Day 115 of 148 - WALVIS BAY, NAMIBIA (Day 1)

 Date: 4/29/2024     Day 115         Port Day: WALVIS BAY, NAMIBIA (Day 1)

Description: Unspoiled Walvis Bay, a natural lagoon and the only deep-sea harbor on the Namibian coast, offers something for everyone, with spectacular bird-watching being a keynote, as thousands of migrating species make their way here annually to join the local flamingoes and pelicans. “Dune 7,” at the outskirts of town, towers over the scenic bay, and offers excellent photo ops. The city is also a good starting point for a number of exciting day trips into the timeless beauty of the desert region, including off-road explorations, or fly-over dolphin and whale sighting.

Planned Excursion: None

Morning Update: It's a beautiful sunny day with calm seas.  We arrive in Walvis Bay at noon pier side.  We have decided to take the shuttle bus to the Dunes Mall this afternoon.    The mall appears to be safe enough to pickup some needed supplies.  Tomorrow we have a planned excursion here in Walvis Bay.

Sunrise over Namibia, Africa

Day 114 of 148 - CRUISING THE ATLANTIC OCEAN

 Date: 4/28/2024     Day 114    Sea Day: CRUISING THE ATLANTIC OCEAN

Description: The Atlantic Ocean is the second-largest of the world's five oceans, with an area of about 85,133,000 km2 (32,870,000 sq mi). It covers approximately 17% of Earth's surface and about 24% of its water surface area. During the Age of Discovery, it was known for separating the Old World of Africa, Europe, and Asia from the New World of the Americas.

Moring Update:  We woke to overcast and rainy skies.  The seas are smooth much to Cathy's delight. We have this one sea day before arriving to WALVIS BAY, NAMIBIA.  We are likely to lose our StarLink Internet connection while in Walvis Bay, this overnight stop. 

As we departed Cape Town, the captain's departure address told us we have sailed 29,780 Nautical Miles since leaving Miami on January 6th. 

Afternoon Update: We had pirate drill/training this morning.  More drills are to come.  I had thought since we were away from the Red Sea area that this would no longer be necessary.  In addition, we how have a six armed security guards onboard.  They are currently in plain clothing.  It's a shamed that these measures have to be taken for our safety.  At "The Speaker Series" talk this morning describing our next destination Walvis Bay, this is his favorite port-of-call in Africa.  We're going to stick close to the excursion tour guide(s) and don't do any "on our own" exploration while ashore.  I guess shopping is out of the question the next few African stops.  

Day 113 - CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

 Date: 4/27/2024     Day 113   Port Day: CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

Description: Called ‘the fairest cape in the whole circumference of the earth’ and regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful cities, Cape Town offers museums, lush parks and shops. Impressive mountains, magnificent beaches and outstanding wineries add to the attraction. Ride a cable-car to the top of famous flat-topped Table Mountain and gaze at the mosaic of towering mountains, verdant valleys and the confluence of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The historical highlight is Robben Island, once the prison holding such outstanding anti-apartheid leaders as Nelson Mandela.

Planned Excursion: CHEETAH AND OLIVES TASTING

4.0 Hours            ModerateActivity             # CPT-030: Free

Tour a wildlife center that cares for cheetahs as part of its conservation efforts.  Learn why free-roaming cheetahs are endangered and pet one, if the animal is willing.  Sample several Bordeaux-style wines and olive oils at a historical estate.

Today's Notes:  We arrived late into Cape Town at 8:15 AM (scheduled 7 AM).  This delay was due to weather conditions in the port delaying our pilot getting onboard to guide us in.  As a result, this delayed the early first scheduled excursions.  Our excursion started on time as it was the second departure.  The first bus or departure left late.  As both of these buses, or separate departures were visiting the same sites, our bus being the second departure was arriving at a tour site before the first bus, 1st departure, had not departed the site. This continued throughout the day making us the last bus to arrive back at the ship.  

The cheetahs were not feeling well enough to have us near them to pet them.  The wildlife center was basically a rescue center for injured or abandon animals.  Viewing the other animals in the center was a disappointment.  We were delay getting to the wine tasting venue by 45 minutes waiting for the first bus to leave.  We made an unscheduled shopping stop where some of us got off the bus to do.  Most enjoyed this wine and olive tasting tour.  

As we departed Cape Town, the captain's departure address told us we have sailed 29,780 Nautical Miles since leaving Miami on January 6th.    

Day 112 - CRUISING THE INDIAN OCEAN

 Date: 4/26/2024     Day 112         Sea Day: CRUISING THE INDIAN OCEAN

Description: The Indian Ocean is the third-largest of the world's five oceanic divisions, covering 70,560,000 km2 (27,240,000 sq mi) or ~20% of the water on Earth's surface. It is bounded by Asia to the north, Africa to the west and Australia to the east. To the south it is bounded by the Southern Ocean, or Antarctica, depending on the definition in use.  Along its core, the Indian Ocean has large marginal, or regional seas, such as the Arabian Sea, Laccadive Sea, Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea.

