Excursions for Taj open on 8/4/12 and while it seems early my experience is that one needs to book quickly to get their preferences. So, I have started to look at the excursions. I am overwhelmed. I guess it is because I know absolutely nothing of this part of the world. One reason I booked the cruise.

I am asking for advice / thoughts from those that have been to this part of the world. What not to miss , what to avoid etc.

I am doing the precruise to Ankor Wat and the post to Taj Mahal

I am traveling alone but would be eagar to join others that have room and are setting up tours on their own separate from the ship. While it adds to the cost my experience is that doing a tour with a small group can be worth while and more fun.

I'll be on the ship and am staying on but I'm with you , Ralph - I know very little about this part of the world.

I'm also a bit nervous being on my own here.

I'd be interested in joining people organizing small groups for tours . . .

Peggy

Ralph:
We need to talk.
I am awful about booking stuff early...including dinners. I might guess that is why I haven't been in Prime 7 at all during my last few trips.
We are always open to a private thing or 2, also. I do hate the big bus tours.
Anyway, call or write & let's plan something.
Anyone else want to work all this out together so that we can tour together?

Doug

Peggy:

relax about being alone. This group has very large wings to take you under.

Doug

I'm not part of Ngaire's group although I know a number of the members. If the tours are for her group alone, that's OK too.

Peggy

Peggy, Marc and I generally do not do tours not organized by the ship (we feel we've paid for them so might as well not pay for different ones). If you are going to go on any of these rather than people planning tours on their own, we would love to have you join us. (You too Ralph!) I know nothing about this part of the world either and am very leary about eating off the ship or doing ports on our own due to the crowds etc. For me this is one time I will be happy to have Regent doing the planning and will go along with what they recommend. I don't think Ngaire usually organizes tours for "her group" though many LCTers do make tour plans on their own or in small groups if they don't want to do Regent's tours, don't like what Regent is offering or if they have something special they want to do. I do know that sometimes tours organized by people on their own are nice because they can do exactly what and where they want. So... on second thought it would be interesting to see what others are doing too and if Ngaire or others who are familiar with the ports has any comments or suggestions.

Ralph, I don't know how full the ship is but we are able to book at 240 day mark instead of 180 like before; I am hoping there won't be an issue getting excursions.

We have both been to Singapore and I have been to Colombo; Ihose are the only ports we have been to. I know many have been to the Malay and Thai ports so we should be able to get some insight. Like Arlene, I am inclined to do the ship's tours as it will be first time for us so all is new. Only place I defeinitely want to go to (on my own if necessary) is Mt Lavinia Hotel in Colombo which played the part of the hospital in the movie Bridge Over River Kwai.

Arlene and I are going to look at currently posted excursions and start to make plans; we will try to post our thoughts soon.

Hi Arlene,

I emailed you. . .

Peggy

Peggy I still don't have your email. Maybe one of services is just slow Maybe PM me or send it to Marc??

I sent a pm . . . let me know if it arrives . . .

Got it! Have replied by email

Ralph, Doug, Peggy

Boy we seem to all the in the same boat (pun intended) Marc and I just spent a while looking at the tours for this and I agree with all of you. We are pretty much settled on what we will do tour wise until we get to Sri Lanka because we have either been to these places before or have read about them and have ideas about what we want to do. But from Sri Lanka on ward I am at a loss. Marc has been to Sri Lanka before though it was about 30 years ago I am not familiar with any of it, though these are places I have always wanted to visit. I don't usually research places before I go there, though I plan to this time because I am so unfamiliar with it AND because it will probably be the only time I go to this part of the world so I want to make sure I see the important things. I plan to spend some time on this in the next couple of days or so. I need to look at my 1,001 Places To Go book and maybe do some googling.

Any one else done any research on any of these ports? Anyone familiar with them? Any suggestions anyone? Ngaire?

I looked at the ships tours for Taj Mahal before we left on this trip --there were some pretty good ones. We'll probably book ships tours, but would still be interested in looking at any private tours anyone puts together. Don't know how much shipboard credit we'll have on this one, but hiring a private car and driver for a small group through the ship's destination desk is a good way to spend it.
Ralph--we'll be at the Peninsula in Bangkok a couple days before the Angkor Wat trip--lets definitely get together, at least for dinner.

