Our Arabian Adventure onboard MSC Fantasia - 4th - 11th March 2017

[peteukmcr]

Day 5 – Khasab

 

 

 

As I mentioned yesterday evening, I think we covered our meal in Tex Mex and trip to donate to the casino, but I would like to mention that I am really impressed with some of the servers who remember your beverage of choice, which I reckon is no mean feat from the thousands of people they serve. When I worked in a bar, the only time I remembered anyone's preferred drink was after serving them for months! So I'm always appreciative of their knowledge.

 

 

 

So early to bed and early to rise for our 07:30 meet up in the L’Insolito lounge. Luckily a full buffet breakfast is available from 06:30 am (“early bird breakfast” is available from 06:00 – 06:30) until 10:30 am, so we're showered and up there not long afterwards.

 

 

 

Now, this is possibly not going to be popular, but remember I promised ‘warts and all’, and I know the subject of food is very subjective. However, the one down side to me on MSC is that they can't keep stuff warm, never mind hot and you'd think that just after service has started at 06:30 am that the scrambled and fried eggs could be at least warm. Nope, the temperature can only be classed a tepid at best.

 

 

 

However, there are many other choices available from cold meats, cheeses, cereals, croissants, various breads and pastries, so you can't starve.

 

 

 

I know we can eat in the Red Velvet restaurant for breakfast but it doesn't start until 07:00 and so that wasn't practical today.

 

 

 

Lunch on the other hand is another matter in the buffet (again I know we could try the Lunch Bistro from 12:00 – 14:00 but I consider we are too casually dressed after our excursion). The burgers themselves are far better quality than some other lines, but not stone cold which they are every single day. The fries have changed from big fat ones to little scraps, again stone cold. The pizza, although tempting is again cold so my choices have been either a salad with some of the warm meat from the carvery station (today turkey) or pasta (again tepid though) or one of the daily specials which today consisted of lamb or chicken skewers, plus other options such as moussaka. The skewers were excellent.

 

 

 

I don't have any issues at dinner though regarding temperature of the food.

 

 

 

Anyway less about food, but just to say I think this is why MSC sometimes gets a bad press on the Divina which sails out of Florida regarding food. Many US guests will not tolerate tepid or cold food, I've dined with many of my friends from Florida on a cruise and meals times are an education on specific requirements, one of which is hot food [emoji1]

 

 

 

Now back to today and our excursion in Khasab. We'd chosen the Dhow Cruise to the Fjords and so were given group 1 when we met in the L’Insolito lounge at 07:30, but as Fantasia hadn't even dropped anchor at this point, we knew we were in for a bit of a wait. So by the time we were called, once again it resembled organised chaos as staff repeatedly asked guests to take a seat as people coming into the lounge couldn’t see the staff to present their tickets in exchange for your sticker. Here's an idea MSC, get the staff to use the stage that would put them higher up.

 

 

 

Anyway as this is a tender port (we watched early from our balcony staff preparing to lower the tenders) we expected to catch a tender to shore and then board the dhows, nope 4 of the dhows were tethered together at the exit on deck 4, and so we climbed aboard and made our way to the furthest one as we were group 1.

 

07:15 am and tender prep

 

 

The dhow headed off for the Fjords with complementary water, sodas, fruits and Arabic coffee and tea. The guide was informative about the area, how the small fishing villages dotted around the Fjords sometimes only have 3 families and a population of as low as 50. The school children are educated away from home during the week and return home at the weekend, water is delivered each a day and free electricity is provided, all this by the government.

 

 

 

On a few occasions the dhow changes course so we can see the dolphins who are in the area. Unfortunately they are not like those in captivity at a theme park, so they don't pop up smiling for a photo op! But trust me, they were there!

 

 

 

Eventually we arrived at Telegraph Island where those who want to can swim and climb on the island. We're there for around 45 minutes before we set sail back through the Fjords and returning to the ship.

