Cruise through the Middle East and discover more than just desert

Dubai is the world’s newest cruising hotspot, combining the mysteries of the desert with ultra-modern resort complexes. Arabian Gulf cruises will take you to other United Arab Emirates’ states as well as Oman, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and occasionally even Iran and Yemen. What a great way to escape the dull, dark British winter!? A typical eight-day fly/cruise from Dubai will feature calls in Muscat (Oman), Fujairah and Abu Dhabi (both United Arab Emirates) and Bahrain. Costa Cruises was the first company to offer a cruise itinerary in the Arabian Gulf from a ship based in Dubai and has reinforced its presence with cruises on new ships; Costa Luminosa and Costa Deliziosa. The US line is then expanding itineraries in 2011 with sailings from Dubai taking in the Indian destinations of Mumbai and Goa.

What can I expect to see?

Shore excursions in Dubai offer a true mix of the ancient and modern, combining the world famous Burj Al Arab hotel with the Al Fahidi Fort, a visit to the spice market and the gold souk. Other excursions allow you to sand-ski in the desert, then ski on snow at the indoor Ski Dubai winter sports area. Then there is the opportunity to take a boat trip to admire the amazing artificial islands and The Palms. From Muscat take a 4x4 Jeep adventure into the desert and across the water at foot of Jebel Sham and to the mountain village of Balid Sait. Then relax on a beautiful sandy beach or by a swimming pool in Abu Dhabi. There are cultural and historical Bahrain tours which combine a racing camel farm with the national museum and Grand Mosque.