Live/Nautica: Greece, Holy Lands, Egypt, Dubai; Terry/Pix’s

[TLCOhio]

Our next stop in Dubai was the Marina District.  Fascinating, too!  But, this is all "new", not any of the "old" of Dubai.  This artificial canal city has been built along a two-mile stretch of Persian Gulf shoreline. This Dubai Marina was inspired by a development in Vancouver, BC, involving a Canadian design firm.  The results?  Spectacular!!   It is called the "Tallest Block in the world" with many of the skyscrapers ranges between 800 to 1000 feet in height.  This includes the unique and "twisted" Cayan Tower.  Our hotel, where we would stay for two more nights, was right nearby. 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Amazon River-Caribbean 2015 adventure live/blog starting in Barbados. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, San Juan, etc.).  Now at 62,244 views:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

 

Here we are in the middle of the Marina District, including the famed "twisted tower" that is very unique and different.  :

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Next we headed to Palm Jumeirah, an artificial island group created using land reclamation (and Dutch engineering) that extends significantly into the Persian Gulf.  Construction began in 2001 and by 2007, the Palm Jumeirah was billed as the world's largest artificial island. First is a view of the landmark Atlantis, The Palm, hotel at the top of this site.  Construction slowed for this massive complex during the 2008-10 economic downturn, but building has more recently roared back and the high-end residential areas are priced starting in the one million dollar plus range.  These visuals do NOT give any real idea as to how big and significant is this overall development.  Many more hotels are opening and being completed.   All of these are big name resorts with a wide variety of architecture designs and offerings. The second picture shows a view of the Marina District from Palm Jumeirah.  Third is another view/angle of the iconic Atlantis.:

 

 

 

Here is a quick view of the Kempinski Hotel & Residences that is just now opening at Palm Jumeirah.  This one new hotel complex cost about $700 million with lots of gold leaf used from interior decorations.  Look fancy and impressive?:

[Silver Spectre]

Glad to hear you got home safely Terry, are you planing on doing an Oceania v Silversea comparison?

[Paulchili]

Great pictures Terry - thanks.

I thought you might like Dubai 🙂

[DeeniEncinitas]

WOW fantastic trip!!!

great pics and blog. I appreciate the time spent doing this.

Denise😊

[TLCOhio]

22 hours ago, Silver Spectre said:

Glad to hear you got home safely Terry, are you planing on doing an Oceania v Silversea comparison?

 

Done with some of the meetings and other work requirements from the past two days.  Still waking up early, needing to complete 100% my unpacking, etc., etc.  Great above question/suggestion from Silver Spectre!!  Comparing Oceania vs. Silversea is little hard to do perfectly and clearly as both cruise lines have various ages and sizes of their many ships.  But will try to do that later.  Wonderfully nice follow-ups and comments from Denise and Paulchili.  YES, liked Dubai and Abu Dhabi very, very much.  Lots of big surprises as to what we saw, did and experienced in the United Arab Emirates.  

 

Next is more about Burj Al Arab.  In Arabic, it means "Tower of the Arabs".  This luxury hotel is the fifth tallest hotel in the world and it is located on an artificial island 920 feet from Jumeirah Beach.  It is connected to the mainland by a private curving bridge with full security to keep those only wanting to "look" away from this famed hotel. The shape of the structure is designed to resemble the sail of a ship. It has a helipad near the roof at a height of nearly 700 feet above ground.

 

To secure a foundation, per Wikipedia, the builders drove 230 concrete piles of 130 feet in length into the sand. Engineers created a ground/surface layer of large rocks, which is circled with a concrete honeycomb pattern, which serves to protect the foundation from erosion. It took three years to reclaim the land from the sea, while it took a little less than three years to construct the unique building.  Inside the building, the atrium is 590 feet tall.  We could have done drinks, diner, etc., inside this hotel, but the cost is not cheap and we did not think it was worth spending the needed time and money.  Maybe next time?  We did, however, get to see Burj Al Arab from several different angles and at sunset.  Very memorable and special structure!!  Below are some samples of my range of many visuals from this tall hotel with a design style unmatched in the world.  From people who have visited inside, its interior is also as "over-the-top" as its exterior.  That is part of what makes Dubai so different and popular.   

