KathyBC

7 hours ago, little britain said:

There is a 20aed surcharge on cabs leaving the port, therefore the cab fare on the way out is always more expensive than the return journey:   The same applies in Abu Dhabi.

 

The taxis are metered. Make sure you see the meter is on and clearly showing the screen before you set off. 

 

As a a single female traveller you may also appreciate the pink cabs driven by lady cab drivers. An excellent idea. 

I am aware that there is a surcharge. Converting the Canadian peso that's another 10 bucks added to the fare. 😞

Also know to insist on meter so don't expect to get ripped off like I will in Oman

Pink cabs for women - ha-ha, Where I live - I see a number of pink cars. These are owned by a house cleaning company.

9 hours ago, In need of Sun said:

Hello KathyBC-

 

It was my pleasure.   This trip widened my view of the world.   I hope that you find it life-altering also.   Don't worry, Dubai in particular has a lot of infrastructure that supports tourism and you will rarely feel alone.   My suggestions would be the following:

 

1. Skip the ship excursions, when you get past the gate, negotiate with a cab driver, you can go the same places for a lot less and have some control over how long you stay.

 

2. Dubai is the 7th most traveled to destination.  Allow the infrastructure they have in place to assist you.   You can get anywhere on the Metro, and I found the metro stations in Dubai cleaner than many governmental buildings I have been in.   The metro stops are announced in English and Arabic.   When you get tired, hop on the big bus and let it take you around while you gather your thoughts and just take a breath.  The big bus operates in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Muscat.   If you buy all 3 at once you get a substantial discount and you can schedule your rides for when you start to get tired.  Food is allowed on them so you can eat while you determine your next stop.   95% of my interactions were in English and everybody understood tourism so I never felt at a disadvantage.

 

3. If I were you, I would consider making the Burjamon stop my home base away from the ship, it's easy and cheap to get back to the ship and Burjamon has a more relaxed feel to it.   Its a neighborhood and you can walk along many working folks and the shops they support.   I found myself coming back to this area over and over. I walked this neighborhood all times of the day and night and always felt secure.   The metro stop is huge and you can get a lot of information there. Additionally, There are restaurants and a Carrefour that are informal and allow you to people watch, exchange money and pick up things you might need.

 

4. If you are there on the first Saturday of the month.   Don't miss the flea market in El Zabeel park.   It is the park where the frame is.   It is another place where the "real world" Dubai meets.   it costs 5 dirhams to enter, but if you have it on your metro card, they will accept this.   You can reach it on the Metro.   Bring dirhams, and plan to stay past 10a.m. (it opens at 8), as that is when prices start to drop.  

 

5. Read my review of the ship and the trip.   I have posted it.   If you need more information, don't hesitate to ask.   I hope that you enjoy it as deeply as I did.   My perception of the world is broader as a result of this trip.

 

I scrolled through a number of pages of reviews and eventually gave up. I then entered your name but was provided with many reviews that had the word "sun" in the topic. If you give me the date you posted that would be helpful. 

7 hours ago, In need of Sun said:

Hello KathyBC-

 

It was my pleasure.   This trip widened my view of the world.   I hope that you find it life-altering also.   Don't worry, Dubai in particular has a lot of infrastructure that supports tourism and you will rarely feel alone.   My suggestions would be the following:

 

1. Skip the ship excursions, when you get past the gate, negotiate with a cab driver, you can go the same places for a lot less and have some control over how long you stay.

 

2. Dubai is the 7th most traveled to destination.  Allow the infrastructure they have in place to assist you.   You can get anywhere on the Metro, and I found the metro stations in Dubai cleaner than many governmental buildings I have been in.   The metro stops are announced in English and Arabic.   When you get tired, hop on the big bus and let it take you around while you gather your thoughts and just take a breath.  The big bus operates in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Muscat.   If you buy all 3 at once you get a substantial discount and you can schedule your rides for when you start to get tired.  Food is allowed on them so you can eat while you determine your next stop.   95% of my interactions were in English and everybody understood tourism so I never felt at a disadvantage.

