January 27, 2010 Dubai, United Arab Emirates
From New York to Dubai we’ve traveled 9752.0 Nautical miles & it’s day 23.
Our clock is 9 hours ahead of New York.
The exchange rate $1 equals 3.67 Dirhams.
We rode the complementary shuttle to the Bur Juman Shopping Centre (mall) where walked some. We rode the Dubai Metro to the nearest station we were told to get to the Burj Dubai.
We then walked approximately an half an hour thru constructions sites (sand), on pavement, and when lucky sidewalks to the Burj Dubai. The Burj Dubai is an experience not to miss. The quay
took us down long corridors with walls explaining the construction followed by illustrations about the amount steel, iron rods, and glass used. The condensation is collected and used. The elevators went up 120 stories with great speed (with ears popping) to within about 15 stories (of the 140 floors) from the top. The view is indescribable. While up there we found a metro station much closer making the return trip easier. We did walk 9.22 miles in all.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
January 26, 2010 Muscat, Oman
The exchange rate $1 equals 0.38 OMR.
Thanks to Fanette, Janet, and Margaret, took the excursion “Muscat Impressions”. Our guide was English Professor at college and was informative, personable, helpful, and easy to understand. The Sultan’s (President) palace flanked by Portuguese forts (Jalali & Mirani) and the Bait Al Zubair Museum (small, very clean, and interesting) were highlights. This is a very pretty and clean place. You’ll receive a ticket from the police if your vehicle is dirty or a taxi driver without the traditional clothing on. Tourists (20%) are the second largest income behind oil and ahead of farming & fishing.
We did buy some souvenirs.
The exchange rate $1 equals 0.38 OMR.
Thanks to Fanette, Janet, and Margaret, took the excursion “Muscat Impressions”. Our guide was English Professor at college and was informative, personable, helpful, and easy to understand. The Sultan’s (President) palace flanked by Portuguese forts (Jalali & Mirani) and the Bait Al Zubair Museum (small, very clean, and interesting) were highlights. This is a very pretty and clean place. You’ll receive a ticket from the police if your vehicle is dirty or a taxi driver without the traditional clothing on. Tourists (20%) are the second largest income behind oil and ahead of farming & fishing.
We did buy some souvenirs.
January 22 Thru 25, 2010 Sea Days
We just did odds & ends such lectures, movies, shows, and some casino time. We participated in the decathlon (nine events, the tenth event apparently was the awards party) with Dave & Mick (competitors last year). The sports directors changed the events & the rules multiple times, but they’re nice people (Marc reminds of Steve in personality & ability). Between the Tug-a-war & the awards we attended a wine tasting of 3 reds & 3 whites. Then had our seventh in champagne, all in less than an hour. Speaking of free drinks; we attended another cocktail party (another night).
Dolphins put on a couple different shows. The group were very active jumping, usually in pairs, but was vertical completely out of the water.
We just did odds & ends such lectures, movies, shows, and some casino time. We participated in the decathlon (nine events, the tenth event apparently was the awards party) with Dave & Mick (competitors last year). The sports directors changed the events & the rules multiple times, but they’re nice people (Marc reminds of Steve in personality & ability). Between the Tug-a-war & the awards we attended a wine tasting of 3 reds & 3 whites. Then had our seventh in champagne, all in less than an hour. Speaking of free drinks; we attended another cocktail party (another night).
Dolphins put on a couple different shows. The group were very active jumping, usually in pairs, but was vertical completely out of the water.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
January 21, 2010 Safaga , Egypt
The exchange rate $1 equals 5.64 Egyptian pounds.
The excursion today went to Luxor, Karnak, & the Valley of the Kings. Temperature was 15 C (59 F) to a high 22 C (72 F). The trip went through mountains and then through rural areas where the crops were cabbage, tomato, and similar products. Their main products are sugar cane and aluminum. The crops are irrigated by water pumped from a canal of water that comes from the Nile. There were work donkeys, some camels and cattle. The people seem to live in homes that make trailer parks look like luxury. There were many check points and/or intersections where vehicles had weave through gates one direction at a time. Elsewhere there were speed bumps to slow traffic.
It was very interesting and enjoyable visiting the Temple of Karnak in Luxor. There are avenues of ram-headed sphinxes, courts, and pylons. The hypostyle Hall is a mass of over 100 pillars with every square inch of which seems to be covered with carved figures and hieroglyphics.
