****Live From the Golden Princess****

[Toto2Kansas]

Tony-Not like I have been checking for the last several hours waiting for your report on the second day or anything. lol But was so happy to read all of the info you have shared with us. CC posters just waiting for Tony to wake up and give us the next installment of the overnite in Egypt. ;)

 

Sounds like a different way to view the sites of Egypt are in order for us. Will have to start looking around as with a year before we leave, plenty of time to make arrangements. I don't mind the rushing, but I still want to do a bit of shopping and looking closer at things while we are there. Doesn't sound like you had much time for a lot that you wanted to do.

 

Have you happened to chat with any that took the privately booked overnite tour yet? Very interested in what they have to tell about their trip and the security envolved in their travels by other means.

 

Just think, when you return we can all 'pick your brain' further for other ideas.

 

Toto 'sharing a cup of fresh brewed coffee with Tony while using my curling iron to curl my hair' ROFL

[arlenemilt]

Go eat! And thanks a bunch; now we know what to do next year. Translation means: You research and do the booking for all of us. :) You know how important shopping is to us. Especially Milt. :D

Your trusting older sister, Arlene

[mississauga]

Oh, I know about the thread to keep it going I had no problem at all with what was being said, it only appears one person did thus far.

 

Tony

:cool: :eek: :cool:

 

 

Thanks, Tony, I like others just don't want to be the cause of this marvelous thread being closed because we stray off topic once in awhile. You provide such invaluable info and insights for a lot of people. Thanks again!

[regnig]

Tony I think the flavor of your "problems" with the arranged overnight tour are the same I object to on these types of ship excursions. Years ago I went on them when visiting Greece and Turkey for the first time and came away saying never again. Sounds as if you have a good start on planning what you will do next fall when you return. We've found a lot of times, when visiting places where security is not a prime issue, that by talking with several different crew members we can put together a very enjoyable visit. They always seem to know great off beat, non-touristy places to go.

 

I am curious though, does Javier not read these boards? Since you just told us what you spent on his gift, how come he won't find out? And, if he does and refuses to wear it let me know. I'll send you my mailing address! :D

 

BTW, the thread really did not get out of hand and Arlene did nothing inappropriate. What's more Egyptian than camels? ;)

[T&J]

Tony I think the flavor of your "problems" with the arranged overnight tour are the same I object to on these types of ship excursions. Years ago I went on them when visiting Greece and Turkey for the first time and came away saying never again. Sounds as if you have a good start on planning what you will do next fall when you return. We've found a lot of times, when visiting places where security is not a prime issue, that by talking with several different crew members we can put together a very enjoyable visit. They always seem to know great off beat, non-touristy places to go.

 

I am curious though, does Javier not read these boards? Since you just told us what you spent on his gift, how come he won't find out? And, if he does and refuses to wear it let me know. I'll send you my mailing address! :D

 

BTW, the thread really did not get out of hand and Arlene did nothing inappropriate. What's more Egyptian than camels? ;)

 

No, Javier doesn't have the patience to read all of this..so he won't find out at all!

 

I think that because the ship was late in getting it's pilot for not showing up for 2 hours later then they bear teh brunt of absorbing some of teh blame taht impacted our Overnight Tour.

 

Tony

:cool: :eek: :cool:

[T&J]

Thanks, Tony, I like others just don't want to be the cause of this marvelous thread being closed because we stray off topic once in awhile. You provide such invaluable info and insights for a lot of people. Thanks again!

 

No worries...keep enjoying the thread as I will continue to post!

 

Tony

:cool: :eek: :cool:

[T&J]

Go eat! And thanks a bunch; now we know what to do next year. Translation means: You research and do the booking for all of us. :) You know how important shopping is to us. Especially Milt. :D

 

Your trusting older sister, Arlene

 

Naw...I'll leave the research up to you or Lorraine or Stacey!

