***Live from the Legend Athens-Mumbai***

[Seabourntraveller]

Day 17: At Sea Enroute to Dubai, U.A.E.

 

Good Morning from the Legend making our way towards Dubai, U.A.E.; we are at sea today and tomorrow before we arrive at 7:00am in Dubai, U.A.E. Tuesday morning. I am told that the ship normally does an overnight in Dubai to accomodate the loading of provisions we are scheduled only from 7:00am to 7:00pm that day.:(

Seas last night were fairly calm, a light winds which made it nice out on deck for the 1001 Arabian Night's Party.

 

Today, I noticed that they had put up the Christmas decorations around the ship and in the Midnight Sun Lounge we have a huge decorated Christmas Tree! I guess I need to Balckberry Santa my Xmas Gifts requests...:D

 

Lots of activities this morning/afternoon around the ship as well as an Emergency Drill for the Crew at 10:15am. At 11:00am Special Interest Lecture: Arab Culture and Tradition in the King Olav Lounge. 12 noon Team Trivia Challenge in the Midnight Sun Lounge and 2:30pm we have an Enrichment Lecture: Iran-An Important Force in the Region" in the King Olav Lounge followed by a Ring Toss with Adam by the Sky Bar and a Texas hold'em Tournament in the Casino. Tonight On-Board is Black Tie Optional (last Formal Night).

 

About to head out now for breakfast in the Verandah Cafe.

More to come from the Legend making our way towards Dubai, U.A.E.

[Seabourntraveller]

Last year in Salaleh we bargained with the taxi drivers. When they were all together they refused to bargain, but when we walked away one of them followed and let us hire him for $25 for the day. We wanted to see Job's Tomb. That was uninteresting, but the trip to get there was wonderful. We rode through the countryside seeing the Bedouin camps and watching the camels and other animals wandering everywhere. As we alit from the taxi and walked around, baby camels were coming up to us to be petted. Finally, he took us to the market and waited while we shopped, before returning us to the port.

 

Glad to hear you got a "DEAL" as when we were there yesterday along with other passengers....they wer elike a pack of wolfes and wouldn't go below $40.00 per person even after all of us turned away and went back onto the shuttle bus back to the ship.:mad:

[Seabourntraveller]

Further Afternoon Update;

 

We are currently cruising at 15.4 knots per hour and have sailed 316 nm from Salalah, Oman and have another 721 nm before we reach Dubai, U.A.E. on Tuesday morning Dec 20th.

The seas are calm albeith winds were strong on the outter decks this afternoon with 25C or 77F sunny skies all day. We took in some sun, lounged around and had lunch in the Verandah Cafe whereby they were serving a Pacific Rim theme lunch. Nice array of cold salads, seafoods selections, and a Grilled Snapper which was exquisite. Service as always impeccable and attentive. Can't believe that we have been onboard now for 16 days....thank god we have another 28 days to go as I am NOT ready to leave just yet.

 

The lecture on Iran was fascinating and very informative from Dr. Firooz Zadeh. I errored the other day by saying that our Special Forces had disembarked. They are still onboard but manning only in key positions on the ship. I have it under good authority that they are leaving us in Dubai, U.A.E. on Tuesday morning. We again have all of our exterior lights off on the ship as I assume this is a precautionary measure only. There is very litttle movement tonight as we are going fairly fast.

 

Tonight is our last Formal Night (Black Tie Optional) on this cruise and there is a Captain's Gala Farewell Party at 6:45pm in the King Olav Lounge.

[Seabourntraveller]

Restaurant Menu

 

First Course:

 

Seared Salmon & New Potato Terrine, tomato vinaigrette

Maple Glazed Duck Breast, cucumber & potato salad, country mustard vinaigrette

Boursin Cheese Souffle, roasted sweet garlic cream

Potato-Leek Soup with Lobster Croutons, melted leeks

Butternut Squash Broth, sage dumplings

Red Leaf Lettuce with Caramelized Apples, goat cheese croutons, toasted pumpkin seeds

Braised Leeks Confit with Crunchy Onions, mustard and sherry vinaigrette

 

Main Course:

 

Pan Roasted Halibut, on melted leeks, truffle dressing

Broiled Lobster Tail, lemon risotto, newburg sauce

Thyme Roasted Fillet de Boeuf, black pepper and horseradich gnocchi, port wine demi-glace

Roasted Rack of Lamb, cawliflower-zucchini semonila, potato gratin, lamb jus

 

