Feb – Mar 2025

Tokyo to Singapore

At YYC waiting to board our 10 1/2 hour Westjet flight to Tokyo Read more

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Trip start
February 9, 2025
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Day 1
Sunday, February 9, 2025 at 12:29 PM
☁️ -15 °C
Altitude: 1,078 m
Canada Calgary International Airport 51.129914, -114.00350151°7’48” N 114°0’13” W
YYC
February 9 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ -15 °C
At YYC waiting for our Westjet
10 1/2 flight to Tokyo.
Time to spare, go by air [Margo]
2/18/25Reply
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Day 2
Monday, February 10, 2025 at 6:44 PM
🌙 7 °C
Altitude: 12 m
Japan Sendaibori Gawa 35.677646, 139.7924735°40’40” N 139°47’33” E
Dai-ichi Hotel
February 10 in Japan ⋅ 🌙 7 °C
Our flight was delayed an hour but arrived only 10 minutes later than scheduled. Opted to take the Limousine Bus as it dropped us at our hotel. Service at the hotel is amazing.
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Day 3
Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 3:50 PM
⛅ 8 °C
Altitude: 18 m
Japan Uchisaiwaichō Eki 35.668561, 139.75762935°40’7” N 139°45’27” E
Tokyo
February 11 in Japan ⋅ ⛅ 8 °C
What a day. Our tour to Meiji Jingu Shrine included a parade to celebrate Japan National Foundation Day. At times we felt like we were in the parade. Traditional music, dance, bands and portable shrines. Such a vibe.

Our first venture on the transit system was pretty straight forward. The stations are well signed. We made a stop at Tokyo Station, and I have to say that was a little intimidating. So many people, trains, different levels, restaurants and shops.

Later in the afternoon, we headed to the area of Akihabara. It is known for Tokyo's electronics and anime. We didn't stay long as the evening was cold and windy.Read more
Looks very busy. Enjoy Japan [Sylvia]
2/12/25Reply
Happy you are seeing and enjoying your time there [Margp]
2/18/25Reply
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Day 4
Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at 9:24 AM
⛅ 4 °C
Altitude: 16 m
Japan Uchisaiwaichō Eki 35.668559, 139.75765435°40’7” N 139°45’28” E
Tokyo
February 12 in Japan ⋅ ⛅ 4 °C
Tour today with a Volunteer Guide.

Sensor-ji Temple is recognized with the iconic giant lantern or Thunder Gate entrance. From lantern to prayer hall is lined with souvenir stalls. There is also a five storied pagoda. We had a pleasant stroll thru the grounds. Definiteljy not crowded like the souvenirs stalls.

Tokyo National Museum was our next destination located in Uneo Park. Uneo Park was a pleasant surprised with some flowers and winter cherry tree just staring to flower. Also a fellow playing a saw and one that was mainly nude, posing in various positions. I got his best angle.

There is definitely not enough time for the museum.

Stayed close to our hotel this evening. Such interesting, narrow alleyways with restaurants and bars. Also, a shrine in one of the alleyways.Read more
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Day 5–10
February 13, 2025 at 2:20 AM - February 18, 2025
5 nights
🌧 6 °C
Altitude: 80 m
Japan Nanzen-ji 35.010732, 135.79368135°0’39” N 135°47’37” E
Kyoto
Feb 13–18 in Japan ⋅ 🌧 6 °C
Early start as we boarded the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) at 6:50 for Kyoto. Glad we were a little early as we need to get a new bar code for our tickets. Smooth ride!! We did see Mtn Fiji.
Met our Volunteer Tour Guide at Kyoto Station. Then, a bus ride to our first stop.

Sanjusangento Temple
Wow, wish we could have taken pictures. 1000 golden Budda statues. We had to take our shoes off and that was bloody cold on the feet

Bus to Nanzenji Temple
Interesting features are the dragons on the ceiling of the temple.
There is an aqueduct that runs thru the temple grounds. It is the cities water supply.

Taxi to Ginkakuji Temple. Also, known as the Silver Temple. A quick walk thru the grounds.

Off to lunch but stop to buy some famous strawberries. Yes the strawberries are wonderful

Final bus ride to Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion). This is also a wow site.