 

Tony

:cool: :eek: :cool:

[T&J]

Tony-Not like I have been checking for the last several hours waiting for your report on the second day or anything. lol But was so happy to read all of the info you have shared with us. CC posters just waiting for Tony to wake up and give us the next installment of the overnite in Egypt. ;)

 

Sounds like a different way to view the sites of Egypt are in order for us. Will have to start looking around as with a year before we leave, plenty of time to make arrangements. I don't mind the rushing, but I still want to do a bit of shopping and looking closer at things while we are there. Doesn't sound like you had much time for a lot that you wanted to do.

 

Have you happened to chat with any that took the privately booked overnite tour yet? Very interested in what they have to tell about their trip and the security envolved in their travels by other means.

 

Just think, when you return we can all 'pick your brain' further for other ideas.

 

Toto 'sharing a cup of fresh brewed coffee with Tony while using my curling iron to curl my hair' ROFL

 

Yes in fact I just ran into Adiamo! (Vicki) on my way into the Dinning Room and there's was the same tour at one fifht of the price and wasn't as disorganized as ours was due to the 2.5 hour delay.

 

I told her I will stay logged in tomorrow at some point for her to post her OVernight Grand Cairo Tour on here to compare notes so that you don't have to wait three more days until she gets back home!

 

 

P.S. Too funny about the Perkolator and a curling iron sharing a cup of coffee together!

 

Tony

:cool: :eek: :cool:

[tradingspaces]

Thank you so much Tony for all this wonderful information.

 

DH and I have booked the Royal - Holyland for next 09/07. Tried to book the 11/05 - the one all you important people are on - would have loved to meet you guys - but there just wasn't anything much left, room wise.

 

Someone has already asked the question I was going to ask you which was about Javier and the gift you bought him. My quess is that Javier doesn't read the CC boards. Am I right?

 

Thanks

 

Laura

[CTGirl]

Hi Tony,

 

I promised you I would post so here it is. Lance and I had such a wonderful time on the Greek Isle cruise. We thourougly enjoyed meeting you and everyone else.

 

Too bad you're not in the owner's suite this time. It's a great cabin. A balcony on Baja not too bad though. That's what we had and it served us well.

 

We got home safe and sound but a little delayed. Our Philly to Hartford flight was cancelled so we had to spend the night in Philly along with just about everybody else. Bad weather caused many flights to be cancelled.

 

Now we are looking forward to our next cruise in March.

 

Thanks for everything

Shelly

[T&J]

We'll got back from dinner in the Dinning Room and let me tell you I have never eaten a rack of Lamb (yes more baaaahhhh) and a ceasar salad so fast in my life just to get out of there! I felt so bad for Maria that I pulled up at 9:50pm before they close there doors at 10:00pm.

 

There were still a lot people still eating in the Dinning Room and ran into Adiamo! at the door and we compared notes on each of our Overnight Tours.

 

The ship is rocking from side to side tonight as we are travelling at 21 knots and have over 998 nautical miles to complete in order to arrive in Civitavecchia in 2 days time from now at 4:00am.

 

We are at sea tomorrow and the following day thank god and tomorrow night is Formal Night and I must be presented my #3 Most travelled pax award...not that I really want to go btw....I may not go after all and I'll see how I feel?

 

Going to be heading up to my cabin now as it is 11:45pm and I am getting tired now.

 

More to follow later today/tonight from the Golden Princess enroute to Civitavecchia, Italy.

 

Tony

:cool: :eek: :cool:

[arlenemilt]

 

DH and I have booked the Royal - Holyland for next 09/07. Tried to book the 11/05 - the one all you important people are on - would have loved to meet you guys - but there just wasn't anything much left, room wise.

 

 

Laura

 

Laura, I just looked at the Princess site today to see if the prices had come down. They didn't. :mad: There are still cabins available for 11/4. Check again. BTW, am I one of the "important people?" Please, please, pretty please... Say yes! :D

Arlene

[T&J]

Thank you so much Tony for all this wonderful information.