Vegetarian-Ratatouille Ravioli, in caramelized onion broth and crispy shallots

 

 

Restaurant 2; Theme "Cafe Elegant"

 

Same menu as above is served in Restaurant 2

 

Desserts

Chocolate Mascarpone Semifredo

Amaretto Ice Cream

Marinated Fruits with Vanilla Ice Cream

[Seabourntraveller]

Tonight's Entertainment OnBoard:

 

6:30pm Cocktails at the Club with "Claudia & Oliver"

6:45pm Captains Gala Farewell Party in the King Olav Lounge

9:30pm Claudia & Oliver in the Club

9:45pm Showtime: "Showstoppers!" in the King Olav Lounge

 

Just finished having dinner and had the most amazing Crepes Suzette for dessert! Walking around the ship the exterior lights continue to be off this evening. We have light winds and the sky is full of stars as we make our way towards Dubai, U.A.E.

In tomorrow's Herald we have the infamous Market galley Lunch in the Dinning Room for Lunch....I better have a very light breakfast!

 

More to come from the Legend at enroute to Dubai, U.A.E.

[marchanxiety]

And you may not want dinner!

[Seabourntraveller]

Day 18: At Sea Enroute to Dubai, U.A.E.

 

Good Morning from the Legend enroute currently off the coast of Muscat heading towards Dubai, U.A.E. We have strong winds this morning up on the upper decks and are currently travelling at 15.5 knots and just shy of 335 nm from Dubai, U.A.E.

Sunny day today again and current temperature is 24C or 76F.

Went for breakfast already in the Verandah Cafe for a "light" breakfast given that the Market Galley Lunch is at 12:30pm today in the Restaurant on Deck 3.

We have several things going on today onboard the Legend with an Enrichment Lecture at 11:00am in the King Olav Lounge, Final Team Trivia Challenge at 12 noon in the Midnight Sun Lounge, Ring Toss again with Adam at the Sky Bar, at 3:15pm Blacjack Tournament in the Casino.

 

Today the Verandah Cafe will be closed for lunch due to the Market Galley Lunch in the Restaurant, the Sky Grill will be open for Lunch from 1:30pm-3:00pm for an Al Fresco lunch out on deck.

Some great crew members will be leaving us in Dubai tomorrow and will be missed, especially Dejan in the Verandah Cafe....he cracks me up!!!:D

 

More to follow later today from the Legend making our way towards Dubai, U.A.E.

[Tony & Trevor]

SBtraveller

 

Thank you for the fascinating on going narratives.

 

Do hope you and your fellow passengers have an enjoyable day.

 

 

Kind regards

 

 

Tony

[Seabourntraveller]

Further Update;

 

Captain has come on for his daily PA address, statting that we are 270 nm miles from Dubai, U.A.E. and going thru the Straight of Hormus at approx. 10:00pm tonight. We are currently listing to the port side due to high winds and are currently 60 miles offshore from Oamn and 80 miles to the East of Iran.

Further stated that a super tanker travels thru the Staright at a rate of 2 per hour or 700 million barrels of oil per day travels thru this strategic point. We are suppose to be tied up alongside our berth in Dubai, U.A.E. tomorrow morning at 6:00am and the Captain has confirmed that we have 30 guests continuing onwards to Mumbai for the next 14 days.

 

On a side note, we have lost once again all TV channels and have the "lovely" FOX Channel still in full force and operational...good god get me a good book or something!:rolleyes:

 

Will be heading down to the Restaurant at 12:30pm to the Galley Market Lunch and from what I have read on numerous posts on CC ...I will need to pace myself!

 

More to follow later this afternoon from the magnificent Legend enroute to Dubai, U.A.E. on this sunny and windy day here in the Arabian Sea.

[markham]

I extend all of my sympathies to you at this phase of the cruise for having no choice in news programming but the Fox channel.

 

I wonder what enables the distribution when mainstream channels are not available. I have heard that Fox comes through the internet and not via satellite transmission and that this accounts for lack of reception of CNN and BBC.

 

In the interest of offering choice, and this is surely an example of where passengers' needs are being overlooked, can Seabourn make some adjustments on the technical side? If Fox is subsidizing some element, and the result is this (awful) imbalance, surely a remedy is not only justified but warranted.

 

My personal view is that news is news and entertainment is entertainment.

But in all cases where feasible there should be consumer choice, especially in this case!

 

In the meantime I recommend patience until CNN and BBC are in range.

 

Happy sailing!

