Tag: boat

  • The Best Luxury Houseboats in Alleppey – A Blue Jelly Cruises Review

    The Best Luxury Houseboats in Alleppey – A Blue Jelly Cruises Review

    On my second trip to Kerala in India, I was lucky enough to spend a wonderful night on board one of the best luxury houseboats in Alleppey. Embarking on this beautiful boat journey through the backwaters of Kerala with Blue Jelly Cruises was a total dream come true. The blend of luxury and nature, the delicious dinners and the chance to relax as local life slipped by. Read on for my full Blue Jelly Cruises review.

    This post may contain sponsored content or affiliate links that help support the blog. All opinions are our own.

    Flying Fluskey in Alleppey

    Cruising the backwaters of Kerala, was my big unticked box. On our first trip to Kerala, we were unfortunate enough to come up against a strike. Every mode of transport powered by petrol (gas) was resolutely stationary. We were due to take one of the luxury houseboats in Alleppey, but the idea of spending all that money on a boat that didn’t move didn’t appeal. Instead, we hopped on a train down to Varkala, a clifftop resort town, where we chilled out until the end of the trip. Ever since I had suffered severe regret that we didn’t board any of the luxury houseboats in Alleppey.

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    Welcome Onboard our Blue Jelly Cruises Houseboat

    The Kerala Blog Express coach pulled into the entrance to Blue Jelly and, as we were the last to be dropped off, we were all champing at the bit to get on board. The staff took us through the Blue Jelly Resort and onto the private dock. As we boarded the houseboat, into the whoosh of welcome air-conditioning, we were each presented with a pretty flower garland and fresh coconut. I loved putting my flowers in the bathroom. Garlands liven them up and if the garland is made of jasmine, the blooms are a natural air freshener.

    We took our overnight bags to our rooms and settled in as the boat pulled out onto the water. After a quick room tour video, we all dashed to the front to take in the view.

    The Onyx

    Blue Jelly Cruises has four boats and ours, The Onyx, is one of the smaller ones. The interiors were flawlessly clean with one long corridor along the side with a large sinks for hand washing the rooms going off it. I loved the pearlescent flooring which seemed to glow at night.

    At the front was the main room with the dining area and some seating. It had windows all around so was a really nice spot for eating. We requested music and they let us connect to the Bluetooth which made dinner nice and relaxed.

    What Are the Bedrooms Like on Blue Jelly Cruises?

    The decor was modern with a couple of slightly twee additions. Saying that, if I was taking this cruise as a special occasion with my other half, I would love the frilly bed curtains. The large windows with the seating area were great, allowing in lots of light and the chance to take in the views from the comfort of the air-conditioning. We were visiting in monsoon season, and actually, the weather was incredibly kind to us during our sailing, but if it had been raining, we would have taken the chance to sit inside and watch the scenes outside.

    The Beds

    On the Onyx, there are three bedrooms. These can all be made up as doubles or twins depending on the guests’ requirements. As we were travelling in a group, and sharing rooms, our was set with two single beds. The mattresses were very comfortable and I slept really well until the alarm went off in the morning.

    The Amenities

    The room had three plug outlets which were enough for the average person but with all of our electronics, we did struggle. My multiplug wouldn’t work in two of the outlets, and the one that seemed to work must have stopped about two minutes after we went to bed. We woke up and nothing was charged. It wasn’t ideal. However, if we had only had single items that needed charging, it would have been fine.

    There was a large wardrobe with a safe but as we only had small bags, we didn’t use this at all. Instead, we piled everything onto every available surface and lived like slobs for the night.

    The Bathroom

    I was impressed at the size of the bathroom and how “unboaty” it felt. There was tiling around the walls in a nice, warm hue, making it feel very luxe. There was also a huge rainfall shower head in the huge shower. This is not the pokey little shower cubicle you can expect on a regular cruise ship. The water on board, as elsewhere in India, was not for drinking but filtered watered was provided for drinking and brushing our teeth… And speaking of brushing our teeth, there was a full selection of bathroom amenities including a dental kit, comb, shampoo and conditioner etc.

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    What is the Food Like On Board Blue Jelly Cruises?

    We had three meals on board our Blue Jelly Cruise and each was delicious. The emphasis was on local specialities but we were asked about our desired level of spice. There were a couple of members of the group that didn’t enjoy spice so they tempered it for some of the dishes.

    Breakfast

    We were also offered an omelette with our choice of cheese and vegetables. We had black coffee. South Indian coffee tends to be quite weak and very heavy on the milk so if you are more used to a strong blend, opt for black with maybe a little milk on the side.

    Lunch

    This was the first meal we had, an hour or so after we boarded.