Special Note: Due to Internet outages, updates are challenging.  Please check back often.

Noon Update: We are due into Cape Town, South Africa tomorrow.  The captain's noon time address reported to us that as we approach the tip of Africa we can expect Gail force winds beginning this evening at 6 PM.  As I write this update the seas are beginning to build.  Cathy and I are having a good lunch now as we might not be able to have dinner tonight due to the sea conditions.  I will try to post another evening update.  The Internet is not too stable.  Tomorrow it will likely go down altogether while we are in Cape Town.  It's still a bright and sunny day this afternoon, perhaps the calm before the storm.  

Afternoon Update:  The crew has clear all the pool deck chairs and lounges and stored them away.  Outside areas on decks 11 and 12 are now closed and all pools have been emptied.   They have cancelled the normal evening entertainment at 9:30 PM in the Constellation Theater.  The ocean water has turned green in color and the seas have grown.  

Day 111 - PORT ELIZABETH, SOUTH AFRICA

 Date: 4/25/2024   Day 111  Port Day: PORT ELIZABETH, SOUTH AFRICA

Description: Located at the endpoint of South Africa’s picturesque Garden Route, Port Elizabeth is nicknamed “The Friendly City.” While regarded as one of the country’s most important seaports, Port Elizabeth is also considered the water sports capital of South Africa. Visitors enjoy the area’s beaches, scuba diving, game fishing, surfing and whale watching.

Planned Excursion: SIBUYA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE

9.5 Hours   Moderate Activity   # PTE-011: $249

Explore Sibuya Private Game Reserve in a 4x4 looking for animals such as the Big Five.  Approach your forest camp by cruising one of the reserve’s many navigable rivers.  Drive through diverse terrains that are home to lions, elephants and countless birds.

Special Note: Due to Internet outages, updates are challenging.  Please check back often.

Today's Notes:  We had a most enjoyable day doing our one day Safari.  The private game reserve was huge with many of Africa's animals roaming free.  We spent nearly 4 hours in the 4x4 Toyota Range Rovers going over the plains, hills and valley's of the park.  My wife Cathy found herself declaring this excursion the best so far.  In the morning when we set off on the hour and half bus ride to the park, she was not looking forward to it at all.  Riding in the 4x4's traveling the narrow roads and trails of the park, reminded us of our trip's in the Alaska wilderness on our own 4 wheeler's.  The weather conditions were prefect, in the mid 70's with overcast skies.  The overcast held at bay the sun, which when it broke was still hot at this latitude.  We had many close encounters with the animals in the park.  

Click Here --> Sibuya Game Reserve Pictures

Videos

Click Here --> Sibuya Private Game Reserve - Part 1

Click Here --> Sibuya Private Game Reserve - Part 2

Day 110 - CRUISING THE INDIAN OCEAN

 Date: 4/24/2024     Day 110    Sea Day: CRUISING THE INDIAN OCEAN

Description: The Indian Ocean is the third-largest of the world's five oceanic divisions, covering 70,560,000 km2 (27,240,000 sq mi) or ~20% of the water on Earth's surface. It is bounded by Asia to the north, Africa to the west and Australia to the east. To the south it is bounded by the Southern Ocean, or Antarctica, depending on the definition in use.[5] Along its core, the Indian Ocean has large marginal, or regional seas, such as the Arabian Sea, Laccadive Sea, Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea.

Morning Update: After we left Durban last night the seas became rough.  This morning we are experiencing swells up to 3 meters (9 ft) with following seas and are cruising half our normal speed to reduce ship movement.  It's a partly cloudy day with high overcast. Walking up on the jogging deck above the pool is pleasant since we are traveling with the wind (a following sea).   We are in a very busy sea lane and see quite a few cargo ships in the area moving in both directions. It's a sea day today and I hope to review, process and upload pictures and video.  

Days 108,109 - DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA

 Date: 4/22-23/2024    Day 108,109   Port Day: DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA

Description: A bustling, subtropical city and Africa’s busiest port, Vasco da Gama is said to have sighted Durban Bay on Christmas Day, 1497, naming the land Natal as a mark of respect for the Nativity. The name Durban was acquired in 1843 when Port Natal was renamed for Sir Benjamin D'Urban. Today, Durban delights the traveler with its colorful mosaic of ethnic neighborhoods and memorable excursions to game reserves and the traditional lifestyle of the Zulu people. Explore Old Market Square, the Golden Mile beachfront and the scented Botanic Gardens and Gray Street Mosque, the largest in the southern hemisphere.