[Tony & Trevor]

markham

 

 

Quite agree with your post. I don't particularly listen to news on holiday

 

but if I have to its always the BBC or Sky.

 

Cannot bear to listen to Fox or the sanitised CNN-of course each to his own.

 

Kind regards

 

Tony

[Seabourntraveller]

Restaurant Menu

 

First Course:

 

Seared Tuna Carpaccio, pickled artichokes, tapenade crostini

Slow Roasted Baby Beets with Buffalo Mozzarella, port wine dressing

Spring Chicken Cassoulet "En Croute", creamy forest mushrooms, truffle oil, fresh tarragon

Roasted Game Consomme, ravioli of duck confit

Artichoke Bisque, polenta and spinach fritters, bacon lardons

Truffled Baby Corn Salad with Mache, crisp red onions

Baby Romaine Lettuce, ceasar style dressing

 

Main Course:

 

Pan Roasted Dorade Royal, creamy asparagus risotto, roasted mushroom sauce

Sauteed Scallops & Red Wine Braised Beef Short Ribs, horseradish mashed potatoes, sauteed spinach

Crisp Roasted Chicken Breast, curried dijon sauce, aromatic basmati rice and crisp caper berries

Pink Veal Medallion, Citrus Pan Sauce, sauteed leeks and peas, fingerling potatoes

 

Vegetarian-Baked Tomato & Ricotta Cheese Tian, confit tomatoes

 

 

Restaurant 2; Theme "Steak House"

 

Starters

Roasted Tomato & Goat Cheese Tian, Asparagus, Dijon Vinaigrette

Crisp Crab Cake, Red Onion Salad, Truffle Remoulade, Spiced Greens

 

Soup/Salad

Roasted Garlic Soup, Chive Chantilly, Crunchy Rosemary Brioche

Ceasar Salad, Sour Dough Croutons, Shaved Parmesan

 

Mains

Beef Fillet Mignon 8oz

New York Sirloion Steak 10oz

Fillet of Salmon 7oz

 

Desserts

Fresh Strawberry Cheese Cake, Graham Cracker, Walnut Tuille

Port Wine Poached Pears, Lemon Sherbert, White Chocolate Crisp

 

***The Sky Grill is open this evening from 7:30pm until 9:00pm serving a Surf and Turf with Fillet Mignon and Nigerian Shrimp***

[Seabourntraveller]

Entertainement OnBoard Tonight

 

6:30pm Destination Lecture: "Dubai" with Dr. Firooz Zadeh in the King Olav Lounge

6:30pm Cocktails at the Club with Claudia and Oliver in The Club

9:30pm After Dinner, "Claudia & Oliver" in the Club

9:30pm Popcorn Movie: The Change Up in the King Olav Lounge

9:45pm Farewell Night in the Club, with Seabreeze in the Club

9:45pm Adam Green in the Midnight Sun Lounge

 

Further Update;

 

We are a couple of hours away from entering into the Strait of Hormuz. This evening with have all of exterior lights on. Our Special Forces are staying with us until Thursday in Muscat, Oman and will be disembarking. They will be offloading all the guns and weaponary tomorrow morning in Dubai, U.A.E.

 

I have to say after that Galley Market Lunch we aren't that hungry at all this evening...will be having a quick bite of something later this evening.

 

More to come from the Legend as we make our way towards the Strait of Hormuz and Duabi, U.A.E.

[jagi]

I am enjoying your posts and delighted you will be continuing on to Mumbai. That way I get to read of your adventures for the next two weeks, also.

Thank you so much for your detailed and informative posts. Enjoy the rest of your journey.

[Seabourntraveller]

Day 19: Dubai, U.A.E.

 

Good Morning from Dubai, U.A.E.!!! We'll we finally have made it here and are tied up alongside our berth along with a Regent ship ship as well.

The weather today looks to be hot and dry as usual in Dubai and the ship has yet to be cleared which I am sure will take a while.

We have a private driver for half a day here and will be picking us up at 8:30am (in approx. 1.5 hours time) to drive us around Dubai, Palm Island, the New Atlantis Hotel, The Souq and the Burj Kalifa and then drop us off at the Emirates Mall for some lunch and shopping.

 

We have 30 passengers staying on for the next leg until Mumbai. Our count for this new cruise that starts today will be 199 passengers....basically the ship is completely full so I am sure we will notice that over the coming days.

 

Just about to head out to the Verandah Cafe for breakfast which is open from 7:00am until 9:00am. They are also holding a special lunch for all f us in transit in the Verandah Cafe from 12 noon until 1:00pm although we will be having lunch ashore.

