My experience with taking Jetstar flights

My recent trip to Okinawa gave me a chance to try out Jetstar flights. It launched its inaugural direct flight with cheap fares so I quickly booked it.

Weeks before the trip, Jetstar sent an email regarding the change in the return timings and new flight options. Other than the direct flight which will depart at ~0800, it offers a flight connection via Osaka and Taipei which leaves at ~1200. 

The late departure flight means I need to wake up too early to get to the airport, and I need not forgo the fabulous breakfast at the airport. In addition, since I am in Japan, I longed for the famed koibito chocolates from Hokkaido which is sold in select Japanese airports as well.

Naha airport has many, big duty free shops selling all kinds of Okinawan souvenirs. But none sold the white lovers chocolates. So the transit in Osaka gave me an opportunity to get those chocolates. The shop is located just after security in Osaka airport, with the goods displayed prominently. And there are long queues as well. Hard to miss it.

The transit timings allow for me to purchase my chocolates, but unfortunately not enough to have a nice Japanese meal at the airport. Jetstar provided those on transit with a transit card. These are picked up from the airport personnel on the jetbridge just after leaving the aircraft. It must be returned at the boarding gate.

After 4 flight segments with Jetstar, I must say I am impressed with the service. All flights left and arrived on time. In flight service, though buy on board, is carried out by courteous crew. The domestic flight from Okinawa to Osaka on Jetstar is particularly memorable, with in-flight food options in Japanese.

All in all, a great trip to Okinawa with great flights on Jetstar !

Okinawa !

Here I am, sitting at Stockholm Airport Skycity, waiting for my Norwegian flight to Helsinki. The skycity seating offers great views of the aircraft movements and the runway. I have embarked on my month-long sort of around the world trip, which will take me to Europe and United States.

Before I forget, I want to permanently store my memories in this blog. So let me continue my previous post on the trip to Okinawa.

This is the Le Bilon hotel in Naha that I stayed in for 2 nights. The rooms are on the small side and the view is of a wall. However, the positives include comfortable sleeping pyjamas, toiletries for bathing and showering and the food is quite memorable, especially the Japanese miso soup. The broth is thick and is so much better than what I get in Singapore.

Hotel decorations

As I had only 2 full days in Okinawa, I wanted to visit the two main attractions: Shuri castle and the Aquarium.

The Shuri castle is easy to visit. It is located at the last stop of the yui rail monorail in Naha. However, from the station, it is a 30-minute walk to the castle compound.

This is the main castle compound. Parts of it are under renovation.

A lot of tourists were taking this picture, so I took it too!

An impressive replica of the Shuri castle

From the castle viewpoint, the city of Naha can be seen. Looks to me like any other city, full of modern buildings. We never see these advertised in Okinawa tourist information.

After the castle tour, I went to Kokusai Street to do some shopping. This is the equivalent of Orchard road in Singapore. It is also not pedestrianized, though the vehicular traffic is restricted to two lanes in each direction.

These shopping alleys are replicated in other parts of Japan as well.

Found this A&W, long disappeared from Singapore. I guess must be a lot of American presence in Okinawa.

On day 2, I visited the churaumi aquarium, which is outside Naha city. To get there by public transport, there are several bus options. I took the direct bus that started from the airport, with many stops before reaching the attraction. 

The bus fare is distance-based, costing about 2000yen from the airport. It is displayed on the tv screen in the bus. Board first, get a ticket stop number, then pay when you alight.

This payment procedure is not consistent, as on the return bus, it is pre-paid during boarding.

The aquarium !

The star attraction behind me, 2 whale sharks in the large tank.

On the day I visited, which is a weekend, there are some food stalls set up in tentages selling native, affordable okinawa food, albeit in small quantities. Need to purchase coupons before buying the food.

The aquarium is located by the coast, so the surroundings offer some great views of the sea!

Yup, so this wraps up my quick tour of Okinawa. Definitely a nice part of Japan to visit.

Jetstar inaugural flight - Singapore to Okinawa

Finally, after booking months ahead, I get to travel to Jetstar's inaugural flight from Singapore to Okinawa. After missing out on the Silkair's inaugural to Hiroshima, I managed to fit the Okinawa trip into my schedule.

Anyway, Jetstar' timing for this outbound flight was perfect. A red eye flight departing Singapore at 0150 for an 0800 arrival into Okinawa. Looking forward to a fun day ahead in Naha.

