Oceania Cruise: Delos and Mykonos, Greece

Since November 18, 2010 we’ve been covering the itinerary of a specific Oceania cruise: “Grecian Glory.” This cruise – which will include the Mediterranean, Aegean and Adriatic Seas – will be on Oceania’s brand new ship, Marina. In fact, as I pen this on January 16, 2011, we are just 5 days away from Marina’s maiden voyage to the U.S., where she will be christened.

Each week, in addition to providing information about one of “Grecian Glory’s” ports of call, I include photos of various staterooms and/or public spaces. This week I’ll feature the Oceania Suite, as well as some of the activities on board.

First, the suite. At 1,000 sq. ft., the Oceania Suites are the third largest on the ship, after the Vista Suites (1,200 sq. ft) and the Owner’s Suites (2,000 sq. ft.). They’re available either forward or aft on the ship to provide unparalleled views. In addition to butler’s service and numerous amenities, the suite includes a private Jacuzzi on it’s private veranda. That would be enough to sell me on it right there!

Below is just a sampling of activities aboard ship. You’ll notice that I include drinking coffee as an activity! (Cruise-related photos and quotes from Oceaniacruises.com.)

“As you sit ensconced in a tufted leather chair in Marina’s welcoming library immersed in the latest bestseller, you are drawn by the aroma of freshly-brewed specialty coffees to Baristas, Oceania Cruises’ new coffee bar directly adjacent to the library. A stunning arc of floor-to-ceiling windows provides panoramic views high above the glittering sea as our master baristas present you with the finest espressos, frothy cappuccinos, delightful pastries and homemade biscotti. A comforting yet stylish enclave, Baristas offers the tasteful chance to relax and savor the moment.”

What a place to have your morning (or afternoon) cuppa!

“Rather than just watching others create and merely taking notes, the best way to acquire new skills is through hands-on learning. It’s especially true with regard to culinary and artistic endeavors. Working side-by-side with an expert in the field is the ultimate way to master talents such as how to make a perfect soufflé or how to sketch landscapes in charcoal. Nothing rivals the hands-on experience, so we have created two magnificent learning centers onboard Marina, Bon Appétit Culinary Center and Artist Loft Enrichment Center.”

“Sample a fine assortment of wine, scotch, champagne, cheese and chocolate or take an opportunity to improve your knowledge of wines by conversing with Oceania’s head sommelier.”


The 9th and 10th ports of call are two Greek Isles: Delos (from 8:00 a.m. till 12:00 noon) and Mykonos (from 2:00-8:00 p.m.)



Delos

Photo courtesy of Wally Gobetz

(http://www.flickr.com/photos/wallyg/143685769/in/set-72057594130488583/)

House of Cleopatra

Delos is an uninhabited island located in the center of a circular ring of islands called the Cyclades. It’s a site of considerable archeological interest, disproportionate to it’s size of only 2.4 miles. Regarded as the birthplace of Apollo, the ruins are largely of temples of pagan worship. In 1990, UNESCO included Delos on the World Heritage List, saying that it is an "exceptionally extensive and rich" archaeological site which "conveys the image of a great cosmopolitan Mediterranean port.”


Mykonos

Mykonos is known as a party island by night, but many tourists go for its white-washed buildings, crystal clear waters, and to see its working, 16th-century windmills. Following is a photo tour of this picturesque island.

Photo courtesy of BluEyedA73 (http://flic.kr/p/7fXVeG)

(Photo from Expedia)

Palladium Hotel

Is is just me, or do you also feel a fresh, clean island breeze just looking at this open-air restaurant near the sea?

 

Photo courtesy of Frank Camp (http://flic.kr/p/6tUWj7)

Photo courtesy of Sheyneg (http://flic.kr/p/5mez11)

Such clear water!

“The Real Mykonian,”

courtesy of Vassil Tzvetanov (http://flic.kr/p/6A2hdQ)

(Photo from Expedia)
Rocabella Mykonos Art Hotel and Spa

(Photo from http://www.hotel-rates.com/greece/mikonos/porto-mykonos-hotel.html)

Porto Mykonos Hotel

Photo courtesy of Elliot Freeman (http://flic.kr/p/4WvwAc)

ScheckTrek Pick for Mykonos: Cavo Tagoo Hotel

(Photo from Expedia)

(Photo from Fivestaralliance)

(Photo from Expedia)

A bedroom in one of the suites.  Very rustic sinks!

