May 8 - Boarding day and the start of the cruise!

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The driver sent by Seabourn to pick us up arrived early.  We checked out of the Oberoi, loaded up the luggage and we were off.  To get to the marine terminal we passed through an older, less tourist and financial part of town.  Here the streets weren’t lined with massive skyscrapers.   Eventually we arrived at the port area.  There were vast parking lots filled with rows and rows of various vehicles, all identical, waiting to be shipped someplace.

Cars, cars, and more cars going somewhere

As with everything else in Dubai the terminal was built to impress. It has marble floors and was very large.  Our luggage was dropped off and then we were told to wait.  There was lots of seating and Seabourn had a table set up with water, cold towels, rum punch and champagne.  Around noon it was time to board.  It took only a few moments to check in and we walked onboard.  Our cabin was ready so we dropped our carry on bags off before heading to lunch in the Colonnade.

A view of the terminal

We are once again in a Wintergarden Suite.  I think it’s nicer than the ones on Seabourn’s smaller ships.  I’m certain it’s a little larger and the furnishings seem more comfortable.  I’m posting a few photos; we’re going to be really spoiled!

Our living room

Dining area

Bedroom

Main bath walk-in shower

The rest of the main bathroom

Sunsetting on the Burj Khalifa as we prepare to sail. That's the old Queen Elizabeth in the foreground. She's now a floating hotel.