This was our first cruise on a "Solstice" class ship. It was very nice, but I think I like the "M" class just as well. On the second leg, we upgrading to "AquaClas" because it did not cost any extra. We enjoyed the benefits but we would not have paid extra for it. The main benefit is dining in "Blu". While it was nice, we didn't think it was that much better than the main dining room.
Alexandria/Cairo.......hot, dirty...been there...done that!!!! We did see some things we didn't see the last time we were there and they were interesting. I really don't care to ever go back.
Cruising the Suez Canal....I guess I was expecting a canal like the Panama Canal. There are no locks and much is barren desert. It was still a beautiful day and we were grateful to be able to relax after 2 busy days in Alexandria.
Safaga/Luxor....This was much better than Alexandria/Cairo. Seeing the tombs in the Valley of the Kings was awesome. It's hard to believe that the paintings are about 3000 years old. The highlight of the day was the Hot Air Balloon ride!!!!! It was truly amazing
Aquba/Petra....This was another wonderful day although it was very strenous and also very hot.
Dubai....WOW. Everything is so new and BIG!!! Guess that is what oil will do for you. Dune bashing was a lot of fun.
Muscat....we had a very nice tour. The mosque was beautiful. Muscat was much nicer than I expected.
Cochin.....really enjoyed our stop in India. I really wasn't expecting much so I was pleasantly surprised.
Kuala Lumpur.....was not a very good day. Traffic was horrendous and everything was very rushed.
We had a great time sailing again with Chris and Tom and renewing old acquaintances with Claire and Bob Belanger. Met some really nice new people...John and Rita, Karen and David and Paula and Don. Hopefully our paths will cross on future sails.
ruise Map
Suez Canal Cruise
Cruise Map
Middle East & Asia Cruise
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Celebrity Solstice
We boarded the Solstice after a VERY LONG sleepless flight. I will never again come in to a city on the day the cruise starts.
Barcelona from the Solstice at sailaway.
Tom and Charlie at sailaway from Barcelona. Yes...that is real grass!!!!
Got to stop at the Martini Bar
Formal night with Tom, Chris, John and Rita.
Our animal has a Tennessee bow tie
Hot Glass Show. Presented by the Corning Museum of Glass. It was amazing watching them create such beautiful pieces.
We do clean up well....
Charlie did wake up to see the show....
This was for Joe & Gretchen and Kathleen & Carlos.
We got to tour the bridge with Captain Berdos
The Grand Staircase
Barcelona from the Solstice at sailaway.
Tom and Charlie at sailaway from Barcelona. Yes...that is real grass!!!!
Got to stop at the Martini Bar
Formal night with Tom, Chris, John and Rita.
Our animal has a Tennessee bow tie
Hot Glass Show. Presented by the Corning Museum of Glass. It was amazing watching them create such beautiful pieces.
We do clean up well....
Charlie did wake up to see the show....
This was for Joe & Gretchen and Kathleen & Carlos.
We got to tour the bridge with Captain Berdos
The Grand Staircase
Singapore...Show me the way to go home!!!!
Friday, November 23rd
Well...the cruise is over...we had a good time. Now I just want to get home!!!! We have a 13 hour flight today from Singapore to Frankfurt, Germany. We will overnight at a hotel at the Frankfurt airport and fly the rest of the way tomorrow. Thankfully, we were able to check our luggage straight thru to Knoxville so we will only have our carry ons to deal with in Frankfurt.
Waiting in the Tuscan Grill to board the shuttle to the airport.
On the bus....just waiting
Paula and Don waving goodbye
The Singapore Flyer from our bus
Marina Bay Sands Hotel from our bus.
Last goodbye...we will miss Chris and Tom......
Charlie found his beer at the airport. This is the best airport we have ever been in. There were no long lines...everyone was super friendly and helpful. I have never seen an airport like this and I've seen many of them!!!!
Koi pond at the airport...
Butterfly Gaden at the Singapore Airport...Terminal 3.
The guide on our transfer bus was exceptional!!!! He talked about what we were seeing on the way to the airport and when we reached the airport, he escorted us to our terminal and even helped us check in! We were really impressed with him. He really did go the extra mile for us.
