Thoughts on Baksheesh and Cruising in the Middle East

Like most westerners we have always resented the idea of paying Baksheesh when we were cruising around the North of Africa and into the Middle East. To us baksheesh and bribe seemed synonymous. I recently read a letter which gave me a new perspective. It was written by Rob and Dee Dubin who cruised in Egyptian waters during 2009 on board their 40’Island Packet Ventana. You can see the complete letter reprinted in the March 2010 issue of the Seven Seas Cruising Association commodores Bulletin