Hello from the Red Sea ~ April 2008

Penny and Harvey Gamble are currently cruising on the Silversea "Silver Cloud" (Dubai to Athens).  Read more about the wonderful journey they have experienced so far ...   

Hi everyone!

We are currently enjoying a 3 day "at sea" stretch from Salalah, Oman to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.  The business and decadence of Dubai seems like it was quite a while ago and the sereneness of Salalah in comparison was very refreshing.  We hosted the Ensemble tour in Salalah with our small group of 4 couples and our local guide.  The tour was a hit with everyone, as the highlight was a visit to a Omani home, which turned out to be our tour guides home.  We met 3 of his children, his wife (yes, he only has one wife which is very common nowadays) and learned about their daily life and customs.  We enjoyed a snack of samosas, fresh fruits, cookies, the ever present dates (they are awesome here) and Arabia coffee. We then went to a museum which was very modern and outstanding before we went to the "souk" (shops). 

Our 3 sail days have been very relaxing - not doing much but reading, enjoying the warm sea breezes and calm ocean.  As you know we are on what is rated as one of the best cruise lines in the world and we now know why.  The service is very good and needs to be described.  It's not delivered with a bunch of fanfare and great gusto - it’s more of an "anticipated" service, unobtrusive and thoughtful.  Like the fellow who brings a cool towel to you out on deck or a skewer of fresh fruit kabob or addresses questions in a non-defensive manner, being committed to treating you like guests in their home. While there is lots to do, most guests are happy reading their book, having a nice dinner with some good wine and do not need constant activities to occupy their time. 

Tomorrow we visit Jeddah.  We booked a half day shore excursion prior to leaving home, as they only offered two tours, one half and one full day.  Our understanding was that we could stay ashore and do a bit of independent strolling around.  Not so as it turns out.  This is a maiden call (first visit) for Silversea and while it is a unique and special experience, the local authorities have rules regarding tourists.  We are not allowed to do anything on our own - which is OK the more I hear about the situation.  We must travel together as controlled groups and of course the women must be properly attired in the black "abaya".  Perhaps it’s a good thing we aren't taking the day tour as it includes lunch at a Hilton Hotel. We were told that you must do everything with your right hand as the left hand is considered "unclean"….I could just see Harvey and I trying to eat - we both eat left-handed!  So while it is very different and mysterious, at the same time the whole ship seems to be very excited about this visit.  It's a rare opportunity to visit this country as a western tourist - it just doesn't happen that much.  We are the first western cruise ship to visit here - other people that come here are Muslims visiting Mecca (their holy city) and some people do work here from the western world - other than that it is a very closed and insular country.  Having said the above, we are not in any danger at all, we just have to follow Saudi customs and rules!

We will then continue on to Egypt (2 stops) and Abaqa, Jordon before the Suez Canal transit back to Athens.

Hope all is well with you!