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

[TLCOhio]

On 8/4/2019 at 4:30 PM, excited cruise traveler said:

We have traveled with Hassan E. on a similar cruise and I am very happy to see your post and the info about his father as well. He is the BEST lecturer we have had on our numerous O'cruises. I still keep in touch with him from time and time and always hope that we will be able to see him again. He is a wonderful person to meet and know.  And, your blog is fantastic, I enjoy seeing the photos of places we have been and will be again next year on a cruise from Singapore to Rome. excited cruise traveler

 

Yes!  YES!!  Hassan was a wonderful part of our great cruise experience.  His presentations were excellent.  We super enjoyed both talking with him during the cruise and having dinner with him during one of the evenings.  This type of enrichment adds so much for learning about the amazing history in this complex part of the world.  Glad to hear your positive comments on the blog and pictures.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling/details with many exciting visuals and key highlights.  On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings.  Now at 223,568 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

[TLCOhio]

On 7/31/2019 at 5:44 AM, amespana said:

We are doing a similar cruise soon.  Can you tell me what you did about the currency situation.We live in Europe so will be ok for euros in Greece.

 

Sorry about my delay in responding to these various and very good follow-up questions. In part because we had private tours with personal guides set-up for the major stops in Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Oman and the UAE, we did not worry about getting and needing to have local currency.  If we had been trying to accomplish these travels DIY, things might have been very different.  Our guides were taking care of the logistical "basics", lunch, etc.  At places where my wife wanted to get gifts or local items, most took credit cards.  For us, no need to have four or five different local currencies.  That made things much easier and simpler.  Much depends on your needs, travel set-ups, etc.  Does this help?

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

 

Venice: Loving It & Why??!!  Is one of your future desires or past favorites? See these many visual samples for its great history and architecture.  This posting is now at 84,608 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

[rialannah]

28 minutes ago, TLCOhio said:

 

Hi, Mike!!  Appreciate this above good question, nice comments and follow-up.  YES, we did take advantage of this new "electric golf cart" options as one member of our group of four had been having serious back challenges.  He could not walk down, nor take the "risks" with those fast horse/carriage carts.   As I recall and pull up right now from my "foggy" brain, I think use of the electric cart was about $100 USD for our group of four and was just added on to the total cost of our tour we paid at the end of our excursion.  It was arranged that morning by our excellent tour guide. Clearly working with a good and skilled company makes a positive difference.  That $100 cost allowed for going down there and back over a total of a one-hour period.  Our friends went back by the cart.  We stayed a little longer, explored around more and walked back.  You have been correctly advised to be careful about those "pony carts".  Those drivers are fast in going over the rocky road and that would be challenging for some with medical issues. 

 

Need more and/or any other info?

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise from Copenhagen, July 2010, to the top of Europe. Wonderful scenic visuals with key tips. Live/blog at 236,837 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

Hi Terry

Thank you for that helpful, and reassuring, information.  We are already dealing with Jordan Horizons for our tour in Petra.  We are travelling on Nautica in May 2020 Singapore to Rome, visiting many of the same ports.  We have engaged Ofir Horne for Haifa and will stay at the Three Arches and likely follow a similar itinerary as you.  Which company did you use for your time in Luxor?

Thanks

Mike

 

Edited August 9, 2019 by rialannah
incomplete post

[TLCOhio]

On 8/8/2019 at 9:54 PM, rialannah said:

Hi Terry.  Thank you for that helpful, and reassuring, information.  We are already dealing with Jordan Horizons for our tour in Petra.  We are travelling on Nautica in May 2020 Singapore to Rome, visiting many of the same ports.  We have engaged Ofir Horne for Haifa and will stay at the Three Arches and likely follow a similar itinerary as you.  Which company did you use for your time in Luxor?  Thanks Mike

 

Hi, Mike!  Great to hear that you are working with Jordan Horizons.  We found them to be excellent and very responsive.  Highly impressed with that firm and their skills, both before the cruise and during our exciting tour there in Jordan.  Ofir Horne was also very good, too.  

 

For Luxor, we used  using “Love Egypt Tours” and they can be reached at:  www.loveegypttours.net.  I reach them via this e-mail: loveegypttours@hotmail.com.  Worked super well with our guide and the arrangement for our two unforgettable days in and around Luxor.  

 

Keep researching and planning!!  Happy to answer any other questions or info needs from you and others. 

 

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 64,318 views:

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

[rialannah]

8 hours ago, TLCOhio said:

 

Hi, Mike!  Great to hear that you are working with Jordan Horizons.  We found them to be excellent and very responsive.  Highly impressed with that firm and their skills, both before the cruise and during our exciting tour there in Jordan.  Ofir Horne was also very good, too.  

