A Daily Blog On A Gulf Costa Cruise – Part 3

A Daily Blog On A Gulf Costa Cruise - Part 3

In part 3 of our 7-day cruise I visit Fujairah, go to the theatre and squeeze in some sunbathing

At 7 am we arrive at Al Fujairah which like Dubai is another part of the United Arab Emirates. These were all once just a collection of little Muslim powers devoted mainly to piracy and the slave trade, until 1853 when they became a British Protectorate known at the Trucial States, and finally became the UAE in 1971.

Their important position at the entrance to Strait of Harmuz and the discovery of oil turned them into world-wide economic powers. The seven are Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm al-Quaiwain and together they cover an area about the same size as Portugal.

We hear Fujairah is the best starting point for exploring the east coast, considered the most beautiful, but there is a temporary red Algae problem in the sea and so swimming is off the menu. Instead we take the free bus out of the port area and wander around the main town of Fujairah, which has some local crafts including making things out of gold and silver.

We are accosted by many taxi drivers, wanting to take us for an hour or two-hour tour, but refuse, preferring to walk around ourselves. We later meet friends from the ship who have literally been taken for a ride by them, having to pay much higher rates than what was orally agreed before they got in the car.

We re-board in time to do some sun bathing on Deck 11 and check out the Elemis Spa, which seems to offer everything from teeth whitening (45 mins 199 Euros) to Shiatsu (50 min 99 Euros) to manicures (25 Euros). There is also a full fitted gym, a sauna and a jacuzzi. All much needed after all the good eating found on board.

To increase the feeling of indulgence we have a message in our “Today” asking if we want to take advantage of the magic bag. “Put your dirty clothes in the bag at the top of the bed – up to 25 pieces for only 19.99 Euro and like magic you clothes will be washed, pressed, folded and ready to be placed in your luggage”. We decide to go shopping and look at the jewellery, handbags and t-shirts that are on offer.

We are just able to fit some exercise in, before going to the Colosseo Theatre to watch Rob and Connie, two acrobats performing amazing contortions with their bodies. This act has the added advantage that with no talking involved there are no language problems for the audience. We finish the day with a really special formal candlelit dinner in the restaurant.

You can read part 4 of my cruise on Monday the 9th of March 2009

Lucy Daltroff

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Posted in Cruising, Destinations, Entertainment, Families

07 Mar 2009

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