Day 82. March 28, 2015. Salalah Oman

We were here in 2013 and we went to the Holiday Inn and to a small mall.  We had heard that some of our friends got ripped off and some more money was demanded but refused and a gun was shown.  When we heard that from our friends we both decided not to ever go back to this city and spend money here. Soooooo. I think we are just going to stay on the ship.  It will be a first time for us to do this.  Oh well we will enjoy the quietness of the ship and the pool.

We did just that

Day 80. March 26, 2015. Muscat Oman

Fairy tale gateway to the splendors of the Sultanate of Oman is
Situated on a striking cove on the gulf of Oman, ringed by striking volcanic mountains and guarded by two ancient Portuguese forts, diminutive Muscat is the capital of the Sultanate of Oman. Its architecture is a picturesque blend of Arab, Indian, African and European styles. As we enter the harbor there is a large white object in the mountains guarding the harbour.  As we get closer to it, it looks like a large incent buring holder or like a martian has landed.  Very unusual.

Qasr Al Alam Royal Palace This is the office of Sultan Qaboos, ruler of Oman. This beautiful palace stands on the head of a natural deep water harbor and is guarded on either side by the twin forts of Mirani and Jelali.  We are not allowed to visit the palace, but we are allowed to take photographs at the entrance of the palace.  Which we did of coarse.
Grand Mosque is the third largest mosque in the world and mostly the entire complex is open to non-Muslim visitors. Ladies are however advised to keep their heads covered while visiting the mosque. Men should wear long pants. Oh hear we go again....Must sees in the mosque include the Swarovski crystal chandelier, the largest hand made persian carpet in the world and the marble paneling. It is open to the public from 9 until noon, Mondays through Thursdays. Oh NO! another Mosque you might say. Well this one is a must see! But not as good as the one in Abu Dhabi
Muttrah Souk The maze-like souq (or marketplace) is often described as the best in the Gulf region which also includes a fish markets. The souq has several shops for jewelry, traditional Omani handicrafts and Omani food at reasonable prices. Several shops also accept credit cards. Gathering quiet a large amount of stuff now.....

Day 77 & 78. ~. March 23 & 24 2015 ~ Dubai United Arab Emirates

Dubai
"Known as the City of Merchants, Dubai is the second largest of the seven Emirates that make up the UAE. In the entire Gulf, there is no place quite like Dubai. Its history began in the 1830s when the city broke away from Abu Dhabi and became a center of commerce and trading in its own right. In fact, Dubai's wealth is founded on trade, not oil. When oil was discovered in 1966, it merely contributed to the city's prosperity and sped up modernization.
Modern development began at the turn of the last century with heavy import-export trading, mainly in gold. What opium was to the growth of Hong Kong, gold was to Dubai.
As the leading center for business and tourism in the Middle East, Dubai offers a fascinating kaleidoscope of contrasts in a distinctive blend of modern city and timeless desert, east and west, old and new. As an exotic destination with a cosmopolitan lifestyle, Dubai combines the comfort and conveniences of the Western world with the unique charm of Arabia. Even with a high degree of tolerance for different lifestyles, Dubai remains close to its heritage.
Dubai's souqs and huge shopping malls are crammed with goods - at some of the world's best prices.
But there is more to the city than shopping. You can find an outstanding museum and superb recreational facilities, ranging from golf and water sports to desert safaris and dhow cruises.
As the sports capital of the Middle East, Dubai boasts four championship golf courses; it is a regular fixture on the European and Asian PGA circuits and hosts the Dubai World Cup - known as the world's richest horse race. An endless array of restaurants and nightspots offers a wide choice of cuisine and entertainment.
Dubai is a place of fascinating contrasts, a distinct blend of modern city, timeless deserts, rugged mountains and miles of sandy beaches. The streets are clean and safe. With so many attractive attributes, it is not surprising that Dubai rates highly with world-class travelers, businessmen and the international jet set.
Dubai has a excellent museum and features a great collection of interesting artifacts from Dubai's pre-oil days when the city was known as an important pearl diving and trading center. The museum is air-conditioned and exhibits are labeled in both Arabic and English. Since its renovation, the museum has become one of Dubai's main attractions. On Fridays, the museum is closed in the morning.
"Old Dubai" is best viewed at the Creek. Around bus stop 10 (red route) one will still see ships completely loaded by hand. A huge contrast in this city of glamour, but surely a photo opportunity.
"The best way to see Dubai is by Hop on/off bus. It is way to hot to travel on foot and is not recommend and the sights are too spread out.
A new marine station opened by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) at Port Rashid will enable ferry and water taxi services between the cruise terminal and Al Ghubaiba station. The ferry and water taxi trips will be available only when ships call at the Port. A one-way silver-class trip on the route will cost Dh50, while a round trip will cost Dh75. A one-way trip in the gold class will entail Dh75 and a round trip will be available for Dh100.
The big thing to do in Dubai is to go to At The Top, the viewing platform of the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building. Don't do this on a shore excursion – it's too rushed. Instead, on the night you're in port in Dubai , go it alone. It's easy. Tickets are time-controlled so book online a long way ahead and time your visit for sunset. It'll cost you 100 dirhams (about 18 Euro). Take a cab from the port. Wander round the shops and market, watch the spectacular musical fountains and then head for At The Top to watch the sunset. We did this in 2013. And while we were there we visited the Dubai Fountain, the world's largest dancing fountain and one with a very enticing display - a definite must see. The show takes place at the Burj Dubai Lake. Easy way to approach it is via the Dubai Mall. Daily 1 pm and 1.30 pm and from 7 pm to 11 pm every half an hour.
So much to see and only 2 days to see it in.....

