Istanbul to Dubai

[DeepFreeze63]

We had a safe, secure, and fun night. Mad- cap " country fair" was held inside because of wind. Ray's puppet was,as expected, marvelous. Had a Japanese warship escort us.

Had a fun dinner in Signatures with Staff Captain Vasta; he leaves in Dubai for vacation at home in Sciliy. He is a great diner companion; I peppered him with questions about navigation. Chef Kelley stays aboard; DW loves his pastries and desserts (other than the cupcakes).

[Travelcat2]

We love the country fair -- even when it is held indoors. Sounds like a great trip. BTW, I believe that the pastries are baked under the direction of the Pastry Chef rather than the Executive Chef (although the Pastry Chef probably reports to the Exec. Chef.) If you look at the bottom of the menu, it should list them separately.

 

You mentioned that the lecturers are the best you have had at sea. If you have a chance, could you name them? Thanks much:-)

[DeepFreeze63]

It is a great trip! Lecturers are Dr. Isbouts, a historian from, California who did the fascinating cultural talks ( he leaves the ship today) and Hugh Neighbors, a retired Naval Officer/State Dept., who did the destination ( and nearby areas) talks.

 

Fabulous "Bond" show last night! Usual quiz but dance routines were spectacular - lead male dancers stay on until March. Mother of one has been on board to celebrate her son' birthday.

[Travelcat2]

Thank you for the information on the lecturers. We will look for them on future Regent cruises.

[jhp]

DeepFreeze63, sounds like the ship is is great shape for those of us who board after you leave!

Thanks so much for your continued reports.

[eliana]

welcome JHP. Perhaps you will continue Deepfreeze's comments on the Voyager for the Dubai Cape Town leg. We board at Cape Town, but so far no info on any of the officers, cruise director etc. on that leg.

[DeepFreeze63]

We are in Muscat, Oman. Lovely - ringed by mountains, green, clean, neat, and people are friendly. The Sultan, whose birthday is today, built a beautiful country. Oil money spent wisely - no taxes, free education provided for ALL children, free health care, free land for any family when the man is over 24.

Did the "Splendors of Muscat" tour - very enjoyable. Had 3 photo stops (mosque, town overlook, Nd royal palace). Visited a small museum - interesting but maybe too long! Also stopped at Muttah souk . Some nice fabrics and souvenirs as well as the usual not so nice stuff. Many stoes close from 1 to4 .

[DeepFreeze63]

Just got copy of available wines. No complimentary NZ cAb sav; one (Clouudy Bay Estate is available for $52). Twenty included whites are available with 2 cav/sav (Franceu and Chile). Eighteen reds.

Our extra cost wine tasting lunch was cancelled - only two cabins signed up!

[Travelcat2]

Thank you for the wine update! Sorry to hear that the wine tasting lunch was cancelled. We attended one and it was wonderful.

 

We loved Muscat. I believe that is the port where we found the mosque to be one of the best we have seen in the world. Just reading about your adventures makes us want to do another cruise in that part of the world.

[dancingmary]

I just signed up for this trip in 2015. What hotels did you stay at in Istanbul and Dubai

[DeepFreeze63]

Stayed in Istanbul for 3 nights at the Hilton in Old Town across from University, near the Covered Bazaar, and on the tram line. Super location. Very nice hotel; we had a room at the back which was quiet.

Stayed in Dubai at the Hilton on the Creek. Nice property with a super restaurant. Fun to use the abras for water travel.

[dancingmary]

Thank you so much for answering with the hotel information.

[Portolan]

I just signed up for this trip in 2015. What hotels did you stay at in Istanbul and Dubai

 

There is a roll call for this voyage at http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2031946

 

As a partial answer to your question, we will be staying at the Istanbul Hilton Bosporus (there are a bunch of Hiltons in Istanbul) which is near Taksin Square. We've stayed there before and expect it to be very nice again. They have a very nice Executive Lounge which makes it worth considering booking an Executive Room (or count on access if you are a Hilton Diamond...for Gold it is a gamble).

 

Haven't been to Dubai, but we're staying at the Conrad. Both are a good use of Hilton points if that's an option.

 

So, maybe we'll meet next October!

Edited January 2, 2015 by Portolan