16. ARABIA + INDIA – Menu of all cruise ports in Arabia and the Red Sea to India

IN BREIF

Haifa is an easy port to walk to the shops, bars and restaurants. Also the Carmelit cable car taking you up to Mount Carmel. Nazareth is about 45 minutes from Haifa port on bus 70, 75, or 79. Check Google Transit. Nazareth is revered as the spot where the Archangel Gabriel appeared to Mary

CURRENCY

Haifa, Israel. Currency the New Israeli shekel. The shekel is divided into 100 agorot. If you pay in dollars, expect your change in shekel.

PHRASES

• Shalom: “Shalom” means Hello, goodbye, and peace. …
• Lehit-raot: “Lehit-raot” means See you later. …
• Ken and Lo: “Ken” means Yes and “Lo” means No

VISA You don’t need a visa to enter Israel as a tourist.

IN BREIF

Limassol is one of three ports in Cyprus. You are near to Molos, and the start of a great seafront Promenade. This features stalls and cafes, and many sculptures. But head for the Medieval Castle, said to be where Richard the Lionhearted married Berengaria of Navarre in 1191 then, making her Queen of England.

CURRENCY is Euro

PHRASES 

IN BREIF This is not just the gateway to the Suez canal, but a host of deletes; pyramids of Giza & other pyramids, Egyptian Museums, Sakkara, Memphis, Dahshur, Citadel, Old Coptic Cairo, Camel rides and more. It costs between a quarter of a million to half a million dollars to transit the Suez canal.

CURRENCY is the Egyptian Pound, but it is not the same as the British pound.

PHRASES 

Are worth a study, but each greeting has a response.

Welcome; hello: مرحبا (marHaban)
Response: مرحبا بيك (marHaban bīk)

VISA

Tourist visas for Egypt are granted using the e-visa system are valid for a maximum of 3 months. Although it’s still possible to get a tourist visa on arrival, it’s better to get one before you travel. Travelling with child under 15, they should have their own passport. Check, ID may not be enough. P&O VISA ANSWERS

IN BREIF The Abu Dhabi Heritage Village is a reconstruction of a traditional oasis village and is a look into the UAE’s past and a contrast to the modern sea front.

CURRENCY is UAE dirham (AED or Dhs) which is divided into 100 fils and is pegged against the US $ (US$ 1: AED3.6725)

PHRASES 

• Hello. Marhaba.
• How are you? Kaeefhalak.
• Good morning. Sabah el khair.
• Good evening. Massa el khair.
• Greetings. TaHiat.
• Goodbye. MaAaes-salama.
• Excuse me. MaAzera.
• Sorry. Asef.

VISA Cruise passengers require a multiple entry visa (state in 2018), or more normal a Transit Stamp which can be issued on arrival. Check with operator. P&O VISA ANSWERS

IN BREIF Aqaba is right opposite Eilat, Jordan and Israel joined by a double fenced walk between two countries. However it unlikely many will make that cross on a day visit, because you are at the gateway of one of the wonders of the world, PETRA. The Wadi Rum is also a desert adventure.

CURRENCY is the Jordanian dinar

PHRASES (essentially Arabic)

Hello    –    Salam – Marhaba

VISA. You’ll need a visa to enter Jordan. You can get a single entry visa valid for 1 month on arrival at the airports. But, cruise ship passengers are granted the visa free of charge upon arrival to Aqaba port, unless their nationality is on the list of “restricted nationslities” in which case they have to obtained the visa in advance. P&O VISA ANSWERS

IN BREIF Celebrity and Oceana Cruisers are regulars in this largest port in Israel. It is the sixth largest city in Israel and whilst you can get to Bethlehem and Jerusalem, Ashdod has a lot to offer.

CURRENCY the New Israeli Shekel.

The shekel is divided into 100 agorot. If you pay in dollars, expect your change in shekel.

PHRASES

• Shalom: “Shalom” means Hello, goodbye, and peace. …
• Lehit-raot: “Lehit-raot” means See you later. …
• Ken and Lo: “Ken” means Yes and “Lo” means No

VISA You don’t need a visa to enter Israel as a tourist.

IN BREIF The capital & port of Qatar and one that has extensive plans to expand. Most cruise lines use this port. A modern city with a downtown, waterfront parks and the Corniche Promenade. Soul Waqif is a traditional market of crafts and spices. 15 minute transfer bus.

CURRENCY Qatari Riyal is the currency the currency code is QAR. You might be able to use other currencies like Dirham and Pounds but change will be local.