 

 

 

For those of you who don't take the Dhow cruise, or another excursion offered by MSC, then they have arranged a shuttle bus from the cruise terminal (once you disembark the tender) to the city centre. A ticket valid all day costs €4.90 per person. These can be purchased from the excursion desk on deck 6 from 07:30 – 11:00. From reading the daily program it would appear you are allocated a specific letter and thus time for your outward shuttle and are asked to wait onboard until it is called.

 

 

 

For those on an excursion and who drop of in the city on the way back can catch a shuttle for no fee. If you return to the ship after your excursion then you can purchase a shuttle ticket with a 10% discount.

 

 

 

So, if like us who are returned directly to the ship after the Dhow cruise, if you want to visit the city you will have to purchase a discounted ticket when you return. Now how that works after they state tickets were only available from 07:30 – 11:00 is beyond me, as our meeting time was 7:30 and we didn't return to the ship until around 11:45!

 

 

 

Didn't affect us though as we didn't intend to visit the city anyway, but hopefully the above will help others.

 

 

 

Oh, and just a word of advice for the ladies out there who intend to visit a mosque in Muscat, the officials are even more strict on acceptable dress than in Abu Dhabi. Apologies if you already are aware of the restrictions. I knew that if we had wanted to visit, then long trousers were required as in Abu Dhabi, but this time long sleeved shirts were mandatory for gentlemen, short sleeved shirts are prohibited.

 

 

 

However, we chatted to the family from Oswaldtwistle yesterday evening and the mother and daughter were denied entry into the mosque because their feet were on show in sandals! They'd taken care with everything else, covering their heads in the grounds of the mosque, loose fitting clothes so there was no chance of accentuating their body shape (that's where a couple of tour group came unstuck in Abu Dhabi, even though covered the officials considered the clothes too tight) but they were still denied entry.

 

 

 

Anyway that's it for now, and it's Gala night again tonight so if there's anything to report, it'll probably be tomorrow when I get chance although I will post some snaps later when I've got them downloaded onto the iPad and got a faster internet connection (an excuse for a coffee and a cake later [emoji1]).

 

Btw just received an invite to the Voyagers Club Black party, tomorrow 9th March in the Transatlantico bar at 6pm, dress code formal. Well it's Gala night tonight so hopefully it's not again tomorrow because I'm not doing 3 formal nights. I doubt we'd go anyway because we only got black card status due to MSC status match program and didn't 'earn' like many loyal MSC cruisers so don't believe we really deserve it.

 

 

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Edited March 8, 2017 by peteukmcr

[Aulanis]

However, we chatted to the family from Oswaldtwistle yesterday evening and the mother and daughter were denied entry into the mosque because their feet were on show in sandals!

 

That is an odd one - as you have to take your shoes off to enter the mosque!!!

Seems they try to pull one or two from each tour for poor reasons so that the guides have to keep the standard up. Another thing to watch out for is that clothing which appears opaque in the cabin or anywhere not too bright ( even in the mosque?) can become semi transparent in the bright sun. outside where they do the checks.

The really annoying thing is that if you go on your own through the " none tour" entrance then you are given suitable overgarments if they are not happy with what you have. Apparently you cant use that entrance if you are on a tour. Anyway imo they might be bigger but were not as good as the Taj Mahal !!

[Beamafar]

Thanks Bea, Pete, very helpful. Perhaps I'll tell Mrs. K. that MSC set a 10 Euro a day limit

Cheers :tropical-drink::beer-mug:

Kernel

 

They have a promotion - I think it might be every night? - at about 11pm where you can claim a €3 free play by inserting your cruisecard. Mrs K, I would kindly suggest, should check this out with a casino employee ;)

 

Pete .......... I would disregard that 'formal dress' suggestion should you change your mind and attend the Black Card Event. Curiosity may get the better of you but I wouldn't let it if I were you - it was a complete waste of a half-hour pre-dinner which I could have used more productively, like washing my hair!