 

3. If I were you, I would consider making the Burjamon stop my home base away from the ship, it's easy and cheap to get back to the ship and Burjamon has a more relaxed feel to it.   Its a neighborhood and you can walk along many working folks and the shops they support.   I found myself coming back to this area over and over. I walked this neighborhood all times of the day and night and always felt secure.   The metro stop is huge and you can get a lot of information there. Additionally, There are restaurants and a Carrefour that are informal and allow you to people watch, exchange money and pick up things you might need.

 

4. If you are there on the first Saturday of the month.   Don't miss the flea market in El Zabeel park.   It is the park where the frame is.   It is another place where the "real world" Dubai meets.   it costs 5 dirhams to enter, but if you have it on your metro card, they will accept this.   You can reach it on the Metro.   Bring dirhams, and plan to stay past 10a.m. (it opens at 8), as that is when prices start to drop.  

 

5. Read my review of the ship and the trip.   I have posted it.   If you need more information, don't hesitate to ask.   I hope that you enjoy it as deeply as I did.   My perception of the world is broader as a result of this trip.

 

OMGosh - Again - Many Thanks for being so helpful!

If I can navigate C.C (really old computer illiterate person here - me - not the computer LOL!) I will read your review before I leave on Friday.

I have no problems traveling on my own - in fact had a couple holidays with friends when I wished I had just paid the single supplement and enjoyed,  I have not booked tours with the cruise line. I spent a month figuring out how to get about on my own (your reply was included in my plan  re free bus) -- along with my own itineraries because I agree that traveling independently gives one the option of where to go and how long to stay.

Thanks for the heads up re Burjamon Metro & vicinity. ( I had to google carrefour - not familiar to me). I will miss the Zabeel park market - flying in late on the Saturday and leaving on a Friday.

I really appreciate the time you have taken to guide me along

k

6 hours ago, little britain said:

You cannot go into the Palace.  Just a photo stop opportunity outside. 

Even if you do get out of the cab, you are only 1/2 km from the sky train stop. Cabs are everywhere in Dubai.

 

Jumeriah mosque... I’ve never known anyone visit there...I go to Dubai every year....the main “wow” mosques are Muscat and Abu Dhabi. 

Thanks for the information. I looked for routes for ages. The first I saw had me walking for 76 minutes - I just went back to the route site and realized that I was walking to my destination but another had me walking for over 1/2 an hour and another had a name of metro that was not on my map. Anyway - thanks to you - I am good to go.

Yes - I was aware that there was not entry to the palace but I have done a looky loo through bars at other palaces. LOL! 

I plan to visit the mosques you mentioned. The reason for my wanting to visit Jumeriah is that they have a cultural program

I plan to take a taxi from Jumeirah Mosque to Zabeel Palace. I really don't want to pay for the driver to wait while I look around. Will I have difficulty finding a taxi to take me to my next destination? As I finish writing - I consider that there may be others arriving by taxi (I was thinking most people will visit by tour or private car) so this is a stupid question but will post seeing as someone may say I have to walk back to the port...………..
 

5 minutes ago, KathyBC said:

 

Thanks so much Bobal for the detailed information. I am traveling solo so no one to share a taxi with. Sigh! but your suggestion re getting to a metro is very much appreciated.

Hmmm - Not sure who highlighted in red or posted asking currency. I figure it is Dirhams. 

Thanks for the good wishes. I have been to Turkey, Malaysia and Egypt but I think this country will offer a whole new experience.

 

 

 

 

ooops - replied while having my first cup of coffee so brain  not in gear (situation normal - Big Sigh!)

Many Thanks to In Need of Sun. 🙂

4 hours ago, Bobal said:

 

17-23 what? Dollars? Euros? Dirhams? 

Thanks so much Bobal for the detailed information. I am traveling solo so no one to share a taxi with. Sigh! but your suggestion re getting to a metro is very much appreciated.

Hmmm - Not sure who highlighted in red or posted asking currency. I figure it is Dirhams. 

Thanks for the good wishes. I have been to Turkey, Malaysia and Egypt but I think this country will offer a whole new experience.

