We've just sailed from Rhodes, and are now en route to Alexandria. The Suez problem that Jan mentions is affecting Beth and my overnight to Cairo as well as the as-yet-unclear impact on the Wadi Rum/Petra trip. Since the ship won't be reaching Suez until 11:00 pm, they have to entertain those of us on the overnight for longer than originally planned. The good news is that we get some additional activities: a lunch cruise on the Nile, some Cairo city time, and a sound and light show at the pyramids. The bad news is we hit the pyramids in the afternoon (the heat of the day and the height of the crowds) rather than morning. I'm sure it will still be wonderful.

We're still waiting to hear what the impact on Wadi Rum and Petra will be.

As our new friends mention above, the ship is in wonderful shape, and the staff are, I think, more on their toes than ever. We had a little problem with water this afternoon, but that seems to be resolved now.

I know there's a lot of interest in what's going on with Portofino's. Right now it is operating as an Italian restaurant (without the music, etc. it appears). In a few days, it will convert to an "Arabian nights" theme. I would suppose that's not permanent; just done to fit in with where we're currently cruising.

So far, a delightful trip. The Grand Bretagne was great--particularly the rooftop bar. We no sooner walked in than we recognized Jan and Fred, and before long Jim and Pat joined us as we all watched the sunset over the Acropolis. Regent hustled us out of Athens early on Wednesday to beat a general strike and demonstration planned to start at 11:00, and much to our delight our rooms were ready when we arrived on the ship at 11:00.

It's been a great trip so far.