June 21, 2026

This visit to Singapore we explored more of the Marina Bay Sands (MBS) complex, starting with the Lotus or the ArtScience Museum. MBS developed, owns and operates the Museum, which is unique for a gaming corporation. They developed the whole area around their iconic hotel and casino to control the look and amenities offered, to make this a special destination and major landmark within Singapore.

The Lotus inspired structure, which is actually a 10 section or finger, deconstructed sphere, was designed by Israeli - Canadian- American Architect Moshe Safdie. He also designed the MBS Hotel  (55 stories and 3 towers), topped with the massive Ship Shaped (2.5 acre), Sands Sky Park and the Jewel Changi Airport which is a lush nature themed entertainment and retail complex centered around a Rain Vortex, which is the world's tallest indoor waterfall. The Lotus also has a center rainwater oculus waterfall, which re- circulates rainwater and uses it for toilet water. The Lotus's design and construction was award the rare LEED ( Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Plantinum Certification.


The 10 finger design of the Lotus has also given the building the nickname of the handshake or greeting hand of Singapore.

The building features 21 gallery spaces hosting immersive, interactive and world class touring exhibits. We plan to go back in October to see the new installation underway at the Team Lab's gallery.



We took a tour with one of the education staff to get the highlights of the design history and the interactive galleries presently underway.

SINGAPORE - The Helix Bridge and MBS Mall

By Pat Patrick • June 21, 2026
The views below show the complex with the Marina in front, the 3 story Lotus, Apple and Louis Vitton Stores at the edge of the Marina, the MBS luxury Mall, Casino and Entertainment centers set back along the base of the Hotel and Ship above it.

CREW Rotations - on the way to SINGAPORE

By Pat Patrick • June 21, 2026
Every 3 months the CREW Officers rotate for much needed breaks. The support staff contract for typically 6 to 8 months. Singapore is a big rotation port for us, since flights from here are plentiful and visas are easy to procure for the CREW. Logistics are much more complicated in the smaller ports. Our last sea day heading into Singapore they held an after dinner party, on the aft deck for both CREW and Residents to mingle and say our farewells for now.

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - Shopping & Fashion

By Pat Patrick • June 11, 2026
Shopping is huge in Manila - there are sooo many malls! Probably because it is so stinky hot! The air condition draws you in, plus the malls have everything - giant Hyper supermarkets, movies, entertainment venues, sport complexes, spas & medical services, tons of restaurants and every retailer you can imagine. SH Mall of Asia is the 5th largest Mall in the World! I went here 2 different days, first with the ladies- Anna Sherrie & Sarah. Then back the next day with Terri, mainly because I was now familiar with the layout, and could move faster and get what I needed quickly.