                                                           Yep that's Bob getting a head dress

March 23 we have arrived in Dubai

 

Well ever since we left Singapore we have had a lot of cases of the gastrointestinal illness. It's still not getting any better so today as we see the beautiful city of Dubai UAE our room stewards will be doing a super sanitization of all the rooms. From ice buckets to fruit baskets and a complete wash down.  I feel so sorry for all these guys they work so dam hard anyway. All it takes is one ASSHOLE that is not washing there hands and the GI is spreading.  One man was quarantine to his room but his wife could come and go.  Does this make sense I really don't get this? So frustrating.  So far Bob and I have been very well.....but we are washing our hands and Purelling ever chance we get on and off the ship.

 

March 21 On are way to Dubai

Letter was distributed to every room because of a number of concerns.  This is what it said

" Dear guest, 

I have received a number of questions concerning our forthcoming transit of the Arabian Sea towards the Persian Gulf and until we reach the Suez Canal with regard to the publicized 'piracy '  subject.  I believe that the more you know the better your understanding of the subject.  The recent film about the Maersk Alabama ' starring Tom Hanks has also improved public awareness.  First and foremost given the number of ships which transit these areas many at slower speeds and with a lower free boards and also taking into consideration the international outcry (on the Pirates) if an attack on a cruise ship was successful the likelihood of us being harassed is extremely low.

Vessels with low freeboard (the distance from the waterline to the deck) which are moving slowly, are mainly targets.  We on the other hand are moving at 20 knots and have a high freeboard.  Additionally because of the actions of the Naval Forces in the area the number of incidents has been reduced considerably.

Nevertheless it would be inconsiderate of me were I not to take precautions.

1.  Amsterdam will be reporting regularly to UKMTO in Dubai.  UKMTO is the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Organization who co-ordinate all the coalition warships in the area assigned to anti-piracy operation.  We are being tracked during our entire transit and although we may not see them, warships and AWAC will be monitoring us.

2. A close radar watch will be kept on the bridge.

3. We have extra security guards and they will be rotating 24 hour anti-piracy watches.

4. We have 4 long range acoustic devises, that are rigged manned and ready to use.

5. We also,have charged water hoses ready for useon both sides of the lower promenade deck.

6. We also have rigged razor wire on our freeboard deck, if a boarding were attempted, it would be on deck 3.

In the unlikely event of an attempted boarding or even if we are suspicious of a vessel, you will hear  ONE LONG RING OF THE SHIPS ALARM-followed by an announcement "TESTING TESTING TESTING" from the Captain, Staff Captain or the Officer on watch on the bridge.