    There was a variety of local dishes with some real standouts:

    • The crispy bitter gourd was by far the best way to eat this tricky vegetable
    • The prawns were packed with flavour, both the natural sweet prawn meat and the spices that were added. (Yes, I had way above my allowance).
    • The beans and coconut were a combination I hadn’t tried before but thoroughly enjoyed
    • On a side plate, we all had a Pearl Spot fish. These small fish are quite honey so watch out while you are separating the flakes.
    • The beetroot curd had a wonderful kick along with the sweet creaminess and I had rather a lot.
    Dinner

    Dinner came with all kinds of dishes again.

    • The chicken and king fish was nice but it was all about the rice and curry for me.
    • The soft paneer dish was creamy, a little spicy and highly addictive.
    • Parotta all day day, every day please!

    Very kindly, they provided a bottle of wine for us to enjoy with dinner, which was a very welcome surprise.

    Cruising the Backwaters of Kerala

    The engines at the back of a houseboat puttered, and the gentle waves slapped the hull as the boat carved through the water. They were four seats set just behind the captain and the group settled in, taking in the view. Along the banks of the waterway, people went about their day. I guess they are so used to seeing these tourist boats passing that they barely glanced up. In contrast, when we passed other boats, everybody waved frantically. I mean, it is the rule that you wave to other people on boats.

    However, it wasn’t all relaxing as we were each given a turn at the wheel. Although the river was wide, the backseat captain told us to turn left, left, left, right, right, right! He obviously knew where the shallower areas were that needed to be avoided. It was a lot of fun!

    As the sun set, more and more people came down to the riverside. Some were bathing, some doing the laundry and there were plenty of children playing in the water. It was so lovely to see real life taking place is so naturally something with the water. Of course, on such a big boat, we couldn’t go down the small canals that ran through the villages, but having done so on a previous trip to Kerala, it is clear that these waters are really important to these people’s lives.

    Discovering St Mary’s Church

    Stepping inside, my breath was taken away as I saw the paintings on the ceiling. From its bleached exterior, I wasn’t expecting such a riot of colour within. I was trying to see the organ, which was awfully European of me as there isn’t one. The next morning when we floated past it once again, we heard everybody chanting which was very different from the lacklustre hymns warbled out in churches across the UK every Sunday.

    Relaxing at the Blue Jelly Resort

    Blue Jelly is the only cruise company that has its own private dock, which means that guests can disembark in the evening and relax in the resort. There is a pool here and a room with games, including pool and table tennis. We took some time to play games which I merrily lost… Yes, I lost everything; the games and my dignity.

    Final Thoughts on Time with Blue Jelly Cruises

    If you are craving the perfect blend of glamour in unique natural surroundings, you know where to steer your thoughts. Taking one of the luxury houseboats through Kerala’s tranquil backwaters should be on everyone’s India bucket list. Whether you are with a group of friends, ready to have a small boat party, a work group looking for a special work getaway or a couple organising a romantic honeymoon, you’ll find the perfect houseboat with Blue Jelly Cruises.

    Rosie xx

  • What to Pack for a Virgin Voyages Cruise, and What to Leave at Home

    What to Pack for a Virgin Voyages Cruise, and What to Leave at Home

    Your Virgin Voyages cruise is booked, you are staring at an empty suitcase and suddenly you have a crisis; what on earth do you pack for Virgin Voyages cruise?! If, like us, this is your first cruise, or if it is just your first cruise with Virgin Voyages, there are a few things to know about before you embark on your packing mission. So, if you want to know what to pack for a Virgin Voyage cruise, read on:

    Virgin Voyages Scarlett lady crusie ship from the stern, moored alongside Grandeur of the Seas cruise ship
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  • Virgin Voyages Sea Terrace Review – Is Virgin’s Balcony Cabin Worth It?

    Virgin Voyages Sea Terrace Review – Is Virgin’s Balcony Cabin Worth It?

    Taking to sea with Virgin Voyages is exciting, and to that the chance to sip champagne in your very own hammock as you sail away and you are on to a winner! 86% of the cabins onboard the Virgin Voyages ships have a balcony so there are lots to book. If you’re thinking of choosing a Sea Terrace but not you’re sure if it’s worth the upgrade, read on for our Virgin Voyages Sea Terrace review.

    This post may contain sponsored content or affiliate links that help support the blog. All opinions are our own.

    I’d like to apologise for the quality of these photos. They are mostly screenshots taken from a quick room tour video (this was an unplanned blog post). The others are from a recent sailing.

