texancruzer

Have visited San Juan numerous times ( maybe 20)  We have walked all over Old San Juan - morning , noon and night.  Even walked back to our hotel El Convento from the salsa club we were at at 2:30 am - no problems.  But stay to the main streets after dark - we found lots of police out that early !

I (and husband) are divers but do  a lot of snorkeling too.  We have dove al over the world including the Red Sea while on a trip to Egypt.  THE best has been Roatan Honduras.  West Bay Beach is beautiful white sand, restaurants and bars (all very low key) and gorgeous water and reef for snorkeling right off the beach.  West End is a $3.00 - 8 minute water taxi ride away for shopping and more restaurants etc.

Belize and Grand Cayman are next for snorkeling but I can't stand Belize so don't plan to go there again (been twice) so Grand Cayman is nice but very crowded island.  Gorgeous sand and water tho and diving is great but snorkeling not so sure as most places you need to go out (in a boat) to access reefs and fun stuff to see.

Thats my 2 cents 😑

We are staying at the Jumeirah Etihad towers.  A bit over your range (@200.00) but right in the "sweet spot"  Not sure when you are going - we will be there 3 nights March 15-16-17.   I will post our experience .....

OK.  Thought I had pretty much everything figured out for our upcoming cruise that ends in Singapore.  We were to spend 2 nights at the Carlton after disembarking flying home on the 3rd night leaving late.  So thought we had almost 3 days to explore.

BUT....  received an email from Emirates and they cancelled our flight giving us the option to fly home a day early or a day later..... unfortunately couldn't stay a day later.  So we have part of one day (after disembarking) and part of another.  

I know I want to see the gardens and do a bit of shopping - perhaps in a cool older market area.  But any insights into what we can realistically see in our time frame.  Should I book a private tour for our disembark afternoon?  Then DIY on our next morning/lunch.  Our driver is picking us up at 6:00 pm for a 9:10 flight.  

Any advice is appreciated - as we are disappointed but know you have to "go with the flow" when traveling.

1 hour ago, Landlubber 101 said:

Thanks  for the info.  Can anyone on the Roll Call tell me what. They have done please ?

You need to go to your roll call and post this question. This is ports of call forum....

On 10/17/2018 at 11:10 AM, LovetoCruise_09 said:

I'm going with my family (two adults and two teenage children) on a Dubai India cruise which starts in Abu Dhabi and ends in Singapour but will be passing through India for a total of 5 days -  2 days in Mumbai, one day in Goa, one day at sea and one more day in Cochin. What shore excursions would you recommend in these ports? What would be the best way to see the Golden Triangle or the best of India highlights during this cruise? Please recommend shore excursions and tour companies from your experience. TIA.

You did not indicate which cruise - and date. But we are on the March 18th Constellation cruise from Abu Dhabi to Singapore.  Sound like same itinerary.

We are taking a private tour from Mumbai to see the Taj Mahal.  Message me if you would like info on the tour we are taking.  I cannot recommend here as its not allowed.  You can research further if you wish to do so.

On 11/5/2018 at 11:25 AM, Ballymoney Bailey Boy said:

There are too numerous posts on here on this subject to read every one, and given that the rules recently changed and I'm not medically of pharmaceutical trained I wasn't sure what was and wasn't allowed. That's why I submitted an application.

Hopefully others won't worry in the future.

Just read the thread I posted titled UAE LIST OF DRUGS NEEDING APPROVAL TO BRING INTO THE COUNTRY

It would seem if you were concerned enough to submit an application that you would at least read the threads for more info ????

1 hour ago, CRUISER94044 said:

I have to hank you so much for posting this list.  I leave for my cruise 3 days and disembark in Dubai. I had checked this list a few months ago but the updated list now includes gabapentin.   I was able to reach my MD and get a letter to take with me.     Phew!

Thats the great thing about this website - we are all here to help each other !  Glad it helped 

On 11/4/2018 at 7:57 AM, Bpos said:

If you leave your medications on the ship, what is the problem?

