The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps
This is part 2, where I will write about the shows and food at Universal Studios Japan with young children, aged 5.5 and 8 years old. You can start from Part 1 if you need more information about Universal Studios Japan (“USJ”) regarding ticketing, accommodation, the …
We were on the fence about visiting Universal Studios Japan with young children, aged 5.5 and 8 years old, during our trip. The rides at Universal Studios Japan (“USJ”) seemed more suitable for older children from Upper Primary, or so we thought. In the end, …
I was a kid when I went on one of the Star Cruises (gambling ships?). I remembered being bored. Then when my hubs and I were without kids, we went to Royal Caribbean. We concluded we are not cruise people. Yet, now with kids, we thought it might be fun for them. Cruises nowadays look more fanciful than the cruise I took as a child. So we decided to give cruises another try when we came across a good deal for Genting Dream. Will our opinion about cruises change after going on the Genting Dream Cruise with children?
I had high hopes because articles and social media posts (of influencers) were raving about Genting Dream of Resorts World Cruises when it was newly relaunched from Dream Cruises. The cruise seemed fun for everyone, including the children. Come, let’s explore the cruise ship with me in this post.
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For this 4D3N trip, we leave Singapore on Sunday at 5:00 PM and arrive at Port Klang the next morning. Then it’s Penang on Tuesday, and back to Singapore on Wednesday. We travelled from 31 July to 3 August 2022.
We booked our trip via Klook when it had a flash sale for
Genting Dream 3-Night Destination Cruises by Resorts World Cruises
It’s S$1,162.50 for 1 x Balcony Stateroom (2 adults, 2 children). The price includes port charges but not gratuities (for 2 years old and above): $22 per person per night for Interior to Balcony; $26 per person per night for Palace Suite onwards.
Book Genting Dream via Klook for sailings from April to September 2023 and enjoy $50 off with this promo code: RWCHOLIDAY50
Klook.comMy hubs, two children and I were waiting for the lift at Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore (“Cruise Centre”). As we were about to enter, a group of people (who were taking the same cruise) rushed past us and went in. There was still some space for us to squeeze in, but that was ungracious. Breathe in and out, “Don’t let them affect you,” I thought to myself.
The boarding time was 2:30 PM but we went earlier to clear immigration and administrative stuff. This is so that we could board at 2:30 PM and start using the pool and facilities before all others board. But many thought the same way too because the queue was snaking out of the Cruise Centre when we reached about 1:30 PM. It was not the school holidays and it was still so crowded! You can consider reaching even earlier than us to be the first few to board.
We joined the queue and were about to enter the Cruise Centre when we spotted my parents who reached earlier coming out. “The staff told us we have to finish this food in the cafeteria located outside of the cruise centre,” my mother said, opening a bag of bread and fresh fruit. *Facepalm* I told them not to bring any food but they insisted the cruise instruction was raw food – and in their minds, it was raw meat and its likes. There’s a minimum spending of S$5 at the cafeteria – and that’s the only place we could consume any food in the centre.
So remember not to bring cooked food, meat & poultry products, and fruits! Biscuits, tidbits and baby snacks with sealed packaging should be fine. For baby food, check with the cruise to be sure.
You can check in your baggage at the level below the main building entrance. It’s free. This was good for us because we had big luggage because of the children. They will bring your luggage to your room and make it easier for you to navigate your check-in.
You will check in and get your room cards and brochures at the cruise centre before boarding.
“Move forward!” the “usher” at the immigration counters shouted at me. I did as she said and stepped forward into a yellow box. I was perplexed at why she shouted at me when I was rightly waiting behind the yellow box. The “usher” looked like a neighbourhood auntie doing part-time, unlike the usual professional profile of those manning the queue at airports immigration. Along with her, a few other aunties were also shouting at people to queue here and there. Perhaps employed by the cruise to maintain order?
The chaos continued when we boarded the cruise. There was no proper order and we were at a loss on how to go to our room. So we had to grab hold of a staff to direct us. Also amidst the noise and disorder, we barely managed to catch the instructions on where to gather during an emergency. I was quite sure some of the older folks missed this. The cruise did give a safety drill (briefing) through a broadcast later on, including the demonstration of life jackets, just that people might not know where to gather.
Anyway, we found our way to our Balcony Stateroom and found the sofa bed not set up for the children. The sofa would open up and be big enough for two young children or one adult to sleep in. Our two kids slept on the sofa bed you see in the above photo. We love the balcony view as we admired the changing colours of the sky and relaxed at the wooshing sounds of the waves.