 

More to follow later today once we are back onboard our "Floating Castle" in Dubai, U.A.E.

[Seabourntraveller]

I extend all of my sympathies to you at this phase of the cruise for having no choice in news programming but the Fox channel.

 

I wonder what enables the distribution when mainstream channels are not available. I have heard that Fox comes through the internet and not via satellite transmission and that this accounts for lack of reception of CNN and BBC.

 

In the interest of offering choice, and this is surely an example of where passengers' needs are being overlooked, can Seabourn make some adjustments on the technical side? If Fox is subsidizing some element, and the result is this (awful) imbalance, surely a remedy is not only justified but warranted.

 

My personal view is that news is news and entertainment is entertainment.

But in all cases where feasible there should be consumer choice, especially in this case!

 

In the meantime I recommend patience until CNN and BBC are in range.

 

Happy sailing!

 

Markham...Day 19 and counting...still only FOX NEWS on my TV!:mad:

[markham]

A ghastly account if there ever was one...

 

Of course sooner or later you will have access to some balanced news programs- as opposed to that entertainment channel.

 

And in the meantime, the only coping strategy I can offer at this time of distress and unsettled sensibilities is the proverbial "stiff upper lip".

 

You will come through- and do so in style- on the beautiful Legend.

 

Happy sailing!

[Seabourntraveller]

Further Update: Forced Overnight in Dubai, U.A.E.

 

We came back to the ship this afternoon after spending a half day with a private driver which took us to Palm Jumeriah, Atlantis Hotel, Emirate Hills, The Gold Souq, Spice Souq and the Dubai Museum. We then had them drop us off at the Emirates Mall for some lunch and shopping only to have come back onboard at 4:00pm to be told by the Captain that we needed to stay overnight in Dubai due to the containers and provisions that needed to be loaded on the ship were late in arriving and that we would be leaving at 6:00am tomorrow morning on Dec 21st. The Captain said that our scheduled arrival time for Muscat, Oman on Dec 22nd would remain the same and won't be affected.

 

Of course everyone was estatic to learn the news including ourselves. We decided thsi evening to have dinner in Restaurant 2 which had it's "Surf and Turf" menu consisting of Shrimp Cocktail, Cesar Salad, Fillet Mignon and Lobster Tail and Blueberry Cheesecake. We had dinner with some guests that were on the previous cruise and also our 4 man security detachment that travelled with us thru "pirate alley"...a very nice evening spent outside on the back deck of the Verandah Cafe. Only thing was is that we were bunkering fuel all day and we could still smell the fumes coming from the bunker until it finally pulled away shortly after 8:00pm.

 

The ship is full with a count of 204 passengers and boy do you feel it now. We have surprisingly some small kids and teens onboard (rug rats and ankle biters), I think I saw about 4-6 of them travelling with extended families.

 

Carine our Cabin Stewardess is staying with us again in our section for this next cruise. We were invited to the repeaters cocktail party out on deck by the forward jaccuzzi by the Hotel Manager which took place at 6:15pm until 7:00pm which was a nice touch....Jan the Cruise Director was there as well as Adam on the guitar.

 

More to come later thsi evening as the Legend our stationary "Floating Castle" does an overnight in Dubai, U.A.E.

[Seabourntraveller]

Restaurant Menu

 

First Course:

 

Seared Spice Crusted Tuna, Vegetables Escabeche, corriander puree, saffron

Mousseline of Chicken Liver, Sauterne Jelly, grilled pears, toasted brioche

Coconut Crusted Jumbo Shrimp, sweet and sour vegetables, soy-seasame dipping sauce

Vegetable Bouillon, fresh herb pesto, tiny pasta

New England Clam Chowder, saffron essence

Boston Bibb with "Mimosa" Style Dressing, garden fresh herbs

Watermelon & Rocket Salad, tangerine dressing

 

Main Course:

 

Seared Flounder Fillet, lyonaisse potatoes, vegetable fricassee and noily prat sauce

Scallops with Crisp Smoked Bacon, braised cabbage, juniper reduction

Slow Roasted Rack of Veal, vegetable-potato gratin, sauteed haricot vert, calvados morel sauce

Duo of Aged Sirloin & Braised Short Rib of Beef. honey glazed turnips, mustard greens, red wine sauce

 

Vegetarian-Breaded Tofu & Roasted Squash, Mascarpone Risotto, micro greens

 

I posted the abbreviated Menu in Restaurant 2 theme, "Surf & Turf".