On ‎2‎/‎6‎/‎2019 at 12:17 AM, cruiser man 60 said:

Yes there is one which goes to the main Dubai shopping mall where the Burj Kalifa is. However the queues are long, no real time table and according to others who took it it takes over an hour to get there.

we just got a taxi from the port, took about 15/20 minutes and cost is about £10 equivalent.

For years my husband & I traveled independently and our main mode of transportation was public transport.  A plus was meeting local folks and the slower pace gave us a opportunity to  see stuff along a route rather than whizzing buy in a car so I spent hours determining how to get around  Dubai using buses and metro, A bus that leaves Falcon Intersection  takes 30 minutes to the mall but I woke up in the middle of the night wondering if I would find the intersection so this morning I decided to take a taxi. 

Found on another site that there used to be complimentary shuttle bus services to selected shopping malls across Dubai. Anyone been there recently and can confirm/deny.  

On ‎1‎/‎29‎/‎2019 at 1:38 AM, hamrag said:

 

We did not go to the mosque, but absolutely agree re the palace....it is nice enough, and a very pleasant 2 or 3 mile walk from the port but do bear in mind most people will be sweating profusely (as we were) so consider wearing clothing which would not highlight such!

LOL! Thanks for the heads up but I expected to get a tad warm walking that distance

On ‎1‎/‎28‎/‎2019 at 11:50 PM, little britain said:

The mosque is far more impressive than the exterior of the palace, which warrants no more than a 5 min photo stop.....imho.

Whilst I applaud your intentions to diy (we always do) there are some times/places when you have to admit defeat ......why not get a cab to the mosque? 

Cab could swing back past the Palace on the way back then drop you at the souk:  then you could stroll back along the very pleasant promenade back to the ship? 

The reason I started looking at the bus option was because on other travel info sites folks stated taxi drivers would not take you to the mosque unless you took a tour - which I don't want. I will hopefully get a taxi willing to just drive me there. Yup = defeated! LOL!

12 hours ago, cruiser man 60 said:

They are completely motorised and any sails are just for show these days.

LOL! - OK - I had visions of huffing and puffing to set sail in order to return to the ship on time

Many Thanks to all who took the time to post

The ship arrives Khasab too late for 1/2 day dhow morning departure so I thought I would do the afternoon one that is supposed to return at 5. It appears the dhows are near the cruise ship port so I may be OK

Do they depend entirely on wind power or do they also have motors

Has anyone experienced a problem with a breakdown? 

Thanks helenb. I am thinking of taking a half day cruise that return at 5 so some concern re getting back on the ship. Just to ease my mind, I  will ask on the forum if the dhow boats break down. Can you tell I have my worry beads out? Sigh!

If a ship sails out of port at 6 pm - what time do you need to be on board before they sail without you

On ‎1‎/‎27‎/‎2019 at 1:57 PM, KathyBC said:

 

 

We are on different cruises but expect that not being allowed off after boarding will apply to me. I have emailed requesting clarification re this and also what the latest time I can board. Because of my arrival time - I booked a hotel so not concerned because hopefully = the hotel will store my luggage after check out. Will update if I get a reply

I received an email stating:

" This is from our operations department:"

"the check-in will start at 13:00, they can embark and then leave the ship to go ashore to explore Dubai."

He did not answer my question as to how late you can board. Also did not reply to another question so I expect he is done with me …..

7 hours ago, cruiser man 60 said:

We also used the above named company, excellent service and the price is less than 50% of MSC price for same tour.

there is nothing to do in the town of Khasab other than an old fort with very few shops/cafes. In Muscat there isn't plenty to see such as the Mosque, great beaches, views etc.

Thanks for the heads up - I will have a look at this company. I got to the credit card payment stage with another company and thank goodness looked at the ship itinerary. Out ship docks an hour after the little boats take off …………. Sigh!