 

DH and I have booked the Royal - Holyland for next 09/07. Tried to book the 11/05 - the one all you important people are on - would have loved to meet you guys - but there just wasn't anything much left, room wise.

 

Someone has already asked the question I was going to ask you which was about Javier and the gift you bought him. My quess is that Javier doesn't read the CC boards. Am I right?

 

Thanks

 

Laura

 

Laura you are right...Javier couldn't be bothered with these boards at all. So he doesn't know about his gift until I come in the front door on Wed afternoon from Rome.

 

Tony

:cool: :eek: :cool:

[T&J]

Hi Tony,

 

I promised you I would post so here it is. Lance and I had such a wonderful time on the Greek Isle cruise. We thourougly enjoyed meeting you and everyone else.

 

Too bad you're not in the owner's suite this time. It's a great cabin. A balcony on Baja not too bad though. That's what we had and it served us well.

 

We got home safe and sound but a little delayed. Our Philly to Hartford flight was cancelled so we had to spend the night in Philly along with just about everybody else. Bad weather caused many flights to be cancelled.

 

Now we are looking forward to our next cruise in March.

 

Thanks for everything

Shelly

 

Hello Shelly and Lance....

Great to hear from you two...

It was nice to host you guys and the rest of the CC'ers taht night in my Suite...it was a lot fun and I have never done that before BTW for another CC group when I've been upgraded but based on the fun we had I'll do it again anytime!

 

Glad you are finally safe at home even if a little delayed.

 

Tony

:cool: :eek: :cool:

[tradingspaces]

Laura, I just looked at the Princess site today to see if the prices had come down. They didn't. :mad: There are still cabins available for 11/4. Check again. BTW, am I one of the "important people?" Please, please, pretty please... Say yes! :D

 

Arlene

 

 

ABSOLUTELY Arlene!:)

 

Thanks, I'm going to check right now!

 

Laura

[T&J]

Laura, I just looked at the Princess site today to see if the prices had come down. They didn't. :mad: There are still cabins available for 11/4. Check again. BTW, am I one of the "important people?" Please, please, pretty please... Say yes! :D

 

Arlene

 

Yep I checked as well just now and plenty of cabins left....

BTW, didn't you see I ate Baaahhh again tonight!

 

Tony

:cool: :eek: :cool:

[Toto2Kansas]

Yes in fact I just ran into Adiamo! (Vicki) on my way into the Dinning Room and there's was the same tour at one fifht of the price and wasn't as disorganized as ours was due to the 2.5 hour delay.

 

I told her I will stay logged in tomorrow at some point for her to post her OVernight Grand Cairo Tour on here to compare notes so that you don't have to wait three more days until she gets back home!

 

 

P.S. Too funny about the Perkolator and a curling iron sharing a cup of coffee together!

 

Tony

:cool: :eek: :cool:

 

Thanks for the report Tony. Looking very forward to Vicki's post about her private tour. I did a check back through her roll call and found the info about what was included, and it sounds absolutely perfect (especially the price compared to what the cruise line is charging). Very interested in this as after reading her lists of what was included, it seems their vans follow with the caravan of buses and that was my biggest concern.

Again, thanks for posting all the reports, they have been the highlight of my day here.

 

Toto (keeping the coffee hot and did you want cream and sugar with yours?) ;)

[T&J]

Thanks for the report Tony. Looking very forward to Vicki's post about her private tour. I did a check back through her roll call and found the info about what was included, and it sounds absolutely perfect (especially the price compared to what the cruise line is charging). Very interested in this as after reading her lists of what was included, it seems their vans follow with the caravan of buses and that was my biggest concern.

Again, thanks for posting all the reports, they have been the highlight of my day here.

 

Toto (keeping the coffee hot and did you want cream and sugar with yours?) ;)

 

Vicki's had a seperate convoy of police escorts for all indepedant tours and not just hers.

 

I like my coffee black thank you and strong!

 

Tony

:cool: :eek: :cool:

[arlenemilt]

Yep I checked as well just now and plenty of cabins left....

