Live from the Ocean Princess - April 29 to May 27, 2011

[dutchess43]

A quick question there seems to be controversy regarding which ships still have the seafood buffet on embarkation does the Ocean Princess offer this venue?

[cruiserus]

Thank you for this. We're looking at doing the reverse (Rome to Singapore) in a few years & information is hard to come by.

 

I'd love, when you have time afterwards, to hear your opinion on the Taj Mahal option. The route we're looking at has you leaving from Dubai & joining back up with the cruise in Mumbai. Its a big expense but I don't know that I could pass up an opportunity to see the Taj Mahal.

 

I would love to know about that excursion too. What were the land accomodations like? Transportation? It is somethiong I would like to see ibn the near future, so any info would be appreciated.

[JohnLauben]

A quick question there seems to be controversy regarding which ships still have the seafood buffet on embarkation does the Ocean Princess offer this venue?

 

No seafood buffet on the Ocean Princess. I believe that this is limited to the Caribbean, Crown, Emerald and Ruby. And, maybe, not even all of those.

[paul929207]

Day 16 - At sea

We are now in the middle of 6 sea days in a row. We sat on the balcony for about 1 1/2 hours watching the porpoises play as we sailed along.

[Kiwi Kruzer]

Day 16 - At sea

We are now in the middle of 6 sea days in a row. We sat on the balcony for about 1 1/2 hours watching the porpoises play as we sailed along.

 

Sounds delightful Paul.

 

[sunsetbeachgal]

Enjoying your journey! Keep it coming!

[Waynetor]

A few questions:

In United Arab Emirates and Omon have women passengers had any issues with what they wear off the ship?

The Canadain gov't is having a dispute with United Arab Emirates with the result being Canadaians are supposed to have a costly visa to go there, We have been told that for the Rome to Singapore cruise this fall that we would be able to board the ship but not get off in United Arab Emirates w/o the visa. Have you talked to any Canadains on board regarding what they did regarding this?

Are the meals standard Princess fare or are you getiing some local items?

Thanks - Wayne

[paul929207]

A few questions:

In United Arab Emirates and Omon have women passengers had any issues with what they wear off the ship?

The Canadain gov't is having a dispute with United Arab Emirates with the result being Canadaians are supposed to have a costly visa to go there, We have been told that for the Rome to Singapore cruise this fall that we would be able to board the ship but not get off in United Arab Emirates w/o the visa. Have you talked to any Canadains on board regarding what they did regarding this?

Are the meals standard Princess fare or are you getiing some local items?

Thanks - Wayne

In Oman & UAE, "proper" dress is required to enter a mosque. This means legs, arms, shoulders and head covered for women. They will not let you into the mosque wearing things like shorts, miniskirts, spaghetti straps, etc. I have seen women denied entrance or forced to cover up. Note that except for the head covering, the same rules apply at the Vatican.

Other than that I have not heard of any women having any issues, but I have not seen anyone flouting these standards.

I will check with some Canadian friends and get back.

Meals are standard Princess.

[paul929207]

May 15, 2011 – At Sea

We spent the day sailing across the Arabian Sea south of the Arabian Peninsula. Lots of ships sailing thru these waters. We had a US naval vessel nearby for part of the day and then a South Korean one in the afternoon. There are always several of the ship’s security personnel on the open decks, scanning the sea.

 

May 16, 2011 – At Sea

We had naval vessels in the area today too. Around noon, we entered the Red sea.

We had our Cruise Critic luncheon today. About 30 people attended.

May 17 , 2011 – At Sea

We are now in the Red Sea, heading towards the Gulf of Aqaba. We have left the area prowled by the pirates behind.

[JohnLauben]

A couple of other notes ...

 

* Cruise cards were scanned during the muster drill on embarkation day

 

* There was a "no smoking" night in the casino last night. There may have been others ... I did'nt notice. A sign was posted inside the casino stating this.