Planned Excursion: VALLEY OF THE THOUSAND HILLS

4.0 Hours   Moderate Activity   # DUR-004: Free

Rejoice in the Zulu way of life at the PheZulu Safari Park, tucked in the Valley of a Thousand Hills.  Understand the alluring culture of the Zulu during a costumed dance performance accompanied by Zulu drumming.  Absorb the rhythm of daily tribal life as you stroll among the beehive huts of a recreated Zulu village.  Admire incredible African crocodile and snake specimens at PheZulu’s reptile park.  Refresh with coffee, tea and scones during your enlightening sojourn in PheZulu.  Shop for handcrafted mementoes such as Zulu fabric art, woodcarvings, pottery and beadwork. 

Update: Again as we approached port the afternoon of day 108 our access to StarLink was blacked out.  As I write this update we have limited Internet access.  So I am trying to make this attempt at publishing this post.  

The weather here in Durban is much cooler (mid 70's).  The day started out in drizzly rain that lasted most of the day.  We went high into the hills (600m - 1,800 ft) and visited the PheZulu Safari Park.  I do have video of the Zulu dancing that I hope to post tomorrow.  Tomorrow is a sea day on our way to  PORT ELIZABETH, SOUTH AFRICA where I should be able to upload pictures and video from today.

Click Here --> Durban pictures

Click Here --> Video-PheZulu Safari Park Zula Dancers part 1

Click Here --> Video-PheZulu Safari Park Zula Dancers part 2

Click Here --> Video-PheZulu Safari Park Zula Dancers part 3

Day 107 - MAPUTO, MOZAMBIQUE

 Date: 4/21/2024     Day 107         Port Day: MAPUTO, MOZAMBIQUE

Description: Discover the relaxed charm of Maputo with its wide, European style boulevards, lush with jacaranda, bougainvillea and other tropical foliage, where old colonial palaces are mixed in with modern high-rise buildings. Visit The Cathedral built in 1944 in the shape of a cross, then the lively Mercado Central. Enjoy a snack of freshly roasted cashews and a cold bottled drink. Stop by the National Museum of Art then stroll along the Avenida Julius Nyerere, browsing the boutiques, vendors, and restaurants. Look for African waxprint and woven fabrics, beautiful wooden boxes and picture frames. Seek out the surreal Pancho Guedes buildings, reminiscent of Gaudi. Visit the Praça de Trabalhadores designed by Gustave Eiffel in the late 19th century. Sip coffee in one of the many outdoor cafés as you watch the world go by in this vibrant seaside capital.

Planned Excursion: A GLIMPSE OF MAPUTO

3.0 Hours            Light Activity      # MPM-004: Free

Witness the lively barter of food and goods at the bountiful Maputo Central Market.  Visit Independence Square, ringed by the city’s arresting cathedral, neoclassical City Hall and the French-Mozambican Cultural Center.  Stand in awe of a house made entirely of iron designed by Gustave Eiffel for the island’s governor.  Take in one-of-a-kind exhibits at the Manueline-style Natural History Museum.  Survey armaments and art illustrative of Mozambique’s colonial days at the Maputo Fortress.

Morning Update: As I write this, this morning we are two hours away from docking in Maputo.  It is remarkability much cooler and less humid.  Looking forward to our excursion today.  

Afternoon Update: Once we were docked and cleared by Immigration it was getting pretty late in the late morning.   Before we could disembark on our excursions we had to wait for around 100 guests to begin their multiday sea/land excursions.  These folks will rejoin the ship in CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA in 5 days.  More will leave for a 3 day sea/land excursions the day after tomorrow and also rejoin us in Cape Town.  When we started this segment of the World Cruise there were 472 guests onboard when we left DUBAI.  The ship will feel even more less crowded until Cape Town.  

Getting back to the excursion we took today.  Once we were on the bus at 11:30 AM we hurried to see the Center Market before closing at Noon.  While it was the oldest market in Maputo, it was very similar to the other markets we've seen. Most of the market was already closed by this time.  After this we moved on to the Maputo Fortress constructed by the Portuguese.  Inside the fort was a museum which depicted the wars between the locals and Portuguese.  The old fort was used mostly for the slave trade.  From here we traveled to the central train station which contained a train museum.  I could have spent more time here.  We ended our excursion at the Arts Market located in the wealthier cleaner part of town.  Since it was a Sunday the areas we toured was far less crowded than it would normally be on a weekday.   

Click Here --> Maputo Pictures (coming soon)

Day 106 - CRUISING THE MOZAMBIQUE CHANNEL

 Date: 4/19/2024   Day 106  Sea Day: CRUISING THE MOZAMBIQUE CHANNEL

Description: Mozambique Channel, channel of the western Indian Ocean, threading between the island country of Madagascar on the east and Mozambique on the African mainland (west). About 1,000 miles (1,600 km) long, it varies in width from 250 to 600 miles (400 to 950 km) and reaches a maximum depth of 10,000.