Upon hearing the announcement we are asked to leave our room and stay in the middle of the ship away from windows. Also to sit down as any maneuver attempted by myself may result in heeling of the ship as we will be moving at a high speed.  We are capable of 25 knots

Signed the Master of the vessel

Captain Jonathan Mercer.

So we feel pretty safe.  Picture of razor wire on ship

Happy St. Paddy's Day

Before getting off the ship this morning we had to do face to face with Indian Immigration.  It's routine take awhile but everyone must do this.  After about 2 hours of waiting we proceeded to get off the ship and we got on a bus that took us 1.5 hours to the east to the area called Alappuha lake.  From there we boarded these huge houseboats and cruised down the Venus of India.  It was beautiful the breeze was wonderful as well. We had lunch on this 2 bedroom houseboat that is made out of wood and rattan.  On the sides it looks like roofing tiles or cedar shakes.  Something I never would of thought of to do here.  Tonight we must be back on the ship by 4:30 and we have a big St Paddy's party awaiting us with lots of green beer.

I won a bottle of champagne tonight.  Thank you Debbie Bacon

Day 73 & 74. March 19-20 2015. Mumbai India

  With the population of nearly 12 million Mumbai is the worlds 4th most populous city and it certainly ranks among the most fascinating.  It's a city of contrasts. Some of the worlds riches and the poorest live here.  There are ancient temples that sit at the feet of skyscrapers,  high tech business thrive alongside traditional markets.  Speaking of markets there are some great picture ops here.  The Crawford market we have been to for lots of spice and flower pictures.  The smell is what gets to you.  But that's a taste of life.

 We have 2 days here to explore with no plans.  Just maybe,go down to the Taj Hotel and water front.  Maybe to elephant island as well we haven't done that yet.  You need to take a ferry there...

 

 

Day 71 March 17 2015. Cochin India

 

For thousands of years this spot along the Indian Ocean has drawn seafaring trade to the canals and the waterways.  The Romans made their way here and the Chinese first came here as far back ad the time of Kulai Khan.  Pepper cardamom cinnamon cloves flowed out the harbour here headed first to China and the Arab world.  As you enter Cochin from the water you can see the giant tent like Chinese fishing nets that have come to symbolize the city but on land it influences of many cultures are visible.   

Day 69 March 15 2015. Colombo Sri Lanka

 

Endless beaches, timeless ruins, welcoming people, oodles of elephants, rolling surf, cheap prices, fun trains, famous tea and flavourful food describe Sri Lanka.

So Much in So Little time 10 hours

Few places have as many Unesco World Heritage Sites (eight) packed into such a small area. Sri Lanka's 2000-plus years of culture can be discovered at ancient sites where legendary temples boast beautiful details.

Across the island, that thing that goes bump in the night might be an elephant heading to a favourite waterhole. Safari tours of Sri Lanka's pleasantly relaxed national parks encounter leopards, water buffaloes, all manner of birds and a passel of primates.

We have been here 2 times before and just love this

Code Red

We have been in code red for almost 1 week now.  It seems to be getting better.  Code Red means of sick people that have reported the GI (gastrointestinal illness ) to the infirmary is high and things need to be closed up like...saunas, jacuzzi, the thermal suite, the self service laundry, the social hosts that dance with the single ladies, paddle boards card games, puzzles, things like salt and pepper shakers, creamers and of coarse the food.  The lido went into this mode very early on to try and nip it in the butt.  Everything must be given to you you can't get it yourselves.  Yes even the library was in shut down. 

We have heard that there was only 5 cases reported so they acted to it very quickly.  No new cases so they are relaxing things a bit now.  As long as no new cases have been reported with in 48 hours.  They are wiping down everything here every hour. The walls with bleach and all the railings, chairs, anything you can think of that you touch.  This virus is contacted thorough hand to mouth cross contamination.  Bob and I are always washing our hands with soap and water and Purell.  I mean all the time.  It's pretty nasty to get.  