Decided that since it was cold, windy and there were snow showers, we had enough. Kyoto was well worth the visit even with the 🥶.

Arrived back to Tokyo to to a brisk wind. Only 18,000 steps, other people have double that number.Read more
Wow! Spectacular [Margo]
2/18/25Reply
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Day 6
Friday, February 14, 2025 at 1:44 AM
⛅ 4 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Japan Shinagawa-wan 35.61716, 139.77125635°37’2” N 139°46’17” E
Tokyo
February 14 in Japan ⋅ ⛅ 4 °C
We once again used the Volunteer Tour Guide. Our intention was to visit the Imperial Palace, but it was closed for the day. Instead we enjoyed the view of Tokyo from Metropolitan Government Building.
Then, on to see Godzilla and the famous cat. Take in the atmosphere of the area. We did miss Godzilla roaring as he starts at noon.
The final stop was the Shibuya Scramble and Hachiko the dog statue. Shibuya Station has 3,000,000 million people pass thru it a day.
Back to the hotel and join the cruise.
Great to be on board.Read more
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Day 7
Saturday, February 15, 2025
⛅ 13 °C
Altitude: 27 m
Japan Shiodome 35.667696, 139.76145335°40’4” N 139°45’41” E
Tokyo
February 15 in Japan ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C
Big adventure today was to Don Quijote. A discount store with a wide range of items, from groceries, electronics, clothing etc. Products are packed from ceiling to floor with narrow aisles. I could easily lose Gary. At one point, I was calling his name and you probably know that most Japanese are quiet in public. I got a few looks!!
New experience today using the Yurikamome Line, they have heated seats!!
Ended the day with Captains welcome party.Read more
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Day 8
Sunday, February 16, 2025 at 8:13 AM
☁️ 9 °C
Altitude: 18 m
Japan Kiyomizu-eki 35.022103, 138.48786435°1’20” N 138°29’16” E
Shimizu
February 16 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C
Oceania provided transportation to shopping area and fish market.
I think this is the first fish market that I have visited that didn't smell like fish.
Shopping area had an interesting group of young people.
Bay cruise was a relaxing way to enjoy the views of Mt Fuji.
Ended the day with a Cruise Critic Meet and Greet.Read more
Beautiful mountain…… not so much for the 1/2 socks. Margo [Margo]
2/18/25Reply
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Day 9
Monday, February 17, 2025
🌬 11 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Philippine Sea 31.947955, 133.03519631°56’53” N 133°2’7” E
East China Sea
February 17, Philippine Sea ⋅ 🌬 11 °C
Sea Day
After a hectic 6 days in need of a break.
Our Tour Guide forwarded me another cat picture from our last tour in Tokyo.
Trip looks remarkable!! [Sylvia]
2/17/25Reply
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Day 10
Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at 10:02 AM
☀️ 8 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Japan Nanakubo 31.61797, 130.57872531°37’5” N 130°34’43” E
1
Kagoshima
February 18 in Japan ⋅ ☀️ 8 °C
Destination, Sengan-en, which
is one of Japans famous traditional gardens and the stately home of Shimadzu clan.
Sengan-en overlooks the active Volanoe Sakurajima, which has erupted 65 times so far this year. 3000 people live on the island. Children are required to wear yellow helmets.
The Sengan-en gardens are designated a place of beauty together with adjacent museums that form part of the UNESCO World Heritage site.

Even though it is still winter here, there were a number of plum trees starting to flower and very fragrant. Gardens were amazing.

The adjacent museum walks you thru the Industrial Revolution of the area.

A three hour tour with a Volunteer Guide.

We have had 4 very unique Volunteer Tour Guides. 3 were retired gentlemen and all 4 with different levels of the English language. Language at times could be a little bit of a hindrance, but there is always google Translate. All were very enthusiastic and really wanted us to enjoy all the sites and what Japan has to offer.Read more
Fabulous pictures. Would love to smell the flowers [Sylvia]
2/19/25Reply
Two to TravelWe loved these gardens.
2/20/25Reply
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Day 11
Wednesday, February 19, 2025
☁️ 4 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Japan Kawa-saki 34.679477, 135.1882134°40’46” N 135°11’18” E
East China Sea
February 19 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 4 °C
Drummers were yesterday's send off.
Last night the Seas were a little rock and roll.
Smoother sailing today.
Winter jackets needed for pool time!!
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Day 12
Thursday, February 20, 2025
☁️ 21 °C
Altitude: 16 m
Taiwan Longshan Si 25.036965, 121.4999925°2’13” N 121°29’60” E
Taipei, Taiwan
February 20 in Taiwan ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C
Oceania docked at the port of Keelung, Taiwan.
We did a private tour to Taipei with 2 other couples. About a 35 minute drive.