Private Tours on Taj.

Our web site now has a link to a Signature supplier that handles shore excursions. If a group of you get together you can arrange it very easily through this company in most places in the world. The Signature suppliers are well checked and you can be comfortable using any Signature supplier. They show the price for one - or a group of people.

Go to www.brownandkeene.travel.com
Scroll down to the bottom right hand corner and link from there.

The nice thing about this company is they guarantee they will get you back to the ship sometimes a bit of a worry with a private tour - traffic jams that are out of people's control.

Guaranteed Return to Ship
We have never had a customer miss their ship. Our team possesses over 80 years of combined cruise line experience and we are not aware of a single case in which a customer on an independent tour missed a ship. In the extremely unlikely event that you miss your ship due to the late arrival of one of our tours, we will arrange and pay for your accommodations, meals, and transportation to the next port of call, and we will pay you an additional $500 per customer for the inconvenience.

However, they have NOTHING for these ports. I also checked a similiar cruise in December - nothing there either.

https://secure.shoretrips.com/main/MapSearch?code=ASI

This is another company that does tours all over the world. I pulled up Asia (link above) and they had only a few ports. The tours were sky high in our port of call in Cambodia, Sihanoukville. So high I thought it was a mistake but looked at the other ports and they were more reasonable. This leads me to believe this port does not have much of a tour structure for tourists in place. They have pricing for an individual listed but I am sure they would do a group as well if contacted.

I spent 19 days in India and had a good guide travel with us to every destination with some local guides mixed in from time to time. However the company that booked that for us does not do shore excursions ONLY full tours.

Most of these ports I have not visited before. The two ports I have been to in India are Cochin and Mumbai. The Kerala backwaters in Chochin were fascinating. Mumbai I liked Elephanta Caves there are tons of steps and they do carry you up if you pay so you do not have to walk. It is a nice pleasant boat ride out to the island and then walking up to the caves that had images of the walls. Pretty touristy but okay.

These are challenging places and unless you KNOW the tour operator I would personally suggest doing Regent tours a busload or not. I would never take on the responsibility of arranging something in these areas and I think anyone that plans on doing that needs to be very cautious.

Ken and I will be doing the Regent excursions and I think most of you know I am not really a fan either. However in this case I think it is the most sensible thing to do.

As to me arranging private tours, having been down this road in the past I really do not do this anymore. There can be so many complications. If I put a group together for some people then I feel obligated to offer it to all my clients. Then you end up on a bus just like Regent with me having just little more say in where we go and for how long and that costs a lot more - it does not make sense.

One small van last year I joined a group organized by a client of mine and we had a guide that was so bad. He was determined to do it his way and it did not matter what the group wanted. I almost got into a fight with him a very uncomfortable situation. It was worse than being in the Regent bus and we were captive just the same. The person who organized it felt responsible but was using a company that had provided a good tour the day before. Just like with Regent all guides are not created equal privately hired or on a Regent bus.

Thank you so much for all the info Ngaire. Your insight is so helpful. It reinforces what I had thought about using Regent tours in this part of the world.

Didn't realize the excursion bookings were opening so soon - thanks for the heads up.

Isn't there a way to get an email of all the excursions - I don't see a link - maybe that will come closer to the booking window opening?

Another company that does excursions is viator.com. We are taking a day trip with them in Normandy, France in a couple of weeks so I will report back about how it goes - their tours seem to get good reviews.

I do think in these ports you go with a larger company that does all over the world not a local small company if you want to do private tours.

You can see the "examples' of what should be offered online Leslie, this is not available by email. You can go online and print it all out if you wish.

While so many of us loathe the 'big bus' tours and like the private tours (when they do what we ask them to), I have to agree with the comment made by Marc. Dang! The current deal with Regent has the 'included' tours in the fare. Ergo, we have already paid for them. Paying twice is not logical UNLESS there is a major difference, which there can be from time to time.
I checked today and the tours are not yet on the RSSC web site. So, we have time.
I would suggest that we talk here and if there is a port without acceptable tours, we regroup for a private. But, time is very much on our side here.
Granted, it is always preferred to be with 6 to 8 friends rather than 40 to 50 on a bus, but let's figure it out within the constraints of the Regent playbook.