Tip: You can contact Klook to arrange for adjoining rooms if you book two rooms.
Once you are settled in the room, head straight to use the swimming pool and water slides. The pools are not so crowded because others are still boarding or exploring the ship. A good time to easily get an empty Jacuzzi tub — very hot water but I enjoyed it. The adult slides were less scary than they look, although the sudden drop in the blue slide made water gush up into my nose.
Lifeguards around the adult pool were fierce like bouncers at a club. And at the adult slides, the person manning the slides kind of snapped at me when I walked up the wrong stairs (for which the signage wasn’t obvious to me).
Different people manned the various slides at different times, and they have different standards. For example, over the height requirement for slides and whether dangling earrings are allowed on slides. Some other restrictions I overheard – no diving in the adult pool, and no wearing of t-shirts over bikinis (the person was good to play at the children’s pool but not the adult pool).
You can drop off your child at the Little Dreamers Club if he or she is above 4 years old. The first two hours for drop-off are free, but charges apply thereafter. Younger children must be parent-accompanied.
The kid’s club is quite a small area with board games, toys, colouring and a television playing cartoons. The second floor has game consoles and other entertainment for primary school children.
Grace went on the lower rope course for children (see photo below). Some adventure playgrounds in Singapore have more exciting structures for her.
As for the upper rope course for adults, it was super scary for me! Firstly, it is quite complex and tiring to unlock and lock the carabiners with each step I took (I was not the only one who found it complex). The rope course was near the edge of the cruise ship and the strong winds were shaking the rope and steps rather violently, making the rope trail super wobbly. I felt like I was about to be blown away too. And the guy manning the station said the wind was already considered mild. What… not for the faint-hearted and weak. There’s supposed to be a zipline but we didn’t see anyone doing that – perhaps it was closed due to weather.
If you have a strong core, you can continue on to rock climbing.
Or have some fun with mini golf, table tennis and basketball with your friends.
Or if the heat is not for you, there’s an indoor gym to work out your muscles. Sadly, fitness classes are not free. One has to pay S$35+ per class. Look out for free dance classes in the afternoon!
After a long day or some intense exercise, you can relax with a massage at their spa – at a price. Many activities/events were chargeable too and so the cruise price is not as all-inclusive as Royal Caribbean.
If working out is not your thing, try recreational activities such as chess, shuffleboard, deck quoits, pool tables, and cosmic bowling. Book your bowling lanes for your preferred timing as there are only four lanes available.
There are also two game arcades available onboard. And of course the casino for the adults. Jackpot machines are so easily accessible in the walkways that my children could walk past and play the buttons like they did with claw machines, or any machines with buttons. Their sensory stimulation. Anyway, we didn’t insert any money and so thought it should be alright. But the kids were stopped the second time by the staff “guarding” the machines.
Otherwise, chill and relax in one of the chairs at Palm Court (Deck 19). Enjoy the view of the ship sailing forward.
There’s the Hokkien band singing on a podium in the middle of the casino. Then there are game shows guests could participate in. Night shows were available too. My hubs went to one but it was not really kids friendly – more of a love/dating show. Definitely not for children.
There seemed to be many parties going on, such as Bollywood Blast Party, and “Dream Boys” After dark show and party. You need to buy tickets for them. In the end, we decided to pay for the foam party at Zouk Beach (open-air)! Tip: Bring goggles, especially for the children. They will thank you for it! The foam kept irritating our eyes and we had to keep rubbing and wiping it off.
Not enough partying? Dance your way late into the night at the Zouk on Genting Dream.
There are many bars, lounges and restaurants for you to drink and eat. At all times, you will see people eating – breakfast, lunch, dinner, supper, morning and afternoon tea breaks. A gluttony journey awaits if you want it to be.
There are three places you can enjoy complimentary dining:
I am not really a buffet person, so I was glad that the food at Dream Dining Room are delicious for us to return. Of course, the buffet has more varied food choices.
For Dream Dining Room, I recommend you go for an early dinner to avoid queues. We waited quite a long for the Western main course. Also, the dessert could not be served early for us because they cooked and served in batches – and we were the first batch.
No friendly or prompt service here because the wait staff were busy managing the dinner crowd. The manager was even strict and fierce with my two-year-old – scolded her instead of a friendly reminder to sit down. Well, the super long wait for food had made the children restless, and I had made sure they were not in their way. Oh well.
