April 1st Aqaba After 3 sea days its nice to get feet back on terra firma. We came to Jordan and in particular Petra in 2014 (you’ll have to go back and read the blog) and it is still the main tourist attraction when you come to Jordan. As you arrive at the berth, you have four countries visible from the ship. Egypt is on your port side (left), Israel to the front, Jordan on the starboard (right) and behind you is Saudi Arabia. Aqaba is the only coastal city in Jordan and the largest and most populous city on the Gulf of Aqaba. Aqaba plays a major role in the development of the Jordanian economy , through the vibrant trade and tourism sectors. It is Jordans winter resort on the Red Sea and as we ... read more

Dubai 23rd & 24th March Well its a hard life. Our second day in Dubai (at leisure) gave us time to explore the QE2 more with an afternoon tour (more Structured) to give an insight to what they are going to preserve and what to modernise. It’s a busy ship, I know its a hotel but to us walking up the gangways, you do come on board. Today there were conferences, a birthday party (Paddington themed) for a 2 year old (no expense spared) and business meetings. This evening we were in the Queens Grill for a 5 course dining experience, and it didn’t disappoint. From the Amuse Bouche, Soup (potato & leek), Fish (Sea Bass, curry butternut, samosa, Coriander crusted potato & pickled shallots), a main of Angus Beef Tenderloin (with braised beef cheek, a ... read more

A little adventure to warm the bones after a winter in the UK We fly to Dubai tomorrow to stay on the recently refurbished Queen Elizabeth 2, now a hotel. She was the first ship we ever cruised on and so we have fond memories of her, in 2014 when we visited Dubai she was a rusting hulk nestled between two tankers. Then after 3 days we transfer to Queen Mary 2 for our cruise home via Oman, Jordan, Suez, Cyprus, Italy, Spain & Portugal. Back in time for Easter Eggs... read more

30th July Salerno Located on the south western Italian coast and known as the Pearl of the Mediterranean it is the most important city next to the Amalfi coast, with the famous towns like Amalfi, Positano, Ravello and Sorrento. It’s history is recognised by her old University of Medicine which was first in the world. Recent history, Salerno was the capital of Italy which was moved from Rome in 1943 during WWII, called the “Government of the South” for a few short months. The Old Town is full of art and culture, it was exploration on foot trying to avoid being run over by scooters and small cars in the VERY narrow streets. Some tours headed off to nearby Pompeii and along the Amalfi coast road. So a bit of culture finding ABC (Another B*****y Cathedral) ... read more

26th July Almeria The approach to Almeria is stunning: the town lies surrounded by semi-desert at the foot of a range of mountains and its coastline alternating by long sandy beaches and steep cliffs. As you wander the streets the feel is more Moroccan than Spanish. This part of Spain is one of the sunniest and driest in Europe, other (maybe interesting) facts are that many spaghetti westerns were filmed here and apparently John Lennon wrote Strawberry Fields Forever whilst filming How I Won the War And not forgetting Game of Thrones The major attractions are the Cathedral and the Alcazaba and of course for us some Tapas and local beer. The Alcazaba, a great fortress stands 300 feet above sea level on three levels. It is undergoing continuing excavation and renovation.The first level was originally ... read more