 

For Luxor, we used  using “Love Egypt Tours” and they can be reached at:  www.loveegypttours.net.  I reach them via this e-mail: loveegypttours@hotmail.com.  Worked super well with our guide and the arrangement for our two unforgettable days in and around Luxor.  

 

Keep researching and planning!!  Happy to answer any other questions or info needs from you and others. 

 

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 64,318 views:

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

Terry  Thanks so much for your very helpful advice and such prompt responses.  Mike

[TLCOhio]

From CNN, the cable news network, they had this headline two days ago: “New Seven Wonders of the World: See our greatest achievements” with these highlights about Petra being in this select group of stars: “Set in modern-day Jordan's southwestern desert region between the Dead Sea and the Red Sea, Petra was inhabited going back to prehistoric times.  People today may recognize it from the 1989 movie "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade," but during the classical heydays of Greece and Rome, it was known as an important caravan stop between the Mediterranean and the Far East. By the 7th century AD, it was abandoned. But its desert location preserved much of it through the centuries.  No wonder it mesmerizes visitors today -- its blend of Eastern and Hellenistic styles, half-built and half-carved into the natural red sandstone of the area, truly deserves the term "unique."  Best time to go: Summer can get very hot in Jordan, and winter is much colder than you may realize. Weatherwise, aim for spring or fall.”.

 

Full story at:

https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/new-seven-wonders-of-the-world/index.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise from Copenhagen, July 2010, to the top of Europe. Wonderful scenic visuals with key tips. Live/blog at 236,959 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

 

Here are two of the visuals used to illustrate this CNN profile on world wonders.:

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

 

[TLCOhio]

On 8/10/2019 at 9:00 PM, rialannah said:

Terry  Thanks so much for your very helpful advice and such prompt responses.  Mike

 

Glad to be of help to Mike.  Let us know any other questions or info needs.  Happy to share more.  

 

From the Travel Section of the London/UK Telegraph yesterday, they had this headline: “How to discover the real Dubai, beyond the skyscrapers and stereotypes” with these highlights: “The dominating presence of the Burj Khalifa (still clinging on to the mantle of tallest building in the world, although China is pursuing that one) epitomises what Dubai has ostensibly been about: a constant drive for things to be bigger, better and more brilliant. A city slicked in oil and dipped in gold.  Look left and you will see a scene a little less familiar: the low-rise white buildings of “Old” Dubai (a relative term here), laid out in a neat grid formation. It’s a scene that could have been snapped in the Sixties.  There’s a sense that low-key lives play out here and this is what I am here to discover, an alternative side to this Arabian hub that most think they know even before they go.”

 

A number of "alternatives" are offered to consider here in this profile of Dubai. 

 

Full story at:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/middle-east/united-arab-emirates/dubai/articles/real-dubai-skyscrapers-food-tour-off-beaten-track/

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

 

Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling/details with many exciting visuals and key highlights.  On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings.  Now at 223,911 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

[TLCOhio]

From  the Travel Section of CNN, the cable news network, earlier last month, they had this interesting headline: “The most spectacular money-no-object experiences in Dubai” with these highlights: “Holidaymakers tend to arrive at their destination in search of bargains.  Dubai also attracts visitors with a different approach and little interest in price tags - unless the bill is large enough to constitute an attraction in itself.  The Emirate is a well-established playground of the rich and famous, with celebrities, CEOs, and royal family members pitching up on its shores via helicopters, yachts and supercars. Dubai has developed a broad range of high-end attractions to cater for expensive tastes.”

 

This profile looks at some of the VIP experiences in Dubai.  Here is another "big money" example/option: "You won't have to worry about the neighbors telling you to turn the music down if they are not sharing the same land mass. As progress continues on Dubai's ambitious artificial archipelago "The World," private islands are hitting the market. One 11.6-acre offering is available for a bargain $16 million, and many more "countries" are due to become available in the coming years."

 

Or, this option??: "Since 2014, the iconic Burj al-Arab hotel has made its helipad available for weddings and private parties, with a starting price of around $55,000. At 212 meters above sea level, the locations offers stunning views, although vertigo sufferers may struggle. Hotel management are happy to offer bespoke touches such as personalized messages for birthdays that are visible as the helicopter guests arrive in."