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

SE Asia/Mekong River, Etc.!  Live/blog from early 2018, first adventure through SE Asia, stops in Hong Kong and Bangkok, before exploring all over Vietnam and Cambodia, seven days sailing on the Mekong River. Now at 40,083 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2591474

 

From a nearby and nice seaside shopping complex, below is an angle and view of Burj Al Arab.  Second is my wife, Penny, with our expert guide, Ute Kostle, pictured with this world-famous hotel in the background.  Yes, my wife was enjoying this shopping location and our initial afternoon in Dubai!!:

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As the sun was setting and night was coming on, here are three of my different/varied views and angles from my camera of this architectural icon of Dubai.:

 

 

[TLCOhio]

Still more to come and share from Dubai, plus so much additional regarding our whole day in Abu Dhabi.  Sorry, but it cannot ALL be done with just one post.  This is an area that offers lots of "eye-candy" for a photographer's camera needs. 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Dubrovnik!  Nice visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this super scenic location. Over 44,422 views.    

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439227

 

As we were driving out to see The Palm series of islands, here was a fairly "clean" view of Burj Al Arab and how it sets out in the water.  Second is a somewhat more distant view of Burj Al Arab from our hotel, Habtoor Grand Resort.  This resort is a part of Marriott's Autograph Collection and is at Al Falea Street, Jumeirah Beach.  This view is from the third-floor infinity pool area and shows a small sample for ALL of the new construction going up AND UP along these coastal areas of Dubai.  The number of cranes and the amounts of building happening here are completely amazing!!:

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Here is a sunset view of the shopping area near Burj Al Arab.  This is a very classy and decently-scaled area that was very interesting and enjoyable.  Also at this complex, they had a nice range of varied dining opportunities.   Second shows our ladies sampling (and buying) some of the perfume scents being offered.  Bring lots of cash and varied credit cards as the potentials for "retail therapy" in Dubai are extensive and many.  The third picture shows one of the many large malls in Dubai.  Nice evening lighting at this shopping area with a design as a "throw-back" to the older days of Dubai!!  Notice the architecture touch with the "cooling towers" that harken back to early Dubai style?:

 

 

 

As we drove back to our ship after our initial exploring in Dubai, here are just two of the many, many different mosques in this large, sprawling city.  Most of the mosques are very creatively designed and well-done with their evening lighting.:

 

Edited December 13, 2018 by TLCOhio

[TLCOhio]

In doing an enjoyable 20-day cruise, one of the "dreaded days" is when "it" all ends.  Yes, on Dec. 6, we had to depart our room and the ship early in the morning.  All was smooth and easy!!  It helped that the day before we had arrived in Dubai and done certain of the "legal processing" fro the UAE customs officials.  Our guide and her driver was there to meet us as we rolled off from the ship.  We would be dropping off our luggage at our hotel as we headed for our full day in Abu Dhabi.  

 

Ending a cruise has some "distress", but it helps, as we were doing, to have the added time scheduled in an interesting, concluding port or city to "soften" the blow.   AND, having some "transition" back to being home and doing a return to "real life"!!?? That was true with this cruise and the added two nights we would have in Dubai and nearby. 

 

Regarding the Habtoor Grand Resort, we booked it far in advance through the Marriott website and got a very good rate at around $200 a night.  Most of the rooms are large with about 430 sq. feet room with a 42” TV.   After the Nautica, it was super great having the room, a large bath with both a shower and tub, etc.    This hotel was built in 2007.  Breakfast was not included with our room rate.  We paid extra for breakfast on each of the two mornings here.  That added about $25 per day per person.  Not cheap.  But, it was a decent and handy big buffet type of breakfast set-up.  Not the best we have ever had.  It worked, however, and gave us enough of head-start on the day that we did not need to do that much for lunch.  