PHRASES Doha Arabic

Good Morning: Sabah al khair
Good Evening: Sabah al noor
How are you?: Shlonik?
Hi or Hello: Salam alay kum

VISA Cruisers obtain a visa waiver upon arrival in Qatar. P&O VISA ANSWERS

IN BREIF Dubai is a fantastic place where 80% of the population is ex-pat. The drinking culture is immense with bars and clubs everywhere, but don’t dare be drunk or drink in the street.

CURRENCY Dubai currency is known as Arab Emirate Dirham AED denoted by ‘Dh’ and called Dirham. Dirham is divided into 100 units each known as fil

PHRASES Arabic is the official language of the UAE, English is the most spoken language in Dubai

VISA Cruise passengers require a multiple entry visa. If joining here you may have to purchase at airport. If passing through, you may get a Transit stamp on ship, issued on arrival. Check with operator P&O VISA ANSWERS

IN BREIF Sharjah is home to three of the finest deep water harbours in the United Arab Emirates. Port Khalid, Khor Fakkan and Hamriyah. Azamara, MSC, P&O and others use this port. Don’t dare be drunk or drink in the street.

CURRENCY Dubai currency is known as Arab Emirate Dirham AED denoted by ‘Dh’ and called Dirham. Dirham is divided into 100 units each known as fil

PHRASES Arabic is the official language of the UAE, English is the most spoken language in Dubai

VISA Cruise passengers require a multiple entry visa or you may get a Transit stamp on ship, issued on arrival. Check with operator P&O VISA ANSWERS

IN BREIF Seabourn are one of the cruise operators offering this Port. History and beaches. Don’t dare be drunk or drink in the street.

CURRENCY – Dubai currency is known as Arab Emirate Dirham AED denoted by ‘Dh’ and called Dirham. Dirham is divided into 100 units each known as fil

PHRASES – Arabic is the official language of the UAE, English is the most spoken language in Dubai

VISA – Cruise passengers require a multiple entry visa or you may get a Transit stamp on ship, issued on arrival. Check with operator P&O VISA ANSWERS

IN BREIF  A spectacular modern-day smugglers port, where all the deeds can be watched from ship as evening falls, with cocktail in hand. Day time – Town is 5km on shuttle bus, beach is 5 minutes walk.

CURRENCY Omani Rial is the currency of Oman. It is divided into 1000 baisa. The Omani rial is the world’s 3rd highest valued currency. U.S. dollars and sterling can be easily exchanged at banks and with money changers (maybe better rate from money changers)

PHRASES Arabic is the official language across the peninsula, but English is widely used and on many signs.

VISA Visas are required by all nationals except those of the Gulf States. The Visa stamps are normally done on the ship and without charge. P&O VISA ANSWERS

IN BREIF very much a busy city, all beaches are private. A tour may be an idea.

CURRENCY – Bahrain dinar, which is divided into 1000 fils. USD is accepted widely.

PHRASES

• Salaam a’laykum- Formal hello
• Wa’ laykum Salaam- Formal response to hello
• Salaam- Hello
• Marhaba- Hello
• Halla- Casual hello
• Halla Walla- Casual response to hello
• Maa Salaama- Goodbye
• Ee- Yes
• La- No

VISA – cruise passengers will get visa upon arrival to Bahrain and landing card for a stay no longer than 24 hrs

IN BREIF – across from the cruise port; stroll the Mutrah Corniche promenade runs right along Mutrah bay, passing the Souk, Mutrah Fort, Riyam Park and old watchtower – views, cafes, seashore, and the town of Mutrah.

CURRENCY Omani Rial is the currency of Oman. It is divided into 1000 baisa. The Omani rial is the world’s 3rd highest valued currency. U.S. dollars and sterling can be easily exchanged at banks and with money changers (maybe better rate from money changers)

PHRASES Arabic is the official language across the peninsula, but English is widely used and on many signs.

VISA Visas are required by all nationals except those of the Gulf States. The Visa stamps are normally done on the ship and without charge. P&O VISA ANSWERS

IN BREIF – expect to dock in an industrial area surrounded by desert. Shuttle bus or taxi to town. Expect to negotiate and deal here.

CURRENCY Omani Rial is the currency of Oman. It is divided into 1000 baisa. The Omani rial is the world’s 3rd highest valued currency. U.S. dollars and sterling can be easily exchanged at banks and with money changers (maybe better rate from money changers)

PHRASES Arabic is the official language across the peninsula, but English is widely used and on many signs.

