Well, Hurricane Ian is now just about dissipated, and, save for the war in Ukraine, much seems well for Humanity and Planet Earth. We're dining at La Mer tonight, and most important of all, our India visas finally were approved. Why is this important? We can't board the Regent Seven Seas Explorer in Dubai unless we show this document. As in my previous visa attempts, this phase of arranging the paperwork was particularly frustrating and tormenting. Maybe it has something to do with the country. Read my few days there a decade or so ago. Mind you, it turns out you need an India visa just because the ship will dock there. Even if you had not planned to go on any tours, that does not matter. 
So anyway, this is Part 3 of my latest cruise series, the first being THE RETURN OF CRUISES and second, a general summary, bringing you up to date on what to expect when you cruise. This second in the series occurred on September 25 when Ian was only a Tropical Storm, but already predicted to attain Category 4 strength. So today, here is why Regent Seven Seas?
- 2-FOR-1 All-Inclusive Fares
- FREE Business Class Air* on All Intercontinental Flights
- FREE Pre- or Post-Cruise Land Program
- FREE Unlimited Shore Excursions
- FREE Unlimited Beverages, Including Fine Wines and Spirits
- FREE Open Bars and Lounges Plus In-Suite Mini-Bar Replenished Daily
- FREE Pre-Paid Gratuities
- FREE Specialty Restaurants
- FREE Transfers Between Airport and Ship*
- FREE Unlimited WiFi*
- FREE Valet Laundry Service*
You say this might then be somewhat expensive? Yes, maybe even extravagant. However, we learned of this cruise when the industry was still trying to recover by cutting prices to drum up business, and we early-on signed up. Thus, the price is almost half the usual. Our cruise begins with two nights in the Jumeirah Emirates Towers. Very expensive if we had to pay. Here is a list of the ten most extravagant rooms in Dubai, and the Burj Al Arab (left) is only #3. Actually, the average price of hotels in Dubai is relatively low, with Hiltons/Hyatts/Marriotts going for less than $200/night.
Can you today reserve a cabin on the Regent Seven Seas Explorer from Dubai to Singapore? Well, you can be placed on the wait list. For us, king size bed, cashmere blankets and all the luxuries.
Our first stop will be Doha, Qatar, a place I've always wanted to return. My 8November2010 posting of THE WONDER OF QATAR remains as the most viewed ever. They have various artworks evoking their past pearl industry, such as the one to the right. Not pearl culture, but pearl diving made up 75% of the Persian Gulf's total exports during the 19th century, and until World War II, this business made up most of Qatar's economy and employed almost half the population! This Gulf at one time controlled 80% the global pearl market. Today, nothing but fossil fuels, especially natural gas. Qatar ranks #3 in world reserves, 2.5 times that of the USA. Oh, Qatar also required a visa, but we can get this on the ship.
Well, I will not name all the stops, but some of them are Abu Dhabi, Oman, until finally on Day 10 Mumbai, India. I think I was first there about half a century ago when it was called Bombay. Our recent India visa problem was nothing compared to what my wife and I had to endure. And it was my fault because I failed to get a visa to enter the country.
Then Goa and Mangalore, after which we have a two-day stop in the Maldives, which could well be the most threatened country from sea level rise, where 80% of the land will be uninhabitable by 2050. But they are not alone.
-
Comments
Post a Comment