Suez Canal

We reached the entry to the canal at dinner time (Saturday), where we stopped and waited for the rest of our southbound convoy to assemble.  The Captain told us that we were expected to start our transit of the canal at about 1.30 on Sunday.  We are the lead ship in the convoy, so we jokingly referred to us as the "decoy".  We watched a large number of ships coming out of the canal and a lot were tankers of one sort or another.

Sunday morning we woke about 1.30 and we were still stationary, so went back to sleep.  Heard some noises about an hour later and saw that we were moving and passing what I assume was Port Said.  Lots of people still about, big buildings and a big mosque right down to the water.  We were also amazed by the flocks of birds flying/hovering around the ship at that hour - I think it must have been our lights.  Later we worked out that our 2.30 time was actually 1.30 Egyptian time as the ship decided not to put our clocks back for this sector, as we'd have to put therm forward again tomorrow. (OK forward/back/forward - whatever:-) )

Next woke up just after sunrise, 6.30 so decided to go up on deck and get some photos.  Some great photos, but it is very hazy, so probably won't look as impressive when we get home.  The difference between the West & East banks is striking.  Individual soldiers all the way around, although what 1 soldier is going to do is a mystery.  However they were friendly and waved out to us, as did all the local fishermen ( I doubt that their fish are minimum, 30cm!!!).

By 10.00 we reached the Great Bitter Lake, where we anchored to wait for the northbound convoy to come through the last part of the canal & the rest of our southbound convoy to catch up.  Have no idea how many are in our convoy, as we can only see the 2 container ships behind us in the haze.  However there are currently about 30+ ships anchored here. We are the only passenger ship, the majority of the others are very large container ships.  Many billions of dollars worth surrounding us.  An army helicopter has just flown over to check on us all.  Our own ship's security staff are also far more evident.

It is incredible that we are sitting on a dead flat lake, surrounded by sand (oh yes,and some town in the distance too).  Fortunately the sky has clouded a bit and the temperature at 11.00 is pleasantly in the midish 20s.  The only annoyance is the abundance of flys. 

11.45.  We are underway again and all the supertankers are at the end of the northbound convoy, so clearly they have the least dangerous first to the most dangerous at the end.  The Cruise Director has just given an announcement on the history of the canal and apparently the cost of transit is .25 million.  Still a lot cheaper than going around Africa.

2.30.  We have cleared Suez and are now sailing in the Red Sea.  It has got hot again, but like an idiot I stood on the top deck taking photos for an hour (so no wonder I am hot).  Another sea day tomorrow and then the big journey to Petra on Tuesday - already some folk are cancelling as there is considerable walking involved.  We are going, no matter what - watch this space.

Unfortunately I am unable to upload photos at this time, but hopefully when we reach land and free WiFi, I will do so.