[JohnLauben]

Just departed Aqaba, Jordan. Nice city ... some new and some old. Very interesting architecture. However, still mostly desert; was quite evident at departure time (sandy/hazy,reduced visibility).

 

Went to Petra ... 2 hour drive each way. Hot and sunny, but not unbearably so. Not very easy to navigate the site; hilly with a somewhat uneven dirt road through the canyon to, ultimately, the treasury (where Indiana Jones found the Holy Grail). Incredible ... definitely worth the trip. Buffet lunch afterwards at the Crowne Plaza hotel.

 

Tomorrow is Safaga, the port for Karnak and Luxor. We are reportedly the first cruise ship to return to Egypt since this past winter's turmoil. Going to the Valley of the Kings. Will report back tomorrow.

[paul929207]

May 18, 2011 – At Sea

This is the sixth straight sea day. While many passengers are looking forward to land tomorrow, no one seems to be going crazy. We have not heard any reports of fights in the laundry room over the machines or at the pool or show lounge over seats and there has been no bloodshed at trivia.

Tomorrow and the next day will be long days for most of us. First, we will be in Aqaba, Jordan and most will go to either Petra (an old Roman trading town) or Wadi Rum (desert area where Lawrence of Arabia led the Bedouins against the Ottoman Empire at the end of WWI). Both are close to two hours from the port. The following day will be Safaga, Egypt, for Luxor and the Valley of the Kings, and Luxor and Karnac Temples. This is about 3 ½ hours from the port.

May 19, 2011 – Aqaba, Jordan

Aqaba is located at the very southern tip of Jordan on the Gulf of Aqaba. As we sailed in, to our right was Saudi Arabia, in front to the right was Jordan, in front to the left was Israel and on the left was Egypt.

We had a full day tour to Petra, and ancient trading center, about 85 miles north of Aqaba. Our private tour for 17 was on a full size bus, so we all had plenty of space. We traveled thru the barren desert, with only an occasional Bedouin camp along the way. On arrival at Petra, our guide purchased the entry tickets and led us thru the Siq. This is a mile long canyon that connects Petra to the world. The Siq is about 20 to 30 feet wide and the walls are 50 to 75 feet high. At the end of the Siq, we entered Petra with its famous Treasury right in front of us. The Treasury was featured in Indian Jones – the Last Crusade among other movies.

The thing that makes Petra so different from most ancient cities and ruins is that the building (which are burial chambers) are carved into the mountains. In most ancient sights, the buildings are the result of stacking rocks upon rocks. We then walked passed many other buildings before arriving at the ruins of an ancient Christian church. You can still see the mosaic floor, as well as some of the columns.

Lunch was a buffet at a restaurant that overlooked Petra.

[sunsetbeachgal]

I have always wanted to go to Petra...thanks for the description!

[Kinkacruiser]

What an interesting and adventure-filled cruise. I have it in my saved cruises list. Looking forward to some photos when you download. Many thanks for sharing your journey with us.

[JohnLauben]

(Internet is really slow today. Posting is at a premium.)

 

Yesterday (Friday), the OCEAN PRINCESS was in Safaga, Egypt. I took the excursion to Karkak, Luxor and the Valley of the Kings. Very, very exhausting and strenuous. Left the ship before 8AM, and returned a bit after 10:30PM. Over 3 hours on the bus to the first stop. Buses ran in a convoy, with security. Crazy traffic here ... frequent road checkpoints that the driver needs to negotiate. Temps ranged from 40 to 50 degrees "C" (104-122 Fahrenheit). Really worthwhile, but a lot of walking and direct sunlight ... sunburn city! Nice lunch at the Sonesta Hotel in Luxor.

 

On the last leg of the Red Sea today (Saturday) ... tomorrow we transit the Suez Canal to the Mediterranean Sea, then on to Athens on Tuesday.

[JohnLauben]

The buffet is currently in lockdown mode. All items being served by wait staff. There's an outbreak of some sort of intestinal virus (not NORO) affecting quite a few (not many) passengers. They're taking no chances.