Just my 2 cents....... Doug

I really did not intend to kick off a discussion of private tours , just wanted to be thought of if that was direction, but more a discussion of regent tours and what should be considered and what to avoid. So what are key sights that are subject of regent tours.

Ralph, Arlene and I just spent a couple of hours researching tours and sights to see. We have made some initial decisions.

For Sihanoukville, we are going to take the long bus trip to Phnom Penh. We figure it probably is our one and only chance to see Phnom Penh. If we get enough folks, we can get card games going in bus each direction.

In Phuket, Arlene will take the Snorkel at Phi Phi Island. It should be a fantastic experience. I am not a fan of snorkeling so i will do something else.

In Colombo, we are going to go to Kandy. I had a chance to go there in 1983 but missed it. I believe Marcie went on World Cruise. I just want to see Temple of Sacred Tooth.

In Cochin, we are going to take Tranquil Backwaters. It is supposed to be beautiful.

In Bombay, we want to see the Taj Mahal Hotel. It doesn't appear to be on any tours so we might see on our own.

For the rest of the stops, we are still researching.

The Taj Hotel is right at the dock where you board the boats for Elephanta Island. Of course there would probably not be time to see the hotel inside.

Ngaire,we overnight in Bombay; sounds like a great place to go for a nightcap.

Marc, my excursion to Kerala didn't include lunch, but I hope your time there is as spectacular as mine was.

I saw on the other forum that malaria meds are necessary for this area . . . does anyone know about this?

I work wuth alot of Indian doctors and residents. They say we should get the Hep A & B shots (a series of 3). I had them a couple yrs. ago at my hospital. Most thought the malarlia pills should be taken. I am on the fence with that.. Any questions any of you have regarding India; they will be only too happy to answer..
Judy

HI Judy,

I've taken the pills before and never had any problems . . . but I'll talk to my doc and go with her advice . . . .good point!

Peggy

For everyone going of the Taj Mahal post excursion, this is what we have to look forward to. Enjoy.

http://www.airpano.ru/files/Taj-Mahal-India/2-3

Terrific Taj link, thanks very much for sharing Carolyn and Don.

FYI, two malaria links below to ponder.

http://www.hpa.org.uk/webc/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/1206520188751

http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations/asia-%28east%29/india/india-malaria-map.aspx

Thanks, Carolyn! Great site. This is going to be great fun.
Tomorrow is pick the excursions day here!

Doug

What a wonderful sight. They went through so much to get these photos. I so hope John and I get to see it in April 2013.

So I was just looking at the new Regent Web site and the excursions for TAJ MAHAL. It took me a while to find them. I thought that there had been some significant changes but it was not that simple because you have to click on both free and "choice" excursions to see all of them. I had first thought that the ones I couldn't find were dropped. Of course, they were the ones that cost an additional fee, though I didn't see any costs given yet. Gail and I had spent a lot of time over the weekend looking over the potential excursions.
----------------------

Eugene

Excursions out and I AM NOT a happy camper.

A quick perusal finds that the all day tour to Phnom Penh is not on the schedule. Neither is the tour to Kandy from Colombo. Both of those were at the top of our list. Seems that Regent has focused on shorter excursions instead of in depth.

This is pretty bad. Maybe there is truth in those complaints about Regent's corporate destinations department now that it has been merged with Oceania.

I am NOT happy.

I'm disappointed, too. There were several that were at the top of our list that are not being offered, including the trip to Kandy.

I noticed in a brochure that I received from Silversea that they were offering an excursion to Kandy by air on their World Cruise--it was associated with a supplemental fee, however, though the amount was not given.

-----------------------

Eugene

I called Regent to see if they could tell me anything about the missing excursions. The answer is not really. EXCEPT that the excursions for Mormugao (on 4/16) are listed for booking purposes by them with Goa. I don't know how you could do anything online, but the Regent rep was able to book one of them for us, and then he sent me a complete list. My online calendar still doesn't show it, however.

---------------------

Eugene

Eugene, could u private email us about this excursion. I must have missed it. Thanks.

If I book one excursion and then go back in later to add more excursions, is the previously booked excursion in jeopardy? I want to get Arlene an excursion but am not ready to book the whole set.

thanks,

Marc, I wouldn't think so, but who knows with the new Web site. Why don't you just call Regent? That's how I added an excursion for Goa (Mormugao).