Jetstar has many self check-in kiosks at Changi airport terminal 1. Even the bag drop is automated now, following terminal 4's adoption of bag drop technology. A point to note, to check-in multiple bags, I need to confirm and receive the baggage tag one by one.

At the gate area, there were some decorations put up, some Jetstar personnel present, mascots for photo taking opportunities and door gifts for every passenger.

The door gifts were quite generous.

Each passenger was handed a Jetstar goodie bag upon clearing security at the gate area.

It contains the Jetstar amenity kit, empty bottles, notepads and a pen. Quite impressive.

The amenity kit contains toothbrush, toothpaste, ear plug, tissue, inflatable pillow and eye mask.

Upon entering the aircraft, a cabin crew hang a chain of fake flower on every passenger. They could have use real flowers though!

Jetstar is a budget carrier, so theoretically no complimentary foods or drinks are provided. However, on this occasion, there are celebrations held at about 6am en-route. A couple renewing marriage vows and a few birthdays, so Jetstar provided every passenger with a muffin and a tiny cup of champagne. 

I actually saved $4 on the muffin haha!

Sitting by the window on the right side gave me great views of the sunrise en-route.

The flight was smooth during cruise, probably at this time of year in Asia. This, coupled with fantastic views, is why I enjoy flying and being in the air. 😃

It allows me to 把烦恼抛到九霄云外！

Upon landing, at the arrival hall, there were staff handing out another bag containing Okinawa tourist map and info. I saw that a podium was set up at the arrival hall for Jetstar personnel to give a speech.

All in all, a good flight on a budget airline. If only all budget airline flights were like this. Haha!

Genting Dream Cruise - Dream Palace review

The Genting Dream cruise ship has been sailing for about a year since it embarked on its maiden voyage. It sails mainly on Asian routes. This November, Genting Dream is embarking on a special one-off voyage from Hong Kong to Singapore where it will home port in Singapore. 

So this is sort of a positioning cruise. There are no stops during the cruise. A 4 day 3 night non-stop cruise to Singapore. The prices are reasonable, with the balcony cabins starting at ~$1000 and dream palace suites starting at about ~$1700 per cabin.

On a whim, I booked the dream palace suite. It comes with a host of complimentary amenities:

After dropping off the luggage at the counters set up in the parking area, dream palace guests were directed to a separate check in area and a lounge.

There is a butler serving some finger foods and coffee/tea.

After that, it was time for immigration formalities and boarding. There is no separate lines for premium guests. The queue don't seem long. As it turns out, this cruise is only about one third filled, making a less crowded cruise vacation.

My first time on Genting Dream !

Initial impressions of a dream palace suite. Gorgeous. A very comfortable queen sized bed, two sets of balcony doors, a sofa bed.

A walk-in wardrobe, two desks for two pax.

A curtain to form a private bedroom if you desire.

The balcony with two wicker chairs and one wicker table.

Genting Club restaurant sit-down dining

There is an appetizer, soup, main course and dessert. The meals are changed daily and there are options as well.

View upon leaving the kai tak harbour

First night dinner at the teppanyaki restaurant

Wonderful and Entertaining chef

There are singers belting out mandarin songs

Free wifi with excellent connectivity throughout the cruise

Private pool area exclusively for dream palace guests. It was mostly empty. There are hot and cold salt tubs, main pool.

Comfortable seating and beds

Hot water tubs at the front of the deck.

All cruise guests are provided with robes. Dream Palace guests have the dream palace logo emblazoned on the front.

Exclusive lift for dream palace guests accessing decks 13 to 18.

Tea breaks are served daily from 3 to 4pm for dream palace guests.

Some ship facts taken from the dream cruise app. The app allows you to find out about the cruise and manage your cruise account.

My two favourite hobbies: flying and cruising ! The open seas gives me a relaxing feeling.

You can also walk up to the captain's deck and observe them at work from behind a panel.

Main pool for all guests. It's not crowded at all.

Second night dinner at the hot pot restaurant with outdoor seating. Plenty of food with expensive drinks.

There is a bar area on deck 19 for dream palace guests to chill out. It was empty when I visited.

Docking at the marina south pier with the distinctive MBS in the background.

In conclusion, if you prefer to avoid the crowds and have the privacy, it is possible to stay within the dream palace decks 13 to 18 throughout the cruise.

At this price, the dream palace suite is excellent !