We also fly into Dubai - transfer to Abu Dhabi and embark on our cruise from there.  So Customs and Immigration at the airport.

Luckily neither I nor my husband take any of the listed drugs - I came across this list while researching what drugs needed the approval/dr. paperwork and thought it would be helpful to those also traveling to UAE.

http://www.mohap.gov.ae/Files/MOH_Service/361/ANNEX TO TRAVELLERS GUIDELINES 28-10-2018.pdf

Whew - this was really hard to find.  Anyone visiting United Arab Emerites bringing these drugs MUST have proper approval before arriving.

The list is Narcotics, Psychotropic etc.    Any medications that have these in them also must be approved according to website.

Any other medications are OK.  

Hope this helps

Terry - Mike and I did a wonderful dive in the Red Sea at Hurghada. Very different from the Caribbean (we have dove all over it !) Definitely wasn't going to go all that way and stay 2 nights and NOT dive !!!!

I have a great pic of us on camels in front of the pyramids and another of us on a camel trek into the desert in Morocco. Guess I should think about a desert visit will in the UAE next March ?? I should start a collection maybe?

I think its very important to note that ships do not visit Luxor. It is not near an ocean but rather along the Nile. Many cruises will have an excursion that will travel to Luxor and some have an one that will spend the night allowing to visit many sites there. On our 15 day tour (Nov 2010) after our 7 day Nile cruise we were bused from Luxor to Hurghada (on the Red Sea) for 2 nights at an all-inclusive. The bus ride while interesting through some barren desolate desert was quite long ( seem to remember about 4+ hours) as we arrived for a late lunch.

But I don't believe any ships are docking in Alexandria which is closer to Cairo (for a pyramid visit) but still would require an overnight excursion.

In my research for our trip next March, I have read that their monarch has and is on a very focused mission to bring their country into the 21st century and make it a top tourist destination. He has made many many changes and his people are prospering. I, too, am anxiously awaiting our time there ......

Just did a search for flights from Cairo to Luxor. Only 2 airlines (Egyptair and Nile Air) were listed. I don't believe there are any non Egyptian airlines that fly intra-country.

Also - take a falucca ride if you can..... and take one of the smaller faluccas. It will take you back in time as you glide along the Nile with the sails up. Very relaxing. We had some young kids on makeshift floats come up near the boat and sing, in English, to us .... and our captain rolled out a carpet with lots of interesting pieces of jewelry (beaded etc.) that were very cheap - but unique and fun. I bought a bunch ! LOL Made his day :)

Gosh - its hard to begin to tell you all the neat tidbits of our trip. We only had 11 in our tour (Gate 1) and a superb guide that went above and beyond doing lots of extra stuff with us not on the "itinerary" Egypt will fascinate and capture your heart - I promise !

I am just starting researching a cruise in southeast Asia. My husband and I enjoy learning about the history, culture, and nature of the areas we are visiting. Do any of the mainline cruiselines offer guides who discuss these while cruising? It would add so much to the trip!

While there are some cruise lines that provide speakers who will give talks about various topics related to the cruise and its itinerary, these are usually not on what i would call the mainline cruise lines. Occasionally you may find one but its not the norm.

We have found that one of the best ways to achieve what you want to achieve is to book a well reviewed private tour while in the various ports. Usually when you book you can request a guide (not a driver as they do nothing but drive) who will give you what you specifically ask for. I usually ask for the basic sights but also ask to experience the place as a local. That may involve eating at a restaurant that is not a "tourist" spot but one where the locals go for lunch. I like a mix of history, culture and a "bit" of fun too.

It also doesn't hurt to do some research on your own before the cruise. I have always felt that half the fun was the research and planning. I have met many people who get on the ship and don't have a clue about where they are going or what to do while they are there. THAT blows my mind....... oh well, to each his own I guess.

Appreciate all the invaluabe info posted on this thread! I do have a question maybe someone can aanswer: When taking the domestic flight from Cairo to Luxor to board the ship to cruise the Nile River, what were your luggage restrictions, if any? Thank You.