Sea days are still pretty busy today we had some fresh coconuts today and it was great love that.  Weather has been EXTREMLY hot over 100 degrees in the last week.  Soon to cool at little down by the time we get to Dubai.

Eating fresh coconut.  Yummy

Flowers on board this segment

Eddie and Calista do a wonderful job of the fresh flowers on board. Here are just a few of their pieces

Day 64 & 65 March 10 & 11 2015. Thilawa ( Rangoon) Myanmar

  After suffering decades of neglect, Yangon has begun to awaken. Efforts are being made to restore some of the vanished grandeur. One of the best examples is the city's famous landmark, the Strand Hotel, which has been reopened in its entire original splendor. Some of the buildings are reminiscent of the British colonial era. 

The Schwedegon Pagoda is one of the wonders of the World, and not to be missed. The pagoda is famous for the silver Buddha in the inner chamber weighing 1,105 pounds. Botataung Pagoda Clearing away the rubble after the bombings in World War II, a miniature gold stupa was revealed that contained Buddha relics enshrined here 20 centuries ago. An exact replica was built to hold this venerable treasure. The courtyard contains a Buddha image brought from Mandalay by the British.

Dress Code for Burma Religious sites in Myanmar have to be entered barefoot. Moderate dress is required to visit most sites, which means shoulders and knees should be covered for men and women.  Bob is not enjoying this...doesn't like to wear long pants.  I need to get him some men's capri's.

 Myanmar is well known for quality craft items, in particular lacquer ware, colorful Shan tribe shoulder bags and puppets in traditional and elaborate costume. The best and largest selection of handicrafts can be found at the Bogyoke (or Scott) Market in Yangon. Souvenir items can also be found in shops around the Thilawa Port area. Gems, jewelry and silverware are only allowed to be taken out of Myanmar if purchased in state-owned shops. Export of antiques is prohibited without permission. Beware of fake gems sold at many tourist sites. The prices are already inexpensive and the people really need the income from their sales, so if you bargain, do it gently. You really need to ask before taking pictures of people here.

 

Bob hitting the Bell.

 

Just a amazing place

 

 

 

Day 63 ~ March 09, 2015 At Sea

We both wanted to say a big Happy Birthday to Janet out there.  Hope David spoils you.....Sea day today for us so we are running from event to event.  We have had wonderful memories here and enjoying every moment.....enjoy your day

Day 62. March 08 2015. Phuket Thailand

The island of Phuket has long been misunderstood. Firstly, the 'h' is silent. Ahem. And secondly, Phuket doesn't feel like an island at all. It's so huge (the biggest in Thailand) that you rarely get the sense that you're surrounded by water, which is probably the reason why Ko (meaning 'island') was dropped from its name. Dubbed the 'pearl of the Andaman' by marketing execs, this is Thailand's original flavour of tailor-made fun in the sun.

The island's sin city of Patong is the biggest town and busiest beach. It's the ultimate gong show where beachaholics sizzle off their hangovers and go-go girls play ping pong…without paddles. But ultimately the island's affinity for luxury far outshines its other stereotypes. Jet-setters come through in droves, getting pummelled during swanky spa sessions and swigging sundowners at one of the many fashion-forward nightspots or on their rented yacht. And you don't have to be an heiress to tap into Phuket's trendy to-do list. With deep-sea diving, high-end dining, and white beaches all within reach, it really is hard to say farewell

A day to Remember Julia March 09 201

Today was a very somber day as we said our goodbye to a dearly loved little lady.  She was well known to quite a large number of people along with the HOLLAND AMERICAN staff and officers.  She was a member of the elite President Club Member and  I think one of the originals.

In her honor and to celebrate her life with all her friends and the ship she loved to travel on, her daughter Fran and Julia's husband Donald gave her a wonderful Afternoon Tea.  It was very beautifully done.  From the time you walked in to the dinning room you were given a glass of champagne and you then you were seated.  The cruise director Gene welcome everyone and proceeded to carry on some introductions.  With Captain Jonathan reading a wonderful letter from the CEO of Holland American Stein Kruise.  Very touching and I felt some tears building up in my eyes. Not realing knowing Julia we have travel with her on many occasions and knew of her.  She always had these funky big round glasses on her sweet little face.  She was a very independent little lady of strong will.  This is where she wanted to be on her last days of her life doing what she loved.

