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Rulocal
Rulocal

Rulocal

A really nice guy who is working relentlessly for world peace (when sober) Read more🇬🇧Ashton-in-Makerfield
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  • Rulocal2017 Legend Dubai-BarcelonaRulocal

    Suez Canal Transit

    March 20, 2017 in Egypt ⋅ ⛅ 32 °C

    Some time last night we started our transition of the Suez Canal.
    I have actually done the trip many times before, but always north to south, this is the first time I have travelled south to north, not that there is any real difference in the journey.
    I must say though that it never ceases to amaze me how they managed to dig out the thing 150 odd years ago, and in only 10 years.    Read more

  • Rulocal2017 Legend Dubai-BarcelonaRulocal

    A meal with Peter (the hotel director)

    March 20, 2017 in Egypt ⋅ ☀️ 33 °C

    Last night, Peter Dimitrov the hotel director, invited the four of us, along with two other couples for a meal in Chops Grill.
    And as is usually the case with Peter we had a wonderful meal with superb company.
    Peter tends to invite people he likes to dinner and not just people who are pinnacle members, who, even though I am one of them myself now, do tend to expect to be invited to meals with senior officers.
    Anyway the meal and company were brilliant.    Read more

  • Rulocal2017 Legend Dubai-BarcelonaRulocal

    Captains Table

    March 19, 2017, Gulf of Suez ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    Last night we were invited to the captains table for dinner.
    I count us lucky as there are 50 something pinnacles on board so the dining at the captains table has been split between the senior officers.
    Anyway Captain Juan is a lovely guy and very down to earth and I think he enjoyed the meal with us as much as we did with him.
    One reason in my humble opinion being that all the table guests knew each other, so there where no pregnant pauses.
    In fact there were some good stories told and a very entertaining evening was had by all.    Read more

  • Rulocal2017 Legend Dubai-BarcelonaRulocal

    Top O' the morning.

    March 18, 2017, Red Sea ⋅ 🌧 17 °C

    St Paddy's day and another great evening in the concierge lounge.
    But the only people who dressed up where a young Irish couple that we've met.
    I borrowed their regalia for a quick pic.
    The company has been very fluid once again, with people joining and leaving us all evening.
    Really great atmosphere every evening in the lounge.    Read more

  • Rulocal2017 Legend Dubai-BarcelonaRulocal

    Operation Safe Haven

    March 17, 2017, Red Sea ⋅ 🌬 18 °C

    Yesterday afternoon we had the operation safe haven exercise. This is the safety exercise that you have to practice in the event of pirate attacks.
    To be honest I'm not really sure that we need to practice standing in the corridor, which is what you have a to do if you are in a balcony cabin.
    I'm sure that just telling people that they need to get out of the cabin if pirates attack would be enough.
    Then again with the intelligence levels of some cruise passengers, maybe we do need to practice standing in the corridor! Lol 😁    Read more

  • Rulocal2017 Legend Dubai-BarcelonaRulocal

    Sheila still not well

    March 15, 2017, Arabian Sea ⋅ ⛅ 33 °C

    Day 2, and Sheila is still not well. The swelling has gone down on her foot, thanks to the spray that Sue brought her
    But she's still shaken up after the fall, hopefully she'll be well enough to venture out of the cabin today.Read more

  • Rulocal2017 Legend Dubai-BarcelonaRulocal

    So many friends

    March 14, 2017, Daryā-ye ‘Omān ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Last night in the concierge lounge, there where so many people that we knew, I couldn't begin to name them all.
    Suffice to say, we had a brilliant night and some good catch ups with old friends, and some good chats with new friends.
    Our company as usual started with 4 of us and ended up with about 20, and also as usual it was very fluid with people leaving and joining the company all night.
    If last night was anything to go by this cruise should live up to all our expectations.    Read more

  • Rulocal2017 Legend Dubai-BarcelonaRulocal

    Not the best of starts.

    March 13, 2017 in the United Arab Emirates ⋅ 🌙 26 °C

    Sheila fainted on the plane coming over to Dubai and consequently had a heavy fall. She hurt her foot and was badly shaken up.
    We had to get a wheelchair to get her on the ship as she couldn't walk.
    She had planned to stay in the cabin last night and rest. But we got a big surprise in the afternoon by finding out that Sue and Maz had managed to get a cabin for the cruise.
    They had originally cancelled, then tried to rebook but told us that they couldn't get a cabin.
    So we were resigned to the fact that they wouldn't be on board.
    So it really was a massive surprise when they knocked on our cabin door.
    We were both so happy to see them that Sheila decided to go to the concierge lounge last night instead of resting, which was a mistake really as she is in pain this morning and has decided to stay in the cabin to rest up and hopefully be ok for the rest of the trip.    Read more