Also the Sky Grill was open for dinner offering a "Surf and Turf" with Fillet Mignon and Nigerian Shrimp from 8:00pm-9:30pm.

[Seabourntraveller]

Entertainment Onboard in Dubai, U.A.E., Dec 20th

 

6:30pm Cocktails in the CLub with "Claudia & Oliver"

6:45pm Sail-Away Party on open decks with Seabreeze

9:30pm Opening Night in the Club with Claudia & Oliver and Seabreeze

9:45pm Popcorn Movie: "Contagion" in the King Olav Lounge

9:45pm Adam Green in the Midnight Sun Lounge

[Seabourntraveller]

Day 20: At Sea Enroute to Muscat, Oman

 

Good morning from the Legend as we sail onwards towards Muscat, Oman. We left Dubai, U.A.E. this morning shortly after 6:15am and dropped off our pilot at 6:45am offshore. We are currently travelling at 15 knots per hour and have approx. 346 nm until we reach Muscat, Oman tomorrow morning at 8:00am. Current temperature is 22C or 72F under sunny skies.

 

Went to the Verandah Cafe this morning shortly after 8:30am and wow what a difference a day makes. The place was almost packed! We really notice the ship being full now with more people in the public areas. Last night Restaurant 2 was full, the Sky Grill was full as well and I heard that the Reataurant on Deck 3 was as well.

 

The "Crowd" on this cruise is much different to say the least....I'll elaborate further during the cruise if the behaviour several of us witnessed with a Family from the USA continues to play out with thier two "Out of Controll Teens" during this 14 day cruise. We have bets placed currently on who will get kicked off the ship first!...stay tuned!

 

Full day of activities today while at sea with Beginner Bridge at 9:30am, an Enrichment Lecture at 11:00am in the King Olav Lounge with Captain Andrew Jampoler, 12pm Team Trivia Challenge in the Midnight Sun Lounge, 3:00pm Golf Putting with Adam by the Sky Grill.

 

Today we have the Verandah Cafe serving a Deafood Lunch from 12 noon until 2:00pm, or the Restaurant from 12:30pm-1:30pm or the Sky Grill from 1:00pm-2:30pm.

 

We will be transiting the Strait of Hormuz today during daylight hopefully which will make for some great sights and views of Iran and Shish Island hopefully.

 

More to come from the Legend enroute to Muscat, Oman.

[Tony & Trevor]

The "Crowd" on this cruise is much different to say the least....I'll elaborate further during the cruise if the behaviour several of us witnessed with a Family from the USA continues to play out with thier two "Out of Controll Teens" during this 14 day cruise. We have bets placed currently on who will get kicked off the ship first!...stay tuned

 

 

 

 

Better than a TV 'soap drama'

 

 

Kind regards

 

Tony

[Seabourntraveller]

Further Update from the Bridge: Captain's 12 noon Address

 

Captain Pedder made his usual 12 noon PA to let us know that we are currently going 14 knots per hour with strong headwinds of 25 knots. We should be going thru the Strait of Hormuz at approx. 3:00pm or so. Interetsing note that the Strait of Hormuz is 32 miles wide for those whoc are to know.

We have many ships, oil tankers around us as this is a very heavy shippig lane of traffic. We will be transiting into the Gulf of Oman overnight. Our current temperature is 24C or 75F with mostly sunny skies.

 

We have white caps all around us and a little movement can be felt on the ship due to the strong headwinds.

More to follow later today from the "Floating FULL Castle" the Legend enroute towards Muscat, Oman.

[Seabourntraveller]

The "Crowd" on this cruise is much different to say the least....I'll elaborate further during the cruise if the behaviour several of us witnessed with a Family from the USA continues to play out with thier two "Out of Controll Teens" during this 14 day cruise. We have bets placed currently on who will get kicked off the ship first!...stay tuned

 

 

Better than a TV 'soap drama'

 

 

Kind regards

 

Tony

 

Tony & Trevor as I would say "stay tuned"...LOL:D

[lincslady]

Sorry to hear the atmosphere is not quite so good - we have noticed a big difference in the enjoyment of being on board when the ships are full; up to about 170 on the small ships and 370 on the large ships is great, for passengers and crew (though not for Head Office, obviously). It is like living in a village in the countryside against a crowded town. Sadly, quite a few Seabourn fans, including us, now try to avoid the school holidays because of numbers and numbers of children.

 

Naturally everyone is now agog for more news of the brattish teenagers (I wonder if their parents read the blogs?!)