Random Thoughts

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.