  • Rulocal2017 Vision Dubai JanRulocal

    Khasab Castle, Oman

    February 7, 2017 in Oman ⋅ 🌧 15 °C

    Today we where back in Khasab, Oman 🇴🇲, for the last time on this trip, so I decided to have a stroll to the castle.
    On the previous two visits here on this trip, I'd been put off going by various people saying, it's very small, not a lot there, blah blah blah.
    Well I shouldn't have listened to them.
    Firstly it's a beautifully preserved, 17th century Castle , not a reconstruction as I thought. It was built in the 17th century by the Portuguese on top of what was an old fort and has some very well preserved artifacts.
    The middle tower which apparently is the oldest part of the castle, houses an air-conditioned room with very informative displays, showing how life was and in some cases still is in Khasab.
    On ground level the courtyard displays three old Omani boats that originate from the northern part of Musandam, along with a number of canons and old dhows displayed at the entrance of the fort.
    Also in the courtyard are two reconstructions one is a traditional bait al qufl (“house of the lock”) which is a stone construction with a floor below ground level, which the nomadic mountain tribes used to store their valuables that they could not carry with them, on their summer trips down to the sea and a barasti (palm thatch) summer house, ingeniously constructed using stone pillars with permeable walls fashioned out of palm branches.
    Which kept the occupants cool in the very hot summer months.
    It is a really interesting place and it was very easy to spend an hour or so there, all for the princely sum of 1 Omani Rial, which is about £2.    Read more

  • Rulocal2017 Vision Dubai JanRulocal

    Captains Table

    February 3, 2017, The Gulf ⋅ 🌬 16 °C

    Day at sea today so another lazy day. Had a pinnacles and suites party in the morning, which was nice, we expected nibbles and drinks, but actually got a lovely lunch and drinks, which was very nice. Then as the title of this post suggests, we had dinner with the captain, with some more great food and great company.
    Towards the end of the meal the waiting on staff lined up all around the restaurant and did a very lively arabic type dance to entertain us all.
    After the meal we had reserved seats in the centrum, where the captain and some of the crew do a couple of songs each. All in all a very good day.    Read more

  • Rulocal2017 Vision Dubai JanRulocal

    Muscat, Oman

    February 2, 2017 in Oman ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Didn't get off today as I'd been off twice last week.
    We had a lazy day in the Solarium, then a couple of hours sleep before tonight's events, which include captains pinnacle party on the bridge, which was lovely. Captain Marek is a real people person and puts everyone at ease.
    Also making it a pinnacle party and not a pinnacles and suites party, made it feel very special. And holding it on the bridge was the icing on the cake.
    After that we all went to the concierge lounge for an hour or so before going to the top tier party at which the captain gives a song. He's not got a bad voice and used to be in a rock band back in the day in Poland 🇵🇱.    Read more

  • Rulocal2017 Vision Dubai JanRulocal

    Khasab, Oman

    January 31, 2017 in Oman ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    I decided to get the shuttle into Khasab today and then walk back to the ship.
    It was a beautiful walk, with the impressive mountains which are the backdrop of the town, looking like how I'd imagine the moon to look. As usual I went off the beaten path, and ended up walking through some what looked like allotments, where the locals were growing vegetables etc.
    And I got the chance to try out one of my few Arabic phrases, saying "Salam Alikum" to a few people and getting big smiles and getting the response "Alikum Salama" in reply.
    I came across a small mosque and asked what looked like the caretaker if I could go in for a look, he said ok, so I went in and got a couple of photos.
    I must say that the Omani's that I met on my walk where very friendly.    Read more

  • Rulocal2017 Vision Dubai JanRulocal

    Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    January 29, 2017 in the United Arab Emirates ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    Last full day of the cruise for the lads, so we decided to all go to the Dubai Mall so that they could have a look at the Burj Khalifa.
    I went to see if I could get tickets to go up, but they were all sold out for the day. Should really have known that they sell out quickly and bought them online before we travelled.
    Anyway at least they've seen it.
    The mall itself was decorated for Chinese new year, with an impressive dragon and a good luck tree amongst the decorations, and nearly all of the shops had some sort of rooster 🐓 display as this is the year of the rooster.
    After a well earned Starbucks we jumped a cab back to the ship for some lunch and an afternoon nap.    Read more

  • Rulocal2017 Vision Dubai JanRulocal

    Gulf of Oman

    January 27, 2017, Daryā-ye ‘Omān ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    Day at sea today as we steam very slowly to Abu Dhabi. The Captain said that we'll be doing about 12 knots and that is bloody slow.
    To be honest I'm glad that today is a sea day as I've done quite a bit of walking around Muscat over the last two days, and I'm knackered.
    So much so that I don't think I'll be getting off in Abu Dhabi tomorrow, I've been before and will be back again next week.    Read more