Morning Update: This is the second day of two sea days on our way to MAPUTO, MOZAMBIQUE on April 21st.  Seas are a bit rough but not to bad.  My wife Cathy had to go back on her sea sick meds yesterday and by dinner time she was feeling much better.  We rolled our clocks back another hour last night to match Mozambique time.  We also had to apply for visa's for a country I never knew existed, Benin to prepare for our visit to Cotonou, Benin.  Their website was a bit challenging and it required a call to my credit company, using the ship-to-shore phone, to approve the purchases, $55 for each visa. The ship is going to credit our accounts $60 each for us world cruiser's. 

Day 105 - CRUISING THE MOZAMBIQUE CHANNEL

 Date: 4/19/2024  Day 105  Sea Day: CRUISING THE MOZAMBIQUE CHANNEL

Description: Mozambique Channel, channel of the western Indian Ocean, threading between the island country of Madagascar on the east and Mozambique on the African mainland (west). About 1,000 miles (1,600 km) long, it varies in width from 250 to 600 miles (400 to 950 km) and reaches a maximum depth of 10,000.

Daily Notes: This is the first day of two sea days on our way to MAPUTO, MOZAMBIQUE on April 21st.  Seas are a bit rough but not to bad.  These conditions are to remain the same until we arrive in Maputo.  

Day 104 - MAYOTTE, FRENCH COMOROS

 Date: 4/18/2024   Day 104   Port Day: MAYOTTE, FRENCH COMOROS

Description: Located in the Northern Mozambique Channel just off the Southeast African coast, Mayotte is geographically a part of the Comoros Islands but remains an overseas department of France (and thus part of the European Union). The port city of Mamoudzou, Mayotte’s capital, is on the main island of Grande-Terre (also called Mahore). Famed for its scuba diving, the island is home to several diving centers offering access to Mayotte’s world-class corals and reefs. Hike to the top of Mount Choungui for unforgettable views or ride a ferry to the island of Petite Terre to explore a volcanic crater beach called Description: Plage de Moya.

Planned Excursion: PETITE-TERRE DZIANI LAKE (cancelled)

4.5 Hours   Strenuous Activity    # MAY-003: Free

Ride a ferry across the Mozambique Channel to the island of Petite-Terre.  Hike to the summit (500 foot elevation gain) to a crater lake that is bright green and enjoy the sweeping views.  Browse a produce market full of ingredients traditionally used in the local cuisine.

Morning Update: Today is another tendering port anchored in the Mayotte bay.  Many of us really thought the Captain would choose not to attempt the stop.  It is quite windy and the sea's were rough (6.9 foot waves) making it challenging to get on and off the tender's.  However, to our surprise the Captain decided to drop the tender's and start taking folks ashore.  We could see from our balcony all the action with tender operation's.  After watching this we decided to stay onboard today.   Many other folks also made the same choice.  The other factor in making this decision, it's extremely hot and humid even at 8 AM and the excursion had a hike to the lake.  Yesterday was hot enough but today seems hotter and Cathy is having health issues in this heat, swelling in her lower legs and feet.  She didn't want that again today. 

 

Day 103 - Nosy Be / Nosy Kemba, Madagascar

 Date: 4/17/2024   Day 103  Port Day: Nosy Be / Nosy Kemba, Madagascar

Description: Discover exotic Nosy Be with its rich air fragrant from native spices and flowers and, neighboring Nosy Komba with its lemur population found only in this part of the world. Beginwith a stroll around the city center of Hellville in Nosy Be, visiting the open marketplace. Then hire a driver to take you on an island tour to see the bright blue volcanic lakes, or hire a boat to take you to Nosy Komba to visit the lemurs. Back in Nosy Be, shop for locally made perfume, distilled rum, finelinens and hand carved wooden art. Enjoy some of the fresh local seafood prepared with the local spices in this colorful and aromatic destination.

Planned Excursion: A GLIMPSE OF NOSY BE

4.5 Hours    Moderate Activity    # NOS-005: Free

Drive through Hell-Ville, the island’s colonial capital, named for 19th-century French Admiral Louis de Hell.  Tour an ylang-ylang distillery, where oil is extracted from these sweet-smelling flowers for the creation of perfumes and lotions.  Inhale the pleasing aromas produced by abundant crops of fruit, spices and sugar as you traverse the beguiling countryside.  Marvel at expansive views from Mont Passot, overlooking the glistening twin lakes of Sakatia Island.

