Hi, Anne! Yes, much tougher! We are still recovering and do so in each our own way. I knew that and am VERY glad I booked this medallion suite with the enclosed bedroom and the two bathroom entrances and nice jet tub. WISE!!!

I am sure those who are not bored are all thinking, "I can't believe she want all the way to Dubai to go to a water park". My response is, "why not???". For the interested, Google wildwadi.com. This place is not the kind of place you walk way up a bunch of steps to stand in line with screaming kids. Oh, no! You grab an intertube and lay in the lazy river till you find the entrance to whichever master route you want to do. Then you walk up maybe 8 or 8 steps and then reboard an intertube while some young person will then push you off on the first slide for your set of slides. It will shoot you UP, not down. You are transported thru the water slide UP and then moved along to the next slide, which will be down and then up and then down. You never do a thing except keep your rear off the ground (difficult) and ride the wave. Incredible. Then you ride the rest of the river or move to the next master set. They also have this ENORMOUS thing where you can climb and lay down and ride, but we didn't do that. And the have a surf thing and a bogie board thing, and adults and kids were trying this, and boy was there a range of skill. We just watched. The wave pool was very nice and warm. They had a kiddie park with slides for all sizes. Around were various snacks and souvenier (price) shops. The various Jumeirah hotel guests get in an hour early at a separate entrance that was just steps off the beach from our hotel. It is free to all the properties, and you just give your room number and could go any day and everyday if you want. They have lockers if you want, and these operate off the wristband by adding money to it and slapping it against the locker. They will set you up in loungers and will escort you anywhere if you need anything. Just like you were still at the resort (which you are), you do not get things pointed out, you are escorted and comfort is ensured. We did the whole place in 2 hours and moved on for a beach walk and then the hot tub.

The hotel has a swim up bar or walk up and they insisted on carrying our drinks to our room, though they had to get permission from 4 different people to escort up there. Nobody expects a tip. We gave some.

The executive club was $778. While not cheap, they picked us up at the airport. Not just a ride. They personally found our bags on the belt, lifted them off, moved us to the VIP customs line which they stood in for us until we got up there, took us to the hotel in a new Audi (greeted in the car with waters and cold towels). They gave VIP check-in and you get drinks and appetizers every night in this level. Also, there are always snacks in the lounge, and they have free net and loaner laptops and then you get a lovely breakfast with a mix of Indian, Arabian, European and American choices all catered to you.

Service is beyond amazing. If you are anywhere at all and even looking slightly perplexed, you are greeted and taken to your every need and want, which is usually handy, luxurious, and often included.

We were allowed a 2 pm checkout with no hassle at all, and we were taken to the ship in timme for the 3 pm shuttle, also free of charge.

Embarkation - this was our first "regular" SS embarkation. We paid for the early one before. They rolled out the red carpet for us, and we had what I hope is the only line. We had champagne, did the passports and photos and had canapes in hand in 8 minutes. The had smoked salmon, caviar and blinis, various canapes, and shrimp cocktail.

We were invited to go back around for any drink of our choice or more champagne and did so. We never touched a bag, and all 4 bags were on the bed waiting to be unpacked when we got to our room about 20 minutes after boarding. We were shown the cabin and told our stewardess would introduce it to us.

I went to the pooldeck after scoping out the medallion suite. I was in pursuit of a salad and told "we close at 4". I had my one ugly American moment where I said, "it is 3:58" and went and had a few mixed nuts and a glass of wine at the pool bar and then on to tea for Jasmine that I hoped would be a real pick me up. They have gone to bags! but have a nice selection. Service was lovely. They bring you our silver tra and offer a variety of scones. The pianist was just lovely.


Todd unwound in the cabin while I went off to get a La Terraza reservation (now the specialty reservations are made at the restaurants and not reception, and you are seated and the programs are introduced. I was the only one there and had no wait and no difficulty getting a reservation for the 2nd formal night. I could have got in for tonight for the Italian lobster, which I might should have done as I am not sure about getting dressed up after the sesert safari, but we did not drag this tux and dress for nothing.

I perused the library, got a movie and the daily games and came back to get ready with Todd for the lifeboat drill.

The stewardess came and noted anything we requested or wanted (literally took notes). I had requested some things a year ago, and I requested others 4 days before the cruise, and all requests were met except the Grey Goose, but there is a letter that it is not on board yet because of the difficulties with liquor in Dubai and that we would get it today. The Jack Daniels and wines and Diet Pepsi were all here, as was the extra club soda in smaller cans.