Around the World in 60 Days March 11 to May 10, 2009 China Airline – Honolulu to Hong Kong Tahitian Princess – Hong Kong to Dover Queen Mary 2 – Southampton to New York Delta Airline – New York to Honolulu Salalah, Oman, Pirate Threat, Easter on Red Sea April 8 to 12, 2009

TAHITIAN PRINCESS ROUTE

Stateroom

Salalah, Oman April 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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Jobs Tomb

Jobs Footprint Prayer Rugs

Fences to protect Trees from camels

Camel Tracks

Sultan of Oman Al Husn Palace

Somali Pirate Threat 4/9-10/2009 Running the Gauntlet SOMALI Course changes

American Destroyer Escort

The Pirate threat existed for two days after leaving Salalah until entered Red Sea. The Pirate threat existed for two days after leaving Salalah until entered Red Sea. Practice drills were held. If the call Sierra Papa occurred everyone was to go to stateroom and avoid windows and outside areas of ship Practice drills were held. If the call Sierra Papa occurred everyone was to go to stateroom and avoid windows and outside areas of ship To remain in stateroom away from exterior walls, windows or balconies. To remain in stateroom away from exterior walls, windows or balconies. Expect sudden movements of the ship. Expect sudden movements of the ship.

The ship had two large fire hoses ready on both open 5 th decks and security men full time on the deck. The ship had two large fire hoses ready on both open 5 th decks and security men full time on the deck. An acoustic defence device developed for US military was to be aimed at any suspicious craft. An acoustic defence device developed for US military was to be aimed at any suspicious craft. A large US military helicopter from one of the 3 warships circled the ship A large US military helicopter from one of the 3 warships circled the ship The ship made frequent rapid course changes – see map The ship made frequent rapid course changes – see map

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

4/10/2009

4/11/2009 – Safely in Red Sea

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

Easter Morning Moon from our balcony