First stop was the Taipei 101 Observatory. 100 is lucky. An additional story was added for extra luck. No, we didn't overlook the city. On to the Agora Garden, is a twisted residental high rise, rotating clockwise at 90 degrees. Starting price of 27,000 000 US. Complete with heli pad.

Longshan is a famous old Temple in Taiwan. It was built where Chinese settlers went to gather and worship. Parts have been rebuilt 3 times. It is an impressive structure with colorful mosaic decorations and beautiful doors, beams, and pillars. Chinese New Year decorations were still on display.
From there, strolled down old street, checked out a market and stores.

CKS Memorial Hall is a national monument erected in memory of the first President of the Republic of China. There is a bronze statue of the President inside hall. The grounds were massive and included many cherry trees in bloom.

Back to Keelung, nicknamed the rainy port. Keelung Tower offers us panoramic views. Last stop was a view on the other side of the harbor at a book store in an abandoned school.Read more
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Day 13
Friday, February 21, 2025 at 2:02 PM
🌬 25 °C
Altitude: Sea level
South China Sea 19.157273, 120.34852319°9’26” N 120°20’55” E
South China Sea
February 21, South China Sea ⋅ 🌬 25 °C
Relaxing sea day!!!
Except for completing online entry forms for the Philippines and Brunei
Takes up a couple hours of your time.
Also we were required to have our temperature taken before going ashore in the Philippines tomorrow.
We can finally put away our winter clothes. Beautiful dayRead more
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Day 14
Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 1:17 PM
☁️ 32 °C
Altitude: 11 m
Philippines Estero de San Sebastian 14.597141, 120.97641814°35’50” N 120°58’35” E
Manila, Philippines
February 22 on the Philippines ⋅ ☁️ 32 °C
Yes, the weather has definitely changed. We did our own tour using TukTuks and walking. and headed back to the ship after 3 hours. A little on the warm side.

After some negotiations, we came to an agreement with the Tuk Tuk driver. Off we went to Chinatown, which is only a couple miles from the port. To our surprise, the driver had to ask directions a few times. Manila's Chinatown is one of the oldest in the world. The area was originally for Catholic Chinese. You enter the area thru a Chinese Goodwill Arch. Then all H breaks loose. People, cars, TukTuks, motorcycles, mopeds navigating narrow streets. Try walking!!! People lined up for food for blocks.

We decided to walk to Fort Santiago, crossing the Pasig River. That probably did us in. Reached the Fort and hired another TukTuk. The area was congested. Intramuros is a beautiful historic place. You can feel the Spanish era. The San Augusta Church is the oldest church in the Philippines. Busy day with weddings. You couldn't get close. Last stop was Casa Manila. This home is part of understanding the cultural traditions of the Philippines. Great area to visit.

It was an exciting day for Oceania Philippines crew members as they met up with their families.

Evening ended with a fireworks.Read more
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Day 15
Sunday, February 23, 2025
☀️ 27 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Philippines Manoc-Manoc 11.928768, 121.93193711°55’44” N 121°55’55” E
Boracay Island, Philippines
February 23 on the Philippines ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C
Imagine an Island with white sand beaches, water so clear it reflects every shade of blue. That is exactly what we did today. Oceania was tendering, and water was very rough, so we stayed on board. The day was a mix of a little rain, a little sun, and overcast skies . The ship was anchored between Boracay and Malay Island. There are lots of small ferries between the two.Read more
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Day 16–18
February 24, 2025 at 12:04 PM - February 26, 2025
2 nights
🌬 28 °C
Altitude: 11 m
Philippines Princesa Point 9.74306, 118.7283919°44’35” N 118°43’42” E
Puerto Princesa, Philippines
Feb 24–26 on the Philippines ⋅ 🌬 28 °C
Arranged a private tour to Underground River impressive cave systems. From Puerto Princesa is abt a 2 hrs drive on a long and twisty road. Surprised, I didn't need motion sickness pills!!
Then you roar and crash your way in a typical banca boat for abt 15 minutes. After a 5 minute walk, you reach the entrance of the river. We encounter monitor lizards and monkeys along the way.
Into another boat and floated into the darkness of the cave system. The audio guides provided were incredibly informative. Our guide illuminated various rock formations along the way. The Cave system is 8 1/2 kilometers and empties into the sea. Our tour was 45 minutes and only a portion of the caves.