 

Full story at:

https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/superwealthy-in-dubai/index.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Venice: Loving It & Why??!!  Is one of your future desires or past favorites? See these many visual samples for its great history and architecture.  This posting is now at 84,989 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

 

Here is the aptly-named Royal Bridge Suite at Atlantis, the Palm in Dubai.  This suite spans nearly 10,000 square feet, and includes a long list of complimentary amenities -- including spa services, personal training sessions, dolphin encounters, access to the attached nightclub, N'Dulge and unlimited passes to The Lost Chambers Aquarium and Aquaventure Waterpark. All three bedrooms come with an ensuite bathroom (though the master bedroom has two -- a his and hers). Not decadent enough?:

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

[donaldsc]

It is too late but I looked at your first post and you have a blue colorcast problem w all your outdoor pictures.  Check your white balance setting.

 

DON

[TLCOhio]

1 hour ago, donaldsc said:

It is too late but I looked at your first post and you have a blue colorcast problem w all your outdoor pictures.  Check your white balance setting.  DON

 

YES, guilty as charged!!  Appreciate your checking out this live/blog and this helpful follow-up.  For some reason, don't know why, a number of those early pictures at this stage in our travels last fall turned out more "blue".  As shown for later stops during this trip, however, the problem/challenge got fixed/corrected.  Also, I was able to fix and correct some of those earlier visuals that were too blue.  See five examples below that have been "fine-tuned".  Fortunately with today's technology, it is possible to do a little "magic" with my MacBook Pro laptop and getting things looking better.  Have not had any issues lately, fortunately. 

  

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise from Copenhagen, July 2010, to the top of Europe. Wonderful scenic visuals with key tips. Live/blog at 237,185 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

 

Here is how nice and shiny the Oceania Nautica looked while in the harbor in Rhodes.  Have sunshine helped much to enjoy parts of today while visiting this large and historic Greek Island.:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see this picture larger/better!)

 

While in Rhodes, here are a few quick visual samples.  Plus, the Greek flag!!:

 

 

 

A big part of today's ship tour was visiting Lindos.  This coastal, historic village is extremely scenic with an amazing castle/acropolis towering over the area.:

[AncientWanderer]

Terry, I am enjoying following along with you here, and have enjoyed many of your other trip reports.  They are truly a joy!

 

I have a question for you.  Do you have any special travel secrets that help you maintain your health and vitality on these strenuous itineraries?  You seem to enjoy the local foods, stay in the local hotels, and so on.   It's wonderful!  Maybe you just have a really strong constitution, as my husband does, but thought I'd ask, as we are booked on an itinerary much like this one and, frankly, I'm apprehensive!

[TLCOhio]

52 minutes ago, AncientWanderer said:

Terry, I am enjoying following along with you here, and have enjoyed many of your other trip reports.  They are truly a joy!  I have a question for you.  Do you have any special travel secrets that help you maintain your health and vitality on these strenuous itineraries?  You seem to enjoy the local foods, stay in the local hotels, and so on.   It's wonderful!  Maybe you just have a really strong constitution, as my husband does, but thought I'd ask, as we are booked on an itinerary much like this one and, frankly, I'm apprehensive!

 

Yes, you have raised one of the best, most excellent questions about any "special travel secrets" that I can share.  Agree that this type of itinerary in the Middle East can be challenging and potentially stressful.  So much of a world-class nature to see and do!!  Among my tips and suggestions would be: 

 

1. Do your research and planning ahead so that you are prepared and have considered your various priorities and many options.  I like to know much on the history and background for each of the areas to be visited.  That helps make things go smoothly during your visit and be able to better understand and appreciate what you are seeing and doing.  

 

2. Private tours add many benefits, if possible to arrange.  Why?  Being in a small group allows for more of a "conversation" with your guide, not just tagging along in a group of 25-40 people listening to a memorized, canned re-hash of what can be read on Wikipedia. With small-group, private tours, it becomes "YOUR" schedule at a pace and style to fit your interests and needs.  And, accommodate any physical limitations, give me time for pictures, etc.   Also, I like to ask lots of questions and gain added background on the people, economy, history, etc., of the areas being experienced.  Picking the right private guides is another area where I can share added tips, if that is of value and interest. 

 

3. Energy from interesting, stimulating touring?  Not getting tired and worn out is much easier when you are able to visit such excellent locations as Jerusalem, Luxor, Petra, etc. In some ways the more challenging the tour, it helps to gain "energy" as you are experiencing such great locations.   

 

Fortunately, although in my early 70's, I am fairly healthy and curious.  That helps much!!  During our Middle East touring in November, 2018, I had just come off having knee replacement surgery in late May, 2018.  I was not in perfect condition, but good enough to make things work out well.  With private tours, we can also have it set-up to "pace ourselves" in a good and reasonable manner to do what is desired, but not over-extend too much.  

