My Journey to the Christening of APT’s Amabella

Article posted: May 13th, 2010 by Cruisepilot | No Comments »

Follow James, one of Cruisepilot‘s experienced Cruise Team Leaders in his daily blog, as he travels to Europe for the Christening of APT‘s latest ship.

It’s Sunday night in Brisbane and I am waiting to board a Malaysian airlines flight to KL, on my way to the Christening of APT’S latest river boat Amabella. The flight leaves at 11.20 pm so even though its late the excitement is keeping me awake.

As part of the christening tour group we are having 2 nights in Paris prior to joining the river cruise ship in Amsterdam for 3 nights.

I have never been on a river cruise – only cruise ships and this will be my first time in Paris – can’t wait.

Monday morning – We arrived on time at 5.45am, and its already 25 degrees and very humid so into my shorts. I have been here before so it’s great to share my knowledge of KL with the 3 others travelling from Queensland.

We are here until boarding our next flight to Paris at 11.35pm so off to town to find a hotel and go shopping! We took the train from the airport to downtown – a bit more expensive than a taxi but $35.00 Malaysian ringgit each way ( about $12.00AUD each way) is a bargain – and feels safer than travelling at speeds of up to 150km in an old taxi as I have previously experienced!

We arrive in town and get a taxi to the golden triangle region – the main shopping / hotel area. Luckily we get a hotel at 8.30 in the morning for the day so time for a shower before we hit the town.

We are now at the famous Petronas Towers and wanting to walk across the bridge between the towers – to our disappointment the bridge walks are not available on Mondays!!.

From here we go into the shopping centre in the tower building and find the nearest coffee shop.

In the afternoon we get another taxi to China Town – about $5.00AUD for the 10 – 20 minute drive – what a bargain! The markets, packed full of copy designer bags, watches and clothing are by this stage beginning to fill up so we opt to find a local restaurant for dinner and to escape the crowds.

Tonight we will continue our journey to Paris.

Check back tomorrow for the next stage of James’ journey to the Christening of APT’S latest river boat Amabella.