"Treasures of Cruising the World" with Bill & Mary Ann: Report #81 Muscat, Oman, March 21, 2017 Tuesday Partly cloudy & 81 degrees Sail In 70 Pictures

Today was supposed to be a day at sea, except yesterday, it was announced that we would arrive this evening instead. To make it on time, we had to fly. It felt like we were traveling a million miles an hour, although technically, it was a speed over 20 knots. In addition, the winds were blowing a strong 32 knots, so the combination of the two just about swept us off of the aft deck today.

After breakfast this morning, we went outside to find it was almost cool out today. A wonderful change from the humidity and heat of the Indian continent. This was most welcomed. However, we were not happy that the deck crew had been assigned to do major work on the promenade deck this morning. A group of fellows were using the deep scrubber machine on the forward deck, so that part was cordoned off to walkers. Then on the opposite side, painters were sanding the terribly rusted under railings in order to paint them later. The rusted dust was blowing in everyone's faces, although this part of the deck was also cordoned off. The usual group of morning walkers were like yo-yos going back and forth between the ropes. Eventually, all gave up. Wouldn't it have been a better idea to do the scrubbing yesterday evening after 6pm, like they always used to do it? We are used to the sanding, so no need to rope off the deck there. We did take a moment to ask Henk why this was happening this morning, and he said he was not aware of it. It was not his department, but the staff captain's. We all understood that this work is necessary, but should be done when no one is using the deck. On past cruises, that happened to be around 6pm, and we all knew it, so avoided the walk during that time. Truthfully, we have noticed less and less deep cleaning on this cruise. Anyway, our suggestion was promised to be passed to the proper department.

Guest speakers spoke about the sultan of Oman and how spices made their trails through history. A new food chef has joined the ship (one that has been on several world cruises). She had a presentation on Indian food markets this afternoon.

All of the usual activities were in full force including trivia, bridge, arts and crafts, watercolors, bingo (yes, it still happens on ships), and the daily movie in the Wajang. Happy hour begins at 4pm in some bars, and resumes again at 6:30pm. Some folks have been getting grumpy, we understand, especially on the bus tours. Good thing they have happy hour, because lots of people NEED it.

As for us, we spent another day outside, getting lots of fresh air, in the form of force 7 on the Beaufort scale…. the winds were unbelievable. Using substantial clips on the lounges to, we were able to secure the towels quite well. Bill and Leta stopped by to chat, and Leta had to sit down with me to avoid being blown away. You cannot wear a hat of any kind out here today. We saw at least three of them blown into the water behind us, while the owners tried eating their melting ice cream cones as fast as they could. Despite it all, we lasted until 2:30pm, then went down to the room, getting a burger and hot dog on the way down at the Dive In Grill. Lots of people rave about the fries, but we do not care for them, as they suck up the oil big time. Not worth the extra calories.

By 5pm, we went up to deck nine to film the sail into the bay of Muscat, a very different area of the world. Now we enter the Arabian culture….so very different from anywhere else in the world in our opinion. Oman is a great place to start our visit to this part of the world. We are disappointed, however, that Dubai was not on the itinerary this year, as it is another part of the indescribable destinations of the Middle East. Over-the-top in so many ways. Perhaps going into the Persian Gulf and through the Straits of Hormuz this time was not in the cards.

As the Amsterdam neared the coastline of Oman, it was quite hazy. But the closer we got, the clearer it got. The exposure for photos was just about perfect, so we were glad to be arriving this time of the evening. The most fun was watching from deck nine when the ship was cleared after 6pm. Shuttle buses were provided for a mandatory ride to the Port Gate, or a ride to the center of town at the Muttrah Souq. What they failed to mention was the mandatory stop at the cruise terminal, where everyone on the bus would have to go through an xray check, then taken back to the bus to the gate. The officials always take their sweet time doing this, and tonight was no exception. The shuttle loaded up at the pier, and drove to the terminal. Only one bus was off-loaded, while the other buses circled the building. In the meantime, more people were filing off of the ship, only to wait for an hour for the buses to come back from town. As far as we know, the souq would be closed. Only the local restaurants and cafes would be open for business. Where all of these folks were going, was a mystery to us, and probably for them. Will more than likely hear about it tomorrow.

Did we mention that Captain Jonathon had included that there was a chance of showers tonight? Hardly saw any clouds, and we certainly saw no people packing umbrellas. Well guess what? The rain started falling around 7:30pm, and got pretty heavy during our dinnertime. Going to be some very unhappy people tonight……

Tonight was slated as "Sari Night", although it was not a gala evening. This is odd we think, because saris are beautiful and should be worn on a gala evening, like they used to be. Why should the ladies look gorgeous, but the fellows do not need to dress for the occasion too? Now, with the early arrival to the port, hundreds of passengers decided to go to town for the evening instead. They had the opportunity to dine early at 5pm in the Lido, so they could leave the ship after 6pm. Bet the dining room will be almost empty.

The entry to the dining room was draped in flowing colorful silk fabrics tonight, with all of the waiters dressed in crocheted heavy Indian jackets, complete with red turbans. They looked great, but we knew it had to be so very hot wearing those hats. Too bad there were so few guests at the 8pm seating. And so few of the ladies were wearing saris. There must have been complaints about the dress code, since many would miss tonight's dinner. A rerun of tonight will be tomorrow with a Sari Night Sequel. Whether or not the waiters will be dressed the same is to be seen, as they did not know.

The menu was mostly Indian-related entrees, as one might expect. The bad thing was that no matter what we ordered, everything came in the bowl, not a plate. We do not know anyone that likes the new plate ware, especially the wide soup bowls, where you lose the fork and knife in two minutes after eating. Barb had specifically asked for a regular dinner plate for her entrée, but it came in the bowl. And it was not hot (as were all of our dinners tonight). Asking Slam our waiter why she could not get a flat plate, she was told that all the dinners automatically came in the bowl, but from now on, perhaps he will request plates for all of us. She thanked him, but the second she dropped her only fork in the BBQ pork entrée, she excused herself and was gone from the table. That's how she earned the name "rocket dog". We told Slam that if she took her wine, she would not be back. We were right, so we shall see if we get flat plates tomorrow. Philip, the dining room manager, instantly came over, and agreed the bowls are a problem with most folks, and they are doing something about it.

Now there was a good part of the meal, when Philip remembered to serve those of us who wanted them……the bombe, chocolate-covered mocha or chocolate ice cream in a puddle of raspberry sauce. So, so good. At least it had a good ending for three of us.

There was a mystery Incredible India: Sari Studio shown before the evening show in the Queen's Lounge tonight. Whatever it was, it as followed by Jo Little, a huge personality and talent. What she does, also a mystery?

Hope the rain lets up, and the souq is not flooded tomorrow.

Bill & Mary Ann

Spring sunflowers