 

For Dubai, there are so many different hotels.  BUT, I would strongly advise to consider what you need and really desire!!  Many of the big hotels are in more of the business/office/condo type of area.  We were so glad to be, however, in a "resort-type" of setting with pools, the beach, various food offerings, etc.  That allowed us some better "chilling out" and relaxing time following our busy and intense cruise.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Kotor/Montenegro:  Exciting visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this scenic, historic location. Over 44,264 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439193

 

When we return to the Nautica early in the evening after doing our initial tour of Dubai, we noticed this guy with his mountain bike.  It was the ship's Captain!!  From the earlier Q&A session with him, you could tell he was very fit!  Now we know a little more as to how he stays physically active.  He was friendly and nice, plus the Captain lifted up the bike up to show it for my camera.  Second is a picture of one of the excellent staff on the ship that made our sailing experience so wonderful with Oceania.  This is Anna Marie from Romania working in the Terrace Cafe during the mornings.  She was also the host for the Polo Grill in the evenings.:

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From the window of our Habtoor Grand Resort room, here was the morning view out to the open sea, a new observation wheel being constructed, etc.  This visual also shows a sampling of the nearby, other resort hotels in our area.  Plus, you can tell how bright and sunny was our view in the morning there in Dubai.  Looks good and better than being back in the gray and boring Midwest during the winter?:

 

From the beach/waterfront area at our Habtoor Grand Resort, here is the wonderful view back towards the city.  Like?  Lots of nice palms, shade, reclining lounge chairs, beverage/food service, etc.  What could be better?  Plus, the Internet worked out here!!  Better than being at home in Ohio?  And, you can see the dramatic skyline for this portion of Dubai.  At the right, you can see one of the towers for our hotel.:

 

From the front entrance to our hotel, here is the close-up of the dramatic and nearby skyscrapers in this dramatic portion of Dubai.  Second is a view from our hotel's third-floor infinite pool looking over towards a portion of the huge construction happening on a segment of the massive Palm Jumeirah development that is being more fully filled in now during the current economic recovery.  Our hotel was right next door to the sky diving attraction in Dubai.  That allowed lots of interesting watching as these people could come back down to earth after their jumping out of the airplane high above Dubai.  Interesting sights!!  So much happening here.  In the distant background, you can see the Atlantis, The Palm, hotel at the top of this nearby artificial island site:

 

 

 

[TLCOhio]

Now, it's on to Abu Dhabi!!??   With Dubai as as the region's tourist star, Abu Dhabi is the actual capital of the United Arab Emirates and is by a wide margin the wealthiest of its emirate. Abu Dhabi is both the name of an island city and of the larger emirate that occupies over 80% of U.A.E.

Having nearly 10% of the world's proven oil reserves, Abu Dhabi is known today for the massive wealth that it is using to remake its landscape and become a leading metropolis. 
Abu Dhabi's visibility continued to increase with its bailout of Dubai during the 2008+ economic slow-down  Abu Dhabi remains far less Westernized than Dubai and has yet to become a major tourist destination.  Its larger attention is on oil exports, trade, governmental relations and commerce.  In some ways, Abu Dhabi has been more conservative and more narrowly focused. As our guide pointed out and we saw, Abu Dhabi has more greenery and character closer to the historic Emirati traditional heritage when compared to the wider-range and more "over-the-top" Dubai. 

Abu Dhabi is in its own way starting to compete a little with Dubai for certain tourist and entertainment offerings.  This includes with the development of Saadiyat Island, which now houses a  branch of the Louvre (with the Guggenheim to come later), of Yas Island, which is home to a Ferrari theme park and the Yas Marina Formula 1 racetrack, etc.  Plus, a massive Warner Brothers indoor entertainment complex has just opened.   Abu Dhabi is expanding its  resort options, plus attracting major Western universities such as NYU, MIT and the Sorbonne.  And, Abu Dhabi has had its famed Cleveland Clinic here for the past three years, etc.

 

BUT, our first "BIGGIE" to visit was the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.  WOW!!  This was very impressive.  Sorry, that I am posting so many visuals, but this landmark building merits documenting and visiting just for the architecture alone.  Some might say this structure is reminiscent of the Taj Mahal with its white marble domes.  The building was completed in 2008 and combines Mamluk, Ottoman and Fatimid styles. Inside, there are many mosaics, huge German-made crystal chandeliers with the largest weighing 12 tons.  There are intricate glassworks and the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet, crafted by 1,200 artisans. At night the mosque’s illumination reflects the cycle of the moon. One of the minarets also houses a library featuring rare calligraphy and Arabic manuscripts.   