It was a great day.Read more
TravelerI guess Gary is truly a caveman 😉
2/28/25Reply
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Day 17
Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at 11:49 AM
☁️ 28 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Malaysia Gueritz Shoal 5.998694, 116.0763925°59’55” N 116°4’35” E
Koto Kinbalu City, Borneo
February 25 in Malaysia ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C
Kota Kinabalu city is a typical bustling city. Our adventure took us on another 2 hour drive to the Klias Mangrove. As you approach Klias, there are dense mangrove forests. Once there, we followed the wooden boardwalk to the river cruise area. Boarded a boat for a 2 hour sail in search of proboscis monkeys, macaques and other local wildlife. We did encounter the monkeys. I was hoping for a more close-up view but had no such luck. Still fascinating to watch them in their natural setting.

Today was an interesting comparison to our previous foray into the countryside. Some of the vegetation was similar. In Borneo we saw more open fields, modern looking homes and businesses. Whereas as in the Philippines, more ramshackled homes and not as many fields.Read more
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Day 18
Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at 11:49 AM
🌧 29 °C
Altitude: 29 m
Brunei Sungai Kedayan 4.884248, 114.9384924°53’3” N 114°56’19” E
Muara, Brunei
February 26 in Brunei ⋅ 🌧 29 °C
Tour offered us a glimpse into a world of opulence and simplicity.
We visited one of the 42 World's largest floating villages. They are connected with wooden & concrete, boardwalks that run about 38 kilometers. The timber houses are on stilts next to schools, restaurants, mosques, fire & police stations. Everyone has access to electricity, running water, TV & wi-fi. For some residents it is their prime residents. For others it is a retreat from the city. We were treated to a visit to a home for tea & cakes. Home appears smaller but once inside you find that a family 12 plus might occupy the 5 bedroom home.
The Royal Regalia Museum is dedicated to the Saltan. Museum provides you with a glimpse of opulence. The Saltan's full names consist of 16 names. Our guide repeated all 16 and said in school you must write all 16 if writing reports on the Saltan. The Saltan is the owner of 400 Bentleys. He has had 3 wife's but has divorced the 2&3 wife. He has 12 children.

Everyone in Brunei owns a car. Gas is cheap, cars are cheap, dentist, doctors and hospital costs a person abt $3.00 a visit. Education, including University is free. But in 30 years oil and gas will probably run out!!

Two quick photo stops, James Asr Mosque and the Prime Minister's Office (the Saltan is also the Prime Minister).Read more
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Day 19
Thursday, February 27, 2025
☁️ 29 °C
Altitude: 12 m
Brunei Bukit Cowie 5.030096, 115.0603775°1’48” N 115°3’37” E
South China Sea
February 27 in Brunei ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C
Lunch with a couple we have toured with.
Culinary class on Lemons great fun.
Seas were a little rocky in the morning, but by afternoon, smooth sailing.
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Day 20
Friday, February 28, 2025 at 9:38 AM
⛅ 30 °C
Altitude: 5 m
Indonesia Tambatan Jamrud Selatan -7.198746, 112.7292537°11’55” S 112°43’45” E
Java Sea
February 28 in Indonesia ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C
Crossed the Equator at 2:00 am.
Equator ceremony held this morning.
Received an invitation to dine at Privee with 2 other couples on their 20th cruise.
Smooth day of sailing.
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Day 21
Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 10:37 AM
☁️ 30 °C
Altitude: 245 m
Indonesia Gendingan -7.608035, 110.2060837°36’29” S 110°12’22” E
Semarang, Indonesia
March 1 in Indonesia ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C
The destination today was to the restored Temple of Borobudur. It is the site of the world's largest Buddhist temple built around 800A.D. You circumnavigate the tiers until you reach the top of this magnificent structure.

