Cruise on the Gulangyu: Like a Wobbly Dream

I managed to catch the maiden voyage of the "Gulangyu" cruise departing from Shenzhen to Miyako Island on March 21! The last-minute deal was irresistible, so I quickly booked it as a gift to myself—a relaxing sea vacation 💆🏻‍♀️ with all-inclusive food and entertainment. Honestly, I didn’t want to leave the ship! Here’s a simple guide for those interested in embarking on a similar journey👇🏼 for your reference📝 1️⃣ Cruise Essentials 🧳 ✅ Must-bring items: • Passport (collected upon boarding and returned upon disembarking) • Cash/credit card (final payment is settled on the last day; check if Alipay/WeChat Pay is accepted) • Water bottle (some cruises don’t provide bottled water, but you can refill at water stations) • Swimwear + sunglasses (pools and decks are standard; sunglasses protect your eyes) • Formal attire/dress shoes (required for certain upscale restaurants or events) • Personal hygiene items (e.g., toothbrush, facial cleanser, slippers, etc., not provided) • Common medications (cold and stomach remedies are essential! The strong winds can easily make you sick😷; seasickness medicine is available onboard) 🚫 Not recommended: • Power strips/multi-socket adapters (prohibited items, will be confiscated by the crew) • Heating appliances (e.g., kettles, curling irons, heating cups, etc., are not allowed) • Supermarket food/restaurant takeout (dry snacks are okay) 2️⃣ Internet/WiFi 📶 📡 Once at sea, there’s basically no signal. WiFi is available for purchase onboard (but it’s pricey💸 and speed is limited). ✅ Suggestions: • Share one account among several people (log in at different times) • Buy a destination SIM card (e.g., usable when disembarking in Japan) • Embrace a disconnected lifestyle 📵 3️⃣ Onboard Entertainment 🎉 🎬 Movie theater/performance hall: Free programs updated daily; check the "Daily Navigator" for schedules 🏊‍♂️ Gym/pool: Exercising while gazing at the ocean is a true pleasure 📚 Library/lounge/game area: The library is free; the lounge offers board games and conversation, drinks are extra 🛍️ Duty-free shopping: Available onboard and ashore; don’t miss out if you love souvenirs or personal items 🌌 Stunning night sky: Without light pollution, stargazing makes you feel small yet blissfully content ❤️ Ending｜The ultimate human romance: Stars and the sea ✨ “Per Aspera Ad Astra” — Through hardships to the stars Cruise travel is all about leaving your familiar life behind, floating on an endless ocean. Even if it’s a bit wobbly, it’s an unforgettable experience.