 

But, visuals can be worth a thousands words.  Right?  See below!!  Sorry to be posting so many, but there is so much of interest at this location requiring time to soak up, experience and enjoy.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 43,799 views. Featuring Cape Town, South Africa’s coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2310337

 

Here is my first series of visuals from our visiting to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.  One picture or angle does not do full justice to this massive and impressive site.:

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The building "details", as sampled below, help you appreciate the work and design aspects in constructing this large and significant structure in Abu Dhabi.  Don't worry.  More to come, especially for its interiors and other design details.:

 

 

 

 

[TLCOhio]

Below is part two from our visiting Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.  Many more pictures were taken, but hopefully this small sampling proves why it is worth the effort to visit this part of the UAE and its capital.   Don't miss this Grand Mosque!!

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Athens & Greece: Many visuals, details for a city with great history, culture and architecture.  Now at 28,292 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008

 

Before entering the main interior of the largest part of this Grand Mosque, you walk down a large, covered corridor.  During this journey, there are many impressive views and sights.  Below are a few of these experiences.:

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As we moved inside, these two visuals show more of the German-made crystal chandeliers.  The largest weighs 12 tons.  Notice the design details for this interior of this largest dome at this Grand Mosque?:

 

 

Here are more views of the open corridors as we walked back after being inside of their largest worship area, plus other sights connected with this religious structure.:

 

 

[TLCOhio]

After our Grand Mosque tour and seeing a variety of other locations in Abu Dhabi, we visited at the Emirates Palace.  It is a super luxury seven-star hotel operated by the Kempinski chain.  It  opened in November 2005 and required four years and three billion dollars to build.  It's impressive in every way, including for its exteriors, the lavish inside design/construction details, etc.  There is a separate entrance for visiting international dignitaries, etc.  We had lunch here under the gold-leafed ceilings and as a string quartet was playing.  Even the public bathrooms in this hotel were among the most opulent and interesting I have ever seen in the world.  According to Wikipedia, this is  the third most expensive hotel ever built.  It has about 400 different suites and residences, including special penthouses for visiting royalty.   Those were not for us on our more-modest budgets. 

 

We saw a number government buildings as we traveled around Abu Dhabi, but we are not supposed to take pictures of those structures for security reasons.  Yes, I was a "good boy"!!

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Lisbon, NWSpain, Bordeaux/Brittany: Live/blog, June 2017 from Portugal to France along scenic Atlantic Coast.  Now at 26,551 views.  Many interesting pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358

 

This is the interior of the main atrium of the Emirates Palace Hotel.  You can see the replica, historic ship in the middle, plus the large flag of the UAE nation.  Second is a small sampling of the gold-leaf on the ceiling in the area where we had lunch.  Lavish is an understatement for this hotel.:

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Across the street from the Emirates Palace hotel, here was the view of these tall and distinctive office buildings in Abu Dhabi.  The ones on the left are called the Etihad Towers, a complex of five unique towers.  One of them is over 1000 feet tall. These structures were used as a filming location for the 2015 film Furious 7 movie with Vin Diesel, etc.  Second is picture showing part of the high-rises that line a segment of Abu Dhabi's The Corniche along its waterfront with many recreational options outside and in the various buildings.  Like the bird as a co-star in this visual?:

 

[Paulchili]

What is so amazing about the architecture of both Abu Dhabi and especially Dubai is that one would be hard pressed to find 2 buildings that are the same among the hundreds.  Lots of fascinating and imaginative structures of all kinds - skyscrapers, hotels, mosques, shopping centers, etc, etc

Wonderful pictures Terry - thanks.

Edited December 13, 2018 by Paulchili

[TLCOhio]

23 hours ago, Paulchili said:

What is so amazing about the architecture of both Abu Dhabi and especially Dubai is that one would be hard pressed to find 2 buildings that are the same among the hundreds.  Lots of fascinating and imaginative structures of all kinds - skyscrapers, hotels, mosques, shopping centers, etc, etc.  Wonderful pictures Terry - thanks.