BTW, didn't you see I ate Baaahhh again tonight!

 

Tony

:cool: :eek: :cool:

 

Yes sweetie, I noticed. I just didn't feel like commenting. :p BTW, Lorraine and Stacey aren't on the Holy Land cruise, so YOU will have to research. Actually, I Vickie's was so good, we'll do what she did.

Arlene

[T&J]

Yes sweetie, I noticed. I just didn't feel like commenting. :p BTW, Lorraine and Stacey aren't on the Holy Land cruise, so YOU will have to research. Actually, I Vickie's was so good, we'll do what she did.

 

Arlene

 

Oh I thought they all were on it?...

Yes I will get Vicki's tour guide info for us to use certainly....maybe customize it a little more.

 

Tony

:cool: :eek: :cool:

[T&J]

I forgot to mention a couple of things from yesterday that came to mind while I was doing the second day to mention to you all.

 

Yesterday after seeing the Citadel, we had to drive past was is now known as "the City of the Dead". A cemetary from old Egytian times where people that wanted to a place to live but couldn't afford to buy would stay in and convert tombs as there homes and take advantage of the opportunity to save up for a home. It is still going on and see someone laundry hanging or satelite atena from a tomb...way too funny!

 

Also, if you go to the Museums, no photographic equipment of any kind is allowed and you go through two sets of security check points and metal detectors as well...so don't even attempt to try as some idiots did on our tour if you can imagine!

 

Day 2: Sunday Nov 19th, Grand Cairo Overnight

 

I woke up at 6:00am from my wake up call as planned. Jumped in the shower, got out turned on CNN to find out what was happening in the World adn made myself some coffee as they had coffee grounds and a bodum and kettle to make coffee in my Suite.

 

I opened my balcony door (huge balcony overlooking the Nile river) and the amount of smog and haze over the city was incredible...I can still feel it and taste it in my throat today..it's as bad as Beijing or Shanghai.

 

I proceeded to go downstairs at 6:45am and couldn't see anyone from my bus or our tour guide Heba. So I walked outside to the parking lot and everyone was already on the bus although we were told to be ready to leave for 7:00am.

 

We left at 7:10am and took our bus approx. 10 minutes to reach our river boat cruise restaurant location. Our boat was called the "Golden Pharaoh". We got onboard and they immediately sat us upstairs and had a table by the window with 4 other people.

 

The menu consisted of Mango and Orange juices, Coffee, Tea, mineral water, scrambled eggs, hash browns (or an attempt), crepes, boiled egss, sausages. There were fresh croissants adn pastries as well as vegetables, cheeses and fruit salad. All of this was served buffet style.

 

Our boat departed at 7:30am and we went up and down the Nile during breakfast for almost an hour. While on the Nile, there were tables outside on deck and had the opportunity to enjoy theiews with several coffees.

 

We finally got back at 8:45am and our bus left at 9:10am for the Step Pyramids of Sakkara. The drive took all of 50 minutes through Cairo's busiest rush hour time. There are actually 3 rush hour times in Cairo 9:00am, 2 pm and 7:00pm...not the place too be!

 

Once we arrived at Sakkara, the sun was out in full force. It was very hot but a dry heat approx 80F today and a light breeze and intense direct sun....I have a burn on my neck and cheeks from both days actually.

 

The Step Pyarmid of Sakkara is fascinating to view. It is the oldest known Pyramid of all 107 pyramids in Egypt. Sakkara is actually a entire burial site or you could call it one big funeral home with many smaller pyramids and tombs scattered for miles.

 

We had over 1.5 hours there today and I walked around the grounds and even walked up on to the pyramid myself and have some great shots. You can also see Cairo in the distance. As Cairo has expanded, it has come closer to the ruins over the years. I don't know how they plan on preserving these monumental structures as erosion is taking there toll on them from the elements of wind, pollution etc. I was actually shocked that we were allowed to walk-thru all over the place. The one thing I noticed was the poor education on trash collection. There is trash and litter all over the place when visiting the ruins and Pyramids.

