It’s the 13th November and we are in Eilat, Israel – just 3 miles from the last port of call at Aqaba Jordan. But this is the last day of this cruise for many/most of the passengers. Tomorrow is a call at Safaga Egypt, and we end one cruise and begin another. For the vast majority that I have spoken with, this has been a wonderful experience – the chance to visit Istanbul, Ephesus, Haifa, Nazareth, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Alexandria, Cairo, the Pyramids, Petra and many other places. The weather has been kind when we needed it so, and the sea has been almost totally friendly. This 6* all inclusive vessel has it’s draw back though – I’ve probably eaten a little too much, although I have tried to be ‘good’, but most certainly I’ve drink too much – but it is all free, and I have to be sociable. As I do the lectures, and the bridge talks, the cabarets and rise around on the bus tours, I’m well known and many want to chat, ask questions and also have some of your time over a drink or meal. Such is the challenge, and such is the job as I see it. And so we move on…..the next cruise finishes in Mumbai, India, with stops along the way in Oman and the Gulf States – the plastic cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with many days at sea to be filled by lectures, craft classes and activities for the guests. The scents, sights and sounds of the sub-continent beckon as I sort the laundry and prepare the next series of talks and cabaret songs….