Morning Update: We arrive at our anchorage at 10 AM.  We then go ashore on the ship's lifeboats or tenders to go on our excursion.  As I write this update we are about an hour to when we drop anchor.  Usually by now we have lost our StarLink Internet signal.  So far our Internet holding. The sea's were pretty rough last night but now as we approach Nosy Be the sea's are very calm, which is good for tendering ashore.  Hopefully this afternoon I can post a timely update.  

Evening Update: Much to everyone's surprise our first stop on our excursion was to a private wildlife park.  We saw four species of lemur's, turtles and other various wildlife.  This stop was the highlight of the day.  This country is extremely poor with many living in bamboo huts, dirt floors and tin roofs.  The roads were extremely narrow with these huts lining close to the roadway.  Even though this is an impoverish  country the roadsides were not littered with trash as in India.  We would see some children with no clothing and mother's wearing only a single garment.  As we toured around in the bus we view sites from the bus stopped at the local central market, very nosey and crowded.  We then drove to the far northern side of the island and stopped at a beach resort for a 45 minute refreshment break and swimming.  Then the long drive back to the pier to take the tender back to the ship.  

Click here --> NOSY BE pictures 

Take notice how many cruise ships are going around Africa. Our ship is circled.

Day 102 - CRUISING THE INDIAN OCEAN

 Date: 4/16/2024     Day 102    Sea Day: CRUISING THE INDIAN OCEAN

The Indian Ocean is the third-largest of the world's five oceanic divisions, covering 70,560,000 km2 (27,240,000 sq mi) or ~20% of the water on Earth's surface. It is bounded by Asia to the north, Africa to the west and Australia to the east. To the south it is bounded by the Southern Ocean, or Antarctica, depending on the definition in use.  Along its core, the Indian Ocean has large marginal, or regional seas, such as the Arabian Sea, Laccadive Sea, Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea.

Day 101 - Port Victoria (Mahe), Seychelles

 Date: 4/15/2024   Day 101    Port Day: Port Victoria (Mahe), Seychelles

Mahé, the largest island of the Seychelles, was named for Mahé de Labourdonnais, a governor of Mauritius. It is the location of Port Victoria, the capital city. Ringed by steep and magnificent mountains, few capitals can claim a more beautiful backdrop. The nearby reefs and pristine marine national parks are a snorkeler’s paradise

Planned Excursion: CORAL CRUISE (Ed)

4.0 Hours    Moderate Activity    # SEZ-003

Board a catamaran for a relaxing cruise to verdant Moyenne Island.  Receive snorkeling gear and safety information from a knowledgeable guide.  Swim past living corals and myriad species of colorful fish such as parrot and butterfly fish.  Observe the glorious underwater panorama from the comfort of a semi-submersible viewer.  Hand-feed the fish with assistance from a helpful expert.

Planned Excursion: BOTANICAL GARDENS & MISSION LODGE (Cathy)

3.5 Hours  Moderate Activity  #SEZ-004

Take in enchanting Victoria’s colonial-era buildings, such as the Creole-style old courthouse and the National Museum.  Gaze at a silver clock tower modelled after the Vauxhall Clock Tower at London’s Victoria Station.  Admire wooden houses with multi-hued tin roofs and sculptural wrought-iron balconies.  Roam the National Botanical Gardens to survey giant tortoises and indigenous flora, including the unique double coconut palm.  Capture stunning photos at a well-placed viewpoint and at Mission Lodge, once a school for children of emancipated slaves.

Today's Update: When arrived in Mahe last evening our access to the Internet was again disabled when StarLink was blocked.  It's sad that so many countries must fear open access to the Internet for political or economic reasons.  I guess we will be discovering these as we go.

It was a very hot and humid day in this very beautiful place.  My wife Cathy really enjoyed her excursion while I went out on a catamaran to go swimming and snorkeling.   

There has been a head and chest cold spreading throughout the ship for the past few days.  I thought I was fully recovered from it today when decided to go ahead with my snorkeling excursion.  When I finally got into the water I was feeling exhausted just starting out.  The water was not very clear from where I entered the water and swimming over to the reef was about a 100 yard swim.  My Fitbit was already reporting an elevated heart rate over what I usually have while snorkeling.  So I decide to get back onboard the catamaran to be on the safe side.  We lost a good friend a few months ago while he was snorkeling in Hawaii on vacation.  I thought of him when I decided it was better to be safe than have that happen to me as well.  

While not be able to safely snorkel due to my health concerns, the cruise on the catamaran was very enjoyable.  It was fun to see some of the Island Resorts as we cruised around the islands near the harbor.  The crew was fantastic.  Once everyone was back from snorkeling, they started playing a guitar singing a few songs and playing record music out on deck as we sailed back to the ship, singing and dancing.  It was a blast and I have video to upload.   

Videos: These are videos I took going out to the snorkeling area and our return trip back to the ship.  