  • Rulocal2017 Vision Dubai JanRulocal

    Muscat, Oman

    January 26, 2017 in Oman ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    2nd day in Muscat and the lads wanted to have a walk to the famous giant incense burner that you can see on the headland as you sail into Muscat.
    It's actually situated in the old Muscat area of the town, in the beautiful Al Riyam Park.
    The walk along the Corniche is very pleasant and easy, if a tad long! It took a good 40 minutes to walk to the park, but you do have some lovely views of the harbour, and really spectacular views of the mountains which surround Muscat.
    Also on the way you see one or two old forts perched on the mountains, apparently you cannot go inside them, but they make impressive viewing from the corniche.
    Anyway at the end of the corniche you come to the very pretty and very green Al Riyam Park at the end of which set on a big hill is the incense burner. The gates to the path up to it where locked so we couldn't go right to the top, which if I'm honest I was secretly glad about, as the climb to the top looked quite long, as the path wound itself around the steep hill.
    It was worth the walk out to it though, as the corniche is beautiful and as I said the views are spectacular.
    On the way back we had a walk through Mutrah Souq which is an experience in itself. The place is over 200 years old and huge with so many paths and alleyways it is quite easy to get lost.
    That is unless you are Andy who had an uncanny sense of direction and found the way out very easily.
    After the souq it was straight back to the ship for a bite to eat and a well earned rest.    Read more

  • Rulocal2017 Vision Dubai JanRulocal

    Muscat, Oman

    January 25, 2017 in Oman ⋅ 🌬 22 °C

    Yesterday was the first of our two days in Muscat which is the capital of Oman 🇴🇲.
    I took myself off for a walk on my own, as Sheila didn't want to get off, which is the norm nowadays as she can't walk far, and the lads didn't bother either deciding instead to take advantage of the half empty ship.
    Anyway, back to my walk. I decided to walk in the back streets instead of the usual well trodden path of the Corniche and the Mutrah Souq.
    Now the souq is well worth a visit, but I've been before, so fancied a change.
    To be honest there's not a lot to see off the beaten track, as every mosque was barred to non muslims.
    Which was a bit disappointing as although I'm not religious, I do appreciate the beauty and history of the buildings. But every one had a sign saying non muslims not allowed.
    I did come across an interesting cemetery though, and some nice buildings.
    But as is usual in most cities around the world the back streets are quite run down.
    Anyway I circled around back to the corniche and crossed over to walk along by the sea wall.
    There are some lovely views of the harbour, and you can see Riyam Park, and the huge incense burner that stands on the headland over looking the town.
    Then you look over the sea wall and down on to the small sandy beach, and you see the litter, I'm sorry to say that the beach is strewn with hundreds of plastic bags and bottles.
    I'm afraid that the mystical, romantic, Muscat of the travel brochures is obviously only in the private resorts and hotels like the Al Bustan.
    Ironically there are signs up by the beach banning beach fishing, saying that this is to keep the beach clean! Sorry guys the ban is not working.    Read more

  • Rulocal2017 Vision Dubai JanRulocal

    Captains table

    January 24, 2017, Daryā-ye ‘Omān ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

    When we get back to the cabin after lunch there was an invitation to the captains table that evening for dinner.
    The captain on here is Marek Slaby, and this is the first time we've sailed with him.
    He came across as very approachable and friendly, no airs and graces. He actually used to sing in a heavy rock band back in his home country of Poland 🇵🇱, and most cruises he will do a spot in the centrum.
    And according to some of the other passengers who have seen him before, he is very good.    Read more

  • Rulocal2017 Vision Dubai JanRulocal

    Khasab, Oman

    January 24, 2017 in Oman ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    Today was our first port of call, which was Khasab, Oman 🇴🇲.
    The port is surrounded by some very impressive mountains, but there is not much else here, unless you wanted to do a Dhow cruise to see dolphins. I just had a stroll along the coast road to stretch my legs. As usual with Oman the locals were very friendly and everyone I passed said hello and smiled, so I got to practice my only Arabic phrase "Salam Alaikum" which actually means "God be with you" but is used as a general greeting like hello.Read more