 

 

Appreciate this very nice follow-up from Paulchili!!   Excellent point about the wide variety of building designs and architecture in the UAE.  Below is another building angle/sample from Abu Dhabi.  Having ALL of that oil money, plus a cheaper construction labor cost structure, has allow them to do some very interesting and innovative projects.  Clearly the boom is on there now after the slow-down that happened after the 2008+ economic challenges.  Long-term it will be fascinating to see how all of these efforts work and play out.  More later from Abu Dhabi and at their new Louvre museum. 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Here is another view of the tall buildings along part of Abu Dhabi's The Corniche facing a part of its waterfront.:

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[TLCOhio]

Now to one of the new "stars" in the United Arab Emirates.  It's the Louvre!!  Not the one in Paris, but the "branch" in Abu Dhabi.  As the below Lonely Planet article details, this museum has been open just one year and has already attracted more than a million visitors.  Among their story highlights: "The offshoot of the French institution opened last year on 11 November and it has already reached a huge milestone in the number of visitors passing through the incredible building. More than half of those visitors are international travellers, which means the spot has already lured in plenty of fans from across the globe.  Created in partnership with French institutions, the Louvre Abu Dhabi describes itself as a 'universal museum in the Arab world', meaning that it’s focused on the stories of humanity, culture and civilization from across many eras and around the globe.  Even the architecture is designed to combine French design and Arabic heritage – the new museum was designed by award-winning French architect Jean Nouvel, and is inspired by a medina and desert-palm shading. While the building itself is something to behold, inside it is home to incredible treasures, including 600 pieces from the Louvre and 300 on loan from other French museums."

 

Below are a few visual samples as to some of what we saw there at this Louvre.  Clearly its dome-like covering is very unique and special.  Having been to the original Louvre in Paris starting in 1970 and many times later after its re-building and expansion, this "branch" is not as large.  That is somewhat good news as our time was limited here.  It's an interesting "sampling" compared to what we have seen at larger, more massive museums such as in New York City, Paris, St. Petersburg, etc.  

 

This museum is a part of a thirty-year agreement between Abu Dhabi and France. Located on the Saadiyat Island Cultural District, it is approximately 260,000 square feet in size, with 86,000 square feet (about two acres) of galleries.  According to Wikipedia, that makes it the largest art museum in the Arabian peninsula. The final cost of the construction is expected to be about €600 million. In addition, US$525 million was paid by Abu Dhabi to be associated with the Louvre name, and an additional US$747 million will be paid in exchange for art loans, special exhibitions and management advice.  Lots of money, but the Louvre is a BIG name to be used for hooking in visitors.

 

Overall, we are glad we visited here to see this innovative building and collection.  There is also there now a current exhibitions titled “Roads of Arabia: Archaeological Treasures of Saudi Arabia”.  We would like to see this exhibit, but our timing was too limited to explore this option. This museum is open Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 am to 8 pm, and on Thursday and Friday from 10 am to 10 pm. General admission cost us about $17 per person USD.  Their website is:  https://www.louvreabudhabi.ae 

 

We were hoping that Salvator Mundi, from around 1500 by Leonardo da Vinci.  This is the most expensive painting ever sold as of 2017.  We were told by the staff that it will be displayed in Louvre Abu Dhabi.  But, nobody knows exactly when it will be here at the location. 

 

Full Lonely Planet story and CNN reporting for this museum at:

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/news/2018/11/14/louvre-abu-dhabi-visitors/

https://www.cnn.com/style/article/louvre-abu-dhabi-museum-opening/index.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Panama Canal? Early 2017, Fort Lauderdale to San Francisco adventure through Panama Canal.  Our first stops in Colombia, Central America and Mexico, plus added time in the great Golden Gate City. Now at 25,286 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2465580

 

Here was the initial view as we walked to enter this new museum in Abu Dhabi.  This curved roof is very, very large. This "floating dome" has 7,850 stars of varying sizes in eight layers to create a perforated roof structure that allows sunlight through to the spaces below.  Per CNN, this dome is 591 feet in diameter and weighs over 7700 tons.:

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Having just been in Egypt and Greece, it was fun and connective to see these early collection highlights here at the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Yes, those artistic stars from Egypt, Greece, Rome, etc. set the early cultural trends for the world and they are a part of this collection.:

 

 

 

Here is more sampling for what it is at this new UAE museum.  Second is a classic Renaissance painting displayed here.  The third visual does reflect that their current collection has this one painting by Leonardo da Vinci on display on loan from the main Paris collection.  Close and interesting, but not quite Salvator Mundi!!??:

 

 

 

[TLCOhio]

With this Louvre in Abu Dhabi, there has been controversy and debate as to the wisdom and allowing of an oil-rich nation to use its wealth to "buy" culture and class.  Per the CNN article, "there's no doubt that, in terms of cultural significance, the museum is a huge milestone not just for the Middle East."  Long-term, this strategy might boost art values and attract buyers from these new wealth area.  Lots to consider and discuss.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Here are some of the "newer" items on display at this French-connection museum.  The third pictures shows the famous Whistler's Mother created by the American-born painter James McNeill Whistler in 1871 and now on display in the UAE.  It is also knows as "Arrangement in Grey and Black No.1".  It is one of the most famous works by an American artist outside the United States.  Now it is on loan to Abu Dhabi from the Musée d'Orsay, Paris.  Shown with the picture are Amy and Milt.  Given his back/travel challenges, using a wheel chair in this location made his logistics much easier at this sprawling facility.:

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In this museum was this interesting contrast with the positioning of a Rodin piece compared to a much earlier art item from the Roman/Greek periods.:

 

These two visuals reflect how this large, domed roof looks while inside and moving between the different buildings as a part of this unique museum complex.  The water is nearby and surrounding parts of this art facility.  As shown, there are many unique angles and affects from the sun, this dome, etc.:

 

 

 

As we were departing this museum and the sun was starting to set, here is the view of the UAE flag, the palms and this curved roof.:

 

As we were driving and returning to our Dubai hotel, here was the "look" as we were departing with this portion of the Abu Dhabi skyline.  It is about a 75-minute drive between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.:

[Unibok]

Hi Terry -- Again, thank you for your gorgeous and thorough trip report. I'm especially glad to see that you liked Muscat so much. When I sail in 2020, I will actually have 3 days there on a B2B: an overnight on the first leg, and then a day stop on the second. From your report, it sounds like I will not regret having the better part of 3 days in Muscat.

 

For the overnight, I had been considering getting tickets for whatever might be at the Opera House. Your photographs confirmed that I will want to go there, experience it, and see anything. Do you recommend anything else in particular? 

[TLCOhio]

12 hours ago, Unibok said:

Hi Terry -- Again, thank you for your gorgeous and thorough trip report. I'm especially glad to see that you liked Muscat so much. When I sail in 2020, I will actually have 3 days there on a B2B: an overnight on the first leg, and then a day stop on the second. From your report, it sounds like I will not regret having the better part of 3 days in Muscat.  For the overnight, I had been considering getting tickets for whatever might be at the Opera House. Your photographs confirmed that I will want to go there, experience it, and see anything. Do you recommend anything else in particular? 

 

Appreciate this super nice follow-up and the details for your upcoming visit to the Middle East.  YES!!  Muscat was a wonderful surprise in so many different ways.  Very impressive and moving in a highly positive manner with its variety of options and potentials.  In addition to the Opera House and the major mosque, the various markets (fish, produce, textiles, spices, etc.) were special and highly interesting.  BUT, our time where we traveled along their scenic coast and went "up-country" to see some of the nearby desert, etc., areas were a good sampling of the variety of sights and sites there in Oman.  Do more research, check books from a library and/or bookstore in order to consider your best options.  Overall, with its mountains and coastal setting, you can and should do much more in and around Muscat. Agree that seeing any type of production or performance in their Royal Opera House could be worth it.  

