Amanda PhillipsExploring UAE is exciting with MSC cruises
Next stop exploring UAE is Khor Al Fakkan – still in the UAE. We’d chosen not to book an excursion, but there were trips on offer from MSC, such as Discover the Desert in a 4×4, Relax at the Beach, and Fujairah East Coast Tour.
A leisurely morning on deck was followed by the decision to take the complimentary shuttle bus to outside the port. Handy tip – each port on the cruise so far has provided this. It seems to be more to abide by the rules of the port than to help cruise passengers, but it works well if you’re occasionally a free spirit who prefers to do your own thing.
We strolled the promenade and had a walk along the beach. While the Daily Program told us that there was a lively souk in the town, we sadly didn’t find it – possibly a good thing for our wallets! It’s obvious that Khor Al Fakkan is starting to build up its infrastructure in preparation for increased cruise business, which will enhance its appeal in future.
Today was designated Italian Day by MSC, and activities included a Nutella party for the kids – we can only imagine how their clothes looked after this chocolate-fest! – and a Decorate Your Own Ice Cream demo for gelato-lovers. And as you would expect on an Italian cruise line, that gelato is pretty damn tasty (and cups and cones are included in our drinks package too.) It’s no wonder that the Italians are renowned for their cuisine, and it’s a source of great pride on MSC. And it’s also no wonder that many cruisers go on strict diets after their return home to the stark reality of clothing that no longer fits. Just as well it’s still winter in the UK…baggy jumpers, here we come!
Dinner was also Italian-themed, with the waiters wearing red, white and green cummerbunds and our napkins in the same colours. We were encouraged by the Daily Program to wear these colours too – I wore green, The Better Half wore a white shirt, and we figured the bright bits of sunburn we had counted as red.
Dinner was great fun, thanks to the parading of the tiramisu desserts as we all sang Volare and waved our napkins to encourage the waiters. Our table companions are wonderful, and conversation flows freely every night – so bonus points to whoever plans this a MSC, you’re a genius! The tiramisu was voted the best ever when it got to our plates, where it didn’t last long at all, and we followed it in true Italian style with a glass of limoncello. Buon appetito! Then we squeezed in a post-dinner drink at the Shake Lounge, watching the Italians strut their stuff on the dancefloor.