  • Rulocal2017 Vision Dubai JanRulocal

    Dubai

    January 24, 2017 in the United Arab Emirates ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    After a delay in Manchester, made easier being spent in the Espire lounge see the photo of Jorge and Andy stressing out, NOT! , we arrived in Dubai, and spent the night in the Holiday Inn at the airport.
    Which was very pleasant, and recommended for an overnight.
    In the morning we jumped a cab to the port and with the usual efficiency of Dubai port we were checked in and on the ship in about 15 minutes.
    The first day of the cruise, was the usual first day spent waiting for the suitcases unpacking going to the muster and checking out the lounges, both of which are very nice.
    The main thing for Sheila and I this week is that Jorge and Andy enjoy the cruise, which they seem to be doing.
    We didn't see them last night as they were going to the restaurant for dinner then off to see the show.
    We did the usual tour of the diamond lounge, the concierge lounge, then up to the park cafe then bed 🛌. Still each to his own, lol 😁.    Read more

  • Rulocal2016 Oasis, Caribbean, NovRulocal

    Cozumel, Mexico

    November 11, 2016 in Mexico ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    Where we docked at Cozumel I'm afraid was just another typical purpose built tourist port.
    There is nothing really interesting to see, just the usual array of bars, restaurants and tee shirt shops, oh yes and Diamonds International.
    I suppose that this is what the majority of visitors to the area want, so it's understandable that the local authority gives them it, as the whole economy of the island is based on tourism.
    It's just not for me.    Read more

  • Rulocal2016 Oasis, Caribbean, NovRulocal

    Costa Maya, Quintana Roo, Mexico.

    November 10, 2016 in Mexico ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    Costa Maya is a purpose built cruise port, with shops and bars etc. So if you're looking culture it's probably not the best place to visit. But if you want some nice shopping, or beaches it's an ideal place to come. The shopping area has plenty to attract the shall we say normal tourist, in that it has all the usual touristy shops, and a Diamonds International as most of the ports do. And most importantly all in a safe environment.
    Personally I want something a bit more rough and ready, and more genuinely Mexican, rather than the plastic Mexican portrayed in the shopping villages. But that is just me.
    I did get caught in a genuine Mexican /Caribbean rain storm though, which restricted my visit to about 30 minutes, lol.
    I have been a few times before, so no real problem    Read more

  • Rulocal2016 Oasis, Caribbean, NovRulocal

    Falmouth, Jamaica

    November 8, 2016 in Jamaica ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    The majority of people I speak to don't seem to like Falmouth and they tend to stay in the port area.
    The port area is very nice, it's all new and pristine, with lots of stores and bars like Jimmy Buffets Margaritaville, the locals cannot get into the port unless they work there.
    So the cruise passengers feel safe there, but, it's not the real Jamaica 🇯🇲.
    Outside the port gates things change drastically, and the poverty is apparent everywhere. When you leave the port you do get pestered by tour operators and taxi drivers and the like, but once away from the port things settle down and nobody bothers you.
    The town itself is very run down, but the people are friendly enough.
    There are lots of local bars and restaurants, although I must admit that the bars don't look very welcoming and I personally wouldn't eat in any of the restaurants, as they didn't look to clean.
    All in all I found Falmouth an ok place to walk around, not a great deal to see, but still interesting to see how the locals live.    Read more

  • Rulocal2016 Oasis, Caribbean, NovRulocal

    Labadee, Haiti

    November 7, 2016 in Haiti ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    The first port of call on this cruise was Labadee, in Haiti 🇭🇹.
    We didn't get off the ship as it was pouring with rain.
    This would not normally have bothered me as Labadee is just a beach resort and I'm not a beachy person. But this time l'm visiting the resort as a pinnacle member, and would get access to the private beach, luxury sunbeds etc, also free alcohol all day, and an enhanced barbecue lunch with proper plates and cutlery. No paper and plastic for the pinnacle guests! Lol.
    Anyway I never got to try any of it, but I suppose there's always next time.
    Also the weather forecast is for rain at all the ports we are visiting, but fingers crossed that might change.    Read more

  • Rulocal2016 Oasis, Caribbean, NovRulocal

    Easier than expected!

    November 5, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    Well the disembarkation from the Harmony and the Ft Lauderdale immigration check went far easier than I expected.
    Being pinnacle helped as we bypassed all the lines.
    The Alamo bus was right outside the terminal, so we boarded it straight away, and about 30 minutes later we were in the queue for the hire car.
    Everything went smoothly even the drive up to Orlando and Port Canaveral only took about 3 and a half hours with a coffee stop. The weather was beautiful except for one short rain storm, that as we later found out, was travelling away from Orlando down to the Ft Lauderdale, Miami area.
    At the cruise terminal, the pinnacle thing worked again and we were on board the ship in about 20 minutes.
    The only problem we had was that the check in girl had some how duplicated my cabin key and given it to Sheila. So the system showed me boarding twice, lol.
    Anyway, long story short, guest services, and Georgi from loyalty sorted out the mix up, and we were good to go.    Read more

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