VISA Visas are required by all nationals except those of the Gulf States. The Visa stamps are normally done on the ship and without charge. P&O VISA ANSWERS

IN BREIF – this is a tender port often cancelled in strong winds. You will be taken to the 1.5km beach with palm trees and cabanas if it is possible.

CURRENCY is UAE dirham (AED or Dhs) which is divided into 100 fils and is pegged against the US $ (US$ 1: AED3.6725)

PHRASES 

• Hello. Marhaba.
• How are you? Kaeefhalak.
• Good morning. Sabah el khair.
• Good evening. Massa el khair.
• Greetings. TaHiat.
• Goodbye. MaAaes-salama.
• Excuse me. MaAzera.
• Sorry. Asef.

VISA Cruise passengers require a multiple entry visa (state in 2018), which allows them to get in and out of the UAE. or a Transit stamp which can be issued on arrival. Check with operator. P&O VISA ANSWERS

IN BREIF – big city, crazy railway station. Advice is to see the slums by small tour and be discrete with photo taking. Don’t expect anyone to know where anything is. If you need your mobile phone mended, take it with you, kids in back streets who may never have been to school will re-build the circuit board!.

CURRENCY Indian rupee

VISA sadly immigration into India is far from easy. You must have the CORRECT visa, with the correct number of allowed entries. You will do face to face with officials on board ship. E-Visa is only valid for those staying on board and disembarking a cruise in Cochin, Goa and Mangalore as long as their ship has not visited another port in India. Otherwise all passengers on ocean-going ships that are visiting India must have a full Tourist visa – even if they do not intend to go ashore. And must have correct number of entries.

PHRASES (language changes by region)

• Hello! or Goodbye = NA-MA-SKAR or NA-MA-STE
• Good,  Okay, Oh, really?  = ACH-HA
• please = KRIPAYA
• Thank you = DHAN-YA-VAD or SHU-KHRI-YA  

IN BREIF – beach tourist heaven if you can get there, The nearest town Panjim is 25 miles away. Settle a fee before getting into the taxi.

CURRENCY Indian rupee

VISA sadly immigration into India is far from easy. You must have the CORRECT visa, with the correct number of allowed entries. You will do face to face with officials on board ship. E-Visa is only valid for those staying on board and disembarking a cruise in Cochin, Goa and Mangalore as long as their ship has not visited another port in India. Otherwise all passengers on ocean-going ships that are visiting India must have a full Tourist visa – even if they do not intend to go ashore. And must have correct number of entries.

PHRASES (language changes by region)

• Hello! or Goodbye = NA-MA-SKAR or NA-MA-STE
• Good,  Okay, Oh, really?  = ACH-HA
• please = KRIPAYA
• Thank you = DHAN-YA-VAD or SHU-KHRI-YA  

IN BREIF – this is a new port in Panambur, 10 km from the town. There is normally a shuttle, or taxi and tux-tiks from port entrance. If you need your mobile phone mended, take it with you.

CURRENCY Indian rupee

VISA sadly immigration into India is far from easy. You must have the CORRECT visa, with the correct number of allowed entries. You will do face to face with officials on board ship. E-Visa is only valid for those staying on board and disembarking a cruise in Cochin, Goa and Mangalore as long as their ship has not visited another port in India. Otherwise all passengers on ocean-going ships that are visiting India must have a full Tourist visa – even if they do not intend to go ashore. And must have correct number of entries.

PHRASES (language changes by region)

• Hello! or Goodbye = NA-MA-SKAR or NA-MA-STE
• Good,  Okay, Oh, really?  = ACH-HA
• please = KRIPAYA
• Thank you = DHAN-YA-VAD or SHU-KHRI-YA  

IN BREIF – Go from the port into Cochin and find the very cosmopolitan cafes modern, ancient fishing, traditional mime dance, and our favourite the Malabar Hotel which is a converted British bank, very classy.

CURRENCY Indian rupee

VISA sadly immigration into India is far from easy. You must have the CORRECT visa, with the correct number of allowed entries. You will do face to face with officials on board ship. E-Visa is only valid for those staying on board and disembarking a cruise in Cochin, Goa and Mangalore as long as their ship has not visited another port in India. Otherwise all passengers on ocean-going ships that are visiting India must have a full Tourist visa – even if they do not intend to go ashore. And must have correct number of entries.

PHRASES (language changes by region)

• Hello! or Goodbye = NA-MA-SKAR or NA-MA-STE
• Good,  Okay, Oh, really?  = ACH-HA
• please = KRIPAYA
• Thank you = DHAN-YA-VAD or SHU-KHRI-YA