A buffet was at a Sheridan big enough to feed the caravan of approximately 17 buses of about 40 each.
We continued across the Nile to the West Bank and the Valley of the Kings. A ride on a train on four carts took us to tombs. Our tickets allowed us to enter 3 tombs of Pharaohs. The first was a very steep and okay. The other 2 were easier but much more interesting. All went down with the walls & ceiling telling stories through hieroglyphics.
Then we traveled back across the Nile the East Bank and along the canal to the mountains to the Queen Mary 2. We very tired of setting as the trip was 3 to 4 hours each way.
The exchange rate $1 equals 5.64 Egyptian pounds.
The excursion today went to Luxor, Karnak, & the Valley of the Kings. Temperature was 15 C (59 F) to a high 22 C (72 F). The trip went through mountains and then through rural areas where the crops were cabbage, tomato, and similar products. Their main products are sugar cane and aluminum. The crops are irrigated by water pumped from a canal of water that comes from the Nile. There were work donkeys, some camels and cattle. The people seem to live in homes that make trailer parks look like luxury. There were many check points and/or intersections where vehicles had weave through gates one direction at a time. Elsewhere there were speed bumps to slow traffic.
It was very interesting and enjoyable visiting the Temple of Karnak in Luxor. There are avenues of ram-headed sphinxes, courts, and pylons. The hypostyle Hall is a mass of over 100 pillars with every square inch of which seems to be covered with carved figures and hieroglyphics.
A buffet was at a Sheridan big enough to feed the caravan of approximately 17 buses of about 40 each.
We continued across the Nile to the West Bank and the Valley of the Kings. A ride on a train on four carts took us to tombs. Our tickets allowed us to enter 3 tombs of Pharaohs. The first was a very steep and okay. The other 2 were easier but much more interesting. All went down with the walls & ceiling telling stories through hieroglyphics.
Then we traveled back across the Nile the East Bank and along the canal to the mountains to the Queen Mary 2. We very tired of setting as the trip was 3 to 4 hours each way.
January 20, 2010 Sokhna , Egypt
The exchange rate $1 equals 5.42 Egyptian pounds.
A caravan of 5 buses took our excursion to City Star Mega shopping mall in Cairo to get some fresh air and exercise (approximately 7 miles). We walked a floor, and then climbed the stairs to the next floor each of the seven floors going into many stores. We went on a scavenger hunt looking for a new twister into several nail salons to no avail (they didn’t know what a twister was). There was a very large grocery store (similar to an older and small Wal-mart) on the bottom floor. No luck there either. On our way out after about 3.5 hours we found a pharmacy that had several choices. We shared a fajita and each had a virgin margarita at El Chico. The shuttle bus took over 2 hours each. We were late getting back in time for our normal meal setting, and therefore eat the buffet on deck seven.
The exchange rate $1 equals 5.42 Egyptian pounds.
A caravan of 5 buses took our excursion to City Star Mega shopping mall in Cairo to get some fresh air and exercise (approximately 7 miles). We walked a floor, and then climbed the stairs to the next floor each of the seven floors going into many stores. We went on a scavenger hunt looking for a new twister into several nail salons to no avail (they didn’t know what a twister was). There was a very large grocery store (similar to an older and small Wal-mart) on the bottom floor. No luck there either. On our way out after about 3.5 hours we found a pharmacy that had several choices. We shared a fajita and each had a virgin margarita at El Chico. The shuttle bus took over 2 hours each. We were late getting back in time for our normal meal setting, and therefore eat the buffet on deck seven.
January 19, 2010 Suez Canal, Egypt
Not much is going on since our last report. We been going to lectures and participating in sports (getting the valuable vouchers). Two people have been hurt (1 minor and 1 apparently blew a knee playing and must get off is Cairo).
We’re getting 3 good meals a day; plus we’ve had many interesting conversations with many different residents of many different countries. Last night we requested the first available French evening at the Chef’s Grill for all of our dinner table. In the evening we’ve had steaks, surf & turf, pasta, fish, and many other excellent choices.
Last night we enjoyed “Middle on Nowhere” at the Illuminations. Back in cabin we drank sum sparking wine and ate the snacks of cheese and crackers plus cashews while sitting out balcony.
