Well, it was over a week ago we transited the Suez Canal on our way from Haifa to Luxor. I finally got through all the pics and picked a few to post.
Leaving Haifa, it really wasn't very far to Port Said, the northern terminus of the canal, however, because the canal still has sections that are One Way, we had to wait in the Mediterranean just north of the entrance for 7-8 hours. Finally, around 5AM, we were underway again! Capt'n had advised we were the leader of quite a convoy!
For those of us crazy enough to be on Deck 12 (top of pool deck) at that hour, a beautiful sunrise over the desert and the east side of the canal was our reward! Those on the port side of the ship only had to step out on their balconies!
Fishermen were out early as well.
As the fog burned off / smog lifted, we could see our convoy of ships behind us. On closer look, we could see at least 6!
Approaching the only bridge over the canal. It was well high enough for us to pass under. Don't know if the MEGA-ships would pass or not! Plans are in place, maybe work has begun, to build tunnels under the canal.
One of many new settlements being built along the canal.
As we got closer to the Red Sea at the end of the canal, we saw a pilot boat approaching. The Capt'n advised we had to do that because of shallows in the northern entrance.
Straight ahead, we could see the Gulf of Suez
And, off the bow starboard, the city of Suez! From there, we would make our way toward Safaga, Egypt for our visit to Luxor and the Valley of the Kings.
The next day, we received our certificate stating we had indeed traversed the Suez Canal!
Leaving Haifa, it really wasn't very far to Port Said, the northern terminus of the canal, however, because the canal still has sections that are One Way, we had to wait in the Mediterranean just north of the entrance for 7-8 hours. Finally, around 5AM, we were underway again! Capt'n had advised we were the leader of quite a convoy!
The first few miles, 20 or 30 if I remember correctly, were straight as an arrow!
For those of us crazy enough to be on Deck 12 (top of pool deck) at that hour, a beautiful sunrise over the desert and the east side of the canal was our reward! Those on the port side of the ship only had to step out on their balconies!
Fishermen were out early as well.
As the fog burned off / smog lifted, we could see our convoy of ships behind us. On closer look, we could see at least 6!
Approaching the only bridge over the canal. It was well high enough for us to pass under. Don't know if the MEGA-ships would pass or not! Plans are in place, maybe work has begun, to build tunnels under the canal.
There are several ferry terminals along the canal to shorten the journey from one side to the other.
There was already a full load at the dock and more were waiting behind them!
One of many new settlements being built along the canal. 
As we got closer to the Red Sea at the end of the canal, we saw a pilot boat approaching. The Capt'n advised we had to do that because of shallows in the northern entrance.Straight ahead, we could see the Gulf of Suez
And, off the bow starboard, the city of Suez! From there, we would make our way toward Safaga, Egypt for our visit to Luxor and the Valley of the Kings.
The next day, we received our certificate stating we had indeed traversed the Suez Canal!
Tomorrow, we'll be in Muscat. We have an early tour and a free afternoon so maybe, just maybe, I'll get another post up…
Due next, Luxor!
rf
