Market is Back in Turmoil and I Just Got to Getaway... Again!

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As we enter September (which was statistically the worst month to invest), I got to prepare myself mentally for more doom and gloom after the crash in the second half of August.  As FED Chairman Jerome Powell said in his Jackson Hole speech, Fed will continue to raise interest rates and will not stop until inflation is tamed.  How true this is, it's anyone's guess.  We have been "scammed" too many times by the FED since last year, with transitory inflation becoming red-hot runaway inflation.  Will a "Paul Volcker" moment arrive?  Hopefully not.  My portfolio is back in the red year to date, as if the July and early August rally never happened.

With the rising interest rates, my mortgage rates have also increased.  For my Malaysia's mortgage loan, the interest rates have revised upwards for the 3rd time.  Thankfully (or not so), it is buffered by the depreciating Ringgit against the Singapore dollar.  With the returning travel crowd, short term rental demand has also increased, and that definitely helped to increase my rental returns to further buffer the rising interest rates.  To avoid all these volatility, I just got to give myself another break!  

After the short trip to Phnom Penh, Cambodia in early July, this time, it is a 4 day 3 night cruise on Royal Caribbean!  If cruise is "your kind of thing" as well, do join the "Anchor and Crown Society", which is like a membership for Royal Caribbean cruise.  It lets you accumulate points to achieve the different levels, and that comes with different perks!  Best of all, it's free to join the "Anchor and Crown Society"!.  As a cheapo, I am going budget for this cruise as well.  I bought the interior state room, which comes with no balcony and no windows, which is not a problem for me as I will be spending minimal time in the room.  Just got to spend time wisely, when there's so much activities available!  In addition, I did not do any additional purchase for any drinks package, dining package or internet package.  Just got to "wifi-detox" and eliminate all work related stuff from my life for the next 3 days.  Drinks package and dining package is good when you want to try the specialty dining restaurants on the cruise, but for me, complimentary buffet and dining is good enough as it provides more than sufficient varieties for me for 3 days!  Below are some pictures for the trip, and sorry for the food spam!  Just too much food and too little time!  

   Some of the important places in the cruise!


Nice Decorations within the cruise!


Fun places to be at!


Interior Stateroom Cabin!


Experiences on board...Sun rise and archery!


Buffet Line at Windjammer and Sorrento's


And now, the endless food at the Main Dining Room!


Food is not all!  There's also spectacular performance (short clips here...definitely not doing justice to the actual quality of the show)!

Presenting...Showgirl! Past. Present. Future.

Presenting... The Silk Road

Presenting... Illusionist Zlwin Chew

Presenting... Virtual Fireworks Party

Presenting...The Effectors!


Miscellaneous Activities!

Flow-Rider for the adventurous!


Morning dance + exercise!

And...the extremely awkward Hush! Disco, lol!


Total "Personal Damage" for this Royal Caribbean Cruise with a friend:  

Cruise Fares + Gratuities + Taxes + Insurance: SGD 451.28 per pax.

Personally I think this is a great choice for a great getaway!  The cruise is packed with fun-filled activities, so much so that market movements and wifi connections are no longer important.  Even without the additional perks, I get to enjoy unlimited dining choices from complimentary restaurants like Windjammer and Main Dining Room, and of course, delicious pizza supper from Sorrento's.  

All in all, it's a great experience, with friendly service staff and super enthusiastic program in-charge that leaves no dull moments onboard!  Looking forward to more cruise experiences in the near future with Royal Caribbean!  Barista FIRE...here I come!

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