A great date night.
We have had just a couple of high fifties and low sixties. Most days were low forties to low fifties.
Today we entered the Suez Canal before 4 A.M. at the back of the caravan of 13 and emerged the leader about 3 P.M. Apparently there were 34 ships going north. Ships have wait in Lake Bitter as the canal is one way. Lloyd, Gloria, and I spent about an hour in the Commodore Room and went to the Winter Garden taking in the view. Jan spent her time on a lounge chair soaking up the sun and meeting more people. The canal is still enjoyable and very interesting.
Not much is going on since our last report. We been going to lectures and participating in sports (getting the valuable vouchers). Two people have been hurt (1 minor and 1 apparently blew a knee playing and must get off is Cairo).
We’re getting 3 good meals a day; plus we’ve had many interesting conversations with many different residents of many different countries. Last night we requested the first available French evening at the Chef’s Grill for all of our dinner table. In the evening we’ve had steaks, surf & turf, pasta, fish, and many other excellent choices.
Last night we enjoyed “Middle on Nowhere” at the Illuminations. Back in cabin we drank sum sparking wine and ate the snacks of cheese and crackers plus cashews while sitting out balcony.
A great date night.
We have had just a couple of high fifties and low sixties. Most days were low forties to low fifties.
Today we entered the Suez Canal before 4 A.M. at the back of the caravan of 13 and emerged the leader about 3 P.M. Apparently there were 34 ships going north. Ships have wait in Lake Bitter as the canal is one way. Lloyd, Gloria, and I spent about an hour in the Commodore Room and went to the Winter Garden taking in the view. Jan spent her time on a lounge chair soaking up the sun and meeting more people. The canal is still enjoyable and very interesting.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
January 16, 2010 Civitavecchia, Italy
We had breakfast served to our room prior to leaving on the excursion through the beautiful & green countryside to Tuscania. Interesting tour capped off by stopping at a winery where we received a glass of wine and some snacks. We bought a bottle for Lloyd and Gloria. We enjoyed petting the white begging cat. Tomorrow we will travel the strait between Italy’s and Sicily before spending all day passing through the Suez Canal on Wednesday. First we have a substitute port of Sukhna instead of the originally schedule to Alexandria, Egypt. Tonight we were notified that the port in Vietnam was change Vung Tau to Phu My for ease of disembarkment access to Ho Chi Minh City. Earlier we inform we now are going back Cochin, India instead Mumbai.
We had breakfast served to our room prior to leaving on the excursion through the beautiful & green countryside to Tuscania. Interesting tour capped off by stopping at a winery where we received a glass of wine and some snacks. We bought a bottle for Lloyd and Gloria. We enjoyed petting the white begging cat. Tomorrow we will travel the strait between Italy’s and Sicily before spending all day passing through the Suez Canal on Wednesday. First we have a substitute port of Sukhna instead of the originally schedule to Alexandria, Egypt. Tonight we were notified that the port in Vietnam was change Vung Tau to Phu My for ease of disembarkment access to Ho Chi Minh City. Earlier we inform we now are going back Cochin, India instead Mumbai.
January 13, 2010 Lisbon, Portugal
Today we took the shopping bus to Lisbon. We found the Hard Rock Café (a quaint place) across the street when got off the bus, thus Jan got pin # 2. We went walking and when decided to return it started raining. We stood outside waiting to get on the second bus. We were soaked and Jan did some laundry in addison to drying our coats and other outer gear. The temperature dropped 5 degrees C while we were gone. Tomorrow we’ll pass through to Strait of Gibraltar.
We’ve have had mostly formal dinners with cocktail parties on several of those evenings.
We continue to participate in sporting events, go to lectures, relaxing in the World Cruise lounge, meeting new acquaintances, and etc. Basically we’re having enjoyment.
Today we took the shopping bus to Lisbon. We found the Hard Rock Café (a quaint place) across the street when got off the bus, thus Jan got pin # 2. We went walking and when decided to return it started raining. We stood outside waiting to get on the second bus. We were soaked and Jan did some laundry in addison to drying our coats and other outer gear. The temperature dropped 5 degrees C while we were gone. Tomorrow we’ll pass through to Strait of Gibraltar.
We’ve have had mostly formal dinners with cocktail parties on several of those evenings.
