Checking In From The Nautica

[Shari2]

Have a safe trip, Ray! It sounds like a great adventure...except for the hotel troubles...at least they finally came through for you.

[Rat]

Hi Crazies, another hot and humid day........ Since my last post, we went to the hotel's secluded private beach and swam in the Persian Gulf. The water was very warm and clear, just like the Caribbean. There was only two other couples there, so there were plenty of umbrellas for us to choose from. Best part was when attendants came by and gave us ice cold face towels and popsicles. What a treat!

There's a water park on the grounds called Wild Wadi. We've been there a few times......seems like I'm probably the oldest person there on the slides or tubes. LOL My daughter is having the time of her life..........I think she enjoys this part of the vacation better than the cruise.

Yesterday we visited the Dubai Museum located in an old fort. It was great place to spend a few hours away from the heat. Afterwards, we went to the Old Souk and browsed around. Finally went on the abras(water taxi) and cruised up and down the historic Dubai Creek. Later on we had our cab driver take us to the world's tallest building and structure (Burj Dubai). It's still under construction and the site is huge, probably a few hundred acres. The site is home to many new high rises and mall currently being built. We droved into busy site and it was so dusty! After a few pictures we had to get out cause the dust was getting into our eyes.

Today we visited the Burj Al Arab hotel. We had to dress up a little(no shorts, jeans, t shirts, tennis shoes and sandals) allowed. They now only allow guests from their sister properties to visit. We took the buggy(golf cart) ride over the bridge to the entrance. We were greeted by the many attendants who lined up by the front door. We felt a little uncomfortable..........because we're not use to such royal treatment. We walked around the two level lobby and windowed shopped at their few high end stores. The atrium is the tallest in the world at over 600 feet (hotel itself is over a 1000 feet tall).

We have nothing planned for the next few days..........probably just hanging around the hotel pool and relaxing. If anyone has any questions on Dubai, I'll be more than happy to answer or try to.

Ray

[JoeyandDavid]

This is such an exciting trip.. I can't wait for the pictures!!

[rogue]

Great trip. It feels like it is going on for ever. Enjoy!

[Rat]

Hi Crazies, we're back home.......sniff sniff. We had a wonderful time on the Nautica. The food, service and ports of call were all excellent. For tours, we used Oceania's excursions.......generally good and informative, but a little pricey.

The highlight of the trip was seeing the Pyramids. We never even thought of traveling to the Middle East until we saw the itinerary. This was the opportunity!

Here are a few pics from our vacation. Enjoy!

Sagrada Familia in Barcelona

At the Vatican

Pyramids in Giza.

The Western Wall in Jerusalem

The Celsus Library in Ephesus.

Haghia Sophia in Istanbul.

Nautica's red carpet treatment after a day on shore.

Just had to turn into a Sheik!

[JoeyandDavid]

Ray Outstanding pictures.......

Red Carpet ?? what was that all about?

[cruisetarp]

Welcome home Ray - what wonderful pictures. I can't wait to hear all about your cruise. You had quite an adventure.

[rogue]

Welcome home Ray. It's always a shame that it has to end. Great pics. Thanks.

[Rat]

Joey and MaryLou, thanks for the nice comments.

The "red carpet" is Oceania's way of making its passengers feel like a VIP after a long day onshore. They setup a big "Welcome Back" sign on the side of the ship and also have their band play nearby. The crew lines up on both sides of the carpet welcoming you back onboard. My shy daughter hates the red carpet......she gets so embarassed; while others savor the moment and dance down the carpet. LOL

[Rat]

Welcome home Ray. It's always a shame that it has to end. Great pics. Thanks.

Thanks Howard. I saw the end coming as we went from cruiseship food to hotel food to airplane food to yesterday's dinner.......which was RAMEN NOODLES!