We were scheduled to leave around 7 p.m. I think we pulled out around 11:30 p.m. Due to the US ship having been taken by pirates were going to be joining a convoy so our schedule got pushed back a bit.
Salalah Oman was the type of world cruise port I really love. It is not oriented towards tourist so you get to see more of what the country is really like. There were no children begging or who's job it was to sell to the tourist, they were all safe at home or with their families. The scenery was spectacular and the town's folk were pleasant and professional. I even got a reasonable price on a beautiful gold and ruby pendant and earrings the first time I asked without the over pricing and special price for me because I am their best friend or first sale of the day. If I had been serious I could have bargained it down some but it wasn't a 'rip-off the tourist' starting price but rather a 'retail' starting price.
If you come to Salalah, dump your ship tour. 2 or more in a taxi will be able to do better than the ship's price for seeing similar sights. If you have 3 or 4 you will do really well. The cost of the taxi did not go up for more people. Our tour ended up being 4.5 hours and we ended up paying $102 total with tip. Some drivers spoke great English, some not very much. Be prepared for a bit of an adventure with the negotiation process. Hanging back can get you a better price as there are tons of cabs, you just can't see them.
2 comments:
Fabulous pictures and great commentary. Thanks!
Interesting about the delay leaving port. I had been wondering if and how the American cargo ship captain held captive on a lifeboat by Somali pirates would affect you. Has that increased your fellow shipmates concerns about pirates?
Christie
Hi Christie,
I haven't personally talked to anyone who is concerned. The captain held a meeting a bit ago to go over the procedures should we have an attack and there was one person there concerned but most seem to be taking it in stride. Were probably in more danger crossing the street in the ports where the traffic is driving on the opposite side of what were used to than we are from pirates. Cheers!
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