates - 7th October .... How do meals work on the first day of the BKB? As boarding isn't until later in the afternoon, no lunch is provided. Dinner on the first night is a single sitting time and tables aren't as allocated for the rest of the journey. Source - Personal experience Which electric sockets are available in the cabins? Type F - two pin European sockets. Source - Personal experience Is there a shop close to the Bergen Port? Yes - Kiwi supermarket is about 2 mins walk from the port. Source - Facebook Are drink packages available? As the time of writing this update - October 2025 - they are still not available. Source - Facebook What time do I need to exit my cabin when returning to Bergen? 10:00 for Cabins, 12:00 for Suites Source - Facebook Are there clothes hangers in the cabins? Yes - there are plenty (8), together with hooks for coats etc. Source - Facebook Do I need cash on board? You don't need cash on board, any extras (drinks for example) are charged to your room, via your keycard. In addition, Norway is mostly cash free. Source - Facebook How high are the cabin ceillings? Probably 8 feet, as 6' 3" people haven't reported any near misses. Source - Facebook For everything else Havila click here - https://www.retiredcormac.co.uk/search?q=havila&type=blogs

Visiting the Apple Store in Milton Keynes for the "Today at Apple" workshop on taking better photos with an iPhone was a great experience. We are mid-50s and we were going back to school! Our daughter had given us robust feedback that our photography skills were shocking, and given the many thousands of poor photographs we have taken we felt it was time to take action. We were eager to learn and improve. TL;DR As we walked into the Apple Store, we were excited. A passionate instructor, with years of experience in photography and a deep understanding of the iPhone, welcomed us. The next 60mins went by in a flash. The Excitement of the Workshop The workshop began with a quick overview of the fundamentals of photography, emphasing the iPhone’s camera features. We were in a small group of just four people, all total beginners quite unaware of the advanced photograph features that the iphone offer, but eager to learn. Learning the Basics One of the first things our instructor highlighted was the importance of lighting. Natural light, for instance, can elevate a photo’s quality significantly. We learned how to adjust exposure settings effectively and identify the best angles to make each shot count. We also explored various camera modes on the iPhone, including Panorama. Each mode has features designed to enhance photography. For example, Portrait mode creates a striking contrast between the subject and the background, making it ideal for portraits. Composition Techniques Another significant lesson was about composition, particularly the "Rule of Thirds." This principle suggests breaking an image into a 3x3 grid and placing points of interest along these lines or intersections. By enabling this grid feature on our iPhones, we could better frame our shots to create compelling images. We practiced taking photos of different subjects throughout the store, experimenting with various compositions. It was fascinating to see how shifting our angle just slightly could turn a simple photo into something captivating. For instance, when photographing a product display from a lower angle, we found that the shot felt more dynamic and engaging. Editing Tips The workshop also delved into basic editing techniques using the Photos app. We learned how to crop images, adjust brightness and contrast, and apply filters—skills that can immensely improve our photography. The instructor showed us how even slight tweaks could lead to substantial enhancements. Having the chance to edit our photos immediately made the process more rewarding. Watching our images transform with just a few adjustments was empowering and reaffirmed that professional-looking photos are achievable without complex software. The Impact of iOS 26 - All Change! Just as we started feeling confident in our skills, we remembered that iOS 26 was set to launch the following day. Doh! However, the instructor reassured us that the foundational techniques we were learning would remain relevant despite the changes. Putting Our Skills to the Test After the workshop, we couldn’t wait to put our new skills into practice. Our photographs are definitely improving - but we have some way to go. That said, for now, we feel better equipped with our newfound knowledge to continue to experiment with different lighting conditions and compositions. For example, I found myself the other day taking close ups of flowers for the first time ever. A Final Thought - Today at Apple There’s something special about being able to document our retired lives, and the travel we have planned, through a lens - I'm excited to get started with the travelling again, and take time to take good photographs. Attending the "Today at Apple" workshop on photography was great. We learned valuable techniques, explored exciting new features, and realised that there is shed loads of stuff we don't know. If you're thinking about attending a workshop at your local Apple Store, we wholeheartedly recommend it. No matter your skill level—whether you're a beginner or seeking to refine your craft—there's always something new to discover. We will be returning for another session soon.