Click here --> Seychelles CORAL CRUISE - Part 1

Click here --> Seychelles CORAL CRUISE - Part 2

Click here --> Seychelles CORAL CRUISE - Part 3

Click here --> Seychelles CORAL CRUISE - Part 4

Click here --> Seychelles CORAL CRUISE - Part 5

Day 100 - Port Victoria (Mahe), Seychelles

 Date: 4/14/2024     Day 100       Port Day: Port Victoria (Mahe), Seychelles

Mahé, the largest island of the Seychelles, was named for Mahé de Labourdonnais, a governor of Mauritius. It is the location of Port Victoria, the capital city. Ringed by steep and magnificent mountains, few capitals can claim a more beautiful backdrop. The nearby reefs and pristine marine national parks are a snorkeler’s paradise

Planned Excursion:  None available, late arrival 7 PM

Moring Update:  Today is effectively a sea day as we arrive to late in Mahe.  The ship is preparing a lavish brunch from 10 AM - 1 PM.  We are looking forward to brunch after attending the Christian Worship service 9 AM.  The previous brunches we've attend have been awesome. The sea conditions have been smooth last 4 sea days.  Cathy and I are glad we're heading away from the Middle East after waking this morning to the news of the Iranian attack on Israel.  While we are all disappointed in the changed Itinerary taking us around Africa instead of going up the Red Sea.  

Click Here --> Mariner Brunch

Day 99 - CRUISING THE GULF OF ADEN

 Date: 4/13/2024     Day 99                       Sea Day: CRUISING THE GULF OF ADEN

Gulf of Aden, deepwater basin that forms a natural sea link between the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea. Named for the seaport of Aden, in southern Yemen, the gulf is situated between the coasts of Arabia and the Horn of Africa.

Morning Update: Today is our third sea day on our way to the next stop in the Seychelles.  We arrive late in the afternoon tomorrow effectively a 4th sea day.  I have been making progress updating my previous posts in the UAE (UNITED ARAB EMIRATES).  Once I have finished those stops I do need to go back even further to India.  Please go back to those previous posts to access links to pictures and videos.  My hope is that I will be all caught up by the time we reach the Port Victoria (Mahe), Seychelles.  

Day 97 - CRUISING THE ARABIAN SEA

 Date: 4/11/2024     Day 97           Sea Day: CRUISING THE ARABIAN SEA

Arabian Sea, northwestern part of the Indian Ocean, covering a total area of about 1,491,000 square miles (3,862,000 square km) and forming part of the principal sea route between Europe and India. It is bounded to the west by the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, to the north by Iran and Pakistan, to the east by India, and to the south by the remainder of the Indian Ocean. To the north the Gulf of Oman connects the sea with the Persian Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz. To the west the Gulf of Aden connects it with the Red Sea via the Bab el-Mandeb (Bāb al-Mandab) Strait. It has a mean depth of 8,970 feet (2,734 metres). In Roman times its name was Mare Erythraeum (Erythraean Sea).

Morning Update: This is the second sea day on our way to Port Victoria (Mahe), Seychelles.  it is a 4 day crossing to the Seychelles.  I am spending most of each day catching up on the daily posts, reviewing, processing and uploading pictures and video.  

Day 95 - DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

 Date: 4/9/2024       Day 95           Port Day: DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Description: Located in the northeast United Arab Emirates, bustling Dubai attracts visitors with its international facilities and exotic, yet cosmopolitan lifestyle. Known as the Hong Kong of Arabia, Dubai’s modern duty-free shopping malls and traditional souks offer some of the best bargains in the world on such luxury items as gold jewelry and designer creations. For a more historic outing, visitors can explore the museum at Al Fahidi Fort or venture out into the Old Quarter of Bastakia.

Planned Excursion: Shuttle bus to the Dubai Mall

The Day’s Thoughts:  From where the shuttle bus dropped us off, we walked up to a large court yard in front of the Mall.  From here was a great photo spot for taking pictures with the Burj Khalifa in the background. The Burj Khalifa is currently the world's tallest building, standing at 828 meters (2,717 ft) and containing 163 floors.  From there we walked into the Mall with the Dubai Aquarium not far away.  We arrived early allowing us to get up close to the extremely large aquarium window free of charge.   I could have spent the whole day just watching the many fish swimming in the aquarium tank, one of the largest indoor aquariums in the world.

From the aquarium we checked out the large multi-story waterfall feature and the cost to go up the Burj Khalifa.  The only tickets available were to the highest point, $180 per person.  We declined to do that.  We did some shopping and walking around this massive Mall before returning to the ship.  We were only there for a few hours.  By the time we decided to go back, it was getting very crowded.  

