Table Of Content
Visit the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, or head out of the city for a desert safari. There’s no shortage of things to do, for all the family, in this glitzy, modern city. Guided tours are arranged for each port of call, with optional excursions to sites of cultural, historical or environmental importance and the chance to visit beaches and pass leisurely days on board.
SOUK IN THE SHOPPING
There are also many dining options, including an Italian pizzeria and ice cream bar, sure to keep even the fussiest of eaters happy. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, the city was once home to the famed Library of Alexandria, one of the seven wonders of the Ancient World. Optional excursions include a scuba tour of Cleopatra’s Palace as well as visits to Alexandria’s many museums, which showcase the city’s Egyptian, Hellenistic and Roman past. Most meals are included in your cruise fee; indeed, some companies offer ‘all-inclusive packages’, which are great if you or your children are partial to extra drinks and ice creams throughout the day. Most ships have a variety of restaurants, and there’s plentiful entertainment too! From cabaret shows to kids’ clubs, there’s something for everyone on a Middle East cruise.
Arabian & Middle East Cruises
Discover iconic destinations like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and beyond, immersing yourself in the region's rich history, vibrant cultures, and breathtaking landscapes. Royal Caribbean stands out with its innovative onboard amenities, including Broadway-style entertainment, world-class dining, and thrilling activities like rock climbing and surf simulators. Indulge in well-appointed staterooms and suites, offering panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf and ensuring a comfortable and stylish retreat throughout your voyage. Get on a journey where every moment is an adventure with Royal Caribbean's cruises to the enchanting Middle East.
What Is Cruising the Middle East Like In 2023?
However, you decide to take in the rolling dunes of the desert, be sure to look to the horizon to see the captivating fata morgana mirage effect, where ships and coastline appear to float above the water. While Oman still has a more traditional culture, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Qatar have quickly become cosmopolitan destinations. If you're looking for a unique blend of ancient history and modern moments, these are the perfect places to visit. If you're in the mood for a holiday full of luxury and relaxation, the Arabian Gulf and North Africa are the places to be.
Cruise the Med - 8 days
Of the three, one was still denied entry, despite being in the approved garb. For those comfortable with the journey, however, the Middle East offers a rich tapestry of modernism steeped in deeply-held traditions and values. Admire this city of contrasts, from the 200 year old Fort Fahidi to the Burj Al Arab and Burj Khalifa shining like beacons of modern Dubai.
Related Ports
There are numerous bars and restaurants on board, including an Italian restaurant and sushi bar, as well as a variety of entertainment options. The Rhapsody of the Seas offers something for everyone, with outdoor movie screenings, original productions, and a casino. Mezze are small plates popular throughout the southern Mediterranean and the Middle East, and you can find them at cafes, bars and restaurants throughout the region.
It's best to avoid revealing garments since modesty is important in the local culture. Additionally, women should be sure to pack a shawl or cardigan to wear when entering mosques. The Middle East cruise season is relatively short -- it runs from December through March. For those looking to save a bit of money, repositioning cruises before the start -- and at the very end -- of the season could be a good option.
When is the best time to go on a Middle East Cruise?
When it was good, it was excellent, fascinating, and insightful. I felt hopeful for this country that has, really, just begun dipping its collective toes into the process of courting Western tourists. But lurking in the background of our tour was the knowledge we were in a very different country. One of our two guides continually photographed passengers, taking videos and stills as we went around the Museum.
Abu Dhabi offered more on the cultural front while still managing to appear like a scaled-down Dubai. It's actually situated on an island in the Persian Gulf, detached from the mainland, and serves as the capital of the United Arab Emirates, or UAE. Its cruise terminal is a glittering example of modern architecture, with soaring roofs and walls of glass windows -- not to mention fast and free Wi-Fi. During our two-day stay in the UAE's largest city, I took an MSC-sponsored shore excursion to the imposing Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world at 829 metres, or 2,722 square feet. Its entrance is located underneath the sprawling Dubai Mall -- itself the second-largest mall in the world with over 1,200 shops, most of which are firmly in the luxury retail category.
In Saudi Arabia, women should dress even more conservatively and cover their ankles and wrists when outside of hotels and resorts. Women and girls over the age of 12 will need to cover their heads when entering religious sites like the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi. Care should be taken to avoid tight or transparent clothing by both men and women. You need to be mindful of the laws and customs of the countries you visit on a Middle East Cruise. Booking shore excursions prior to the departure of the ship is often cheaper than booking them once you are on board. MSC, for example, currently offers a 20% discount for online advance bookings.
And, like most exotic itineraries, it may not be right for everyone -- but for those wanting to discover the Middle East, a cruise is a low-risk, low-impact way to do so. Those who want to stay connected will love the free -- and strong! -- Wi-Fi, and most passengers will appreciate a day without dress codes, mosques and long tours. If you hold a full American passport, you will be granted a tourist visa free of charge upon arrival in the UAE. This will be stamped on your passport when you pass through immigration and is valid for up to 30 days. Visit the gleaming desert paradise of Abu Dhabi and experience a cosmopolitan oasis where history and futuristic glamour go hand in hand.
Barter for silver jewellery and ceramics with the merchants of the Muttrah Souq or check out the magnificent Grand Mosque. Experience the wonders of the sun-kissed metropolis of Dubai however you wish when you visit on board a Cunard cruise. Discover thrilling cities, pristine beaches and unique scenery across the Arabian Peninsula.
Royal Caribbean cancels cruise because of Houthi Attacks in Red Sea - Royal Caribbean Blog
Royal Caribbean cancels cruise because of Houthi Attacks in Red Sea.
Posted: Wed, 17 Apr 2024 01:04:06 GMT [source]
Try out some watersports at Al Qurum Beach in Muscat, Oman, or just stick to poolside drinks and mouthwatering cuisine. Celebrated to welcome the spring season in April, this Egyptian celebration sees street dances, entertainers and parties on the beaches and in the parks country wide. I spent eight hours on shore vacillating between wanting to see more and immediately wanting to return to the ship. Even our detour around the gas station felt as if it was designed to kill time for some reason unknown to us.
When selecting a cruise ship, the passengers must consider the budget and facilities that a cruise line. Moreover, they will be able to save money while getting the best experience of cruising to the Middle East. Cities in the Arabian Gulf have grown and modernised rapidly in the past few decades.
Whilst you can spend a fortune on a Dubai stay, there are plenty of budget-friendly, family hotels in the city. There might be times when teenagers want to escape the rest of the family, and for them, there is ‘The Teen Zone, which offers deck sports, discos, gaming consoles, and a whole host of other activities. There’s even a night nursery so that mum and dad can enjoy a few cocktails whilst the little ones are taken care of. Day 7 is a day at sea before arriving in Muscat, Oman, on day 8. Its seemingly ancient buildings stand in stark contrast to the modern skyscrapers of Dubai. There’s plenty to do on board, with a theatre, disco and casino for the grown-ups, a Lego play area, and a splash park for the kids.
Bordering Jordan and the East, the Dead Sea is the lowest elevation on land. Due to the sea having such a high salt concentration, you can float on its surfaces, making it a truly remarkable experience. Organised annually at the Nad Al Sheba Meydan Racecourse in March, this prestigious event attracts thousands every year.
No comments:
Post a Comment