7 hours ago, cruiser man 60 said:

We got a taxi at the gates and it was 300 dirhams for a 3 hour tour and we went to the mosque, the sultans palace, the souk, the beach and various other sites. If you want to go somewhere different or for longer then just agree a price with them.

there is a free shuttle bus that drops you in town but we didn't see many public buses although our dinner guests got one back from sultans palace after walking the 2 or 3 mile s there!

Just now, KathyBC said:

 

I have pretty much discounted using the bus because most of the information gleaned thus far is that they are unreliable if they do show up. Through another site I have been asking info from a local who has never been on a bus and does not know anyone who has. LOL!

7 hours ago, cruiser man 60 said:

We got a taxi at the gates and it was 300 dirhams for a 3 hour tour and we went to the mosque, the sultans palace, the souk, the beach and various other sites. If you want to go somewhere different or for longer then just agree a price with them.

there is a free shuttle bus that drops you in town but we didn't see many public buses although our dinner guests got one back from sultans palace after walking the 2 or 3 mile s there!

Thanks Cruiser Man 60. I really don't want a tour just to get to the mosque. I can pretty much see many of the places on your tour on my own --- I think Sigh!  I plan to do what your dinner guests did and yes it is a long walk but unless horribly hot - should be nice

10 hours ago, little britain said:

The mosque is a considerable distance from town - at least a 20 min drive IIRC.  It is off a busy dual carriageway.

I have been to Muscat about 4 times and TBH I cannot remember seeing a public bus.....

I have pretty much discounted using the bus because most of the information gleaned thus far is that they are unreliable if they do show up. Through another site I have been asking info from a local who has never been on a bus and does not know anyone who has. LOL!

When my husband and I did a little traveling - we seldom did tours rather preferring to find our way to a sight by public transport. This was not a matter of cost but because we met local people who enhanced our experience so I would like to travel to the mosque by bus. 

Information I have is to take No 4 bus from near port gate to Ruwi bus station then change to No1 bus which passes the Mosque but I am confused about the bus schedule. It appears the on Saturdays the # 4 bus runs early in the morning and late at night but no buses in between those times. 
One site I visited informed that buses are rare so to avoid them. Is this true?

7 hours ago, Poldek007 said:

Hi.

Looks like we will be on the same cruise.

We are landing in Dubai at 8am Friday 15 and have a shuttle booked to cruise terminal. (not sure at what time is the bus)

We have also booked Hop On and Off bus for Friday to see Dubai as we will be first time there.

I did ask MSC info line if we can embark early, leave suitcases and go back to the town and I was informed that after coming on board of the ship we will not be aloud to go out at the same day as too many people will be coming and it will be too difficult for the staff to organise it??? Only next day on Saturday we will be able to go to town.

I was thinking about possibility of leaving our luggage at the cruise terminal and embark late, after visiting the city but not sure if there is a place for leaving safe our belongings and what would be the latest time to come to the ship on Friday.

Any advise from someone as MSC Customer Service is not very helpful at this matter. 

We are on different cruises but expect that not being allowed off after boarding will apply to me. I have emailed requesting clarification re this and also what the latest time I can board. Because of my arrival time - I booked a hotel so not concerned because hopefully = the hotel will store my luggage after check out. Will update if I get a reply

There are excursions to to take from both Muscat and Khasab. Any thoughts if one is better an the other

5 hours ago, CruisingFox27 said:

Kathy that's high tea at the Burj Al Arab hotel. We did high tea at the Burj Khalifa

http://www.atmosphereburjkhalifa.com/high-tea.aspx

Many Thanks!

k

On 7/11/2018 at 5:32 AM, CruisingFox27 said:

The miracle garden is beautiful, it was open when we visited in March. We did high tea at the Burj Kalif, highly recommend it. We did a dune jeep tour in Qatar which was excellent, although not for the faint hearted!

It's a stunning region and we thoroughly enjoyed it .

I am a tad confused re where high tea is held. 

Information I found has the tea happening at:

HIGH TEA AT SAHN EDDAR
Location:
First floor, Burj Al Arab Jumeirah

and another at what I think is a bar on 
27th floor, Burj Al Arab Jumeirah

Please share a little information on your experience