 

Yes, I do enjoy local food and locations to stay.  That adds to the "immersion experience" that is more interesting than just staying in a boring, routine Holiday Inn that is too much of a routine, "formula" stop.  

 

Does this help?  Need more insights and ideas?

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling/details with many exciting visuals and key highlights.  On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings.  Now at 224,246 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

[AncientWanderer]

Thanks for the great response, Terry!

Your suggestion about the private tours really strikes a cord here.  While we've always enjoyed private tours, just because they are more efficient and we can get more done while with a small group, it never really occurred to me that with a private tour, it can also work the other way -- pace ourselves more slowly!

 

If you have any resources to share for finding quality guides in the Middle East, please do share.  And, again, thank you for your wonderful "travelogues"!

[TLCOhio]

22 hours ago, AncientWanderer said:

Thanks for the great response, Terry!  Your suggestion about the private tours really strikes a cord here.  While we've always enjoyed private tours, just because they are more efficient and we can get more done while with a small group, it never really occurred to me that with a private tour, it can also work the other way -- pace ourselves more slowly!  If you have any resources to share for finding quality guides in the Middle East, please do share.  And, again, thank you for your wonderful "travelogues"!

 

Glad to hear to that this suggestion/tip as to how private tours can help your pacing was of benefit.  As to finding good, successful private tours, here are my methods to approach this potential.  

 

1. If you are traveling with another couple and have a total of four people, that is ideal as to the economics on doing a private tour with just one or two persons can be more difficult/costly.  Not impossible with just one couple, just more expensive.  Fortunately in South Africa, it was just the two of us, but at that time there, their currency was low in value and this made such private tours more affordable.  

 

2. In considering potential private guides or firms, I will check TripAdvisor to find three, four or five of the "best of the best" potential sources.  I read what past users have said about the guide and their service approach.  I will then write an e-mail to each of them, asking key questions and giving them our personal background, needs and interests.  Some firms do not read what I asked and just reply back with the typical "formula" tour option.  I knock those folks off the list and focus on those who are paying attention and willing to consider our personal desires and travel style.  I have found that the better guides and firms like to "customize" and coordinate with customers who have done their homework and have a personal interest in learning more about their areas.  

 

3. Clearly some of the better guides might be booked up and/or too high in price.  You want to start this outreach and research some months ahead.  You cannot just wait until a couple weeks ahead of your scheduled visit.  

 

4. As an example for our excellent guide in Jerusalem, after my initial contact, he offered to call me and discuss additional details and options by phone.  That was super helpful and educational to understand how to approach an area that is so super "rich" with the many options to consider during just a two-day visit there.  Whether by e-mail or phone, that "conversation" with a guide is so helpful in figuring out in advance your schedule, evaluating options to visit and setting the right pace for your "flow" in doing that tour.  That advance prep is vital, as on the day of your tour, there can be weather and other factors (traffic, closings, etc.) that affect your original plan.  You need to be prepared to make adjustments as circumstances dictate and other opportunities happen. 

 

When we look back and consider our past "BEST EXPERIENCES", having that more personal, immersion experience was a key tool for success.  In those places where we did such private guides, we generally scored the highest and most memorable visit because of having an excellent guide and getting more "personal" as to what we did.   As a counter-point, the added cost and time for a personal guide is not as vital in some areas/ports where the attractions and stops are more average and routine.  We focus on a private tour/guide in places such as Jerusalem, Luxor, Petra/Wadi Rum, Oman and Dubai/Abu Dhabi where the "prize" is most important and of the highest value.  

 

Does this help?  Happy to share more and/or answer additional questions.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Venice: Loving It & Why??!!  Is one of your future desires or past favorites? See these many visual samples for its great history and architecture.  This posting is now at 84,989 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

[AncientWanderer]

Thank you for sharing your steps for finding private tours/guides!  Great methodology that we will be following as we prepare for this same journey.

Thanks!!   😊

[TLCOhio]

On 9/4/2019 at 2:52 PM, AncientWanderer said:

Thank you for sharing your steps for finding private tours/guides!  Great methodology that we will be following as we prepare for this same journey.

Thanks!!   😊

 

Nice to hear that these tips and ideas are of value.  Don't be shy!!  Let us know any other questions or ways we can be of help.

 

On these Cruise Critic boards over time, many questions have come up on travel agents, their need/value, the future (if any) for that profession, etc.