We are now on the plane...somewhere over India....so far so good....
We got to our hotel in Frankfurt at about 9PM....
Unfortunately, I woke up at 4AM!!! Long day ahead.
Somehow, the Frankfurt airport can't compare to Singapore!!!
Well...the cruise is over...we had a good time. Now I just want to get home!!!! We have a 13 hour flight today from Singapore to Frankfurt, Germany. We will overnight at a hotel at the Frankfurt airport and fly the rest of the way tomorrow. Thankfully, we were able to check our luggage straight thru to Knoxville so we will only have our carry ons to deal with in Frankfurt.
Waiting in the Tuscan Grill to board the shuttle to the airport.
On the bus....just waiting
Paula and Don waving goodbye
The Singapore Flyer from our bus
Marina Bay Sands Hotel from our bus.
Last goodbye...we will miss Chris and Tom......
Charlie found his beer at the airport. This is the best airport we have ever been in. There were no long lines...everyone was super friendly and helpful. I have never seen an airport like this and I've seen many of them!!!!
Koi pond at the airport...
Butterfly Gaden at the Singapore Airport...Terminal 3.
The guide on our transfer bus was exceptional!!!! He talked about what we were seeing on the way to the airport and when we reached the airport, he escorted us to our terminal and even helped us check in! We were really impressed with him. He really did go the extra mile for us.
We are now on the plane...somewhere over India....so far so good....
We got to our hotel in Frankfurt at about 9PM....
Unfortunately, I woke up at 4AM!!! Long day ahead.
Somehow, the Frankfurt airport can't compare to Singapore!!!
Monday, November 26, 2012
Port Klang, Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur)
Thursday, November 22nd
This is our last port before we disembark in Singapore. Since Kuala Lumpur is quite a distance from the port, we decided to not take a chance on a private tour and opted for the cruise excursion "Best of Kuala Lumpur".
Our ride in started a little late and then was made longer by an accident.....
Our first stop was at the KL Tower. We visited the observation deck that gave us a great view of Kuala Lumpur. It is the fourth tallest communication tower in the world (421 meters high).
After our lunch stop, we had a "photo stop" for the Petronas Twin Towers, the modern icon and pride of Malaysia. At a height of 1483 ft., from completion in 1998 until 2004 when Taipei 101 was completed, the building was the tallest in the world.
Next was a stop at the Central market. It used to be the town's wholesale and wet market for fresh produce. It was renovated and reopened in 1986. It is now a craft center in the city. Charlie found a batik shirt and I found a very pretty hand painted top....
I don't think this little guy is going to make any sales!!!!
Guess even the monks need to shop...
The rain came down as we made our way back to the bus. I guess we were pretty lucky...this was the first rain we have had in 28 days. Unfortunately, one couple got "lost" and Richard, our guide, had to find them.
Because of very heavy traffic and poor planning both on our guides part and on Celebrity we did not get to tour Independence Square or the Natural History Museum that were on our itinerary. As it was, we were over an hour late getting back to the ship as were many other tour buses. I was very concerned regarding the timing of our scheduled departure,,,that is why we went with a ship's tour.
Back to the ship to finish packing....
This is our last port before we disembark in Singapore. Since Kuala Lumpur is quite a distance from the port, we decided to not take a chance on a private tour and opted for the cruise excursion "Best of Kuala Lumpur".
Our ride in started a little late and then was made longer by an accident.....
Our first stop was at the KL Tower. We visited the observation deck that gave us a great view of Kuala Lumpur. It is the fourth tallest communication tower in the world (421 meters high).
After our lunch stop, we had a "photo stop" for the Petronas Twin Towers, the modern icon and pride of Malaysia. At a height of 1483 ft., from completion in 1998 until 2004 when Taipei 101 was completed, the building was the tallest in the world.
Next was a stop at the Central market. It used to be the town's wholesale and wet market for fresh produce. It was renovated and reopened in 1986. It is now a craft center in the city. Charlie found a batik shirt and I found a very pretty hand painted top....
I don't think this little guy is going to make any sales!!!!
Guess even the monks need to shop...