If you are bored with the complimentary food, you can dine in specialty restaurants serving Chinese fine dining, Japanese cuisine and others. There might be a queue at the more popular restaurant.
From another person’s experience, it seems like the pricing can range from S$48 to S$100+ per person, and the Beef Short Ribs at the Bistro are a must-try.
As for us, we only paid for the gelato and enjoyed it on the windy deck! We did get bored with the complimentary dining and hence went to search for other foods in Port Klang and Penang.
We travelled from 31 July to 3 August 2022, during a school term. Hence, I managed my expectations about the cruise not having any shows or events for children. I am not sure if there will be one during the school holidays.
Overall, I didn’t think the cruise is very much catered to children but to adults. We walked past the gambling tables and jackpots like they are any other facilities – no age check. To think my children could actually walk past and touch the jackpot machines when there were no “guards” around. There weren’t many indoor activities for children too – I thought of the ice skating rink in Mariner of the Seas (Royal Caribbean).
In hindsight, Royal Caribbean (“RC”) seemed more suitable or fun for young children. RC ship felt bigger and with more facilities too. We talked to another fellow passenger who had a 5-year-old with her and she agreed with us. She went on RC cruise before and she had booked their next cruise trip on RC which sailed shortly after.
Genting Dream got a revamp, but personally, it still feels like a gambling cruise. Also, the cruise is good for people who like to drink and club too. Or those who like to eat at all times. I am not a fan of gambling, drinking, clubbing, or buffets, so I was quite bored. So this trip didn’t change my mind about cruises (see my opening paragraph). Perhaps I might consider if I have a free room.
Moreover, be prepared to spend if you want to fully enjoy the ship with fitness classes, specialty food, entertainment, alcoholic drinks and longer drop-off at the kids’ club.
Of course, the above is based on my personal preferences. On the other hand, my parents enjoyed the cruise, because it had a relaxing pace for them to eat and enjoy the facilities while travelling to Port Klang and Penang (we didn’t drop off our kids with them often). This was shortly after post-covid and so this type of travel was less stressful.
Moreover, my children enjoyed the cruise because they could swim every day and entertain themselves at a kid’s club. So if your children are easily satisfied with just pool and kid’s club like them, go ahead! Though I reckoned a staycation would suffice if it’s a cruise to nowhere. The cruise might also be good for parents who can drop off the older kids at the kids club and head off to gamble or relax with a cup of drink.
If you want to book a trip on the Genting Dream cruise, remember to use my affiliate links/image below. I appreciate your support to maintain this website so that I can share more tips with you.
Klook.comBefore you go, you might want to check out my other posts on Mariner of the Seas (Royal Caribbean). Let me know if you have other questions. Or do share with me what you heard of Genting Dream. Leave your comments below. Love to hear from you. :)
Looking for more tips on travel, home, and baby? Subscribe to my mailing list and be sure to follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube! If you like what you read here, keep it going with small support too. :)
Disclaimer: JoogoStyle and Christina accept no liability (whether in tort or contract or otherwise) for any loss or damage arising from any use, misuse, inaccuracy or omission of the information or other contents published on this website.
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“How is it to travel around France with children?” I asked a friend who had lived in France. “Paris is not really a kid-friendly city. It’s hard to push a stroller around because there are many steps and squeezy small restaurants,” she advised. I was …
Paris is the world’s fashion capital. Many are also familiar with major French fashion brands, such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Dior. So clothes, accessories, bags, and even vintage clothes are some of the things to buy in Paris. Of course, there are other things …
The French beauty routine. The French women’s natural beauty. You have heard about them and want to age gracefully too. Is the transforming magic in French skincare products? Since you are in France, it’s your chance to find out if these products do wonders for your face (at a lower price tag). Search out these beauty products in French Pharmacies
Moreover, if you love to scour through Japan’s drugstores for beauty products, you can find a similar experience at these pharmacies. However, it is harder to spot these pharmacies with beauty products in France than the drugstores in Japan. So do your research and plan your route in advance!
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There are many pharmacies in France, easily spotted with their neon green crosses sticking out to illuminate the streets. I went on a wild goose search for La Roche-Posay and Clarins, only to find out that not all pharmacies carry beauty products.