Today we are off to Singapore - and will be parking at the airport. I decided to do an article about the meet and greet parking that we are using. Meet and greet parking services have become increasingly popular with me - seeking convenience and efficiency - especially when there is more than just the two of us. I've stood outside the terminal too many times waiting for a bus, that then goes to every terminal before going to the car park. This service allows us travellers to drive directly to the airport terminal, where a driver then takes care of parking the vehicle - off airport. While this option offers several advantages, it also comes with its own set of drawbacks. TL;DR There are both benefits and disadvantages of meet and greet parking - but there are simple methods to protect yourself from high costs and unexpected incidents. The Advantages of Meet and Greet Parking One of the main benefits for me of meet and greet parking is the convenience. The drop point is usually in a quiet area of short stay parking - meaning a short walk to check-in. That said - if it was just me travelling (and paying for parking) then I would probably park off-airport. Another advantage is the time-saving aspect. With meet and greet parking, you can save valuable time, particularly during busy travel seasons. Instead of spending time in remote parking and taking the shuttle bus to every terminal, you can enjoy a seamless transition from your car to the airport terminal. The Disadvantages of Meet and Greet Parking Despite its many benefits, meet and greet parking is not without its drawbacks. Cost - Meet and greet services are generally more expensive than traditional parking options - it's important to compare prices and consider whether the convenience is worth the additional expense. Another potential downside is the risk of damage or theft. When you hand over your keys to a driver (I've a mate who could never do that), you are entrusting them with your vehicle. It's easier if tou drive a Kia rather than a Range Rover! While most reputable companies have insurance and protocols in place, there is always a risk that something could go wrong. It’s essential to choose a reliable service and read reviews before making a decision. With any parking unexpected delays can lead to additional charges or complications. It’s crucial to communicate with the parking service to avoid any misunderstandings. Tips To reduce costs; Book in Advance Compare Prices Look out for Promotions To protect yourself from unexpected incidents; Choose a Reputable Service Take a video of your car before handing over the keys Keep Your Valuables Secure I can hear my mate shouting - just don't do it - pay the premium and park in short stay! Conclusion Meet and greet parking can be a convenient option for travellers looking for a quicker airport experience. While it offers several advantages, such as time savings and security, it also comes with potential drawbacks, including higher costs and risks associated with vehicle handling. Happy travels! PS - If you enjoyed this content, don’t forget to like it❤️, share it, and follow me. It really helps!

Arriving in a new city always brings a mix of excitement and a bit of anxiety, maybe 80:20 - especially when you're fighting off jet lag. Our first day in Singapore had both. We were eager to dive into exploring a new city, and knew we needed to get on top of how Grab and the Metro worked. Who'd have known it was as simple as Uber and the Tube is. Doh! TL;DR Once you realise everyone, and I mean everyone in Singapore appears to speak English, the concerns of getting from A to B simply go away. Arrival at Changi Airport Changi Airport is a pretty cool place in a visual sense, and really efficient, so we quickly founds ourselves in arrivals. I had a plan of how to get from the airport to the hotel via a taxi, as I'd previously read that getting a Grab or similar might mean a long walk to beyond the taxi queue. That plan changed once I saw all the QR codes for the different ride share companies, and the very clear instructions on where they could be picked up from. It was just so easy, and in no time at all we were in the hotel bar having a drink before venturing out for an evening walk. Navigating the Metro System - MRT Buoyed from success of the previous day we decided to take the MRT into the city centre. I took one look at the complicated ticket machine, and decided to check with the ticket office whether tapping our bank card at the ticket gate would work - just like the Tube. We got the thumbs up from the ticket office - simples. Isn't technology great. I wish every city that we travel to was as simple as Singapore. Conquering Jet Lag We had a good sleep overnight and we appear to have gotten away with it - let's see what happens though when the excitment of exploring a new city starts to wear off.