You could feel the love in the room for her. 

Day 61 March 07 2015. Penang Malaysia

"Penang (Malay: Pulau Pinang) is an island off the northern part of the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It is also the name of the Malaysian state which is made up of Penang Island and the facing strip of territory on the mainland called Seberang Perai (formerly Province Wellesley).
Penang is one of Malaysia's main tourist draws. Its beaches are a little lackluster when compared with those in some other Malaysian states, but this is more than compensated by the island's rich multicultural history which is full of colonial and Chinese influences. Penang is also well known for being the "food paradise" of Malaysia if not the whole of Asia. Yummy in the tummy.

Misc pictures from Penang Malaysia

Cherish The Moments, Love Deeply, Dream Big

Another itinerary Revision

Today March 7 we received in our mailbox this letter and I quote.

Many of you have asked about our scheduled calls in Egypt next month, given the uncertainties in thus area.  As you likely know Holland,American Line works with many different organizations to evaluate the safety and security of our port visits.  Give the increasing security concerns in Egypt the company has decided that out of an abundance of caution we will cancel our remaining port calls to Egypt this spring.

For the cruise it means that we will not be visiting the port of Safaga (Luxor), Sharm el-Sheikh or Alexandria (Cairo) as scheduled.  I understand and share your disappointment with this unfortunate situation, but I also know that you understand that the safety of our guests and crew is always our highest priority.  

We have been able to arrange alternate port calls in Isreal and Sicily for your enjoyment.  The revised portion of our itinerary is as follows:

April 02.  Al'Aqabah (Petra) Jordan   7:00 am.  To  6:00 pm

April 03.  At Sea  (Gulf of Suez)

April 04.  Transit Suez Canal.              6:00 am.  To.  6:00 pm

April 05   Ashdod. (Jerusalem) Israel. 8:00 am.  To.  11:00 pm

April 06.  Haifa  ( Tel Aviv ). Israel.      8:00 am.  To   11:00 pm

April 07.  At sea. Mediterranean Sea

April 08.  Kusadasi. (Ephesus). Turkey.  8:00. Am. To. Midnight

April 09.  At sea Aegean Sea

April 10.  Piraeus. (Athens). Greece.     8:00 am.   To  Overnight

April 11. Piraeus  ( Athens ). Greece.   Overnight. To  4:00 pm

April 12  Katakolon. ( Olympia)  Greece  10:00 am.  To 6:00 pm

April 13  Messina Sicily Italy                    Noon. To. 6:00 pm

Please note that any shore excursions you booked for the cancelled ports will be refunded to you an any applicable change to the taxes fees and port expenses related to this change will be posted to your on board account. 

I also want to share that we will have some special visitors joining us on April 06.  As many of you know each year we host a series of special "President's Events". Along with visiting executives from our Seattle headquarters.  This year Stein Kruise, CEO of Holland American Group along with his wife Linda; new Holland American President Orlando Ashford and Gerald Bernhoft, director of our Marinerx Society will be on board for a few days.  They had originally planned to board in Cairo but will now sail from Haifa to Athens.  To celebrate with you and thank you for being such valued guests, they are also planning Avery special event the evening of April 08'in Kusadasi.  It will be an evening to remember.   Invitations will be forthcoming in the next couple of weeks. 

So there you have it...we are not a it Dissapointed in this at all we have been to all the ports on the 2012 World Cruise.  Both Bob and I are looking forward to seeing Israel.

You have to be flexible when you go on a World Cruise.  Things can change in a heartbeat.  