There is the traditional “pharmacie” where people get medical advice and prescriptions and even take ART tests. Then there is the “para-pharmacie” where you find dermatology products to help one maintain healthy skin. So this is the pharmacy to go to if your purpose is to score some affordable beauty products. Apparently, most Parisians head here instead of beauty counters for the wide range of brands, prices and advice from well-trained pharmacists.
Citypharma and Pharmacie Monge are the two big para-pharmacies to check out. An article on myfrenchlife.org has good information on these two shops. Other shops/pharmacies to buy French beauty products include Galeries Lafayette, Pharmacie des Archives, and Grande Pharmacie Bailly (not the one in 16th arrondissement).
The one I went to and had good buys is Citypharma near Saint Germain des Près metro.
Pharmacy Monge Notre Dame is smaller and less crowded than Citypharma but has longer opening hours on the days it is opened. Apparently, it’s popular among Koreans because of a blogger’s recommendation.
Pharmacies might overwhelm you with its myraid of brands and crowd. Hence, it’s best to go in knowing what you want. Do you your research in advance instead of googling them at the shop.
To help you kickstart the process, read on for the list and introduction of the more popular brands of beauty products in French Pharmacies, such as Caudalie, La Roch-Posay, and Avène. Most of the brands are surprisingly also available in Singapore’s pharmacies – Guardian and Watsons. I only knew that about La Roch-Posay and Avène because of their prominent presence on the shelves.
Also to help you navigate through the French descriptions, you can refer to this sheet of common skincare vocabulary from insidr.co — English and Mandarin.
Avène thermal spring water comes from the Sainte-Odile Spring, South of France. By 1847, this water is known for its soothing properties to treat skin concerns. It is thus declared by the French government to be a “public benefit” and the French Healthcare System reimbursed Avène Hydrotherapy Center. In 1966, this center was purchased by Pierre Fabre Laboratories, the second largest private pharmaceutical company in France today. (Source: www.aveneusa.com/history)
Avène Thermal Spring Water then became the key natural ingredient in the products of Avène (Singapore).
Popular Product: Thermal Spring Water Spray
Bioderma Laboratories, according to Wikipedia, is a privately owned French pharmaceutical company that specialises in medication for dermatological and hair or scalp conditions among others. It is founded in 1977, in Aix en Provence (France) where its headquarters still resides.
Popular Product: Micellar water
Caudalie was founded in 1995 by Mathilde Thomas. It is a cult brand known for using vinotherapy techniques in its skincare products. Wikipedia describes Vinotherapy as a beauty therapy process where the residue of wine making (the pips and pulp) are rubbed into the skin. The pulp is claimed to have exfoliating qualities and reduce signs of ageing.
Popular Products: Vinoperfect Serum, Beauty Elixir (Face Mist)
Embryolisse was founded in 1950 by a dermatologist in Saint Louis hospital, Paris. They use natural ingredients in their products — shea butter, beeswax, aloe vera and soy proteins, expertly extracted from organic flora and fauna. Lait-Crème Concentré can be used as a daily moisturiser for face and body, make up primer or make up remover, or aftershave to soothe irritated skin. Good for all skin types and the whole family – man, woman, and children.
For those in Singapore, you can sign up for a trial kit.
Popular Product: Lait-Crème Concentré (all-purpose cream)
Klorane was created in 1965 by the founder’s passion for plants and his belief in their health and beauty benefits. Later in 1971, Klorane developed the first dry shampoo on the market and it has since been a popular product. It was intended for new mothers who just gave birth.
Popular Product: Dry Shampoo
La Roche-Posay Laboratoire Dermatologique is founded in 1975 to develop skincare products using thermal spring water from the town of La Roche-Posay. Later the company is acquired by L’Oréal in 2018.
Back in 2006, the company revolutionized the sunscreen market with Mexoryl SX™, the only sun filter in a sunscreen formula to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Two years later, the company combined sun filters with antioxidants which protect the skin from free radicals caused by the sun and known to accelerate skin aging.
A beautician recommended me La Roch Posay products, specifically the serums, for my dry skin. It’s quite an affordable range especially when there are discounts in Guardian and Watsons. So when I found out it’s a French brand, I searched for it in Paris, along with Clarins.
I was excited to see the racks of La Roche-Posay products at CityPharma, especially when the serums sold at the the pharmacy are so much cheaper than those in Singapore. I also bought sunscreens and Eau Thermal spray for myself and the girls. Yeap, the spray is children-friendly. Perhaps I should try its strong competitor, Avène, the next time.