 

While on tour a man from one of our buses fell and cut open the side of his head. I happened while I was passing him and tried to help him and his wife while he was motionless on the ground. Eventually a couple of Escorts guides from various buses came to attend to him. He eventually got up after 15 minutes and was attended to by one of the nurses from the ship on tour with us. He is apprently OK this evening onboard.

 

You can't help but wonder how did they accomplish such precision when making these pyramids over 5000 years ago? I was just in awe of the whole thing...It is truly soemthing you need to see and it doesn't do justice on TV on the Discovery Chanel.

 

We left Sakkara at 12 noon and drove to the shop they had promised right near the Hotel for lunch. The shopping consisted of 22 minutes of a free for all with 480 people in one store at the same time. I only had the opportunity to shop for a 18k gold cartouche and chain for Javier. I've been wanting to get him one for ages. The pricing was OK, but I could not bargain mroe than 20% off the prices. The quality of the pieces that were heavier in weight were excellent. You could get cartouches alone for $200-$300 USD but they were very thin and looked cheaper actually. I ended up spending almost $1000.00 on the cartouche and gold chain with his name engraved on the back and the hyroglyphics of Ramses II on the front. Way more than what I wanted to spend honestly, but I am sure he will like it...I just won't ever tell him how much I paid, otherwise he wouldn't wear it!

 

What was so obvious too me and the others is that this store was in "Cahoots" with the tour operator and the guides to get a kickback as they wanted to know from which bus we were from and would write it on our purchases. It was a kickback system of commission for them (the organizers). I was very dissapointed that this was all the shopping I had done coming to Egypt as I wanted to buy so many other things but had no free time to do so as promised.

 

 

We arrived at the Mena house Oberoi Hotel at 12:30pm, the same hotel we ate at for dinner the night previous. The food was good, with meats, vegetables, salads, fresh homus, grilled chicken, fish, rice etc....the dessert tables was exactly as the night before with the same items available.

 

We left the Hotel at 1:45pm for the drive to the the Great Pyramids of the Pharaohs of Cheops, Chephren adn Mycerinus. We arrive at 2:00pm at teh Pyramids which was very closeby. Once there she gave us all the information about the Pyramids while seated on the Air Conditionned bus, which was smart. Then we had a half hour to walk around the three Pyramids or go with her down the shaft of one of the Pyramids of Chephren (the middle one) to visit what it looked like inside. I opted to walk aroiund and take in everything that I could.

 

The largest Pyramid of Cheops, then his son Chephren and his grandsons smallest pyramid Mycerinus. Only the Pyramid of Chephren has it's original finish on the upper part of the Pyramid that can be viewed.

 

There were plenty of menacing peddlers and camel jockeys wanting money for taking pictures and rides etc...

 

We boarded our bus at 2:35 and drove to the Panaroma Plateau approx. 1/2 mile away from the Pyramids to get a perfect view of all three for photographs and also where we could take camel rides and pcitures of the Camels and there owners. We had another half hour there as well.

 

Firstly, I have never been on a Camel and I am afraid of horses because one bit me when I was much younger as a kid. So with that in mind I was still game to go up on a Camel, which I did. The going price for Camel rides are $3.00 USD and $1.00 for pictures. I got on top of the Camel while it was seated and it wasn't very happy or didn't sound like it. It started to get up but I wasn't quite centred on it properly and kept on telling this guy I am about to fall off. I felt so weird being up on top of it and very bumpy as well as a ride....nothing like being on a horse!

 

When it was time to get down and I couldn't wait; I though I was going to fall completely forward onto it's head. You really have to hold on and throw all of you weight to the back of it's back. OMG, I was so happy to be down. He was also trying to convince me to let it give me a kiss for another $1.00....there was no way it or I was kissing it after the smalls coming from it's breath and those teeth!