 

We cannot name or suggest here any specific agent on the CC boards. BUT, I just wanted to offer a shout-out for the value and worth of really good travel agents!!! Yes, like with attorneys, doctors, teachers, etc., these professionals are not all of equal and perfect skills.  Some are better than average.  Some not as much.  Realistically, some travel agents are just "order-takers" at the end of an 800 number. That's OK if your travel locations are fairly easy and somewhat simple. Those type of agents are good enough!! YES, things, in many travel cases today, are very easy to just do it yourself via the Internet and/or on the phone.

 

But, there can be, however,"value-added" by working with a person at a higher skill level than just being an order-taker. Most of those kind of less experienced agents have never visited these more exotic parts of the distant world, nor been on certain of these types of luxury/speciality ships, etc. Sadly, a few such agents cannot even can find Mozambique or Phnom Penh on a map, etc. Sorry to be so blunt, but it is true that not all so-called "travel agents” have equal skills, background and experiences!!

 

We have worked with our travel agent since 2006 and she is so important because of her vast personal travel experiences around the world, being honest, blunt and candid for options being considered, etc. Five years ago for our Australia-NZ adventure, she had been there 25+ times and had so many, many keen insights that were very, very valuable. Personally, I like to do lots of reading and research myself. I do not, however, do everything she suggests. BUT, it is all part of the "total information picture" in planning, preparing and evaluating your many options/potentials.

 

The best circumstance is . . . an excellent/knowing agent . . . AND . . . an involved, interested customer. Ideally, you have the benefits of BOTH!!   In many cases, if you book it yourself and/or go through a cruise line staffer, you are going to be paying the same amount for the cruise. Why not, if possible, have a smart and savvy travel agent, enjoy those extra benefits AND gain so much more for the needed insights about where you are visiting, destination options, etc.??  Finally, when or if you have a "problem" and challenge during the pre-travel period, it is good to have a strong advocate to push and argue on your behalf. That happened with us and a major travel company many months ahead of our trip. We had booked our air tickets and the company made some major changes to their original, booked schedule. Our agent went to bat for us, pushed for some good cost "adjustments", etc. Of course, getting an excellent travel agent is not always that easy. There are some added secrets that I can suggest, later, if it is of added interest.

 

For certain locations and places such as Africa or Southeast Asia, it is important to have, also, a specialized travel supplier or packager. In Africa, we needed a firm used to working with and having a "relationship" with the smaller camps in areas such as Botswana to make the schedules, do the logistics between camps, fit and work all of the pieces together, etc. In some parts of the world such as Botswana, you are dealing with an area where there are NOT large Marriott hotels with 200+ rooms available. Most of these Botswana camps have only 10-14 rooms there at each location. And, you need to be flown in smaller, single-engine planes between the various camps that cannot be reached by roads during certain periods of the year. You need "help" from people who know these unique areas and how things actually work, connect, etc. There were more options with well-established hotel operators in Southeast Asia, but there is still need to have it "ALL" put together and be able to make the overall flow work smoothly. If you have not been there, you do not even know the right and/or best questions to ask for considering the large number of varied options in Africa, for parts of Asia, doing the Middle East, etc. Things in some parts of Africa and Asia are different in their structure compared to what we might be used to doing in certain parts of the USA and/or Europe.

 

The bottom line is that there might be a high value to be working with an experienced, skilled agent who knows personally the territory, plus suppliers with reliable, proven "connections" for this locations on the ground. That expertise helps in planning so that your trip flows properly and works with the right pace for your personal needs/travel style. Plus, having contacts in this areas if any problems or questions pop up. Or, as an example, certain expertise and/or advance research/planning is vital to provide basic help to navigate a massive/confusing airports such as Johannesburg, Hong Kong, Bangkok, etc., help getting our extra luggage storage challenge solved, finding the ATM machines, etc.

 

As another example, we debated the pro's and con's for how much time to be in Hong Kong. For us, the three net days worked perfect there. If you only had one day in Hong Kong, it would have been too short and not allowed enough time/cushion after nearly two days to fly from the USA to that part of Asia.  These “details” are important to consider and plan in advance.

 

For our most recent trips to the Middle East and Alaska/Western Canada, there were certain challenges, but it was not as complex and unique as what was done with SE Asia, Africa and Australia/NZ.  Still, you have many options to consider and “getting it right” makes a huge positive difference.

 

Sorry this is so long and detailed, but hopefully this background is of value.  Let me know any questions, reactions, your travel agent experiences, etc.

 

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 64,460 views:

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

[TLCOhio]

From the CNBC cable news source earlier this week, they had this headline: “best countries for tourists to visit in 2019” with this key shout-out: "United Arab Emirates was the most attractive Middle Eastern country" in this profile of the top, best locations cited by the World Economic Forum.  