----------------------

Eugene

I went back and edited mine. I decided not to make a change and when I updated it I thought it had lost all my excursion as it said "no excursions booked" However in reality all the previous excursions were still there.

I believe it just shows the "changes" when you open it up again was ONLY on the update showing no NEW excursions were booked and that message relates ONLY to the update. Is that as clear as mud?

Ngaire and Eugene, thanks. I booked just Phuket and Cochin and will try to book rest today or tomorrow.

Excursions even worse than I thought.

No excursion in Kuala Lumpur include visit to Petronas Tower. In fact, none of the descriptions even seem to mention a drive by. Then, 232 days out two of our tours are waitlisted. Worse, we are having to pay for two of the tours.

This is pretty bad. Looks like I need to have a long talk with Rennaissance on this.

I have to agree with Marc. This will be my 1st Regent cruise in over 2 years - due to their now exhortation single supplement. Was thrilled to be able to see this part of the world with so many LCT friends, had my excursions all planned and then discovered so many things that I consider must sees are now no longer offered. Whatever is Regent thinking?

By now most have us have booked our excursions, but I just noticed that the "receive all available tours by email" link is now available.

Also, The GOA excursions are listed in the pdf - you can call to book them - I don't know why they aren't bookable or listed online.

-----------------------------

GOA (MORMUGAO), INDIA

GOI-001 HIGHLIGHTS OF GOA
Duration: 5.00 Hrs Tour Price: $0.00 Retail Price: $129.00


Date: April 16, 2013 09:15 AM

Lush and lovely Goa was created as a place for relaxation. Studded with vibrant temples and majestic churches, Goa is a window to the religious history and eclectic blend of Portuguese and Indian cultures found in western India. On this enlightening half-day tour, discover two of India.s most captivating cities, Old Goa and Panjim.

Departing Mormugao, you will first come to Old Goa, where you will visit two historically important churches, the most prominent legacy of the Portuguese. Tour the Se Cathedral, dedicated to St. Catherine and consecrated in 1640. The most imposing church in Old Goa, the cathedral took over 80 years to build and is larger than any church in Portugal. Next, proceed to the Basilica of Bom Jesus, the first church in India to be elevated to the status of a
minor basilica and a World Heritage Monument. Constructed in 1605, the church houses the sacred relics of St. Francis Xavier, patron saint of Goa. Covered with marble and inlaid with precious stones, the splendid Bom Jesus is considered the best example of baroque architecture in India.

Goa.s capital, Panjim is spread along the south bank of the Mandovi River, in a charming sprawl of red-roofed houses, sunny squares and gardens of bougainvillea and frangipani. Panjim town has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere with streets lined with taverns and bakeries offering Goan cuisine,.Feni. (cashew nut liquor) and `Bebinca., the delicious local cake. Explore the city.s highlights, including Church Square, the Church of Our Lady of the
Immaculate Conception and the Fontainhas, the city.s oldest district.

Later, visit the market before departing to a heritage Goan-Portuguese mansion, the home of Otto de Oliveira Fernandes, to meet a .Goanese. family over light refreshments.

Later, enjoy a relaxing drive back to the ship.

Please note: Order of sites visited may vary.
------------------------

GOI-003 GOA CHITRA & BEACH TOUR
Duration: 5.00 Hrs Tour Price: $0.00 Retail Price: $99.00


Date: April 16, 2013 09:30 AM

Goa Chitra, an ethnographical museum is a tribute by its founder to his ancestors and their way of life based on age old wisdom passed down through generations. Set in a typical Goan village the innate beauty of the site is kept intact. Its natural grazing grounds and low lying areas are full with varieties of tree ferns, mosses, flowering plants, flamboyantly colored butterflies and birds.

The museum display comprises more than 4000 objects representing the universality of the culture of ancient Goa. Against the backdrop of a traditional organic farm, water harvesting and irrigation systems the structure blends modern technologies with antique elements such as wood, stone, doors, pillars
and railings salvaged by the curator from more than 300 heritage homes that were being demolished. Age old traditions through museum display and outreach programs allow younger generations a share of the wisdom of the past. Implements that represent a lifestyle of a people, their indigenous methods, craftsmanship, art and folklore.

