We have a whole day to explore the island s exotic sights. During a nine-hour excursion I pass paddy

It is a relief to be on the deck of the cruise ship Astor after a busy day in Singapore mingling with hardcore shoppers, and experiencing the melting pot of cultures discount travel sites this dazzling metropolis has to offer.
The new Gardens By The Bay, a 350million development in the Marina Bay, is nothing short of spectacular. On entering the Flower Dome, I am overwhelmed by a world of perpetual spring, where unique plants bloom.
I meet fellow passenger John Peters, a seasoned cruiser, who says: The old liner voyages have become a thing of the past but this ship brings back a wonderful nostalgic feeling for the old halcyon days of trans-Pacific sea crossings.
Life on board starts to replicate the calm of the ocean. Lulled into this relaxing rhythm, my afternoons are spent chatting to fellow discount travel sites passengers by the pool, learning new skills in art classes and listening to guest speakers talk about everything from seashells to how to deal with an ageing mind.
Astor has two restaurants. The la carte Waldorf is the place to dress up and be seen, while the open-seated Ubersee Club offers a more casual hot and cold buffet. As one passenger said: It can be repetitive but the quality is super.
High tea on the high seas is a time when passengers can be found in the grandly designed Ubersee Club circling like sharks discount travel sites around a towering cake stand covered in tantalising fancies and sipping from constantly topped up teacups.
We have a whole day to explore the island s exotic sights. During a nine-hour excursion I pass paddy fields covering the hillsides and in the artists town of Ubud I wander the busy streets, ducking into small shops selling intricate carvings and beautifully crafted silver jewellery. However, it is the warmth of Bali s people that really leaves a memorable impression.
Excitement gathers as we near the Equator and we congregate discount travel sites on deck to raise a celebratory glass and receive a certificate to commemorate it. There is nothing to see, just like the rest of the crossing, and life assumes a serene rhythm for several days.
Cruise Maritime Voyages (0845 430 0274/ cruiseandmaritime.com ) offers a 38-night discount travel sites London Tilbury to Fremantle via South Africa cruise on board Astor from 2,889pp (two sharing), full board. Other itineraries are available. Flights from Australia discount travel sites back to the UK can be arranged from 850. Departs discount travel sites November 5.