 

Here are some of the story highlights as the WEF: “warned that many countries were at a tourism “tipping point” — meaning surges in visitors threatened to overwhelm or damage the resources that attracted tourists in the first place.  This was particularly true for developing nations, the report said, calling for more work to be done by the tourism industry to help preserve cultural and natural assets.”  This warning is more about places such as Venice that are under big pressures from too many visitors overwhelming limited historic locations.  

 

Full story at:

https://www.cnbc.com/2019/09/04/these-are-the-best-countries-for-tourists-to-visit-in-2019-wef-says.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Just completed Calgary, Jasper/Banff National Parks, Western Canada Rocky Mountaineer rail adventure, Vancouver, sailing up to Alaska, post-cruise excursion to Denali, etc.  Lots of visuals and details from our first visits to these scenic areas!!  That live/blog is at: 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2682584-live-terryohio-silver-muse-alaska-canadarockies-pix’s/

 

Or, you could simply do a quick Google search with these terms: 

Live Terry/Ohio Muse Alaska

[gator50]

Terry, I read that you booked an independent tour when you visited Jerusalem last year.  Our cruise in November docks at Haifa port in Israel.  Itinerary says we dock at 6:00 AM.  I was hoping that we could get off the ship at 7:00 AM and meet our tour guide on the pier.  Based on prior experience, do you think an hour after docking is sufficient time to get off the ship.  I understand that passengers who book a tour through Oceania are allowed off first.  Being as this is a much smaller ship that we are accustomed to, wasn't sure if an hour was enough.  Thoughts, please

 

PS I contacted your tour guide for Jerusalem and he was already booked, but he did refer me to another tour guide that he said was very good.  So, thanks for all the information.  

Paula

[TLCOhio]

On 9/17/2019 at 2:34 PM, gator50 said:

Terry, I read that you booked an independent tour when you visited Jerusalem last year.  Our cruise in November docks at Haifa port in Israel.  Itinerary says we dock at 6:00 AM.  I was hoping that we could get off the ship at 7:00 AM and meet our tour guide on the pier.  Based on prior experience, do you think an hour after docking is sufficient time to get off the ship.  I understand that passengers who book a tour through Oceania are allowed off first.  Being as this is a much smaller ship that we are accustomed to, wasn't sure if an hour was enough.  Thoughts, please    PS I contacted your tour guide for Jerusalem and he was already booked, but he did refer me to another tour guide that he said was very good.  So, thanks for all the information.    Paula

 

Appreciate, Paula, your great follow-up and the smart. added questions.  Sorry for my delay in responding.  Been busy with some work and home chores, etc.  

 

Glad you have received a tip for good tour guide for Jerusalem, etc.  BUT, make sure as you communicate with this guide that you are comfortable that they understand your personal travel interests, style and pacing desired, etc.  With a private guide, getting the right "match" to fit your needs is vital to maximize the experience as such great, historic locations.  

 

As to getting off of the ship, there can be at times "confusion" and/or games!!??  As happened with us, some of the front-line staff will claim and insist that those with private tours must wait and allow the Oceania tour people to go first.  They will blame it on the requirements by the Israel officials.  Bunk!!  Not true.  As the Cruise's Hotel Director told me later, we should have been allowed off of the ship when fits our needs. Ask in advance the tour desk people and share what the Hotel Director had told me.  If you do not get a satisfactory response, ask the Cruise Director Hotel Director, etc.  Some lower-level staff will serve up the normal "bureaucratic" message.  But, the higher and better staff understand that "THE CUSTOMER COMES FIRST!!" 

  

Keep ask these good questions and providing wonderful sharing.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Barcelona/Med: June 2011, with stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Great visuals with key highlights, tips, etc. Live/blog now at 248,740 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

[TLCOhio]

Interesting news this morning from the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and other major news sources as relates to potential future travel in the Middle East.  From the NY Times this morning, they had this headline: “Saudi Arabia Plans to Let More Foreign Tourists Have Visas” with these highlights: “So, who wants to go to Saudi Arabia? The government is about to find out.  The country said on Friday that it would open up the country to international tourists, announcing a new visa program for citizens of 49 countries that is intended to diversify the economy and reduce the kingdom’s dependence on oil.”

