April 12 Sea Day

Another beautiful sunny day. Lots of small fishing boats dotting the waters today. We went around Sri Lanka and are headed up the coast of India towards Mangalore.

We tanned on deck 11 after breakfast today and ate the Indian Food Buffet for lunch. Yum!

We packed for our overland which is much easier than packing for China since we won’t need the layers for the cold weather. It’ll be hot hot hot in India so light gauzy things pack easily.

I had a meeting for our day and evening tour in Qatar. We have 29 of us so far with the possibility of 3 more. Should be a fun day!

Dinner was good in the dining room tonight, but of course there are still the Noro practices in place. Necessary evil, I guess. The show tonight was a variety show that featured the Princess singers and dancers who did a number to begin and end the show. (minus the sick ones) Some of the Princess staff were going to perform, but 1 was sick so Chris the guitarist in the band filled in with some classic rock and the Deputy Cruise Director sang as well. It was a fun show. Now, we are finishing up the last minute packing for tomorrow.

We won’t take the computers on our India overland so it’ll be a few days before I post again.

Here is a description of our tour with Leisure Tours of India:

“Arrive at Mangalore in the morning around 08:00 AM. You will be greeted with a traditional Indian welcome by our tour executive at the Mangalore Port. You will be then escorted to Mangalore airport to board your flight to Delhi.  

DELHI, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. It is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land. A window to the kaleidoscope - that is India. 

Stay overnight at Svelte Hotel & Personal Suites in Delhi 

Early morning - Our tour executive picks you up from your hotel, for the drive to Delhi railway station and board the luxury express train to Agra (06:10 am – 8:13 am). 

The journey would take approximately two hours; hence a morning (5:00 am) start is recommended.  

You will be greeted at the Agra railway station by our tour executive and driver. Freshen up before you begin your tour. 

Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, had transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire.  

In Agra, you will be caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies, as well as the city’s irresistible charm.  

Unsurprisingly, modern Agra has held onto its Mughal heritage so that the modern city is blended with old and beautiful monuments.

Begin your discovery of the historic city of Agra with a visit to the magnificent Taj Mahal, a pristine white marble mausoleum built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife – Mumtaz Mahal. One of the Seven Wonders of the World, it took 20,000 workers from neighboring Islamic countries, 22 years of ceaseless toil to create this exquisite white marble monument upon which people have waxed eloquent throughout the world. 

Later on – visit to the red sandstone Agra Fort, built by the Mughal dynasty's greatest Emperor, Akbar, in 1565. A number of the fort’s beautiful palaces, mosques and gardens were built by his successors in later years.  

After the tour–drive back to Delhi, this is about a four & half hours journey. Arrive at Delhi and spend the second night at Svelte Hotel & Personal Suites. 

Agra is famous for its marble manufacturing, carpets and ethnic jewelry. 

Morning – Check out of the hotel and drive to the airport to board your morning flight to Mumbai.  

Arrive at Mumbai and take the City Tour which begins with the Gateway of India”, a beautiful Mumbai landmark that overlooks the harbor. This structure was conceived in 1911 and officially opened in 1924. 

You will drive up to Malabar Hill to the hanging gardens, gives a panoramic view the city and the "Queens Necklace", a road called Marine Drive.  

Afternoon - take an excursion to Elephanta Caves by motor launch. This is Mumbai’s major tourist attraction, famous for to its four rock cu temples. The temples were cut out between 450 and 750 A.D and at that time the island was known as Gharapuri, the Fortress city. This was later renamed to “Elephanta” by the Portuguese. The most renowned of the caves’ sculptures is a “Trimurthi”, a 3 headed figure, 20ft tall, of Lord Shiva.  

Later on - Use the remaining few hours for last minute shopping and dining - we can make suggestions.” 

We will rejoin the ship that evening as it leaves just before midnight. 

Phew! I’ll update the blog next Tuesday or Wednesday!