Click Here --> DUBAI MALL Pictures

Click Here --> DUBAI MALL Video

 

Day 94 - ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

 Date: 4/8/2024       Day 94           Port Day: ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Description: The discovery of oil in 1958 transformed this rural backwater into a modern metropolis with the highest per-capita income in the world. Today, Abu Dhabi boasts extraordinary sky scrapers, shopping malls, top quality hotels, tree-lined boulevards and picturesque gardens, while still maintaining a subtle Arabian mystique. Sail the lovely Gulf waters and numerous islands surrounding the city in a traditional dhow; tour heritage Village, a living museum where artisans ply their traditional crafts; or shop the central souk area for gold and Bedouin silver jewelry.

Planned Excursion: OASIS TOWN OF AL AIN

8.5 Hours                           Strenuous Activity                           # ABU-005: Free

View the garden city of Al Ain, a once vital caravan stopover between the U.A.E. and the Sultanate of Oman.  Explore Al Jahili Fort, where a paramilitary force kept the tribal peace and protected the mountain passes.  Savor a delicious buffet lunch at an elegant local hotel.  Discover intriguing cultural and archaeological displays in the fascinating Al Ain Museum.  Visit a regional market selling camel milk and meat, along with sheep, cows, goats and poultry.

The Day’s Thoughts: The day started with a long bus ride (2 1/2 hours) out to the city of AL AIN. On the way out we stopped at a roadside refueling station and convenience store.  The store's rest rooms were very clean as well as the store itself.   The road we traveled on was a modern two lane divided highway lined with planted trees, 3 rows deep.  Each tree had a earthen well around each tree for irrigating.  They must shield the road from the desert sands. it made it difficult to photograph the desert dunes.

Our first stop was at Al Jahili Fort.  This is a restored Fort with a small museum.  It was a hot day and the sun's intensity very high.  Walking inside the adobe built rooms within the Fort, the temp's were significantly cooler.  After the Fort we stop at a local 5 star hotel for lunch, a very impressive buffet.  

After lunch we visited the Al Ain Museum and then on to the Oasis where we saw how dates were manually fertilized and harvested.  The demonstrations include how they climb the high date trees.  At first, the date trees look like palm trees. Our final stop was at the regional market and got up close to the camel's being sold for slaughtering.   After that we began our 2 1/2 hr. trip back to the ship without a stop.  

Click Here --> AL AIN Pictures

Click Here --> AL AIN Video 

Update - UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

This is a quick update before we get back to DUBAI from visiting ABU DHABI yesterday. Our Starlink Internet goes out when we are in these ports.  When we leave here today we have 4 sea days.  Once back out to sea our Starlink Internet is fully restored and I can post updates for the last 3 days in the United Arab Emirates states.  

Day 93 - DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

 Date: 4/7/2024       Day 93     Port: DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Description: Located in the northeast United Arab Emirates, bustling Dubai attracts visitors with its international facilities and exotic, yet cosmopolitan lifestyle. Known as the Hong Kong of Arabia, Dubai’s modern duty-free shopping malls and traditional souks offer some of the best bargains in the world on such luxury items as gold jewelry and designer creations. For a more historic outing, visitors can explore the museum at Al Fahidi Fort or venture out into the Old Quarter of Bastakia.

Planned Excursion: DISCOVER DUBAI

4.0 Hours                           Light Activity                     # DXB-001: Free

Pause for photos at the modern Jumeirah Mosque and the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel.  See how Dubai still embraces its past in the 19th-century district of Al-Bastakiya.  Browse the artifacts in the Dubai Museum, particularly those from the pre-oil years.  Ride a water taxi across Dubai Creek to the spice and gold souks. Qaboos.

Morning Update: We get into Dubai at 12 noon today.  I am doing this quick update before the Internet might go out again.  

Days Later Update: As I write this update we are headed to Seychelles after 3 days in the United Arab Emirates.  While in the UAE StarLink was not permitted to broadcast to our ship leaving us with little or no access to the Internet.  This is the first of 4 sea days to the Seychelles and we have the Internet back.  I will be spending these sea days updating the time spent in the UAE with posts for those days.

This first day in Dubai we toured around this beautiful city.  It is an extremely clean and modern city with each building having unique architecture.  We mostly view iconic buildings from the bus with just a few photo stops.  Riding the water taxi across the Dubai Creek was fun after touring the Dubai Museum.  The taxi dropped us off at the Market.  The Market was very large and noisy with most of the vendors selling the same things.  The Dubai City of Gold street was most interesting. The largest Gold ring was showcased in one of the stores (see photos).    