(Photo from Epoque)
The Spa

(Photo from nbportal)
The hotel has unique touches throughout.

(Photo from Expedia)

If this is indeed the restaurant, as I saw it labeled,

this part of it seems so intimate.

(Photo from Expedia)

At 8:00 p.m. on May 15, the Marina will set off for the last port of call on the “Grecian Glory” itinerary: Athens!

United Arab Emirates

Photo from Expedia.com

(Information on the UAE from Wikitravel.org)
The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates on the eastern side of the Arabian peninsula, at the entrance to the Persian Gulf. Each emirate has its own ruler, or Sheikh; and as a result, the laws and culture vary from emirate to emirate. “For example, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashed al-Maktoum of Dubai is very modern, so Dubai is forward-thinking and cosmopolitan. The ruling sheikhs of Ajman and Sharjah are more conservative, thus the rules there are more strict concerning religion, alcohol, drugs and general living conditions.”


Alcohol is allowed in all of the emirates except Sharjah, but there are certain regulations one should be aware of, as well as guidelines for what is considered appropriate dress for women. Tourists will also want to be aware of Ramadan dates, during which it can be more difficult (though not impossible) to purchase food during daylight hours. Ramadan is going on right now until September 9. It will be August 1-29 in 2011. Because they’re on a lunar calendar, it moves from year to year.

“Basic commodities used to be cheaper than in most western countries, although this is changing rapidly (Dubai has moved up the ranking to be the 25th most expensive city to live in; Abu Dhabi is close behind). Hotels rates are not cheap — there is a shortage of hotel rooms available, especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which keeps the hotels often at above 90% occupancy. Vast numbers of new hotels are scheduled to come on line during the next five to ten years, but as tourism is on the rise, it is unlikely that prices will come down.”



CLIMATE
The UAE receive only a few days of rain a year. “Despite that, Emiratis use water at an alarming rate: there are broad swaths of grass in the major public parks, for example, and landscaping can be extensive in the resorts or other public places. The majority of this water comes from desalinization[sic]. … The weather from late October through mid-March is quite pleasant, with high temperatures ranging from around 27°C (85°F) to lows around 15°C ( 63°F). It is almost always sunny. Rain can happen between November and February, and can cause road hazards when it does. In the summer, the temperatures soar and humidity is close to unbearable — it is widely suspected that the officially reported temperatures are 'tweaked' to cut off the true summer highs, which can reach 50°C, or around 120°F, or even higher!”


THINGS TO DO
One of the main focuses of tourist life (other than shopping) is the beach. The waters of the UAE…are remarkably warm, clean, and beautiful. …The snorkeling and diving can be magnificent, especially along the eastern (Indian Ocean) coast. Vast swaths of desert stretch to the south of the major urban areas, offering dramatic views and terrifying rides in fast-driven safaris. The mountains are dramatic, steep rocky crags, and a visit to them (for example, the town of Hatta) is well rewarded with amazing views. Women wearing bathing suits will draw unwanted attention at the public beaches; it is advisable to pay for a one-day entry pass to a private beach at a hotel.

“Ski Dubai in Dubai Emirates Mall opened in December 2005. It is the world's third largest indoor ski slope, measuring 400 metres and using 6000 tons of snow. Ski Dubai resort is the first UAE indoor ski slope to open, and more are planned.”


One of the draws to the area is shopping. “There are no sales taxes in the UAE, but it is very difficult to find any real bargains anymore as inflation is at an all-time high. If you are interested in shopping, you can't leave the UAE without visiting Dubai. Dubai boasts the best places for shopping in the whole of the Middle East, especially during the annual shopping festival, usually from mid-January to mid-February.” In addition to malls, there are still a few traditional souks in the Emirates, though they can be more difficult for the traveler to locate. According to Wikitravel, the Abu Dhabi souks were torn down in 2006 and no longer exist. However, there are some wonderful ones in Dubai.

Desert safaris are also good attractions around Dubai. It’s a good idea to book these through your travel agent, and make sure the vehicle is 4WD.

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE, and Dubai is the most frequent entry point for tourists, being the transportation center for the Emirates. So this week, the ScheckTrek will visit both.

There are many very upscale hotels in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. However, to western eyes, many may seem reminiscent of Caesar’s Palace. I hate to say garish, but…

However, there were some notable exceptions, and we’ll tour four of my favorites.

First, Dubai. For a taste of elegance on the coast, I recommend the One and Only Royal Mirage, which is made up of three separate hotels.