Victor Hugo Gomes its founder conducts a tour of the Museum and organic farm before hosting a folkloric performance.

Following this visit, reboard the bus for a short drive to the Taj Exotica Beach Resort -an opportunity to use the resort.s beach, pool and other facilities. Soft drinks and light snacks are served at the resort.

Later, drive back to the ship via Goa.s scenic coastline.

Please note: Towels are provided by the hotel.
--------------------------------

GOI-002 A TASTE OF GOA
Duration: 7.00 Hrs Tour Price: $0.00 Retail Price: $129.00


Date: April 16, 2013 09:45 AM

On this full-day excursion, delight in the culinary wonders of the region, and discover Goa.s unique blend of Indian and Portuguese cultures, where Christianity and Hinduism exist side by side.

Begin with a drive from the port, through the lush green countryside to Old Goa. Here you will visit the magnificent Se Cathedral, consecrated in 1640 and built in the Portuguese-Gothic style and breathtaking Corinthian interior. Tour the elegant basilica of Bom Jesus, built of black laterite stone with marble and inlaid precious stones. The most honored and famous of all the churches in Old Goa, the Bom Jesus contains the tomb and mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier who spread Christianity in the Portuguese colonies.

Leaving Old Goa, proceed to the Mahalsa Temple one of the most famous temples in Goa. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Mahalsa, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It displays the distinctive Hindu style prevalent in the early 18th century, with massive wooden pillars and a silver framed door. The six-storied `deepstambha. or ornamental lamp pillar in the courtyard is 40 feet in height and has 21 rings of a hundred fifty small lamps. A fascinating spectacle when it is lit up with oil wicks on the annual festival day or Jatra.

Continue to the Sahakari Spice Farm, set on more than 130 acres of verdant forestland and home to more than 84 different species of bird, 100 varieties of orchids, and almost every spice imaginable. Take a guided tour of the grounds and inhale the aromas of beetle nuts, peppers, turmeric root, cinnamon and cashew trees, as well as the vanilla plant. Learn about the natural healing properties of spices, and sample refreshing lemon grass tea made from boiled
water, fresh lemon grass, ginger, and cardamom. Enjoy a sumptuous traditional Goanese lunch, using the local spices grown on the farm.

Return to the ship following your pleasant afternoon at the spice farm.

Please note: Order of sites visited may vary.

Leslie, how do you find the "receive ...email" link? I looked around my booking and couldn't find it. I am curious to see whether the list that Regent sends includes excursions for Mormugao, India, given that I had to do that one over the phone because the relevant excursions are in their system under Goa, India. While we are confirmed, it still does not show up on our itinerary.

------------------------

Eugene

Here you go. Click here.

Dave, I had no problem finding the excursions that your link went to. I was specifically asking about an e-mail link that Leslie mentioned. I assume that it was similar to the one on the old Web site in which Regent e-mailed you the excursions available for the cruise as a whole. I do like the feature on the new Web site that enables you to easily find the ones that require a supplement (the Regent Choice excursions).

------------------------------

Eugene

Eugene,

On the page I linked to, the "Receive All Available Tours Via E-mail" link is just above the text on the page that says: "Sihanoukville in Depth." If you don't see the link, I wonder if you have a browser setting that is hiding it.

Eugene - Go to your booking, go to tours, and open up one of the days and you will see the link. I will send you the pdf by email too. I reserved the taste of Goa over the phone and it is showing up under my booked excursions.

---

Leslie

It's not that I'm crazy, it's that my office computer is blocking that link even though I see the link clearly when I go to my iPhone. Very strange. I think it is a security issue tied to the fact that many photos are blocked. Thanks for the screen shot so I could see precisely where to look.

Regardless, even though I, too, reserved that excursion in Goa for us over the phone, it does not show up on our Itinerary either in the list or in the calendar view. It WAS included on the "Your Pre-Selected Tour List" that we received with the Invoice after our final payment, and Regent verified on the phone that we were confirmed for that excursion. Obviously, a glitch somewhere.