 

Below are some more visuals from the UAE.  More to come!!  Am finishing doing more checking as to what has and has been posted.  So many nice "photo treats" from this adventure. 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

For “Copenhagen: Love, Pix's, etc.”, with many visuals, news clips, tips and ideas for this Denmark capital, check:
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2356372

 

While at the lavish Emirates Palace hotel in Abu Dhabi, here were the ladies discussing and learning more on the various scent items offered.:

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Dubai has dozens of major malls.  Here are a couple of interior views of the Dubai Mall that is sprawled out with multiple levels next  to the world's tallest building.  All of the big names in retailing are here, plus every other type of shopping you can image.  Plus, movie theaters, dining locations, etc.  This one mall is totally massive and challenging to navigate.:

 

 

 

In Dubai, here is a wider visual sampling from our doing the La Perle show.  First is the lay-out and look of this specially-made, ten-story theater before the program started and the waters flooded this large performance area.  The third picture shows the massive, multi-story waterfalls that are a part of this spectacle.  This show created by Franco Dragone is Dubai’s first permanent show and they stage 450 performances a year.  This 1,300-seat theater was designed to provide an immersive experience and does 3D projections on the floors, wall and huge cyclorama.  They have a 360-degree surround sound system. This "aqua-stage" is filled with more than 700,000 gallons of water and has the ability to transform from an aquatic stage to a dry platform in less than a minute. This show has a cast of 65 artists.  In the metal ball shown below, there were up five performers roaring around on motorcycles.  This story is based on the original pearl history of this area, but you do not go to this program for its "plot".  It is all about the performers, acrobatics, aquatic and aerial stunts, etc.  It was an amazing show!!:

 

 

 

 

 

[Unibok]

Thanks, Terry! This sailing also stops in Khasab and Salalah, for a total of 5 days in Oman -- it sounds like there will be so much to see and do! I will certainly use one of those 3 Muscat days to get out of the city.

 

[TLCOhio]

1 hour ago, Unibok said:

Thanks, Terry! This sailing also stops in Khasab and Salalah, for a total of 5 days in Oman -- it sounds like there will be so much to see and do! I will certainly use one of those 3 Muscat days to get out of the city.

 

 

Glad you are considering your many options for Oman, including to use some of that time to explore outside of the cities.  For us, Salalah was "mixed" in our experience.  As noted earlier, their old market is being torn down and re-built.  Plus, the options in that town are more limited and narrow.  We did not visit Khasab and passed by this location at night.  Keep researching!!  You've got time.  Hopefully, also, "things" stay stable in Oman.  Their ruler is now age 77 and has had some recent health challenges.  He does not have a clear successor in place as he never had any children.  That could make a "transition" there as Oman seeks to move to the future.  Oman lives in a difficult "neighborhood" with some dangers next door in Yemen, etc. 

 

Below are some more visuals not previously posted from Oman, hoping to spur your interests and ideas. 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Super loved so different many parts of the Caribbean in 2015!!!  See more details and lots of great visual samples/examples at the link of "Barbados: Our Pix's, Experiences!":

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2262999

 

During our sail-in to Muscat, here was a view of an old fortress building by Portugal from the old days.:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these pictures larger/better!)

 

There are a wide variety of goods and offerings in the old market in Muscat.  Here is a small sampling from just one location there.:

 

From driving around in Muscat, here is a little sampling.  This includes, in the third picture, either a warning or preview that McDonalds does exist in the Middle East.  And, they have drive-through service!!  Is this good or bad??:

 

 

 

 

Below are a few more visuals from their scenic coast, the nearby mountains, etc.  Their natural areas are interesting and of value to explore.:

 

 

[TLCOhio]

Regarding Abu Dhabi, etc., have just seen a couple of articles that might be of interest for future planning.  Both bring back nice, recent memories.   From the Wall Street Journal and Sydney Morning Herald in Australia, they offered good UAE coverage.  Last weekend, in the Wall Street Journal, they had this headline: “An Insider’s Guide to Abu Dhabi”  with these highlights: “For the past few years Abu Dhabi, the capital city and largest emirate of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has been steadily stealing visitors away from its flashier neighbor, Dubai, enticing them with a growing collection of cultural attractions. The biggest bait, a 260,000-square-foot Louvre opened last year on Saaidyat Island, a short drive from Abu Dhabi city. If all goes well, a Guggenheim designed by Frank Gehry will soon follow, as well as Norman Foster’s Zayed National Museum, named for Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who became the first president of the UAE upon its federation in 1971. Some 200 islands—many man-made and linked by bridges—comprise the emirate, along with the mainland’s expanses of red-tinged desert, where men have been hunting with falcons long before the UAE existed.”