 

On the subject of food; it seems we had a different experience to you in that we found the food to be very warm to hot both in MDR and buffet, including breakfast items and pizza (according to DH - I don't eat pizza so can't speak to that). I always order a freshly cooked burger as I don't like sauce or cheese which the pre-prepared burgers include so mine are always hot, too. In the MDR we always stress to our waiter that we like our food hot and we're always obliged.

Edited March 8, 2017 by Beamafar

[peteukmcr]

They have a promotion - I think it might be every night? - at about 11pm where you can claim a €3 free play by inserting your cruisecard. Mrs K, I would kindly suggest, should check this out with a casino employee ;)

 

Pete .......... I would disregard that 'formal dress' suggestion should you change your mind and attend the Black Card Event. Curiosity may get the better of you but I wouldn't let it if I were you - it was a complete waste of a half-hour pre-dinner which I could have used more productively, like washing my hair!

 

On the subject of food; it seems we had a different experience to you in that we found the food to be very warm to hot both in MDR and buffet, including breakfast items and pizza (according to DH - I don't eat pizza so can't speak to that). I always order a freshly cooked burger as I don't like sauce or cheese which the pre-prepared burgers include so mine are always hot, too. In the MDR we always stress to our waiter that we like our food hot and we're always obliged.

I doubt we'll attend as 6pm start time doesn't work for us with our daily routine anyway, too early for us to be ready for dinner as that's not until 9:15pm.

 

 

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[peteukmcr]

Anyway a few photos from today

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[peteukmcr]

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[peteukmcr]

 

 

 

 

 

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[peteukmcr]

That is an odd one - as you have to take your shoes off to enter the mosque!!!

Seems they try to pull one or two from each tour for poor reasons so that the guides have to keep the standard up. Another thing to watch out for is that clothing which appears opaque in the cabin or anywhere not too bright ( even in the mosque?) can become semi transparent in the bright sun. outside where they do the checks.

I know, some of it doesn't make sense, but again it's a different culture and we are guests in these countries.

 

 

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[1fifthavenue]

Loving the review Pete!

 

Any chance you could post the excursion price list? I'm tempted to book some stuff before we go but wondering if it would work out better to do it onboard?

[peteukmcr]

Loving the review Pete!

 

Any chance you could post the excursion price list? I'm tempted to book some stuff before we go but wondering if it would work out better to do it onboard?

 

 

 

Will do tomorrow if that's ok. It's long but I'll do it in stages no problem

 

 

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[1fifthavenue]

You're a star, thank you, tbh only looking for Sir Bani Yas if that makes it any easier for you, and there's no massive hurry...

 

Or if you could just tell me how much the snorkelling at sir bani yas is :cool:

[peteukmcr]

You're a star, thank you, tbh only looking for Sir Bani Yas if that makes it any easier for you, and there's no massive hurry...

 

Or if you could just tell me how much the snorkelling at sir bani yas is :cool:

 

 

 

Will do np

 

 

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[Hami1966]

Hi,

 

I'm really enjoying your review, we did this cruise in December. The ship is beautiful. It was our first time with MSC and although one or two minor issues, there was nothing to stop us booking again. Doing the new Meraviglia in August.

We aren't black card members so couldn't comment on the gifts but don't remember them running out of anything.

Enjoy the rest of your holiday

 

 

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[Beamafar]

Pete .......... interesting to hear you received a cap as well as the bag. We got 2 tote bags - the second after paying a visit to the CC to query why we only got 1 originally. We asked at the time if they were the only gifts he had and he told us that they're the only gifts there are. I tried disputing this with him as I'd read on here before of others receiving hats but got nowhere! I've lost count of the number of bags we have now not counting the ones we've given away.

 

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[peteukmcr]

You're a star, thank you, tbh only looking for Sir Bani Yas if that makes it any easier for you, and there's no massive hurry...