The rain came down as we made our way back to the bus. I guess we were pretty lucky...this was the first rain we have had in 28 days. Unfortunately, one couple got "lost" and Richard, our guide, had to find them.
Because of very heavy traffic and poor planning both on our guides part and on Celebrity we did not get to tour Independence Square or the Natural History Museum that were on our itinerary. As it was, we were over an hour late getting back to the ship as were many other tour buses. I was very concerned regarding the timing of our scheduled departure,,,that is why we went with a ship's tour.
Back to the ship to finish packing....
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Cochin India Day #2
Sunday, November 18th
This morning we are taking a free excursion to Fort Cochin provided by Celebrity as part of the Elite benefits provided on this "Reunion Cruise".
Our first stop was the Church of St. Francis. It is the oldest European constructed church in all of India, built in 1503. It is where Vasco da Gama was buried in 1524, Fourteen years later, his remains were taken back to Portugal, but his tombstone marks the original location of his burial. At the time of our visit, Sunday services were in progress so we could not enter the church.
From the church, we walked down to see the Chinese fishing nets that line the shores of Fort Cochin. They as said to have been introduced by traders from the court of Kublai Khan. They cantilever over the harbour and operate by a system of weights and levers. The nets, on wooden frames, are raised periodically to check the catch.
Our next stop was the Mattancheri Palace (also called the Dutch Palace) orginally built by the Portuguese as a gift for the Raja of Cochin and was later rebuilt by the Dutch. Its wooden interior is decorated with a remarkable series of murals. There is also an interesting collection of Dutch maps of old Kochi, coronation robes belonging to the maharajas, royal palanquins, weapons and furniture. Unfortunately, no photography was allowed.
We also were able to visit the Jewish Synagogue located near the palace in "Jew Town" that was built by Ezekial Rahabi. The synagogue has two pulpits, one that may be used by women. The congregation is very small (7 famalies) as much of the younger generation has migration to Israel. Again, no photography.
We did a little shopping in the area of the synagogue. Only bought some black pepper.
The goats were shopping too......
Our last stop was at Vivanta by Taj Malabar for a private Kathakali performance. Kathakali is one of the oldest theatre forms in the world. It originated in the area of southwestern India now known as the state of Kerala. It is a dance drama where the actors depict characters from the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. The Kathakali dance performance is very dramatic and is enacted with elaborate masks and costumes.
When we returned to the pier, Chris, Tom and I mingled with the locals. It was really neat. They were wonderful people and so happy to meet us.....Also got a ride in a Tut Tut
Chris and Tom and "Flat Stanley"
Well...our cruise is almost over. We have three more sea days and then a stop in Malaysia and then we get off in Singapore.
This morning we are taking a free excursion to Fort Cochin provided by Celebrity as part of the Elite benefits provided on this "Reunion Cruise".
Our first stop was the Church of St. Francis. It is the oldest European constructed church in all of India, built in 1503. It is where Vasco da Gama was buried in 1524, Fourteen years later, his remains were taken back to Portugal, but his tombstone marks the original location of his burial. At the time of our visit, Sunday services were in progress so we could not enter the church.
From the church, we walked down to see the Chinese fishing nets that line the shores of Fort Cochin. They as said to have been introduced by traders from the court of Kublai Khan. They cantilever over the harbour and operate by a system of weights and levers. The nets, on wooden frames, are raised periodically to check the catch.
Our next stop was the Mattancheri Palace (also called the Dutch Palace) orginally built by the Portuguese as a gift for the Raja of Cochin and was later rebuilt by the Dutch. Its wooden interior is decorated with a remarkable series of murals. There is also an interesting collection of Dutch maps of old Kochi, coronation robes belonging to the maharajas, royal palanquins, weapons and furniture. Unfortunately, no photography was allowed.
We also were able to visit the Jewish Synagogue located near the palace in "Jew Town" that was built by Ezekial Rahabi. The synagogue has two pulpits, one that may be used by women. The congregation is very small (7 famalies) as much of the younger generation has migration to Israel. Again, no photography.
We did a little shopping in the area of the synagogue. Only bought some black pepper.