    First Impressions of Our Sea Terrace Room

    Virgin has a certain style, a flair if you will. This is evident from the moment you open up the door of your cabin. The curtains open bathing the room in natural light and the TV plays a heavenly chord. It’s the perfect way to welcome guests!

    You’ll have to create your own heavenly noise to go with the picture

    I was surprised at the size of the cabin. They measure 225ft² (around 21m²). It seemed pretty spacious (more available floor space than my bedroom by a factor of three). We never bumped into each other, even with stuff out and all over the floor as we got changed in a rush. The massive mirror on the outside of the bathroom section really helped with this too.

    I had read that the rooms were a bit IKEA-ish. A little cold, white-walled and missing lots of the “cruise style” that people were accustomed to. It is true that it is more like a cool Yotel than a fancy business Best Western but it suits our style to a tee. They have added some wooden touches to warm the room up, and I dare say that it was a wide choice but honestly, I didn’t miss the slightly early 90s feel I’ve seen elsewhere.

    We were impressed at the 43 inch TV and loved the safety demo which everyone needs to watch on it. It’s a musical extravaganza!

    Check out 20 Pro Tips for Your First Virgin Voyages Cruise

    Some Features of the Sea Terrace Cabin

    The Storage

    When the Scarlet Lady first took to the water, one of the biggest complaints in the room was the storage. There is a wardrobe area which originally had cubby holes and a rail. Well, Virgin listened to the feedback and converted some of the cubbies to drawers, put in another little unit with a couple of baskets that serve as drawers and added a large top shelf. In the wardrobe, you’ll find a safe that was plenty big enough for all of our cameras and would fit a normal laptop too.

    We had more than enough space for all of our things but maybe we brought less than most people. We each had hand luggage with enough clothes for two outfits a day but no more. Some people are upset that the bed doesn’t fit their cases underneath it but we kept ours in the wardrobe and actually, our smaller cases would have fit.

    To find out everything you need to pack for a Virgin Voyage, check out our packing guide here

    Under the desk, you’ll find a couple more shelves but I don’t think we used them for anything. There is also a fridge in which we stored leftovers and our two allowed bottles of sparkling wine. Finally, there is a wide but shallow drawer in the white section of the SeaBed which not many people notice.

    The Convertible SeaBed

    The double bed in the room converts into twin beds but not in the normal way. One half of the bed swings to the side so the occupants will be sleeping head to head at a 90° angle. You can ask your cabin steward to make it up this way as a sofa during the day which gives you a ton of space but I would only bother with this if you are planning to socialise in the cabin. We used the top of the white section for bits and bobs most of the time and enjoyed the easier access to the drawer underneath.

    The mattress of the bed was quite firm but not hard. I found them very comfortable but if you like a softer bed, it might take a couple of nights to adjust to.

    On one side of the bed is the arm of the sofa and over this, they have fashioned a bedside table of sorts allowing you to have a glass of water without the fear of it slipping off. There are plugs on this side of the bed but not on the other. If you like to have your phone in bed then bring a long cable.

    Our Bathroom

    The bathroom is quite small. I wasn’t expecting it to be any bigger so I was perfectly happy. It was like something you would have on an overnight train. Mind you, I don’t do the majority of my getting ready in the bathroom. I shower, wrap in a towel and get out. I can imagine that with a smaller space to manoeuvre in, you would find it a little uncomfortable. The majority of the counter space is over the area with the toilet so you really have to make sure you’re not knocking anything off into the bowl! Even if something just falls on the floor, there isn’t a lot of room to pick it up. There was a little cubby hole underneath but it was only just big enough for our two little washbags.

    I loved the sink which made good use of the sink. It was a separate bowl which gave just a few inches on the counter whilst also being a nicely sized sink. Here you’ll find the charcoal soap which really divides the crowd. It is very trendy, and charcoal is good for your skin, but if that black gets under your nails, it can be tricky to get back out. Luckily, the small towels that say makeup make you feel a little less guilty about smudging them with charcoal.

    The shower was really decently sized. It was strong and I really like the shampoo and conditioner that were provided. The shower had a real door rather than a curtain which I loved. I cannot bear curtains that try and stick to you as you shower and if there is a slight rocking, you can guarantee you’ll get that flimsy curtain stuck on your butt at some point! Oh, and did I mention the rainfall head? What a treat!

    A Look at the Sea Terrace

    The terraces are quite large with plenty of room for two people to hang out. However, you might be fighting for the best seat on Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady, the hammock!

    The bright red hammocks that adorn most Sea Terrace balconies are so comfortable. They are sewn the other way around to a traditional hammock, allowing you to sit or lie down easily. The gentle rocking of the boat means the whole thing swaps slowly and lulls you into a very happy stupor. You can sit with a drink but you cannot smoke or vape out here so bear that in mind whilst you are chilling out.

