Today was a bit of an oddity in as much as we had to check out the hotel and then embark Costa Serena. The ship wasn’t due until 3:30 and we had been given an embarkation slot of 7:00 pm. Part one was easy, we checked out and left our cases at the hotel ready for collection at 6:30. What to do to fill our time? Well to start with, after breakfast we did a similar walk to yesterday and then set off to the Hong Kong Museum of History to see what is described as a Large museum showcasing the history & culture of Hong Kong from prehistoric to modern times
“The Hong Kong Museum of History is a highlight for history lovers. The museum was established in 1975 and attracts a large number of visitors every year. It is considered as one of the best museums in the city. Expect to explore the 6,000 years of Hong Kong history through various entertaining dioramas and displays.”
When we got there we found that it has been completely changed and is now something more akin with the People’s Republic of China’s version of events and nothing at all like the online description I spotted. The emphasis is now more about the new ruling country and it’s plans for the region. We didn’t stay long and came away really disappointed. I actually felt really uncomfortable inside.
So, what to do with our time now? Well to start with, a spot of lunch at one of the bars along the harbour side promenade which we dragged out for as long as possible while doing a spot of people watching. With 4 hours still to kill we took a slow stroll along the promenade and were able to watch Costa Serena come into the Kai Tak cruise terminal. At least that went to plan.
It was a long day and very tiring so with just 2 hours to finally kill, we went back to the hotel for a coffee and then waited the last hour out in their lobby. At 6:00 pm we ordered an Uber and were picked up within 1 minute!!! The drive to the terminal took 30 minutes and on arrival we were directed to the boarding hall and given the number 34, the numbers being called at that point (6:35) were 13.
We eventually got called at 7:40 to join the snake queue for registration. By 7:55 we on our way to the hand luggage x-ray machine and finally at 8:05 we were onboard. Chaos then ensued, because of the late embarkation, the dining was open seating but not in the restaurant that was listed on the leaflets in the cabin. Nobody seemed to know what was going on.
Then after we had eaten, it was muster time and that was diabolical. For some unknown reason they seemed to have gone back to the old medieval physical method with life jackets on and standing in rows on the prom deck but with absolutely no policing. In 19 years of cruising, it was the worst muster I have ever partaken in. People were just wandering off and not being stopped and we were practically on our own at the end. Words escape me. We had some first time cruisers with us and what must they have thought? Anyway, we were late leaving Hong Kong and Nicole had pretty much finished unpacking by the time we were moving. It’s been a long day and this wasn’t what was needed. I am lost for words tonight.
I need to get a drink!!!
Fitbit Steps – 22,040
I liked your description of the muster drill as “diabolical.” I can’t believe any cruise line has gone back to the actual, put on a life jacket and go someplace drill. And then to not supervise it? You are right. New cruisers would be clueless in an emergency. Hope they figure it out soon.
Thank you for your post. See you on board, I departure at 5 dec