 

Clearly many experienced travelers are always looking for new and different locations.  Here is more from the NYT story: "Ahmed al-Khateeb, Saudi Arabia’s tourism chief, said in a statement that opening the kingdom to international tourists was 'a historic moment for our country.'  The statement noted that country hoped tourism to form up to 10 percent of Saudi Arabia’s annual gross domestic product, compared with the current 3 percent.  Further details about the visas are expected after a formal announcement on Friday evening of the program at an event in Diriyah, home to the first capital of the Saudi dynasty and a Unesco World Heritage Site.  'Visitors will be surprised and delighted by the treasures we have to share,' Mr. al-Khateeb said in the statement, citing the country’s five world heritage sites and 'a vibrant local culture and breathtaking natural beauty.' "

 

From the Wall Street Journal, they had this headline and sub-head: "Saudi Arabia Opens Kingdom to Foreign Tourists.  Introduction of tourism visas comes at a moment of economic fragility for the kingdom".

 

But, there are many different issues and questions as to that nation, how it operates, its history, restrictions on certain freedoms, etc.  How long before cruise lines add stops to allow visiting Saudi Arabia as a part of their Middle East sailings such as that we enjoyed late last year?

 

Full stories at:

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/27/world/middleeast/saudi-arabia-tourist-visas.html

https://www.wsj.com/articles/saudi-arabia-opens-kingdom-to-foreign-tourists-11569586198

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise from Copenhagen, July 2010, to the top of Europe. Wonderful scenic visuals with key tips. Live/blog at 237,544 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

 

From this New York Times story, here is a visual by one of their photographers.  It is of a tour guide at the ancient ruins of Mada’in Saleh, in northwestern Saudi Arabia.:

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

[TLCOhio]

From Travel and Leisure magazine yesterday, they had this headline: “50 Best Places to Travel in 2020” with spotlighted attention as a top option for: “Dubai”.  T+L rates these top areas as "must-visit vacation destinations, and with something to suit every interest — food, shopping, culture, history, and nature."

 

Here are some of the story highlights: "Expo 2020 Dubai, the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, is set to change the face of a city whose face is always, already, constantly in flux. About halfway between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the 1,000-acre “District 2020” will eventually have multiple parks, a dedicated metro station, and more than 200 restaurants and food venues. (After the expo wraps, the government plans to turn the site into a LEED Gold certified tech and education hub.) The country’s fraught record on labor issues has brought heightened scrutiny to the endeavor, but a whopping 192 countries have signed on to join in the festivities, including Iran, Israel, and Qatar, three nations with whom the U.A.E. has had strained diplomatic relationships. The program will feature 60 live shows every day, including “Al Wasl,” the first Emirati opera, scored by American composer Mohammed Fairouz with a libretto by Emirati writer Maha Gargash. And for the first time ever, each and every nation, from China to Djibouti, will have its own pavilion. During its run, which begins in October, the city expects to receive around 25 million visitors. It’s not often we get to publish the words “an event the likes of which the world has never seen” — but in this case, whatever you think of the whole expo enterprise, it certainly applies." 

 

Glad last year that we enjoyed Dubai, Abu Dhabi and a small sampling of these world-class sights and locations. 

 

Full story at:

https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/best-places-to-travel-in-2020

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling/details with many exciting visuals and key highlights.  On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings.  Now at 226,439 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

[TLCOhio]

From the Travel Section of the London/UK Independent two days ago, they had this headline: “Muscat city guide: Where to eat, drink, shop and stay in Oman’s capital” with these highlights: “With its striking low-rise architecture and dramatic mountain backdrop, Muscat is arguably the Gulf’s most characterful capital. Opened in 2018, the city’s glitzy international airport hints at Oman’s high prices, but with a bit of planning, a wallet-friendly city break is perfectly possible. Returning visitors shouldn’t miss the National Museum, while adventure-seekers will find wadis, dunes, peaks and secret beaches all within easy reach of the city.”

 

Here are some tips and ideas that match two of the top spots/stops that we super enjoyed during our visit there a year ago:  "Grand Mosque: A gift to the nation from Sultan Qaboos to mark his 30th year of reign, this splendid piece of modern Islamic architecture features a magnificent main prayer hall, with a Persian carpet measuring 70m by 60m that took 600 women four years to weave. Entry is free, but bear in mind it’s only open to non-Muslims from 8am to 11am Saturday to Thursday.  Spend a night at the opera:  Designed by the same architects who dreamed up the Grand Mosque, the imposing white Royal Opera House Muscat is worth a visit just to admire its stunning fusion of wood, marble and arabesque design. Guided tours run Saturday to Thursday, and cost OMR3 (£6) per person (bookings essential). The performance season runs from September through May."