 

Or if you could just tell me how much the snorkelling at sir bani yas is :cool:

 

 

 

Here you go, hope you can read them. If not, the snorkelling is €32.90

 

 

 

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[peteukmcr]

Day 6 - Sir Bani Yas

 

Beach stop today so we watched the loading of tenders with all the provisions which headed off to the island in preparation of the hoards of thirsty and hungry cruisers.

 

Landing cards and priority tender tickets were delivered to our cabin this morning so we could disembark at leisure. Whereas if you picked up tickets at La Cantina Toscana between 07:00 - 11:00 you'd be allocated a tender time as were requested to wait in the theatre for your allocated departure time.

 

We came over around 10:45 and cleaned our shoes as requested on the special disinfected mats at the tender station.

 

Free wifi ashore! Hence you getting update so soon!

 

Plenty of sun beds and umbrellas to hide from the scorching sun under!

 

Here's a few photos

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[peteukmcr]

 

 

 

 

 

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[peteukmcr]

 

 

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[1fifthavenue]

Awesome, thanks Pete, it's £25.00 online so I'll add it to my cruise now :)

:cool:

Great photos too - apart from Aqqaba / Petra I think this is the port I'm most excited about on our cruise - not had a relaxing beach holiday since we started cruising so a day of chilling and swimming in the sea will be such a nice change

[where to next?]

 

 

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Great Pete..looking forward to this day...

 

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[Beamafar]

Looks like you're having wonderful weather for the island, Pete. It was foggy last week and disembarkation was delayed as a result. The weather didn't really improve and it was very hazy all day. I was glad I'd decided to stay onboard. Hope you have a really great day.

[peteukmcr]

Some more photos of the Sheik beds (€72) for two for the day. Next is Aurea beach area (different sun beds) then the Yacht Club to which you are transported in a golf buggy.

 

 

 

 

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[andyjbrum]

Hi,

Excellent photos again, you are really bringing this cruise alive for us, cant wait :-)

Sorry for so many questions but i was thinking of having a Mat and tim was thinking of Snorkling as they are both water based, is there anywhere to put phones and cameras while you are on the water?

 

Enjoy the sun!! Looks like we will need to get some factor 30 :-)

[peteukmcr]

Hi,

Excellent photos again, you are really bringing this cruise alive for us, cant wait :-)

Sorry for so many questions but i was thinking of having a Mat and tim was thinking of Snorkling as they are both water based, is there anywhere to put phones and cameras while you are on the water?

 

Enjoy the sun!! Looks like we will need to get some factor 30 :-)

Sorry I didn't notice any lockers for valuables I'm afraid. I reckon you could do with factor 50! We always use 30 and for us I don't think it was enough.

 

 

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[peteukmcr]

Not much else to report up to now today. We ate lunch on the island at the smaller of the 2 buffets which is a short walk to the right as you get onto the island.

 

Obviously limited choice but burgers (not cold!) chicken thighs, salads, hot dogs, fruit and cake for dessert.

 

After lunch, too hot for us, we headed back but I was asked for my feedback on the facilities, staff and overall impression of the island as he said he was from the Abu Dhabi government.

 

From next year RCI, Aida, Thomson, Costa and MSC will all be using it. It will be interesting to see if P&O will use it in 2019 as they have announced they are going to base Oceana in Dubai for a season.

 

Anyway we returned to the ship, soaked up some rays in the balcony and it'll soon be sail away, next stop Dubai at a very strange specific time if 08:18 am!

 

The only other thing I did, which may annoy some, but rules are rules, is that I reported some people in a cabin below us (remember our balcony can overlook others) for smoking. They've been doing all, knowing it's banned as they try and hide it when I'm looking out, and I admit having a glance to see if they are. My reason for reporting them is that they are brazenly leaving an ashtray on the balcony, so for safety I've reported them because it would only take 1 cigarette not extinguished properly, carelessly discarded in the ashtray to start a fire.

 

 

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Edited March 9, 2017 by peteukmcr