I don't remember it being any different than the weight for the international flight (seems like it was 50 lbs) We did a land tour (Gate 1) and flew from JFK to Cairo on Egypt Air (really nice flight !) We each had 1 checked bag and 1 carryon. The plane from Cairo to Luxor was a large plane but don't remember if it was EgyptAir or not. Probably but not 100%.

Appreciate so very much these great details, suggestions and follow-ups. These are wonderful insights and background. I will copy and share these excellent info items on our cruise roll call for others on the upcoming Athens to Dubai sailing with two days at Luxor. Very helpful and beneficial.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

You're welcome. Sorry - did not realize that only Luxor will be visited. Luxor was really nice. We really enjoyed Karnak and the Valley of the Kings (Queens - Hatshepsuts temple) but also enjoyed a few other small things we did. We visited an alabaster place near Valley of the Kings and watched them carve into beautiful items. Went to the bazaar twice - once at night. Different at night. Very cool. Also one afternoon the Luxor museum. Very nice - small but everything well marked - even in English. All I can think of right now. Hope it helps.

Will be visiting India next March and found a wonderful show on Amazon we have been watching for background on history of India...

It is called "The Story of India" by Michael Wood. It is a 6 part t.v. documentary and very very well done. We paid $4.99 on Amazon prime for the whole Season (6 shows)

I won't remember all of it - or even most of it .... but enough to help me understand the ins and outs of India. Cant wait !

Keep the ideas and hints coming !!!!!!! Hadn't thought about doing the gardens at night :confused:

Just saw the movie yesterday - and loved loved loved the views of Singapore.

We will be spending 3 days and 2 nights there after disembarking from our cruise next April. Cant wait now. Looks like a very cool place with lots to do ! BTW the movie is cute too ;)

Anyone having visited Singapore - chime in with ideas of some "off the beaten path" things to do ????

I would love to return on a land based trip. Still attempting (unsuccessfully, I might add) to convince my brother & SIL (they are concerned about unrest in the area).

Great photo, BTW.

We did a 15 day tour with Gate 1 Tours in Nov. 2010 (the Nov. before the January riots)

I cannot say enough that this was THE trip. We have travelled a lot to quite a few countries but this one - its the one. Our tour was mind-blowing to say the least. It included 2 nights in Cairo then flew to Luxor where we boarded our Nile cruise for a total of 7 nights. Leisurely down to Aswan where we spent 2 nights aboard the ship. We did the optional tour to Abu Simbel which was a major must do for me. Then back to Luxor where we disembarked and bused to Hurghada all inclusive for 2 nights. Its on the Red Sea where my husband and I did an amazing scuba dive. Then flew to Cairo and spent 1 night near airport before flying home.

WE SAW AND EXPERIENCED SO MUCH BUT IN A WONDERFUL WAY. Our guide Ayman was truly remarkable and did many things with us above and beyond the itinerary. We remain friends on Facebook.

Poor and dirty - yes. Beautiful and amazing - yes.

We found the people to be warm and friendly and genuinly happy we were there. They are poor and they are proud. So much history and intrigue - I only remember half (maybe ;))

The only thing I can say is "don't go for the food" You have to be very very careful. They tried very hard in hotels and on ship to please Western style meals but eh - not so much.

Tips: Be respectful. This is their country. While they are poor they are proud of their country and history. Take pictures respectfully. Ask. Most will hope for a small $ if you do. Some will ask outright others just a hand out. As soon as arrive buy Antinal. It is the local med for Mummy Tummy. As careful as you will be - it will happen. Trust me. Its not awful but more of a nuisance. Antinal works. You need an Egyptian med for an Egyptian bug. Cheap and available everywhere. We stayed at Le Meridien in Cairo and I got "it" on the second day. Ice at hotel was told safe - nope. Had a rum and coke with ice and BAM! Hotel had Antinal - $3.00 a box. We bought a second box halfway thru as husband also had experience with MT. 11 in our group and all but one had various experience with it.