    Check out Your Ultimate Guide to the Virgin Voyages Bar Tab

    Nice Touches
    Wine Time

    We loved the corkscrew/bottle opener provided in the room. I know, I know, that seems lame but it was one of those beautiful design touches that Virgin does so well.

    The Tablet

    On the desk, you will find the room’s tablet. This smart device can be used for lots of handy functions. You can control the curtains and lighting (more on that in a second). You can scroll through loads of free films to watch on the TV. It is also good for communicating with your room steward if you need extra towels, water or want the bed converted into a sofa.

    The Lighting

    Virgin loves mood lighting. If you have ever flown Virgin Atlantic, you’ll have noticed that their planes are full of coloured lights that gently change throughout the flight. Well, Virgin Voyages is no different. The tablet in the room has some fun mood lighting settings. There is a cinema setting that dims most lights and closes the curtains, a hangover setting that is just a cool blue light and a “let’s get it on” setting. This rather special option turns on the red/pink hue and the TV even plays music!

    Water

    Every room is supplied with a nice carafe of water. This is free and topped up always so you should never run dry. We know that some cruise lines make you pay for a water package but Virgin’s drinks set up includes water in your room and throughout the ship as standard. It’s a welcome touch that it comes in such a nice vessel.

    Is it Worth Paying More for a Sea Terrace?

    Absolutely! I was pretty sure that this was the case but having now done a cruise in an interior cabin, I can confirm it for sure!

    When jet lag struck on day two of our cruise, I went to sit out on our balcony, bathed in red light. I could see three thunderstorms flashing in the distance and even made a little birdy friend. (I am basically Snow White). It was also so lovely to order room service and eat it on the balcony in the morning. The sound of the sea, the Bahamian breeze and utterly delicious jalapeño cheddar pastries…who could ask for more?

    Well…maybe a Rockstar Suite. Maybe next time?

    Final Thoughts on Our Virgin Voyages Sea Terrace Review

    In general, I am impressed at how much feedback Virgin Voyages have taken on board. Seeing how they’ve listened to the passengers and tweaked the rooms to make them a little more homely but maintaining Virgin’s style. Virgin brands have always been good to swap, change and edit so I can only imagine everything on the ships will improve over time.

    As for the Sea Terrace, when we were booking our cruise we debated about getting a sea terrace and I am SO glad that we spent the extra. Having now done a cruise with an interior cabin for comparison, I’d opt for a balcony every single time!

    Rosie xx

  • Your Ultimate Guide to the Virgin Voyages Bar Tab

    Your Ultimate Guide to the Virgin Voyages Bar Tab

    If there is one thing Virgin does well, it’s a drink. Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class cabin has cocktails, many of the Virgin Hotels offer an amazing boozy brunch menu and Richard Branson even launched Virgin Cola which…nearly…broke the soda market. Well, Virgin Voyages is no different. Cocktails, wines from around the world and beers galore are all on offer. So what is the best way to get your drinks? Is there a Virgin Voyages drink package to buy? Well….no. Let’s talk about the Virgin Voyages Bar Tab.

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  • Fun on M/S Finlandia, Eckerö Line Tallinn – Helsinki Ferry Review

    Fun on M/S Finlandia, Eckerö Line Tallinn – Helsinki Ferry Review

    Telling people you are travelling to Estonia AND Finland in one trip can leave them goggle-eyed. It sounds like a great migration but did you know you can travel between them in just two and a half hours? The best way to do so is undoubtedly the Tallinn Helsinki ferry run by Eckerö Line. Join us as we head across the Gulf of Finland for this Eckerö Line review.

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  • How to Travel Bagan to Mandalay by Boat on an Irrawaddy Cruise

    How to Travel Bagan to Mandalay by Boat on an Irrawaddy Cruise

    Travelling around Myanmar can be a bit of a chore. To get from A to B can be bumpy, cold (or both as in the case of the night train from Yangon to Bagan). However, an amazing exception to this is the Mandalay Bagan boat. The Irrawaddy Cruise boats have a much smoother time of it! So, if you are interested in travelling Bagan to Mandalay by boat, read on to find out how.

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  • Loving London – Sailing a GoBoat Along Regent’s Canal

    Loving London – Sailing a GoBoat Along Regent’s Canal

    If you have seen my blog post about walking the Regent’s Canal, you will know that I am a huge fan of this stretch of canal. I will, of course, jump at the chance to hit this stretch of water in any way I can and so I was thrilled to find out about GoBoat London and try one of their boats out for myself.