The goats were shopping too......
Our last stop was at Vivanta by Taj Malabar for a private Kathakali performance. Kathakali is one of the oldest theatre forms in the world. It originated in the area of southwestern India now known as the state of Kerala. It is a dance drama where the actors depict characters from the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. The Kathakali dance performance is very dramatic and is enacted with elaborate masks and costumes.
When we returned to the pier, Chris, Tom and I mingled with the locals. It was really neat. They were wonderful people and so happy to meet us.....Also got a ride in a Tut Tut
Chris and Tom and "Flat Stanley"
Well...our cruise is almost over. We have three more sea days and then a stop in Malaysia and then we get off in Singapore.
Cochin India Day #1
Saturday, November 17th
This morning we are going on a Backwaters of Alaphuzzha by houseboat tour that I arranged thru Best Shore Trips. The morning got off to a rocky start. We waited over an hour for our van to pick us up. We then had a very "interesting" ride out to Alaphhuzzha....the roads are 2 lane but are driven some times 3 lanes in each way!!!!
The term "backwaters" actually refers to the extensive network of rivers, lakes, canals and lagoons that lace together the coast and interior south of Kochi. For centuries these canals have provided a safe and efficient means of transportation for goods and people moving between the interior and port towns along the coast. Even today, coconut, pepper, coir (coconut husks), rice and other goods are carried along the waterways in traditional longboats called kettuvallam.
Alappuzha (previously called Alleppey) is nestled in the midst of a thick tangle of lush tropical waterways and this is where we boarded the houseboat for a idyllic trip through the majestic forests and palm-shaded backwaters of the city and surroundings. Our boat is a houseboat unique to Kerala. Converted from a traditional kettuvallam, the boat is a unique blend of old and new. Old as it is a traditional boat with a thatched roof, yet modern as solar panels are used for lighting.
We glided along shimmering waterways lined with dense tropical vegetation and observed rural Kerala lifestyles we would not have seen from the road. We saw narrow canals walled in with thick greenery to open vistas of brillant green paddy fields. Papaya, mango, jackfruit and cassava grow along the banks.
Churches, mosques and temples were seen among the trees and it was possible to see wildlife such as the green paraket. Villagers bathe and wash their clothes, and sometimes their buffalos, at the water's edge.
All in all, we had a very nice day. We are really enjoying our visit to India...much more than we expected. EXCEPT FOR THE CRAZY DRIVING!!!!!
This morning we are going on a Backwaters of Alaphuzzha by houseboat tour that I arranged thru Best Shore Trips. The morning got off to a rocky start. We waited over an hour for our van to pick us up. We then had a very "interesting" ride out to Alaphhuzzha....the roads are 2 lane but are driven some times 3 lanes in each way!!!!
The term "backwaters" actually refers to the extensive network of rivers, lakes, canals and lagoons that lace together the coast and interior south of Kochi. For centuries these canals have provided a safe and efficient means of transportation for goods and people moving between the interior and port towns along the coast. Even today, coconut, pepper, coir (coconut husks), rice and other goods are carried along the waterways in traditional longboats called kettuvallam.
Alappuzha (previously called Alleppey) is nestled in the midst of a thick tangle of lush tropical waterways and this is where we boarded the houseboat for a idyllic trip through the majestic forests and palm-shaded backwaters of the city and surroundings. Our boat is a houseboat unique to Kerala. Converted from a traditional kettuvallam, the boat is a unique blend of old and new. Old as it is a traditional boat with a thatched roof, yet modern as solar panels are used for lighting.
We glided along shimmering waterways lined with dense tropical vegetation and observed rural Kerala lifestyles we would not have seen from the road. We saw narrow canals walled in with thick greenery to open vistas of brillant green paddy fields. Papaya, mango, jackfruit and cassava grow along the banks.
Churches, mosques and temples were seen among the trees and it was possible to see wildlife such as the green paraket. Villagers bathe and wash their clothes, and sometimes their buffalos, at the water's edge.
All in all, we had a very nice day. We are really enjoying our visit to India...much more than we expected. EXCEPT FOR THE CRAZY DRIVING!!!!!
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