Dubai - then a cruise to Mumbai

For Dubai we did the hop-on-hop-off bus, which started from the Dubai Mall, and then took a route around the sea front and down The Palm Island, and then back to the Mall.

 

We then did shopping at Waitrose in The Dubai Mall; a carrier bag with the Arabic version of Waitrose is attached! Shopping was just for cabin drinks; some essentials (like glue!) and we also went around The Mall. A coffee shop, some electrical shops, and lunch (which was Thai.

 

In Dubai we had some passengers leave us, and some more join us for the next leg. The usual lifeboat drill last night, and safe haven drill in case of pirates this morning. Helen went to the Gym, and the laundry got done.

 

We now have some days at sea crossing the Indian Ocean to Mumbai.

Abu Dhabi

Today was Abu Dhabi. I must say it is a lovely way to arrive on a boat in any new plaee. Much better than flying. As this was the first Fred Olsen boat to arrive here, we had the local dancers (with Shepherd's Crooks), a Bedouin tent, and tea and dates offered to us on the quayside.

The weather was hot and sunny, though there was a slight mist all day.

We then did an organized tour around the city. The local fish market, very clean and tidy, where the also gut the fish and cook them for you! Then took in all the sights and sites, we saw the big new Mosque, Ferrari world, and the F1 race track the Heritage Village and the new royal palace. A very good value trip.

Shoes off for the Mosque, and Helen wore her head scarf and was very modestly dressed.

Tonight we sail for Dubai, and we are due to be there by 6 am tomorrow morning.

Muscat and beyond!

Our boat in Muscat, with an Aida and Costa boat behind ...

Entering the harbour at Muscat, some lovely views ...

We are just at the Straits of Hormuz ...

Yesterday we reached Muscat in Oman. Because of the timings, we did a free bust trip to the Souk. I had some left over Omani money, so we of course got a local fridge magnet, and some coasters for a bedside cupboards.

We then went to the show, which was medley of all the acts we had for this part of the voyage.

We went to look at the Gala Buffet (but not eat!). This was at 1115 pm. Very impressive array of carved food, faces, ice sculptures etc. The pictures are included in this posting.

To those who have asked, yes we are not on the map. This is because we have been on dangerous waters, but the armed guards have mostly left, and we still have a razor wire decoration around the ship!

Tomorrow morning we reach Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. We have a brief shore tour organized, and then on to Dubai.

Change of course to Salalah in Oman

Today we had a little excitement, apart from doing some more washing! That costs £2 per load, includes free powder, and the drying is free as well. There are two laundry rooms, each has eight machines, and the same number of tumble driers., as well as two ironing boards It is certainly the place to catch up with the gossip!

The excitement was a helicopter pick up from the Oman air sea rescue. Some poor guest had to be taken on board and taken to hospital. We are also doing a small diversion to Salah in Oman to take another person off the boat. Oman is in sight, as are some more dolphins.

Weather is sunny and bright. Some swimming in one of the two pools. That's about it!

Here are pictures of yesterday's tug of war.

Still at sea ...

The wather is hot and sunny, and we are still en route to Oman as our first port of call in the Middle East.

It seems really strange, to be a few miles off war torn shores, and listening to Abba and Classical Concerts. Chinese night in the restaurant last night, which was very tasty. And we did not so well in the quiz again ..... such is life!

There was a tag of war knock out between various parts of the crew, it ended up with the senior officers versus the engine department. The senior officers were slightly better well fed (!) but they seemed to think it was a good tactic not to beat everyone - so they lost strategically. All money raised went to a couple of charities, very well done.

En route to Muscat - Lazy days

Today was a sea day. A hectic social whirl!

Get up, breakfast, lecture from the ITN War Correspondent, lunch, Zumba, missed out the classical concert, dinner and evening show and quiz.

Yesterday we had Lorraine Brown singing as the evening show. As we are east of Suez it was time to break out the White DJ for the formal evening.

Today, just after lunch, we had a school of dolphins playing under and around the ship, the picture was taken from our balcony.

Yesterday we had pirate precautions drill, and today the ship looks very well armed. I shall say no more ...

Trying out the radio gear today, only Italians on 15m!

Aqaba in Jordan and a Coach trip to Petra

Today we visited Petra from the Jordanian port of Aqaba. It was about two hours on the bus, with a compulsory bus stop at a souvenir shop. There was snow on the hills above Petra .....

At Petra itself Fred Olsen had 13 buses! We went town the open track, then through the rift, valley emerging to see the Treasury, and the walked down to the Theatre and Royal tombs. Then back up followed by lunch at the Movenpick Hotel. Back to the ship by 5pm.