 

Day 60 March 06 2015 ~ Port Klang Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

K.L.as we call it for short. Has been transformed over the last few decades into a thriving metropolis. The landscape is kinda a blend of modernity and traditional charm where hawker stalls and pre war shop houses compete alongside skyscrapers and sophisticated buildings. Today we visited a striking 6 tiered temple called Thean Hou Temple. It is one if the biggest Chinese temples in Southeast Asia. (See picture)
Then we were off to the National Museum which showcased 4 main galleries such as Early History, The Malay Kingdom, The Colonial Era and of coarse The Malaysia today. We drove by the Parliament House and the Lake Garden and the National Monument. We also had the opportunity to see Independence Square where there is a 300 ft flag pole one of the highest in the world. Surrounding the square is the City Theater, the Cathedral of St Mary, the Vicortian Fountain, a Textile Museum, and the K.L.City Gallery.
After all that we went to a traditional restaurant which specialized in local food. Then we did the KL Tower which is the tallest communication tower in South East Asia. It offered panoramic views of the city. The tower is still used for communication purposes and it features a 1400 ft antenna. From the observation deck 900 ft above the ground you sure get 360* views.
Once we got back down to ground level we went to a central market which used to be a wet market. Today it is a handicraft, wood carvings,and souvenir market. We love markets as they are so colorful.


*** Surround yourself with the smiles of people

Singapore

Singapore is a small country on a small island, but with over four million people it's a fairly crowded city. The center of the city - consisting roughly of Orchard, the Riverside and a chunk of Chinatown - is known in acronym-loving Singapore as the CBD (Central Business District).  There are many different areas in Singapore, little India, Chinatown and Sentosa - A separate island developed into a resort, Sentosa is the closest that Singapore gets to Disneyland.  We are across the bay from this.

We are located at the  Singapore Cruise center which is next to  Vivo City, the largest multi-experiential retail and lifestyle destination in Singapore, featuring about 450 outlets. 

Bob and I walked 12 miles yesterday all over the place.  This is truly a beautiful city.  Flashback  .....we had our honeymoon here in 1985, so it brings back memories for the both of us....

Day 58 & 59 March 04 & 05 2015 ~ Singapore Singapore

Day 57 ~ March 03, 2015 Crossing the Equator

At the center point of the Earth, is the Equator and is also the center of the Tropics, the area lying between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, at 23 degrees 27” north and south of the equator. The climate in the in the tropics varies; some areas have heavy rainfall and others are very hot and dry. The Sun’s heat near the equator easily evaporates water from the oceans, so the hot tropical air is also very moist. This is why there are rain forests at the equator. Also at the equator, the Sun’s rays are unaffected by the tilt of the earth, so the area is always exposed to the sun and receives direct solar rays year-round, regardless of the season. The heat is most intense at sea level, but as you move to the mountains, it can get very cold. In fact, you might find snow at the equator. 

So that is a bit of knowledge.  Now to the fun part.  When you cross the equator with HAL they have this ceremony on every ship that crosses it.
Overseeing the equator is King Neptune (known in Greek mythology as Poseidon) and in the time-honoured seafaring fashion there was a ceremony on board to ensure safe passage. The festivities were 
marked by the appearance of King Neptune/Poseidon, Chief of the Water Deities. His symbol of power is the trident - a spear with three points on its head. He uses his staff to shatter rocks and call for or subdue storms. Neptune created the horse and upon these powerful creatures, with their brazen hoofs and golden manes, drew his chariot over the sea, which became smooth before him. So to not mess with the Gods the tradition of seafaring merrymaking honouring Neptune is performed so in return we may have safe passage and smooth waters. Any and all staff members from bow to stern who cross the equator for the first time must participate in this ceremony. They are called the Pollywogs.  They are brought in and sent into a holding/Jail before the are brought to court to be presented to King Neptune.  There are charges to be read for each of them than they must Kiss the Fish.  a very ugly real smelly fish.  Then they all get slimmed with this colored slime.  After that they are presented to the jury which is usually the Captain of the Ship and his Officers,  They either give the thumbs up for saving them and letting them sit in the sun to bake or a thumbs down and they go into the water and get washed off.  After the ceremony is completed the pool is drained and cleaned and refilled that night.  this is a not to miss party

Crossing the equator pictures

Yes even the Captain Jumped in.