around the world in 60 days march 11 to may 10, 2009 china airline – honolulu to hong kong...

Around the World in Around the World in 60 Days60 Days

March 11 to May 10, 2009March 11 to May 10, 2009

China Airline – Honolulu to Hong KongChina Airline – Honolulu to Hong Kong

Tahitian Princess – Hong Kong to DoverTahitian Princess – Hong Kong to Dover

Queen Mary 2 – Southampton to New YorkQueen Mary 2 – Southampton to New York

Delta Airline – New York to HonoluluDelta Airline – New York to Honolulu

Salalah, Oman, Pirate Threat, Easter on Red Sea April 8 to 12, 2009

TAHITIAN PRINCESS ROUTETAHITIAN PRINCESS ROUTE

StateroomStateroom

Salalah, OmanSalalah, OmanApril 8, 2009April 8, 2009

A country of ~2 million that the discovery of gas in 1977 resulted in major change from a primitive to a modern feudal , tolerant Muslim society with free range camels where water is more valuable than oil.

Salalah

Two Days Cruising from Dubai

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Job’s Tomb Job’s Tomb

Job’s Footprint

Prayer Rugs

Fences to protect Trees from camels

Camel Tracks

Sultan Sultan of Oman of Oman Al Husn Al Husn PalacePalace

Somali Pirate ThreatSomali Pirate Threat 4/9-10/2009 4/9-10/2009“Running the Gauntlet”“Running the Gauntlet”

SOMALI

Course changes

American Destroyer EscortAmerican Destroyer Escort

The Pirate threat existed for two The Pirate threat existed for two

days after leaving Salalah until days after leaving Salalah until entered Red Sea. entered Red Sea.

Practice drills were held. If the call Practice drills were held. If the call “Sierra Papa” occurred everyone was “Sierra Papa” occurred everyone was to go to stateroom and avoid to go to stateroom and avoid windows and outside areas of shipwindows and outside areas of ship

To remain in stateroom away from To remain in stateroom away from exterior walls, windows or balconies.exterior walls, windows or balconies.

Expect sudden movements of the Expect sudden movements of the ship.ship.

The ship had two large fire The ship had two large fire hoses ready on both open hoses ready on both open 55thth decks and security men decks and security men full time on the deck.full time on the deck.

An acoustic defence device An acoustic defence device developed for US military developed for US military was to be aimed at any was to be aimed at any suspicious craft.suspicious craft.

A large US military A large US military helicopter from one of the helicopter from one of the 3 warships circled the ship3 warships circled the ship

The ship made frequent The ship made frequent rapid course changes – see rapid course changes – see mapmap

News of the Somali pirate capture of News of the Somali pirate capture of a US freighter off the Horn of Africa a US freighter off the Horn of Africa was featured on CNN news as we left was featured on CNN news as we left Salalah. The first US ship captured in Salalah. The first US ship captured in over 200 years was later thwarted over 200 years was later thwarted the freighter seamed away under the freighter seamed away under armed US Navy guard with its crew armed US Navy guard with its crew of 20 safe but without its Captain of 20 safe but without its Captain who was taken by the pirates.who was taken by the pirates.

4/10/20094/10/2009

4/11/2009 – Safely in Red Sea4/11/2009 – Safely in Red Sea

4/12/2009 – Easter at Sea – Ship passes over Rift 4/12/2009 – Easter at Sea – Ship passes over Rift Wando Terrace and 6000 ft deep Discovery HoleWando Terrace and 6000 ft deep Discovery Hole

SafagaLuxor

Easter Morning Moon from our balconyEaster Morning Moon from our balcony