Monday, April 1, 2024

10 Best Middle East Cruises 2024 2025 with Reviews

cruise ship middle east

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.

MSC Opera

In addition, there are excellent food options with the Windows Café, Discoveries Bar, Aqualina Specialty Dining, the Patio, etc. A place where old comes face to face with new, the Middle East is home to areas of intense discovery. Set sail for an Arabian adventure as you discover vibrant lands that expose some of the world’s most breath-taking scenery. From the ancient pyramids in Egypt to the red city of Petra and the holy wonders of Israel to the modern architecture of Dubai, there truly is nowhere else in the world like the Middle East.

Three Ships to Sail Middle Eastern Itineraries

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.

Featured Middle East cruises from Dubai

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.

Brand New! Desert Days & Dunes from Doha with Stay

It also looks a lot like cruise line's private islands in the Caribbean -- minus the lush vegetation -- and that's by design. This is the private island escape for cruise passengers in the Middle East, and lies about 150 miles west of Abu Dhabi. Both cities were immaculately clean, and both felt safe from the sort of crimes common against tourists, like pickpocketing.

cruise ship middle east

Middle East Ocean Cruises

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.

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.

Individuals enjoy activities like theatre productions, art classes, baby clubs, deck parties, mini clubs, karaoke, and live music. Additionally, there are multiple dining options here, such as Aroma Coffee Bar, Cotton Club, Gelateria Italiana, Lo Spinnaker Pool Bar, and Vitamin Bar. Another popular cruise ship with good reviews is the Azamara Journey Cruise to the Middle East. It is an 11 night cruise, and its itinerary starts from Dubai. This small ship accommodates about 690 passengers, with a Club Oceanview Stateroom. It has dance classes, a fitness centre, pools, a cabaret lounge, a casino, and a DJ disco for entertainment.

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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.

Prepare for the warm dry weather of the Middle East by making sure to pack light clothing in breathable fabrics. Make sure you bring your sunscreen, hat, and glasses for the long, sunny days. Residents of other countries should check their visa requirements with the UAE consulate prior to travel. Calling in Aqaba presents an unmissable opportunity to see the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Petra. Find yourself forever humbled by intricate temples and winding canyons at this time-defying city, carved into sandstone more than 23 centuries ago. With beaches that rival the Caribbean, Salalah’s palm-lined sands are the perfect place to pause and ponder.

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.

The tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa is the centrepiece of Dubai and dominates the surrounding hotels and malls. Take a trip up to the observation decks to experience phenomenal views of this enchanting city. Most of the Middle East benefits from year-round hot climates, although each area will experience different temperatures depending on the season. Dubai is the place to go if you like scorching temperatures as it can reach highs of 45°c in July and August. Even during winter months you can expect the temperature to be around 20°c, perfect for escaping the cold weather in the UK.

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Much of Dubai's lauded wealth, including its symbolic skyscrapers, is built on the backs of poorly-paid migrant workers. Years ago, I visited Jordan -- a real bucket-list destination, famed for its incredible archaeological city of Petra. Our twentysomething guide described the Middle East succinctly as a family gathering where some of the cousins and uncles just don't get along.

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.

The Middle East cruises has numerous cruise lines for travellers. Some popular ones are Arabian Gulf and Jordan via the Suez Canal. These cruise ships usually travel to Mediterranean ports from Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Visit the mosques of Muscat, Oman, before taking in the sprawling, modern city of Dubai from the tallest structure in the world, the Burj Khalifa. Step back in time in the Al Fahidi Historical District, or soak up the culture at the extraordinary Museum of Islamic Art. If you're feeling adventurous, get a glimpse of giraffes at the Arabian Wildlife Park or go dune bashing through the desert on a safari.

For more information about family-friendly activities in Dubai, click here. The ship stops at Lisbon, Portugal, on day 12 and Heraklion, Crete, before transiting through the Suez Canal on Day 20. Upon leaving Alexandria, you return to the port of Limassol, where the cruise ends. This is a good choice for families, particularly those who wish to explore key religious and historical sites with their children.

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