Weekend Cruise on the Gulangyu

Breakfast + Cruise Walk
After enjoying breakfast in the morning, we started our cruise walk.

Weather and Sailing
The weather was fantastic with plenty of sunshine. The ship slowly sailed eastward. Initially, I thought it would stop at sea (like my experience on the Resorts World One two years ago), but to my surprise, it kept moving. By noon, we reached the waters near Shanwei and stopped there, then slowly sailed back at night.

First Impressions of the Cruise Ship
As a fan of classic cruise ships, I found this ship absolutely stunning. Many of its facilities are decorated in a retro style, making me feel like I was aboard a traditional transatlantic liner.

Favorite Lounges
I particularly loved two lounges on the 13th floor:
- Apex Music Lounge: It offers a wide-open view, plenty of sunlight, and even potted palm trees, which reminded me of the "palm courts" on old cruise ships. It's a very peaceful place to relax.
- Executive Lounge: Exclusively for suite passengers, it provides complimentary tea, coffee, snacks, and fruits (alcoholic beverages might be chargeable).

Writing Experience
On the 16th, I spent both the morning and afternoon here with a notebook and pen, writing. I wanted to fulfill an experience—documenting my feelings on the ship and sending them to friends after disembarking, just like passengers on old cruise ships (for example, Titanic passengers left behind many letters, which serve as firsthand accounts of life on board).

Hoping for a Post Office!
I initially wanted to ask the front desk for an envelope with the cruise line's logo, but they only had plain white ones left, which was a bit disappointing. I think cruise ships should consider setting up a post office to sell postcards and offer mailing services.

Post by Brian_Book_Buff | Sep 10, 2025