Bit of a Blog : Rhapsody : B2B : Singapore - Dubai - Istanbul : May 3rd 2015

[Leslie K]

Does RCL add an extra security for the passages vulnerable to pirates in addition to limited outside access and curtains drawn? I know HAL added barbed wire and water cannons for that part of the world cruise.

[NorbertsNiece]

Are you posting any pictures from Dubai?

 

I will once I've finished uploading New Mangalore, Goa and Mumbai. :)

 

Does RCL add an extra security for the passages vulnerable to pirates in addition to limited outside access and curtains drawn? I know HAL added barbed wire and water cannons for that part of the world cruise.

 

I've no idea. I only went out on Deck 5 briefly this evening at sailaway before we were asked to go indoors. Will find out more tomorrow perhaps. Barbed wire? Blimey.

[little britain]

Hi Linda,

 

Great review - as always.

Can you kindly do a quick recap of the tours you have taken in each port and whether they were ships tours or private ones? If the latter can you share the names of the tour guides/companies you used please?

[Spring]

I will once I've finished uploading New Mangalore, Goa and Mumbai. :)

 

 

 

Can't wait, only 17days before I get to see it in person.:D

[little britain]

I will once I've finished uploading New Mangalore, Goa and Mumbai. :)

 

 

 

Can't wait, only 17days before I get to see it in person.:D

 

I will be staying at Burj Residence across the lake or what every they call it from the mall and Burj Khalifa.. Looking forward to seeing the water show.

OT but I go to Dubai every year, I actually was there yesterday!!! My recommendation would be to go to The Address hotel and the outside bar on the reception level for the best views of the fountains.

 

This is the view from the terrace.

 

This was the view from my hotel room! It really is an incredible city. Overwhelming architecture.

Edited May 18, 2015 by little britain

[NorbertsNiece]

I will once I've finished uploading New Mangalore, Goa and Mumbai. :)

 

 

 

Can't wait, only 17days before I get to see it in person.:D

 

No pressure then.....

[Setting sail for fun]

Wow, it does sound like extra precautions are being taken due to pirates in that part of the world.

 

Please let us know more when you find out the details.

[NorbertsNiece]

Hi Linda,

 

Great review - as always.

Can you kindly do a quick recap of the tours you have taken in each port and whether they were ships tours or private ones? If the latter can you share the names of the tour guides/companies you used please?

 

This is the first time I have managed to post in my room. Cut and pasted to save time…. You just never know how stable it is…..

 

Tours taken cruise 1 : All independent. All returned to port in good time.

 

Port Klang : WegowithAnuar.com

Phuket : taxi from tender pier

Colombo : Toursbylocals.com (the only one I arranged)

Cochin : Cochin Magic *

New Mangalore : I don’t know the name of the company….. maybe Bronxgal40 who arranged can post here….. she is still on board as well actually so hopefully at the M&M tomorrow.....

Goa : Goa Magic *

Mumbai : Mumbai Magic * all same company : http://www.mumbaimagic.com

[Spring]

 

OT but I go to Dubai every year, I actually was there yesterday!!! My recommendation would be to go to The Address hotel and the outside bar on the reception level for the best views of the fountains.

 

This is the view from the terrace.

 

This was the view from my hotel room! It really is an incredible city. Overwhelming architecture.

 

My hotel is on the lake, and my room overlooks the fountains. So you thank I should walk over to the Address, and not set on my Balcony?

[Mnamom1105]

oh, Dubai. Was there 10 days in 2014 and LOVED it.....ahhhhhhh......

 

ENJOY your trip!

[depplep]

Incredible review. Having never traveled to that part of the world, or anywhere so desperately poor, I wonder did you ever feel unsafe? I don't mean this to be disrespectful, but the pictures are both beautiful and frightening at the same time. Thank you so much for taking us along on this journey.

[BonTexasNY]

I was going to have my husband translate the hebrew signs but glad Happy Trailer, Ruth, got to it first. I have to comment again what an incredible journey this is for me if only in print. Just looking at your fascinating pictures and commentary puts me in countries that I know next to nothing about.

 

Can't wait until you get to Israel. I lived in Tel Aviv for the first year of my married life. Amazing experience over 40 years ago. Looking forward to your pictures.