 

This WSJ profile had a wide range of suggestions and ideas from local experts for considering to do in Abu Dhabi.  This news source has a pay wall and might not be reachable for non-subscribers on-line.  You could check public libraries for access if needing this research.  

 

From the Sydney Morning Herald, they had this headline: "Dubai or Abu Dhabi - Which is the best destination for a stopover?"    Among the story highlights: "What can you expect if you take the stopover plunge in one of these two — very different — desert cities?  Abu Dhabi, the capital of the cluster of seven states forming the United Arab Emirates, is more demure and traditional, but there are plenty of attractions, and the Corniche is the place to be seen, as locals and foreigners mingle on the waterfront.  Must-dos include a visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, voted No. 2 by TripAdvisor in their list of the World's Most Amazing Landmarks.  Dubai, the brasher and more liberal cousin, feels more Disney than desert but it's our favourite stopover choice.  And there's plenty to please in this world of sprawling malls, theme parks, an international Trade Centre and the self-proclaimed seven-star hotel Burj al Arab, (stretching higher than the Eiffel Tower and only slightly shorter than the Empire State Building)."

 

Full stories at:

https://www.wsj.com/articles/an-insiders-guide-to-abu-dhabihigh-and-low-11544712276?mod=searchresults&page=1&pos=8

http://www.traveller.com.au/downtime-in-the-desert-dubai-or-abu-dhabi-for-the-stopover-gxx2ly

 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

From the Wall Street Journal, here are three of their visuals used in this detailed profile, including this first being a unique night angle of their spectacular Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.  Second is a view of people outside the Louvre Abu Dhabi.  Third is a view of "action" at The Corniche in Abu Dhabi.:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these pictures larger/better!)

 

 

[Paulchili]

Glad to see that Sydney Morning Herald agrees with me calling Dubai a "Disney" destination.

I don't think it's a put-down as who doesn't love Disneyland - they are both fantasy lands.

[Silver Spectre]

On 12/17/2018 at 2:49 PM, Unibok said:

Thanks, Terry! This sailing also stops in Khasab and Salalah, for a total of 5 days in Oman -- it sounds like there will be so much to see and do! I will certainly use one of those 3 Muscat days to get out of the city.

 

If get the chance to do a 4x4 safari into the mountains in Khasab it’s certainly worthwhile with some wonderful scenery

[Silver Spectre]

Once again, thanks for taking us along Terry. Where to next?

[Unibok]

40 minutes ago, Silver Spectre said:

If get the chance to do a 4x4 safari into the mountains in Khasab it’s certainly worthwhile with some wonderful scenery

 

Thanks for the tip, Silver Spectre! I followed your journey with great interest, and will be planning mine with yours and Terry's fresh in my imagination.

[TLCOhio]

On 12/19/2018 at 10:26 AM, Silver Spectre said:

Once again, thanks for taking us along Terry. Where to next?

 

Appreciate these various follow-ups and helpful comments. Am off this morning to Kansas City and Kansas for Christmas and then down to Charlottesville, Va., with our grandsons for New Years.  Not doing that by cruise!!  BUT, for cruising, it will be July 2019 when we are off for seeing the Banff/Jasper, Western Canada Rockies by rail, Vancouver, Alaska sailing with Silversea, etc. After that on our priority list is a first-time for visiting Galápagos, etc. 

 

Much more to share from our Middle East trip.  Lots of visuals still to post, plus happy to answer any and all questions.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

SE Asia/Mekong River, Etc.!  Live/blog from early 2018, first adventure through SE Asia, stops in Hong Kong and Bangkok, before exploring all over Vietnam and Cambodia, seven days sailing on the Mekong River. Now at 40,905 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2591474

[jimbri]

Your photos are wonderful!!