Click here --> Dubai Day 1 photos 

Day 92 - MUSCAT, OMAN

 Date: 4/6/2024       Day 92    Port: MUSCAT, OMAN

Muscat is the capital of Oman, a sovereign country. Muscat has been important since the 6th century BC, when Persians controlled the port. It was under Portuguese domination from 1508 to 1650, and subsequently the Iranians gained control of the city. Muscat became the capital of independent Muscat and Oman in 1741- the country’s name was changed to just Oman in 1970. Muscat offers a number of exciting excursions including dolphin watching and off-road desert adventures.

Planned Excursion: MYSTICAL MUSCAT

4.0 Hours            Light Activity      # MUS-002: Free

Drive through Muscat’s sophisticated enclave of Shati Al Qurum.  Gaze at the largest place of worship in Oman, the dazzling Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.  Browse an endless assortment of colorful merchandise amid the heady aromas of the Muttrah Souq.  Study historic Omani items such as maps and paintings at the Bait Al Zubair museum.  Drive through a quaint fishing village on your way to Muscat’s Old Town.  Take memorable photos of elaborate Al Alam Palace, residence of Oman’s Sultan Qaboos.

Evening Update:  Oh my, what a difference from India to here in Muscat.  Not only was the weather cooler and less humid but the city was extremely clean.  As apposed to India where there was trash and litter lining the shoulders of every road and street.  Our tour of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque was absolutely beautiful.  Joe Rawson has taken some awesome pictures and video with his phone.  I will be posting those in a few days along with those I have taken.  

We have three more ports-of-call, before our next run of 4 sea days where I will have the time to upload pictures and video. Again today the ship's access to the Internet went offline.  It was not until we were miles back out to sea, before it was restored again.  So, I am not hopefully this will change for the next ports-of-call, having no Internet.  These outages is making it difficult to keep this blog timely updated.  I am doing this quick update between dinner and the evening entertainment.      

Click here --> Muscat Photos

Click here --> Muscat Videos (coming soon)

Our current position this evening 

Day 91 - CRUISING THE ARABIAN SEA

 Date: 4/5/2024       Day 91      Sea Day: CRUISING THE ARABIAN SEA

The Arabian Sea is located in the northwestern part of the Indian Ocean, situated between the Arabian Peninsula and the Indian subcontinent. It merges with the Gulf of Oman to the northwest and the Gulf of Aden in the southwest, and spans a total area of 1,491,000 square miles.

Morning Update: This is the second sea day of our crossing to Muscat, Oman.  The sea's have been very smooth and calm.  This morning it's a bit warmer and humid than yesterday with overcast skies. Tomorrow's forecast for Muscat is clear skies, upper 80's and lower humidity.  However, the UV index is extreme.  We'll be sure to bring and use our sun screen.  I plan on working some more today reviewing, processing and uploading more pictures and videos.  

Afternoon Update:  I worked most of the day on videos I took in MANGALORE, INDIA -- The beautiful St. Aloysius Chapel often compared to the Sistine Chapel.  It was built by Jesuit Missionaries in 1880 and its interiors painted by the Italian Jesuit Antonio Moscheni in 1899.

Click Here --> St. Aloysius Chapel video

The above video is worth the watch despite the video quality.  Listen close to the commentary about the Chapel as I was walking around.  I was a bit disappointed in the unsteady video at times.  The video stabilization was not properly set.  I had to cut a lot out due to this.  But I still think it's worth a full view of this beautiful church.  

Day 90 - CRUISING THE ARABIAN SEA

 Date: 4/4/2024       Day 90     Sea Day: CRUISING THE ARABIAN SEA

The Arabian Sea is located in the northwestern part of the Indian Ocean, situated between the Arabian Peninsula and the Indian subcontinent. It merges with the Gulf of Oman to the northwest and the Gulf of Aden in the southwest, and spans a total area of 1,491,000 square miles.

Morning Update: Now that we are away from India our access to the Internet has been mostly restored.   There is still something amiss with the ship’s network settings.  Most folks still cannot access the Internet although they are connected to the ships Intranet (ship’s Internal Network).   Hopefully they will find the problem and fix it soon.  Only one of my 4 devices is getting access to the Internet.  I have a small laptop, a gaming laptop with more resources to process pictures and video, my phone and Samsung Tablet.  Once the network is completely up and running normally, I hope upload pictures and video taken during the 5 days in India.

Evening Update:  I made good progress today on uploading videos I took at a special presentation before leaving Mumbai.

Videos

Click Here --> MUMBAI Folkloric Indian Dance 1

Click Here --> MUMBAI Folkloric Indian Dance 2

Click Here --> MUMBAI Folkloric Indian Dance 3

Click Here --> MUMBAI Folkloric Indian Dance 4

Click Here --> MUMBAI Folkloric Indian Dance 5

Click Here --> MUMBAI Folkloric Indian Dance 6

Click Here --> MUMBAI Folkloric Indian Dance 7

Click Here --> MUMBAI Folkloric Indian Dance 8