We had a police escort for the 3 hour journey. Between Semarang & Borobudur, you pass through a variety of agriculture, homes, and businesses. We saw rice paddies, coffee plantation higher up, tea plantation, crops of cabbage, carrots, potatoes, fruit orchards (salak, also called snake fruit, bananas, papayas, durians) and tobacco field. Temanggung is famous for high-quality tobacco. It is used in traditional kretek (clove) cigarettes. These cigarettes are made using a complicated procedure that involves a mixture of different tobacco and cloves. The sauce added can contain up to 100 different ingredients.

It was a most interesting day. I didn't make to the top of Borobudur but Gary managed. It was bloody hot and humid!!Read more
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Day 22–25
March 2, 2025 at 9:15 AM - March 5, 2025
3 nights
☁️ 30 °C
Altitude: 8 m
Indonesia Pelabuhan Tanjung Perak -7.196135, 112.7337977°11’46” S 112°44’2” E
Surabaya, Indonesia
Mar 2–5 in Indonesia ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C
This was a first visit to Surabaya by Riveria. The Tourist Ambassadors for Surabaya, Cak and Ning
were on board Riveria for a photo op and a tour of the ship. The Indonesia crew enjoyed having family members visit.

Again, another hot day. We did a 2 hour bus tour around the city. The Dutch influence is apparent in some areas of the city. From July to October, Indonesia celebrates bull racing. Bulls are yoked to wooden skids and race 130 meters. The shopping mall offers the same stores as you would have at home. Modern city with the second busiest port in Indonesia.Read more
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Day 23
Monday, March 3, 2025 at 3:38 PM
☁️ 31 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Indonesia Pelabuhan Benoa -8.742445, 115.2130818°44’33” S 115°12’47” E
Bali, Indonesia
March 3 in Indonesia ⋅ ☁️ 31 °C
Arrived at 1:00 pm and arranged a private tour.
Traffic was terrible!! Most streets we travelled were just 2-way traffic with no shoulder. Motorbikes whipping in and out, other vehicles stopped for various reasons, only 2 stop lights in 2 hrs. After 2 hrs, our first impression of Bali was not favorable. But interesting sites on the way to the Padang Beach stop. Many stairs to get to the beach. Was a nice break from the traffic. Very hot climb. By this time, we were really wondering abt Bali. Could it get any better.

Onward, we go to Uluwatu Temple or monkey temple. It is one of Bali's key temples. It has a beautiful location perched on top of a steep cliff. Still very hot and humid. A place I soon won't forget, coming up to a ledge a monkey reached out and grabbed my glasses of my face. Good bye glasses, in a second it broke one of the arms and pushed out the lens. Needless to say by this time, I had enough. Also, there were 100 or so people lined up to enter the temple. Another 2 hours back.Read more
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Day 24
Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at 9:21 AM
⛅ 27 °C
Altitude: 416 m
Indonesia Tegalalang -8.433213, 115.2786388°25’60” S 115°16’43” E
Bali, Indonesia
March 4 in Indonesia ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C
Today was an enjoyable day in Bali.
Another slow 2 hour drive to the Tegalalang Rice Terrace. This is a stunning area with terrace landscapes, lush green paddies with a backdrop of soaring mountains. We passed on walking the terrace.

Goa Gajah, Elephant Temple believed to be built for spiritual meditation. The menacing faces that are craved into the stone are to ward off evil spirits. The primary figure was once thought to be an elephant. The entrance to the site is down a long flight of stairs.

Final stop was a visit to our guides home. We met his mother, wife and 2 sons. His English was limited, so at times I am not sure exactly what he was telling us.

Bali is mainly is Hindu.Read more
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Day 25
Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at 11:28 AM
☁️ 29 °C
Altitude: 9 m
Indonesia Celukan Bawang -8.194368, 114.8368368°11’40” S 114°50’13” E
Celukan Bawang, Indonesia
March 5 in Indonesia ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C
Stayed on board at this port. The closest town was a 60 minute drive from the port. With the humidity and heat of the last week, we opted to relax on board and have a spa day.
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