Middle East Cruises
Discover Dubai and other Middle East marvels
With ports stretching along some of the most beautiful ocean waters the world has to offer, the many emirates and countries of the Middle East provide boundless opportunity for an interested holidaymaker. Port cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Aqaba will unveil a vast wealth of wonders, with everything from culture and cuisine to history and art to enjoy. The beaches are spectacular, too.
Helpful Tips to Know Before You Go
- The best time for cruising in the Arabian Gulf is December to March, when you'll have plenty of warm sunny days with clement weather.
- Across much of the area your itinerary will cover, Fridays are considered the main day off, and many businesses and excursions on shore will be closed. Your cruise line will generally endeavour to spend Fridays at sea as a result, but it's something to keep in mind.
- Be aware of the standards of dress in the ports you call at. Revealing clothing, including tank or vest tops, crop tops, above-knee shorts and similar are to be avoided, and at public beaches you should forego the bikini in favour of a swimming costume. Long-sleeved tops and scarves are good to bring in case you want to visit a mosque.
- Take care with what you photograph. It's considered very inappropriate to take pictures of Muslim women, so be sure to avoid doing this.
- Popular attractions and excursions at your ports of call may be difficult to book on the day. Try to get tickets or places for your favourite activities ahead of time wherever possible.
- In some ports, there may be important legal restrictions to observe. For example, in Saudi Arabia, you may not take pictures or record videos without permission, alcohol is strictly forbidden, men and women must wear modest clothing, public observance of religions other than Islam is prohibited, and so on. Please make yourself aware of local legal requirements ahead of choosing an itinerary, or speak to our travel specialists to get advice.
Things To Do
- Discover cultural marvels. In many of the ports you'll call at on your Middle East cruise, there will be opportunities to enjoy local cultures and learn about the religious practices of the area. Visit stunningly-beautiful mosques, observe the Islamic way of life in Saudi Arabia, and more.
- Visit jaw-dropping landmarks and areas. One unmissable experience is going out to visit Petra in Jordan, an ancient city where you can witness the remains of a culture who lived two thousand years ago. This is far from the only renowned sight you'll be able to see on your Arabian cruise, however.
- Sample delicious foods. From cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, famed as foodie hotspots, to any other port you may call at, there will be vast and diverse arrays of cuisine to discover. When cruising the Middle East you can't miss out on sampling the sumptuous tastes of the area, so dig in and whet your appetite.
- Explore arts and culture. The Museum of Islamic Art in Qatar, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, and so many more incredible sites await your wonder. Experience a stunning array of unforgettable art, commemorating local history and culture with masterpieces that are sure to amaze you.
- Visit a theme park or fun local attraction. Yas Island in Abu Dhabi boasts an array of theme parks sure to delight voyagers of all ages, from Yas Water World to Ferrari World and more. In Dubai, you can ride the Ain Dubai, the largest observation wheel in the world, boasting incredible views of the surrounding scenery.
- Explore the waters. Everywhere you go will have amazing beaches to discover, and aboard your cruise ship, you'll travel through the waters of the Red Sea, famed for its beautiful marine life and reefs. Go snorkelling or scuba diving to witness the spectacular colours of fish and corals.
Why Book With Kenwood Travel
Our travel specialists are dedicated to giving you the best experience possible, putting Kenwood Travel's more than 45 years of holiday expertise to work in ensuring you have the experience of a lifetime. We'll help you pick the perfect itinerary for your cruise to the Middle East, advising you on everything you need to know and taking care of every little detail so that you don't have to worry about a thing. Every holiday with us is ATOL and ABTA protected, so you can enjoy your Middle East cruise without a care in the world.
Popular Cruises
Dubai
Once a humble fishing town, Dubai is now a city made of pure magnificence, boasting some of the most luxurious resorts in the world. Visit a world-famous shopping centre with its own aquarium, ride Ain Dubai, ascend one of the planet's tallest buildings, or visit a gorgeous beach. Dining, luxury and glamour define your experience here.
Abu Dhabi
Standing as the capital of the UAE, this city boasts countless marvels. From the beaches and golf to the cultural and culinary wonders available, there are endless ways to spend your time in port here. Visit the nearby Saadiyat or Yas islands for the Louvre Abu Dhabi and theme parks, sample foodie hotspots in the city, and so much more.
Oman
A bastion of culture and beauty, visiting any port in Oman is sure to show you some of the most stunning sights in the UAE. Visit the Grand Mosque or the famous souks of Muscat, marvel at the lush verdant beauty of Salalah, hit the beach, or enjoy scuba diving amongst the vibrant sea life of the Arabian coral reefs.
Jordan
Make port in Aqaba, a Jordanian city that rests along one point where the Red Sea ends. Brimming with stunning coral reefs and marine life, this is an excellent port for any snorkellers and divers, but there's a great deal more than that to discover. One of the world's wonders, the ancient city of Petra, stands nearby, a millennia-old monument to a civilisation long gone. No call at Jordan would be complete without visiting it.
Qatar
Any Arabian cruise will benefit from making port in Qatar's capital, Doha, whose port is conveniently close to many of the city's main attractions. Take a stroll along the renowned crescent of Corniche, whose marvels include the Museum of Islamic Art, or explore the traditional marketplace of Souq Waqif.
Saudi Arabia
In ports such as Jeddah, witness the magnificence of Saudi Arabia for yourself. Indulge in some retail therapy in the well-known shopping districts, walk through the traditional Old City, or visit one of the fantastic beaches that benefit from gorgeous Red Sea marine life. Discover the largest Corniche in the kingdom and all the waterfront wonders it has to offer.
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