Try everything !!!! Sheesha. While I don't smoke it was something unique and well, when in Rome....... Apple flavored was nice.

Bargain when shopping. Start at @ 1/3 what they ask. Work your way up until you are both happy.

Do a falluca ride. Boats with tall sails on the Nile. It will take you back hundreds of years .....

Ride a camel at the pyramids ! You will have a picture that will make all your friends envious.

Take time to soak up Egypt - people watch.

And as for the new museum. I'm sure it will be nice. But I love love loved the old one. Dusty and chaotic. Felt like Indiana Jones. We wandered all over. Saw the mummies, Tuts items and much much more.

Valley of the Kings - its hot in the tombs - especially the ones you go deep into. Even in Nov. We did not have to pay extra for Tuts. It was all included in our tour. We saw Tuts and 3 others. Not all tombs are open at the same time. They rotate so as not to damage with too much tourist traffic. You will be blown away by what they did so long ago for their pharaohs.

Enjoy - we never felt unsafe - altho we had an armed guard with us at pyramids and a large gun on the back of the cruise boat (covered in tarp) See as much as you can. You can rest when you get home :D

PS : More about dress - it appears they may be a bit more strict about dress. I wore capris and short sleeve blouses most of the time BUT I always had either a long sleeve shirt (lightweight) or a scarf to cover for mosques. We did not find that we needed to cover when visiting tourist areas such as temples etc in rural areas and definitely not in Valley of the Kings or Abu Simbel etc etc. Use common sense. PHOTOS - there were a few places we were told no photos. Aswan dam and Abul Simbel (inside) but pretty much everywhere else was a go. Again - when taking photos of people (not in a crowd tho) ASK FIRST. Not sure I would venture to Sharm el Sheik. In a location that is hot spot. Hurghada was on the East side of main coast of Egypt.

Well I am going to go in a different direction - you said land and sea so I am going to suggest you look into Gate 1 Tours. "See more of the world for less" is their slogan and they mean it !

We have done 3 tours with them but there are many many people who have done 30+ tours with them. We have done Egypt (15 days) Morocco (15 days) and France (8 day) I did France with my daughter (it was her Christmas present one year) but Egypt and Morocco with husband. Many solo travelers use Gate 1. They have 3 tiers - regular tours (no more than 40) Discovery (no more than 22) and Luxury. Check out their pricing (you won't believe what you get for the $$) and they go everywhere !!!!!

Now - some are all land tours but they do have some that are land and cruise combined. Some Greek trips do short cruises and some of the other tours also.

I will also say that if you look at the prices you are going to think it won't be a great experience. But I will assure you that our experiences have been nothing but spectacular. As a side note - we are in a position to spend a lot more - but why would we if we can get a wonderful trip for less? There is a Facebook page also that kind of mimics this website for info etc,

Whatever you do - enjoy your retirement - enjoy traveling the world - enjoy life !!!!

Thank you, Just want see the Pyramids again.. That ship will visit Luxor only

You pretty much won't find a cruise that will allow you to see the pyramids.... Cairo is just too far from any port.

We did a 7 day Nile cruise while on a 15 day tour of Egypt with Gate 1 tours. It was amazing.

They recently began tours to Egypt again but they sell out QUICK !

It’s actually a chauffeur-driver service so don’t expect to find a ‘limo’ wating for you - the business class service within the UAE is usually one of the fleet of dark blue Volvo estate cars...(First Class get a silver Mercedes).:)

Anne..

Guess I used the wrong term - knew it wasn't a "limo" but is nice to have a service waiting after a long flight and since it is a distance to Abu Dhabi. We get in at 7:40 pm so waiting for a bus would be a hassle. And on the other end we get picked up at hotel in Singapore and driven to airport.

Even better - if you are flying Emerates business or first class you can get a limo ride for FREE !

We are flying business into Dubai and ship leaves from Abu Dhabi so we have a reservation for a limo to take us for FREE. Then when we disembark in Singapore we are spending a few nights there but they will pick us up at hotel and take us to airport - again FREE !