The limestone sand was all sorts of colours, and parts very well persevered. Lots of people trying to persuade you to take donkey and cart rides, and sell postcards and guide books.

What was surprising was the snow on the way; this was in the hills around new Petra village.

We now have 5 days at sea, next stop is Muscat in Oman ...

Sharm EL Sheikh today

For a Starbucks coffee in the shade.
A one day visit here. Sunny!

Temples at Karnak and Luxor from Safarga

A day at both. This is Luxor by night.

We left the boat at midday, it is about a three hour drive to Karnak. We had an hour looking round the temple there, and just caught it in the sunset.

Then dinner in a local hotel, overlooking the Nile. Followed by a tour of the smaller Luxor temple at night, very impressive illumination!

Another long drive back to the ship, where we sneaked some chips in the midnight buffet. The tours are very well organised, with tourist police escort, water and juice and snacks on the way!

Here are Helen's pictures of Luxor:

And of the larger temple at Karnak:

Starting off down the Suez canal

Starting off a bit late for our ten hour transit. Number thirteen in the convoy. Being on the POSH side means we have a view of the Sinai side.

We will be arriving at Safarga by midday tomorrow.

Cairo and the sights today!

Well after the trip to see the pyramids with the nearby pizza hut, the sphinx, the various sellers ( only one dollar!) - we then get to see the genuine Egyptian papyrus, fridge magnets and belly dancers .....

Here are some other pictures from the day ....

The Pyramids

The Sphinx

A party boat 

On the way to Egypt

Another lazy day at sea. It's been raining, and there are rumours of snow in Jordan at Aquaba, not at all as it should be!

 

We had a formal dinner last night, followed by a show. Permission for radio operation has been at last granted, but this will have to wait until we are in safer waters. Already on our approach to Egypt there are some security preacuations in place, with more to follow as we emerge through the Suez Canal and past the waters near Somalia.

 

We are finding life very pleasant indeed, just as well as we are off again cruising next year! There seems to be lots of things to do: Get up, have breakfast, morning coffee, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner etc. Helen goes to the Gym, and is keeping active. There are coughs and sneezes around; I've had a serious bout of man-flu. Whisky and honey seems to be doing the trick.

 

We have met some very pleasant fellow guests, and are getting quite a few odd conversations going, as they come from all walks of life.

 

Tomorrow morning we arrive in Port Said, and are off to see the Pyramids, as one should ….

Leaving Malta

On our way to Egypt - arriving on two days.

Coffee time!

In Valletta .....

Balmoral moored at Valletta

Just of to find a coffee shop I expect!

Some of Helen's photos:

Arrival in Malta

Just arriving in Valletta in Malta. Not yet moored up. Lovely views as we enter the grand harbour.

En Route to Malta

Weather is 60F and Force 6 wind, quite pleasant. We are en route to
Malta, arriving at Valletta tomorrow morning. Two days at sea since
Malaga. It is a Sunday so we have a quiet day planned, apparently there
is a Sunday market.

Having a quiet time on board, there are a few coughs and colds around,
which we have both caught, but it soon passes. Spending restful times
with the free drinks options, various talks and quizes. Helen goes to
the gym and the exercise sessions.

The Chief Officer seems to be worried about letting me operate radio
equipment on board, we'll see if he weakens! Got the BBC world service
last night, though we also get the TV BBC and SKY, together with a four
page extract of the Daily Mail every day.

Open tour bus around Malaga

Weather around 60F. Took a 18 euro open your bis to see Malaga. Some shopping on the way!

Malaga

Just arrived at Malaga. Of for a wander in town! Arrived at 7am at a very slow speed. Impressive manoeuvring!

Crossing The Bay of Biscay

First posting by Satellite using the Iridium WiFi.

Yesterday we only took 45 minutes to get to the cabin from arrival. It
seemed much longer, but was very efficient, though the Cruise Terminal
was being rebuilt.

Most of the eight(!!) cases are now unpacked, we have a surprising
amount of space. The £10 drink deal seems very worthwhile, as we can
have lots of soft drinks.

Last night we had dinner with our companions, and then went on here
about the various activities. We then did the 10pm quiz with another
couple, where we came second. Thn to bed at 11pm.

This morning Helen went to Gym, and then went to hear about diet options
for vegetarians. A nice breakfast too, someone had HP brown sauce and
veggie sausages! Then I went to lunch (light) whilst an afternoon snooze
was had the other sailor.

Weather is not too bad, just gentle rocking!

Leaving Southampton at 5pm

Just leaving with tugs and pilot. Dinner in 30 minutes, then some rest after a hectic few days getting everything ready!