Popular Product: Thermal Spring Water Spray, Serums and Sunscreen
Nuxe is a French brand founded by Aliza Jabès and a pioneer in natural-origin cosmetology. Each skincare product is formulated and manufactured in France to meet pharmaceutical quality requirements. Its popular Huile Prodigieuse® is a botanical oil that can nourish and repair the face, body and hair in a single step. It’s lightly fragranced too. Other than Watsons, you can find it at Tangs Singapore too.
Popular Product: Huile Prodigieuse
Vichy Laboratoires was founded in 1931 by Dr Haller, the first medical practitioner to make the link between health and beauty, laying the foundations of French dermo-cosmetics. The brand is currently owned by L’Oréal. Vichy Mineralizing Water is from the preserved region of Auvergne volcanoes in France, and is the key ingredient in Vichy skincare products.
Popular Product: Daily hyaluronic acid serum
I prefer buying brands I can find in Singapore, so if I like them, I can continue using them. Of course with the world as a shopping mall, you can probably get them online too. So if you like to try products that’s hard to find in Singapore, here are a few suggestions: Biotherm, Darphin, Payot and Filorga.
There’s one particular product that came up quite often in my research for this post, and I believe it’s worth a buy in France: Biafine Emulsion tube cream (93g/186g) .
The cream heals burns, sunburns, cuts, abrasions and even mosquito bites! It can also soothe irritated skin, just not to be used every day as a moisturiser. I’ve read that this tube is a pharmacy staple for many French households and rumoured to heal the skin in half the time. The big tube is about €5 in a French pharmacy, while highly marked up elsewhere in the world.
This French Skincare brand was founded by Jacques Courtin-Clarins in Paris during the 1950s. In 1968, Clarins was the first brand to begin selling 100% pure plant extracts, like its Tonic Body Treatment Oil, in perfume stores. More of Clarins history on their website.
I first tried Clarins products during my first pregnancy. I like putting their Tonic Body Treatment Oil on my pregnant body but I am not sure how effective it is though. It just made me feel good. Thereafter, I tried other products of Clarins. I love their sunscreen that comes with a pink tint. It doubles up as a foundation and made my face glow during my run-errands-without-make-up days. Another product I was on the lookout for is Hydrating Gentle Foaming Cleanser. Nice smell, though slightly drying. Based on online reviews, this is either a hit or a miss.
Btw, this is not a paid review!
I’m trying to convince you to purchase a Clarins product or two since you are in the brand’s homeland, Paris. Like how I bought Hydra-Essentiel Cream to try because of a good deal in Paris. I like it, although some may find it thick.
However, be sure to compare the product prices with Clarins Singapore. Surprisingly, prices in France are not necessarily cheaper than the promotional prices of Clarins Singapore. Perhaps, there weren’t any good deals when I was in Paris. Of course, if the prices are comparable, a tax refund will make the buys in France more enticing.
I searched all around Paris, even pharmacies, and finally found “discounted” Clarins at Nocibé. It is a chain shop which carries big perfume and cosmetic brands. Otherwise, you can visit Clarin’s outlet shop at La Vallee Village (near Disney and our Airbnb). Or look out for seasonal promotions in Clarins boutiques found at shopping malls and the airport.
My hubby retraced his steps back to Citypharma after I realised we could get a tax refund and needed to process it at the shop on the same day. So remember to fill up the tax refund form before you leave the shop. And bring your passport out on shopping days!
Who is eligible for Tax-Free Shopping?
What should you do to get a tax refund?
For more information: www.douane.gouv.fr/fiche/eligibility-vat-refunds-pablo and www.globalblue.com/tax-free-shopping/france/#refund-points
Looking for more tips on travel, home, and baby? Subscribe to my mailing list and be sure to follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube! If you like what you read here, keep it going with a small support too. :)
Disclaimer: JoogoStyle and Christina accepts no liability (whether in tort or contract or otherwise) for any loss or damage arising from any use, misuse, inaccuracy or omission of the information or other contents published on this website.
Paris was okay, my friend said, I like (insert another European country) better. Other lukewarm responses came from family and friends who had visited Paris. We heard things about the French people too, especially their attitude towards the Chinese race. According to a friend who …
Family and friends generously dish out tips on being safe in Paris, such as how to spot suspicious characters, or how to guard our belongings against pickpockets. Over the years, I have also heard a fair share of horror stories about Europe. So before a …