------------------------

Eugene

Over the weekend I was researching transportation from the airport in Mumbai to the Cruise Port as we would rather go straight to the ship rather than do the city tour of Mumbai (after returning from Agra). Note: We are going to India 4 months before TAJ MAHAL. While checking out different sites, I found this 2008 post from CruiseCritic -- it really made me laugh (and also made me change my mind about the taxi). Hope you enjoy it:

Originally Posted by Out2See
PART I:
LOST IN BOMBAY-NOW-CALLED-MUMBAI
“Doesn’t anyone here speak English?”
I should have known the answer was no because it was the 78th time I had asked the question within the last hour and still no one had responded. What started out as a dream trip to India turned into a nightmare on the runway at LAX some twenty-eight hours before. We were comfortably secure, roaring down the runway about to lift off on the first leg of our journey when the pilot hit the brakes and the plane returned to an outdoor hanger where it would need to cool down before the 18 hour flight to Singapore. We had plenty of time to make our connection to Bombay-now-called-Mumbai in order to make the ship by six p.m. Or did we? As they say in India, “OY!”

When it was clear we had missed our connection to Bombay-now-called-Mumbai, the airlines promised they would have us out on the first evening flight. We thanked them profusely but told them that the ship was leaving at six and the evening flight would make us miss the ship by a mere five hours. The next stop for the Serenity would be in Salalah, Oman after two days at sea. If we missed the ship in Bombay-now-called-Mumbai, we would have to get to Oman ourselves.

When we arrived in Singapore, we were greeted immediately as we exited the plane by an airline representative who gave us tickets for an Air India flight that would get us to Bombay-now-called-Mumbai at three p.m. Plenty of time to get to the ship, right? We were free to wait in the VIP Lounge until the flight was called. As they say in Oman, “OY!”

Our Flight to Bombay-Now-Called-Mumbai would be quite full.

We have a snack and a drink while we wait the two hours for the connection. Thank goodness, the plane is on time and we arrive in Bombay-now-called-Mumbai safely. It’s three p.m. and we have three hours to get to the ship. And surely there would be someone there from the ship to fetch us. But then, how would they know what happened to us since we weren’t on the flight on which we were suppose to be.

The luggage came quickly and completely. Immigration was easy. We had
paid almost a hundred dollars a piece for our Indian visas which worked out to be about $35 an hour for the three hours we would be in India. I asked the man at customs man how far it was to the Port of Bombay-now-called-Mumbai and he looked at me as if I had asked directions to Toronto.It was only about a hundred feet from the baggage claim to the taxi stand. I kept looking for the Crystal representative but they hadn’t waited the five hours we were late in arriving. I went to the taxi stand where a man pointed to the “Taxi Rental Room.”

I said to the dispatcher that we need to go to the port. He seemed to understand what I was saying and told me it would be “Four hundred fifty! Four hundred fifty!” Thank God he was talking about
rupees which turned out to be $15.00.

The driver on the left is telling the other driver that he can't take me because I would break his poor car. He may have been right. I was given the number of a cab to find outside in the taxi line. All of the cabs were identical. Miniature cars, blue body and white tops, were crammed together, not in straight lines – more like an unfinished mosaic of every which way. A bevy of young men, all in white shirts buzzed like bees between the taxis – seeking out the new arrivals and asking for a tip. The tip was mostly for the fact that they were there and wouldn’t leave you alone until you gave them something. There was a problem. Our cab was too small. It was an extra small blue and white car rather than just a small blue and white car.

Another car dislodged itself and kicked up a cloud of dust in the dirt parking lot. The driver was handed the address that we were given. He looked at it as if it said “Toronto” and walked back to the main office. We had now been at the airport for half an hour. The bees surrounded me as I followed the new driver back to the window. He took his instructions. I asked him if he knew where we were going. He looked and smiled. We tied our hanging bag to the top of the car, stuffed any open space with our suitcases. I was alone in the back seat with bags and Steve sat to the driver’s left – they drive on the left in India.

I gave the bee-bearers a tip and they cheered as our caravan of one kicked up a cloud of dust and pulled out into erratic streets of Bombay-now-called-Mumbai. The air was brown and an amazing variety of vehicles from bicycles to tuk-tuks to little cars, big cars and pedestrians. As Steve said, the lines in the street seem to be only suggestions.

As we flew into Bombay-now-called-Mumbai we noticed that the edge of the airport was littered with tin shacks raising up from the mud. Hundreds of people living in dire poverty with planes landing a hundred feet above their head every fifteen minutes. Obviously we missed the National "No Car Horn Day" because it was a non-stop symphony as we drove through the streets. We had only one near miss on the plane, now we were having them every ten seconds.