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  • The Slow Boat to Laos – A Two Day Treat

    The Slow Boat to Laos – A Two Day Treat

    The south-east Asian backpacking circuit is well established. From Bangkok, travellers head north-west to Chang Mai, Pai and go trekking in the golden triangle, before heading east into the small country of Laos. Most travellers cross the border and then get on “the slow boat to Laos”. That is exactly what we did on our five month trip across south-east Asia.

    The Slow Boat to Laos

    Day One

    We bought a package from Pai. We had a van transfer to the Thai border, one night in a hotel there and then the boat tickets. The van transfer took an age. We were on the road all day and worked our way through far too many box sets on the iPod classic. (Seriously, how did we both watch such a tiny screen!)

    Overnight

    We got to our guesthouse that backed onto the water and it was a bit rubbish, but then that’s what you get when you don’t pick it yourself. We made the mistake of going for dinner with the rest of the group and got eaten alive by huge swarms of river-dwelling mosquitoes!

    The Camera

    It was with frustration and disappointment that we realised something was wrong with our camera. It was refusing to take any photos. We later learned that the memory card had caught a virus in a Bangkok internet cafe. It probably isn’t the only thing to leave Bangkok infected!

    Day Two 

    We stocked up on food and drink from local vendors before climbing aboard the long wooden vessel. There were benches to either side of a central aisle but the back section was a nice open space, and drenched in sun. We decided to indulge in a spot of sunbathing.

    The slow boat to Laos is exactly that, slooooooow! It takes two days to chug along the Mekong River from the Thai/Laos border to Luang Prabang down river. Plenty of time then to get to know our fellow passengers. The boat was only about half full and so there was plenty of room for everyone. A group of louder, younger, drunker backpackers hung out at the back, and so ensued a six hour boat party. The cheap booze flowed on deck, as the sluggish Mekong River flowed beneath. It was a most leisurely way to spend a day, even if it did lead to a hangover and slight sun stroke.

    A slow boat to Laos on the Mekong River with a tree covered hill in the background
    Overnight

    We stopped in Pakbeng and checked into an utterly nondescript guest house. We popped out for some dinner but the long hours of day drinking had taken their toll. Others hit the bars in town but we hit the sheets and slept until the early morning wake up call for the boat.

    Day Three

    The next morning, we were up and out bright and early, ready for another day on the water. It was with confusion and mild horror that we saw the waiting boat. Nearly every seat was taken. Where on earth had all these extra people come from!? We scampered down the gangplank and grabbed two of the only seats that were left. No longer was there room for everyone to stretch out, sunbathe or host a dance party. Instead, we were sat on a hard wooden bench, with only our cheap travel pillows for comfort. It was very different, and although still perfectly pleasant, nowhere near as fun.

    A quick note: From looking at recent photos of the slow boat to Laos, it looks like the hard wooden benches have been replaced by padded seats with full back supports. This is probably a lot more comfortable but it must be harder to socialise with those around you.

    The Arrival into Luang Prabang

    After such a long day of relative peace drifting along the Mekong, stepping off the boat into a hoard of touts was a little overwhelming. They swarmed down the concrete slope and we had to haul our stiff limbs and heavy backpack past them. We made straight for the cheapest guesthouse in our guidebook and it was with great relief that we checked in. The guest house was odd, we had to pass through the families front room, clamber through a hatch and then the rooms were lined up along a wide utility corridor. At 40 kip we weren’t complaining. It seemed that Laos was going to be that little bit cheaper.

    Want to read more about our five month trip across Asia? Check out even more of our adventures.

    Final Thoughts

    Taking the slow boat to Laos was somewhat a rite of passage into the backpacking world. There are other options so as a quick comparison, from Thailand to Luang Prabang, you can take:

    • The slow boat to Laos – still a very popular option for budget travellers with time to spare.
    • A speedboat down the river – This take 4-5 hours, but is loud, cold, wet and after the first ten minutes, probably not all that fun.
    • Some sort of bus – the roads between Thailand and Luang Prabang are long and winding. It is a vomit-inducing ride and will take about ten hours.
    • A flight – Luang Prabang has expanded its airport. It is much bigger than when we visited. This is a good option if you are short on time or flash with cash.

    I would happily take the slow boat to Laos again, if I had the time. Sometimes when you are travelling at a million miles an hour, having the time to do nothing is a welcome breather. I guess that is why we love train travel too, it is the transport that gives you the time to take it all in (without the car sickness).

    Rosie xx

    Taking the slow boat to Laos is a rite of passage. From the Thai border to Luang Prabang, this is a special way to travel. #slowboat #laos #slowtravel
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