Prior to the embarking the cruise we arrived in Abu Dhabi a few days in advance to beat jet lag (long flight from Canada). We stayed at the Southern Sun Abu Dhabi, and loved it. Great hotel for a reasonable price in a good location. We were also quite surprised at how much we loved Abu Dhabi in general, and in particular how green it is (I guess that's what happens when you use 250 MILLION gallons of water a day just to keep the city green). No sign of the desert unless you look for it.

Embarkation was the best we've ever experienced at any port world-wide. Great terminal building and super smooth process. We guess from the time we got out of the taxi, it was only 15 minutes until we were on the ship. Fast, friendly and efficient process.

For context, my wife and I are 47 and 46 years old, and unfortunately due to a progressively debilitating disease my wife now requires a small mobility scooter (yay Travel Scoot!), and therefore we were in an accessible deluxe veranda cabin (category 2A). She also maintains a strict diet to try and moderate the disease and that requires no gluten, dairy or egg. So a lot of my remarks and comments will have an accessibility component and will may also mention food as it relates to these dietary restrictions. Read more