The Arrival...

Yes, the arrival... not for the faint-hearted or for unregenerative nerves. My sleep on the plane was useless. Too tight, too uncomfortable, too cold. But yes, I expected that, because Condor is also a known name to me. We took off with a 30-minute delay. The reason for that: the cleaning staff is understaffed. Really sad, but true. So fine, the flight didn't provide any relaxation. Which wouldn't have been so bad if we didn't have to go through a control march in Dubai. First, stood in line at passport control for 60 minutes, then through the crowded security check, and finally to the baggage carousel. With 2 pieces of luggage again out to the shuttle bus. Well, at least I managed to find my way around this unfamiliar airport, otherwise the whole thing might have ended in a collapse. Now it was another 35-minute bus ride to Dubai Marina Port. I wanted to experience the way there so much, especially since the sun was rising at that time. But my eyes kept closing. When the bus became a bit more restless, I woke up and saw in front of, next to, and above me the breathtaking skyline of Dubai. Adrenaline rush for a whole 10 minutes. In a wakeful state, we finally reached the terminal, where a giant colossus of a ship stood behind it. OH... MY... GOD! The ship is really damn big. I didn't think it would impress me, especially since I was already on the AIDAperla in 2018. Which was the biggest AIDA ship at the time.

It would have been nice to just fly over the gangway to my cabin into my bed. No, that was not possible, of course. Here again, the whole procedure of checks, checks, and for a change, the check-in. 45 minutes later, tired and hungry, I shuffled towards the ship's entrance, where an employee warmly welcomed me. I only mumbled a quiet thank you, to which he then asked me if I had a challenging journey. Do I look like I want to have small talk with you now? I just nodded and went in search of my cabin. Deck 11, right by the elevator/staircase. At least now I didn't have to walk along long corridors. I was extremely grateful for that! Then I put my luggage in the cabin, checked the view from the veranda, and finally decided to have breakfast first and then take a power nap. Said and done...