We continue to participate in sporting events, go to lectures, relaxing in the World Cruise lounge, meeting new acquaintances, and etc. Basically we’re having enjoyment.
January 11, 2010 Southampton, England
Today it is in the low 40’s as we reach Southampton. The tour excursions have been canceled because of the snow and ice there. We did not have one scheduled, but we took the shopping bus to the West Quay mall. We walked around the 3 floors at least twice and only went in just a few stores. We passed up going to IKEA. It was next door, but didn’t need anything from there for awhile.
The side walks were icy but very little snow. They don’t have the equipment we have in the Midwest and react like southern states.
We were transferred back to Table 69 with two couples with Susan and Gilbert as our servers. We did get rid of candelabra.
We left port with over 600 on the World Voyage. There are about 200 before arriving (mostly USA and Canadians). It is always interesting to see where everyone comes from.
I have been taking some computer classes and Jan has been going to some of the lectures and participated in “Mastermind” show, but did not fare very well, but it was interesting to see it played out. It is a BBC TV show and the actual host did the show. She has done a couple exercise classes and found muscles that had not been used for sometime. We’re looking forward to warmer weather and walking outside.
Today it is in the low 40’s as we reach Southampton. The tour excursions have been canceled because of the snow and ice there. We did not have one scheduled, but we took the shopping bus to the West Quay mall. We walked around the 3 floors at least twice and only went in just a few stores. We passed up going to IKEA. It was next door, but didn’t need anything from there for awhile.
The side walks were icy but very little snow. They don’t have the equipment we have in the Midwest and react like southern states.
We were transferred back to Table 69 with two couples with Susan and Gilbert as our servers. We did get rid of candelabra.
We left port with over 600 on the World Voyage. There are about 200 before arriving (mostly USA and Canadians). It is always interesting to see where everyone comes from.
I have been taking some computer classes and Jan has been going to some of the lectures and participated in “Mastermind” show, but did not fare very well, but it was interesting to see it played out. It is a BBC TV show and the actual host did the show. She has done a couple exercise classes and found muscles that had not been used for sometime. We’re looking forward to warmer weather and walking outside.
January 6 Thru 10, 2010
Ship life is still good. With 5 23-hours days, we seem to be sleeping in later each day. The temperature outside most days has been in the low 50’s. Two of the lecturers are the same as last year’s cruise and their talks were the nearly the same. The singers & dancers are performing the same programs and some of performers also. We still enjoy them when attend. However we have seen several movies at the Illumination theatre including: “Julie & Julia”, Time Traveler’s Wife”, The Stone Family”, “The International”, and “500 Days of Summer” and all or part of the following on TV: “Hitch”, “Mamma Mia”, “The Bourne Identity”, “Employee of the Month”, and “10 Items or Less”.
Gloria and Lloyd, from Toronto have been good company and it was fun to see how many of the crew was still on board. We have been at a table for six this week, but our waitress from last time will be taking care of us starting Monday at a table for eight. She was really good at learning our tastes and needs so we were happy to have the change.
Ship life is still good. With 5 23-hours days, we seem to be sleeping in later each day. The temperature outside most days has been in the low 50’s. Two of the lecturers are the same as last year’s cruise and their talks were the nearly the same. The singers & dancers are performing the same programs and some of performers also. We still enjoy them when attend. However we have seen several movies at the Illumination theatre including: “Julie & Julia”, Time Traveler’s Wife”, The Stone Family”, “The International”, and “500 Days of Summer” and all or part of the following on TV: “Hitch”, “Mamma Mia”, “The Bourne Identity”, “Employee of the Month”, and “10 Items or Less”.
Gloria and Lloyd, from Toronto have been good company and it was fun to see how many of the crew was still on board. We have been at a table for six this week, but our waitress from last time will be taking care of us starting Monday at a table for eight. She was really good at learning our tastes and needs so we were happy to have the change.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
January 5, 2010
Today we ate our 3 meals and play Baggo (we took the top spots) together, and then went our separate ways during the day.
Jan went to exercise class and took in lectures. I went to the sport desk and then to the Winter Garden. This is now the World cruise lounge with Kevin as our concierge. Debra has other duties on board. So far we met Susan, Rusty, Ray, Jamie, Gunn, and Erin. Most the crew is new to us and several are going on vacation in South Hampton. I lost at slots in the casino but later won playing blackjack, netting a sizable $4 for the day. After the evening meal we enjoyed a pianist in the Royal Crown theatre, then crashed. Not much is going on tomorrow except possibly laundry.