Photo from StylishResorts.com

Photo from Venere.com

Photo from http://www.gammat.ru/

Photo from 2daydubai.com

Photo from Expedia.co.uk

Photo from Expedia.co.uk

Photo from Expedia.co.uk

Photo from Venere.com

Photo from Xoprivate.com

Photo from Expedia.co.uk

Photo from Orbitz.com

Photo from Expedia.co.uk

For something a little more authentic, without having to rough it in the desert, I recommend the Jumeirah Bab Al Shams. Not that I would want to spend a great many days there, but just one or two to experience dusk falling over that desert.

Photo  from Expedia.com

Photo from Expedia.com

Photo from Expedia.com

I'm not sure if it was the rug, or the closet doors (on the left) that sold me.

Photo from Expedia.com

Photo from BaileyRobinson.com

Originally, Dubai was going to be my only stop, but I found I liked the hotels better in Abu Dhabi.  :)  And, after all, this blog is all about the hotels!







In Abu Dhabi, I’ll start with my recommendation for the desert hotel, the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara. As with the Jumeirah Bab Al Shams, it mentally transports you not just to another geographic location, but to another whole way of life. A hard life outside the grounds of this resort, not fit even for plant life. It would be most comfortably experienced during the day from inside its air-conditioned walls of glass through which to enjoy the desert’s desolate beauty.  Then go out at night to see more stars than you could even imagine could fit into one sky!

Add caption

Photo from Qasr Al Sarab.Anantara.com

Add caption

Add caption

Deluxe Garden View Room.  Photo from Qasr Al Sarab.Anantara.com.

Add caption

Photo from Abu-Dhabi-Dubai.com

Add caption

Add caption

Add caption

Photo from hotel website

Add caption

Add caption

Add caption

If I had to choose just one hotel in the United Arab Emirates, however – and that is, after all, the stated purpose of this blog, to choose one – it would have to be the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi. Normally a bit opulent for my taste, I would be willing to overlook that to experience what has been said to be the most expensive hotel in the world to build: $3 billion. After the photos is a list of statistics about the hotel and what $3 billion will get you in a resort.

Photo from Watg.com

Photo from EyeRevolution.co.uk

Photo from Orbitz.com

Photo from Travelocity.com

Photo from Apnimarzi.com

Photo from Orbitz.com

Photo from FiveStarAlliance.com

Photo from Orbitz.com

Photo from Orbitz.com

Photo from Travelocity.com

Photo from Travelocity.com

Photo from Travelocity.com

From http://www.hotelmanagement-network.com/projects/emirates-palace/ come the following details about this hotel (taken almost verbatim from the referenced website):







• The hotel was built as a superlative for national prestige and not really as a profit- making concern.


• Rooms are priced from $5,989 to $12,251 a night at the Palace.


• [I’m having trouble connecting those last two statements in my mind!]


• It employs about 2,600 staff members from approximately 50 nationalities.


• Over 20,000 roses are used every day throughout the entire Palace!


• The hotel is set in 1,000 hectares of beautifully landscaped park with palms and fountains; the architecture reflects the different landscapes of the desert.


• There is a .8-mile private beach attached to the hotel.


• The external architecture boasts 114 impressive domes that rise up to195 feet in the air and glisten in the sun, resembling pure gold.


• The design of the hotel incorporates the beauty of traditional Arabian elements such as the Grand Atrium dome. At 195-feet high and 137-feet in diameter, it is the largest dome in the world. It's decorated with 13 colors of marble, ranging from sunrise yellow to sunset red – to reflect the many different hues of the desert – and finished in silver and gold glass mosaic tiles. It is topped by a 44-pound solid golden finial, and over 22-carat gold leaf covers the inside of the dome, making it the greatest gilded expanse ever created in one building.


• The building has 114 domes. That of the Grand Atrium is higher than the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.


• The Emirates Palace Archway, covered in Italian stone, and bigger than the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, containing a museum.


• The resort has over one million square feet of marble, imported from Italy, Spain, China, and India.


• The resort boasts 200 fountains amid 600 acres of exotic park grounds, home to over 8,000 trees, and the hotel’s private heliport.


• It is the official guest palace of the government of Abu Dhabi, with 22 three-bedroom suites capable of hosting as many heads of state and their entourages.


• The highest floor has six rulers' suites, which are out of bounds to all except members of the royal families of the UAE.