We passed hovels next to Luxury Hotels and one long traffic jam. The only person who seemed to have no notice of it was a man on a bicycle delivering his eggs.

Once we were in the flow of traffic, we were able to relax and look at the city. what strikes you is the incredible, uncountable number of people. The men are all in drab work clothes -white shirt and neutral slacks, while the women dress traditionally and colorfully. If you look at the picture below, you'll se a billboard on the right with a picture of a man. There were pictures of this man everywhere you looked with only Hindi writing to identify him so we still don't know who he is.

The driver never changed expressions or looked anywhere but forward as we crawled through the streets. He seemed to be in a trance. Bombay-now-called-Mumbai is a high energy city, filled with smells of food, people and gasoline. Beggars reach out to businessmen and all defy the
traffic that will not give way to them as they cross against the oncoming cars. A red light is also a suggestion.

After an hour and a half in our cell on wheels, we both started to get nervous. Very Nervous! As they say in Bombay-Now-Called-Mumbai, "Oy!'


I kept asking the man how far we had to go and he shrugged his shoulders. How can you tell someone how to get someplace if they have no odea where they are going in the first place. All he grunted out was, "Far! Far!" We had been in the cab an hour and forty five minutes and it was still far.

The ocean was on our right so I knew at least we were within the realm of possibility of a floating ship somehwere near. We turned a corner, into another traffic jam and I called out the window of the car, "Help!" The policeman came over, followed by another policeman and soon we were surrounded by the the entire Bombay-Now-Called-Mumbai Police Force. And I would you believe - none of them spoke a word of English. We had less than an hour to reach the ship. I took out a post card card with a picture of the ship on it. I pointed to the card and begged him to take us to this place. He beamed a glow of acknowedgement. He understood and barked his orders to the driver. I understood his broken English enough to hear, "Take them to the post office."

"No, the ship."

While reaching for the card, I found out Crystal Cruise papers that listed the number of the port agent. Hooray! I borrowed the driver's cell phone and got the port agent on the phone. He spoke Hindi and told the driver where he needed to go. The driver finally nodded that he understood. As the driver was holding the phone, I looked at his watch was a half hour faster than mine. How could a time change be only a half hour. And we we're traveling West. The time change would be backwards not forwards. Then I realized that India has its own rules about time zones at it was a half hour later than I thought. We started our journey again with less than forty-five minutes to spare. A short traffic jam abated and we turned in front of high brick wall, painted a faded green. Steve screamed, "Cruise Ship Terminal."

Our driver stoically headed the car through a high arch and we were stopped. Our visas and passports were demanded, taken and we sat - not knowing if we had found the right place - or if we were about to be arrested a spies dressed as exhausted tourists. Time was running out. They would be pulling the gangway. I jumped out of the cab and ran to a little hut, passed a group of boys who were tearing up the concrete. I looked like Lawrence of Arabia during the third day of his ride to Aqaba. I walked into the little house where an impressive looking army man munched on some pita bread and copied our passport numbers into an enormous book. The age of computers had not reached the piers.

He stamped the passports, had a sip of Orange Slice and nodded that I could leave. I ran though the gate looking for the Serenity and she wasn't there. The World, a residential cruise ship was in front of me and then a long empty stretch of pier. As I turned around to get back into the cab, the Serenity was behind me, a hundred yards away. and the gangway was still attached. Barely.

The nice tent had been taken down along with the hand sanitizer and the basket full of mints. We pulled up to the terminal, gave our driver (who looked as stunned as we were) another few rupees and he unleashed the bags from the roof of the blue and white. We gathered our bags and ran up the gangway where we we told we could leave them and they would be taken care of. We made it. We were on the ship. We kissed the steel superstructure. We could go to our room. We could take a shower and the get the thirty hours of travel out of our pores.

We arrived at our stateroom, met our Stewardess Miheala and she handed us our lifejackets. "Lifeboat drill," she smiled. I was happy to hear the words "Lifeboat drill" as opposed to the words, "You missed the ship!" As we say in Brooklyn, "Oy!"

I was tired just reading Out2see - hope he, she whatever are relaxing now and didn't need much therapy!