I’m just writing about the Red Sea, but in the wrong order.  I posted Jordan first, with lots of pictures from Petra.

We were in the Gulf Of Aden Monday, March 20. Yemen north of us and Somalia to south.  Officers on deck at all time watching with binoculars for pirates.  Veteran’s group on board also volunteered for pirate watch.

We walked outside on deck 7 while going through the Arabian Sea.  It was very calm water so we were watching for wildlife (and pirates).  We saw whales at 1:30 in afternoon.  At least two, water spraying from blow holes.  Very exciting to see them.  We noticed the ship took a slight turn so not to disturb them.  Thank you Island Princess.

We officially entered the Red Sea Tuesday evening March 21.  Past Djibouti and through a narrow area after dark.

Wednesday, March 22 – we’re in the middle of Red Sea.  The size surprised me.  We’re sailing straight up the middle so you can’t see land on either side.  We can see a military ship shadowing us from behind, origin unknown (guessing Saudi).  It seems as huge as an ocean.  It’s one of the heaviest traveled waterways in the world.  It splits Africa from Asia.  Saudi Arabia to the east and Ethiopia to the west.  We had a beautiful sunset tonight.

The Red Sea is 1,200 miles long and 190 miles wide (widest part).  It has 44 species of sharks, 1200 species of fish, 8 species of dolphins and 3 kinds of whales.  The coral reef are a beautiful reddish color that give it it’s name and bring many here for scuba diving.  It’s one of the saltiest bodies of water in the world and also warmest (surface water is 86f).  

Thursday, March 23 – Red Sea with Egypt to our west and Saudi Arabia to east.  We’re seeing many ships coming and going.  We entered the east finger of the Red Sea (Gulf of Aqaba) around sunset this evening.  Arriving in Aqaba early morning on Friday.