 

Full story at:

https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/48-hours-in/muscat-things-to-do-oman-city-guide-best-hotels-beaches-restaurants-a9240781.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Lisbon, NWSpain, Bordeaux/Brittany: Live/blog, June 2017 from Portugal to France along scenic Atlantic Coast.  Now at 30,001 views.  Many interesting pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.:

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

 

[TLCOhio]

As posted earlier, we super enjoyed our stop at Wadi Rum after doing Petra.  From the Travel Section of CNN, the cable news network, four days ago, they had this headline: “Star Wars' locations that actually exist” with these highlights about Wadi Rum: “From another "Star Wars" film, this desert country was pressed into service.  Welcome to Wadi Rum, Jordan, the russet sandy locale that serves as a backdrop in the final "Star Wars" movie, "The Rise of Skywalker." This dramatic landscape in the country's south, also called The Valley of the Moon, stood in for the moon of Jedha in "Rogue One."  Wadi Rum is a frequent location for otherworldly film shoots. It doubled for Mars and hosted a profane Matt Damon in 'The Martian.' ”.

 

Nice memory refresher that brings back wonderful memories.  When we visited there a little over a year ago, our guide explained that they had finished this Star Wars filming at this site only two weeks prior to our visit there.  Stars following stars??!!

 

Full story at:

https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/star-wars-destinations/index.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling/details with many exciting visuals and key highlights.  On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings.  Now at 227,192 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

 

From CNN and the Jordan Tourism authority, here is the visual used for the sandy landscape of Wadi Rum in southern Jordan that served as a location in both "The Rise of Skywalker" and "Rogue One".:

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

[TLCOhio]

For this holiday period, we have been traveling out west to my wife's family in Kansas.  We spent some time earlier in the week at Kansas City's Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art,  They now have a special exhibition titled "Queen Nefertari: Eternal Egypt".   Great, interesting history and background to tie-in with our touring a year ago at Luxor, visiting the Valley of the Kings, etc.

 

About her, here is how they summarized: "She was known as The One for Whom the Sun Shines. Discover the celebrated Queen Nefertari, the Great Royal Wife of Pharaoh Ramesses II. Experience the magnificence of royal palaces and tombs, including Nefertari’s burial chamber, considered one of the greatest artistic achievements in the Valley of the Queens. Explore the daily life of the village where tomb builders and artisans lived, worked and worshipped more than 3,000 years ago.  Drawn from the world-renowned Museo Egizio in Turin, Italy, the exhibition will bring together works that present the richness of life in ancient Egypt, focusing on the role of women—goddesses, queens, and commoners."

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Venice: Loving It & Why??!!  Is one of your future desires or past favorites? See these many visual samples for its great history and architecture.  This posting is now at 86,071 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

 

 

From this Kansas City's Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, below are some samples from a special exhibition titled "Queen Nefertari: Eternal Egypt". These 3000+ year old history/items brought back excellent memories from a year ago when we were in Luxor, touring the Valley of the Kings, etc.:

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

 

 

 

 

[TLCOhio]

From the Travel Section of the London/UK Telegraph today, they had this headline: “The 20 destinations you must visit in 2020” as their experts reveal the must-see places to put on your travel radar with these highlights for Egypt as a top potential with this summary "There’s nothing like the pizzazz of the Valley of the Kings" from writer Harriet O’Brien.  

 

Here are some details cited: “The Tutankhamun exhibition, running until May at London’s Saatchi Gallery, offers a fix of wonder. Yet its exquisite statuettes and jewellery are mere tasters of the treasures and sights to be seen in Egypt. There’s nothing quite like the pizzazz of the tombs in the Valley of the Kings, or the majesty of the Great Sphinx of Giza. And then there’s all the natural glory, from dreamy views on a Nile cruise to vibrant coral in the Red Sea.  A star-studded remake of Death on the Nile (with director Kenneth Branagh playing Poirot) will encapsulate the glam nostalgia of the country’s river cruises when it is released in October. The world’s largest archaeological museum, the Grand Egyptian Museum on the Giza Plateau, will open in autumn, housing some 100,000 objects, from Tutankhamun’s gold-plated coffin to a gigantic statue of Ramesses II dominating the atrium.   Direct flights from the UK to Sharm el-Sheikh have resumed after four years: the Red Sea resort is accessible from Gatwick and Birmingham, with services from other airports on the way.”

 

Lots of good reasons for returning to Egypt and exploring more there.  So much history, culture, food and excitement there.  

 

Full story at:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/lists/20-destinations-for-2020/

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise from Copenhagen, July 2010, to the top of Europe. Wonderful scenic visuals with key tips. Live/blog at 238,273

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923