Today we ate our 3 meals and play Baggo (we took the top spots) together, and then went our separate ways during the day.
Jan went to exercise class and took in lectures. I went to the sport desk and then to the Winter Garden. This is now the World cruise lounge with Kevin as our concierge. Debra has other duties on board. So far we met Susan, Rusty, Ray, Jamie, Gunn, and Erin. Most the crew is new to us and several are going on vacation in South Hampton. I lost at slots in the casino but later won playing blackjack, netting a sizable $4 for the day. After the evening meal we enjoyed a pianist in the Royal Crown theatre, then crashed. Not much is going on tomorrow except possibly laundry.
January 4, 2010
Yesterday we medowed out in the hotel. It’s new and must have been built on limited land for there are approximately 8 rooms per floor.
Today we had a relaxing breakfast and finished packing. When we checked out the clerk called for cab. Mistake! A limo came. The driver was from Ecuador and like most cab driver was hard to understand. Although he has been driving for 2 years in New York he didn’t know where Yankee stadium was and couldn’t get his GPS to find the address we gave him. After a couple of stops (getting directions) we got there and Jan got her Hard Rock guitar pin. While she was getting the pin I help the driver with his GPS entering the address to get to pier. When he got close we had to convince him to stay in the queue. We got our luggage and turned them over to ship’s baggage handlers, paid too much for our transportation, checked in (we kept our Passports) and got to our room all in about a half of an hour time. The rest of the day was spent unpacking, attending a cocktail party, and eating with Lloyd and Gloria. Later saw “Julie and Julia” in the Illuminations. Full Day!
Yesterday we medowed out in the hotel. It’s new and must have been built on limited land for there are approximately 8 rooms per floor.
Today we had a relaxing breakfast and finished packing. When we checked out the clerk called for cab. Mistake! A limo came. The driver was from Ecuador and like most cab driver was hard to understand. Although he has been driving for 2 years in New York he didn’t know where Yankee stadium was and couldn’t get his GPS to find the address we gave him. After a couple of stops (getting directions) we got there and Jan got her Hard Rock guitar pin. While she was getting the pin I help the driver with his GPS entering the address to get to pier. When he got close we had to convince him to stay in the queue. We got our luggage and turned them over to ship’s baggage handlers, paid too much for our transportation, checked in (we kept our Passports) and got to our room all in about a half of an hour time. The rest of the day was spent unpacking, attending a cocktail party, and eating with Lloyd and Gloria. Later saw “Julie and Julia” in the Illuminations. Full Day!
Sunday, January 3, 2010
We got an E-mail from our Toronto couple 2009 World Cruise dinner mates telling us they booked the 2010 World Cruise. We started dreaming. After the last cruise we said we couldn’t go again until the cat died, and unfortunately the 15 year Lucky abridged. Jan got on the internet with our travel agent and after some questions and negotiations we booked our cabin.
Then came getting prepared. This included booking round trip flights between Fort Wayne to New York. We put the cars in storage in our garage and changed the insurance. We turned down the temperature gauge, unplugging electrical devices. We canceled or changed utilities, subscriptions, and etc.
January 2, 2010
Our daughter and her family took us to the Fort Wayne Airport and our adventure started. The flights were uneventful and enjoyable, leaving approximately on time and arriving on time in Chicago O’Hare and early at New York’s La Guardia. We got our luggage quickly at the third location they sent us to. We got a cab quickly and the trip to the hotel was quick and reasonable. The hotel is very new, nice, and in an iffy neighborhood.
Then came getting prepared. This included booking round trip flights between Fort Wayne to New York. We put the cars in storage in our garage and changed the insurance. We turned down the temperature gauge, unplugging electrical devices. We canceled or changed utilities, subscriptions, and etc.
January 2, 2010
Our daughter and her family took us to the Fort Wayne Airport and our adventure started. The flights were uneventful and enjoyable, leaving approximately on time and arriving on time in Chicago O’Hare and early at New York’s La Guardia. We got our luggage quickly at the third location they sent us to. We got a cab quickly and the trip to the hotel was quick and reasonable. The hotel is very new, nice, and in an iffy neighborhood.
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