AIDA Red Sea 2013 · Page 3

Our first night on the ship wasn't restful. Right next to our cabin there was a door to the outside area, which was used a lot by smokers (the door slammed shut with a loud bang and our bed shook). We went to reception and explained our problem. Only 5 minutes and 2 inspections later we had a new cabin – great service. It turned out that the outside door had been set incorrectly and was therefore slamming shut.

In the evening AIDAmar left Aqaba harbour, heading for Eilat (Israel), which we reached that same evening. Every evening all sorts of shows are put on in the Theatrium and events on the pool deck.

Day 3: Eilat, here we come

We hadn't booked an excursion (options included the Dead Sea, for example). Our day was all about "relaxation". So swimming things on and off to the pool deck. 4 whirlpools and several pools invited us to linger, and there were enough loungers. You quickly find company on AIDA, so we were no longer just the two of us, but four or six.

On day 4 we arrived in Safaga (Egypt). Excursions to Luxor were offered, but we didn't feel like it and made ourselves comfortable on the wonderful ship. Simply lovely to lie on the pool deck, enjoy the sun and look out to sea. Leaving port is always a highlight: two songs are always played, first "Sail Away" by Enya and then the AIDA song. Simply magical to stand on deck and listen to these two songs as the ship leaves port (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvGNvWKDa3I).

Day 5 was a sea day and also Petra's birthday. I had to promise not to have any surprises in store or arrange any nonsense – of course I didn't stick to that :-) My wife took the day in her stride, and when evening came she was happy that nothing embarrassing had happened. But during dinner, suddenly 10 waiters with all sorts of (musical) instruments were standing at our table singing a birthday song – in a full restaurant. Then came a cake, and everything was perfect :-)

After the sea day we arrived in Sokhna (Egypt) on day 6. On our programme was the excursion to Cairo, with a visit to the pyramids, the Sphinx and the National Museum.

The landscape flew past us. After 2 hours by bus we reached the museum, where unfortunately you're not allowed to take photos, so only a picture of the museum building. I'll simply let the pictures of the pyramids and the Sphinx speak for themselves. The traffic in Cairo is hell – constant honking and just driving.