[paul929207]

May 20, 2011 – Safaga, Egypt

Safaga is a small port on the Red Sea. From here the tours went to Luxor home of Luxor and Karnak temples, the Valley of the Kings and Sphinx Avenue. It was a 3 ½ hour drive each way. We were there in 2006 for several days, so we decided not to go again.

 

May 21, 2011 – At Sea

Since there is not much to report today, I will tell you about our stowaway. We picked up a blackbird in Dubai about 10 days ago. It has been living up by the pool. During the Pirate Drills, the Captain said the code for a pirate attack was Sierra Poppa, so that is the name the bird has been blessed with.

[Kiwi Kruzer]

They are either in or approaching the Suez canal NOW..

 

 

Enjoy the transit Paul..

 

[JohnLauben]

They are either in or approaching the Suez canal NOW..

 

 

Enjoy the transit Paul..

 

 

We began the transit a bit early. We were first in a convoy of 40+ ships. We exited the canal about 2 hours earlier than anticipated. It was a beautiful day, although it started out rather cool. Many settlements along side the western side of the canal. Amazing how the western side is green and (rather) lush, and the eastern side is mostly desert sands. A few bridges cross the canal. An interesting day.

 

On another note, the ship has been offering the option to stay on until Dover for a (ridiculously) reduced price. Looks like the next leg isn't very well booked either. Post-cruise arrangements must be flexible to take advantage of this ... mine weren't that flexible; some are taking advantage of this offer.

[paul929207]

May 22, 2011 – Suez Canal

We spent most of today sailing thru the Suez Canal, which connects the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea. It is also the dividing line between Africa and Asia. The African side is very lush as it is irrigated with water from the Nile River, while the Asia side is part of the Sinai Desert and barren. Armed guards are stationed every mile or so along the canal’s 120 mile length.

 

There is little difference between the water level in the Med and the Red Seas, so there are no locks in the canal.

[Shogun]

Hi

 

Thanks for posting live,

 

maybe one day we will get to do this cruise

 

yours Shogun

[paul929207]

May 24, 2011 – Athens, Greece

We took a bus to the metro to the Acropolis. It cost 0.70 Euros or about $1.00. The ticket was good for bus and metro travel for 90 minutes from when it is fisrt validated. It was still a good climb from the metro station to the acropolis. We wandered about the sight with its ancient temples and magnificent views of the Athens area for an hour or so. Then we walked down to the Plaka, with is a network of small streets, most prohibiting vehicles. The area is full of shops and restaurants. We found a nice little restaurant and had a great Greek lunch. We then rode the Metro and bus back to the ship.

 

Unfortunately, our journey is coming to an end. Tomorrow we will be at sea, then in Sorento, Italy on Thursday. Friday, we will disembark the ship and fly home on Saturday.

[lutzcruiser]

So for this cruise Singapore to Rome which countries :

 

1. Did YOU have to get Visas for ?

2. Issue Tourist Visas on arrival ?

3. Do Princess get the Visas on arrival and charge to on-board account ?

 

We are doing similar cruise on Ocean Princess 17/10/12 Rome to Singapore, and have been told we need to get our own Visas for Egypt & India, and that Princess will get them for Jordan .

 

Any feedback appreciated .

 

I too am booked on the Oct 17, 2012 cruise and was told by Princess that the only visa I needed to get on my own was for Australia. Princess will get the visa for you for a fee.

[paul929207]

I too am booked on the Oct 17, 2012 cruise and was told by Princess that the only visa I needed to get on my own was for Australia. Princess will get the visa for you for a fee.

The cruise we are taking and posting about does not go to Australia. For Singapore to Rome, US citizens need to get a visa for India in advance.

[sandbug2]

Glad you are enjoying the last days of your journey. Great to meet you on the Shanghai to Singapore leg, wish we could have kept going! Thanks for the live post,

Sandy:D