 

We then left by bus to the Sphinx down from the Plateau of Gize. we arrived at 3:15pm and I walked up to the closest point to the Sphinx. Somehow, I always pictured it much bigger on TV. It is big don't get me wrong but just thought it looked much bigger than in person.

 

The people going into the area around the Sphinx was unbelieveable. There must have been at 10 000 people there today. I got some amazing shots of the Sphinx on different angles and from different locations.

There were also many small peddlers trying to sell you everything all the time. The whole Pyarmid complex was amazing to see I have to admitt to that.

 

We left the Pyramids of Gize at 4:10 for our 3 hour bus ride to Alexandria. Along our drive traffic was crazy. We had to travel still in a convoy of all 9 buses plus our back up bus behind just in case one of them broke down.

 

Upon arriving at the ship at 6:50pm, they had both gangways open but we were just too many people arriving at one time almost 500 pax. It took almost 30 minutes to get onboard and everything was thouroughly x-rayed and examined for security reasons.

 

I of course cam immediately up here to start posting as I knew people would be expecting to hear from me ASAP.

 

Overall, I would say it was an "OK" tour, that did go to some of the most important places. However the disorganization, and logistical problems we had on our arrival into Port Said is acceptable which did impact our tour over any other day trip tour since the ship was extending it's port time in Port Said by pushing back the departure time by 2 hours. The cutting out of the bazaar and our free time and also today 22 minutes in one pre-arranged store does not sit well with me either.

 

For the $$$, I did not feel it was worth it as it was way too much to do, not enough time and especially given the delays on day one. Also the emphasis on food was way too much. We could have had a boxed lunch (upgraded version) like we did on the last day of our South African Overnight Safari to allow us to better make use of our precious time travelling from point to point.

 

I personally would not redo this tour myself, but would customize something in a smaller group that would give us more flexibilty and time better spent.

 

Tony

:cool: :eek: :cool:

[T&J]

I'll leave things in your capable hands. Leaving now for an early Thanksgiving dinner. DIL Tara is doing it tonight because they're going to California for T-day.

 

Arlene

 

Alright, I am going to bed now so good night as well to you and to everyone else on here!

 

More to follow tomorrow from the Golden Princess at sea enroute to Civitavecchia, Italy.

 

Tony

:cool: :eek: :cool:

[sunprincess]

Welcome Back Tony,

 

Wow - does sound like an adventure for sure.

I too would have been very upset with the lack of shopping. I am sure Javier will love his gift.

I was laughing reading your camel adventure :D too funny.

 

I am sure you'll sleep well tonight.

Again, appreciate your live efforts for us all.

 

Cathy

[rolando]

Hello Tony (and all)

 

I've been following this thread closely with particular interest in your Egypt experience. Thank you very much for posting. My partner and I were booked on this cruise with you but had to cancel a few months ago. Glad to see your recommendation concerning cruise line vs private tour in Egypt. We will be on the Costa Concordia for a 10 day new years cruise (not our favorite but difficult to find ships in Europe for the winter), and we'll have a stop in Alexandria. We have arranged for a private tour (we have a group of 7) with De Castro tours. I had some questions relating to the security convoy for the private tours but I see that others are making reference to a posting by Vicki (??) that addresses this?? Any help on finding that thread would be great.

 

As a side note (and at the risk of upsetting the thread "police"), my partner and I will be on the Golden from Acapulco to San Francisco next April and I seem to remember reading somewhere on this thread that you are going to be on that as well?? Would love to meet for a drink.

 

Cheers!!

Rolando

[envy4u]

T... Glad you are back safe and sound . I enjoyed reading about your second day . I would be having a fit if I only got 22 minutes to shop .

 

Why would Javier not wear the necklace if he thought you paid too much ? That make no sense .

 

How do you think Princess is going to feel when "they" read that you would not recommend this excursion . Lots of lost revenue for Princess that's for sure . Many people here value your opinion and I for one would not do this tour based on your experiience .

 

BTW you did not answer my questions from Day 1 and I forgot them now .