 

Continued safe and happy sails to you.

[NorbertsNiece]

Incredible review. Having never traveled to that part of the world, or anywhere so desperately poor, I wonder did you ever feel unsafe? I don't mean this to be disrespectful, but the pictures are both beautiful and frightening at the same time. Thank you so much for taking us along on this journey.

 

Hi,

 

Never felt unsafe. Market vendors can be a little insistent anywhere but I'm a veteran of Labadee and can handle it ;)

[NorbertsNiece]

Couldn't log on this morning with my laptop so have come to the D lounge for a quick update. Was not so easy to get on here either. Popping more pics up will have to wait a bit, sorry Ron.

 

I'd heard about a letter that was delivered to rooms on Day 1 of this cruise but I didn't get one; then last night it was mentioned that Capt Gustavo would be talking on the TV about it after Graham's breakfast show. So at midnight I watched it. The Capt gave a full explanation with a map about the process. I called GS to get sight of the letter and she said it would be delivered. It hadn't by this morning so I went to GS... at 0715 they were just drawing the curtains on Deck 5 Centrum. She said the letter was with housekeeping which really isn't any use if the drill is at 1030.... but still.... they had piles of them out on the counter in 3 languages.

 

This may sound crazy but I'm concerned about going into details..... they're not much and pretty obvious really. He talks about lookouts and evasive action. He mentioned 'full speed' on the TV. On hearing the code word 'Safe Haven' further announcements will be given, people in Inside Rooms can stay there. People with balconies and OV are to go into the corridors. People in lounges will be directed by staff away from windows.

 

I've not seen any barbed wire or water cannon..... was that comment earlier for real?

 

Will let you know how the drill goes.

Edited May 19, 2015 by NorbertsNiece

[NorbertsNiece]

Our M&M was at 0930. Went well I think.

 

I hung out after on deck 5 centrum area. Half an hour and then 15 minutes before the drill an announcement was made in 3 languages warning of the drill about to take place. On accommodation decks room stewards will be checking the oceanside decks for occupants and popping cards through the door key slot to show they've been checked (as with Muster).

 

In the centrum area when the drill was called we were ushered into the Casino.... we could have gone through into the theatre where there was an excursion talk being given I believe. Drill lasted about 25 minutes. I saw a crew security member with binoculars on Deck 5 starboard. We may very well have a drill a day until the 24th..... I don't know.

 

Am on laptop.... internet connection is poor and I don't think pics are uploading.... I'll continue to post those already succeeded.

 

Here's today's Compass

DAY 3 RH Cruise Compass, At Sea, May 19.indd.pdf

Edited May 19, 2015 by NorbertsNiece

[NorbertsNiece]

Sorry..... just heard someone walk past saying the British have a funny sense of humour.... I will never know what instigated that comment....

 

Walking around the ship first thing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[NorbertsNiece]

 

 

 

 

 

[NorbertsNiece]

 

Many men clinging on

 

 

 

 

 

Edited May 19, 2015 by NorbertsNiece

[NorbertsNiece]

We arrive at the Kadri Manjunatha Temple

 

I cannot begin to describe how the exterior failed to reflect the beautiful interior

 

 

 

 

 

There was a huge courtyard

 

 

[NorbertsNiece]

 

 

 

 

 

[NorbertsNiece]

I am aware that the step in / out is not be stood on.... supplicants touch the lead step and kiss their hands.....

 

 

There is a price to be donated for a special blessing

 

 

The smell of incense, the sound of the bell... so spiritual and inspirational

 

 

 

 

Edited May 19, 2015 by NorbertsNiece

[NorbertsNiece]

 

 

 

 

 

[NorbertsNiece]

 

 

 

 

Another place for cleansing

 

 

[PompeySailor]

Hi,

 

Never felt unsafe. Market vendors can be a little insistent anywhere but I'm a veteran of Labadee and can handle it ;)

 

 

Linda, have to agree with you Labadee can be brutal at times;)

Fully understanding the British humour:)

[Spring]

Couldn't log on this morning with my laptop so have come to the D lounge for a quick update. Was not so easy to get on here either. Popping more pics up will have to wait a bit, sorry Ron.

 

 

That's ok, I enjoy ALL of you post and pictures.