Middle East Cruise From Dubai To Athens

The lure of Dubai is irresistible, from its glittering mega-skyscrapers to its traditional Islamic roots. Dubai’s most iconic sights include the 160-story Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest skyscraper, and the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, a luxury resort which happens to be shaped like a boat’s sail.

Dubai is all about luxe shopping, high-end boutiques, unique souqs (markets) and cultural institutions like the Dubai Museum. While you’re stopped on a Dubai cruise, you’re meant to live it up on unforgettable excursions like a helicopter tour of the city or a camel ride at the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.

The world's richest city and the capital of the UAE boasts a wealth of culture, history and adventure, from the emirate's old souks, where you can sip a fragrant Arabic coffee, to the rush of the world's fastest rollercoaster. This 5,000-year-old metropolis is a fascinating mix of modern architecture and atmospheric back streets. Ships will dock in Port Zayed.

Top Things to Do in Abu Dhabi:

• admire the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
• explore the Al Khatim Desert in a 4x4
• visit the Abu Dhabi Louvre
• enjoy high tea at the Emirates Palace Hotel

One of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, Fujairah is the only emirate on the Gulf of Oman rather than the Persian Gulf. It boasts beautiful, unspoiled beaches and is best known for the ruggedly majestic Hajar mountain range which separates it from the rest of the country. Ships will dock at the Port of Fujairah.

Top Things to Do in Fujairah:

• visit the 300-year-old Fujairah Fort
• shop at the souks
• enjoy an exhilarating off-road desert safari in a 4x4
• admire the fort located in the Bithnah Oasis

Muscat, Oman's capital, offers a unique blend of ancient heritage and modern architecture. Its strategic location on the Gulf of Oman, surrounded by mountains and desert, has historically made it a maritime hub. Today, Muscat stands out for its preserved cultural identity, visible in its traditional Arab architecture, bustling souks, and the majestic Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, a masterpiece of Islamic art and craftsmanship.

Muscat is a gateway to experiencing the warmth of Omani hospitality and your greeted with a city that balances its rich history with contemporary living. The Royal Opera House Muscat showcases this blend, offering world-class performances in a stunningly modern venue. For those interested in exploring Oman's natural wonders, a short drive from the city reveals breathtaking landscapes, from wadis to deserts, inviting adventure and relaxation alike.

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Petra, Jordan's crown jewel, is an archaeological wonder carved directly into vibrant red, white, pink, and sandstone cliffs. This ancient city, once the thriving capital of the Nabataean kingdom, is renowned for its stunning rock-cut architecture and advanced water conduit system. The most iconic structure, Al-Khazneh (The Treasury), greets visitors with its intricate façade and towering columns, creating a breathtaking sight as you emerge from the narrow Siq gorge.

Aqaba, Jordan's only coastal city provides access to the stunning UNESCO World Heritage site city of Petra, located about 129 kilometers (80 miles) away and the desert landscape of Wadi Rum, located approximately 73 kilometers (45 miles) away. If time is tight in you can explore the Aqaba Marine Park, renowned for its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. History buffs will appreciate the Aqaba Fort, a 16th-century Mamluk castle, and the adjacent archaeological museum housing artifacts from the region.

Luxor, often hailed as the world’s greatest open-air museum, stands on the site of ancient Thebes, the pharaohs’ capital at the height of their power during the 16th–11th centuries B.C. This city is a treasure trove of historical architecture, with the majestic Temple of Karnak and the Valley of the Kings offering a window into ancient Egypt’s grandeur. Luxor Temple, illuminated beautifully at night, provides a stunning backdrop for an evening stroll along the Nile.

Visitors can explore the West Bank’s mortuary temples and tombs, where the art and hieroglyphs remain as vivid as when they were first created. A hot air balloon ride at dawn offers an unforgettable view of the landscape, revealing the full extent of Luxor’s historical sites set against the Nile’s winding path.

Safaga's port is situated about 53 kms (approximately 33 miles) south of Hurghada, a popular seaside destination known for its coral reefs and aquatic sports. While Safaga itself is more industrial in nature, it does offer a few local attractions such as black sand dunes and therapeutic mineral springs but you're best to explore beyond the port. Luxor is located approximately 220 kms (about 137 miles) from Safaga and the journey can take around 3 to 4 hours by road, but the sight of Luxor's ancient wonders are worth the effort.

Sokhna, often referred to as Ain Sokhna, is conveniently located just an hour's drive from Cairo, making it a popular seaside escape for both locals and visitors. Its name, meaning "hot spring," comes from the nearby sulfur springs that flow from the mountains of the Eastern Desert into the Red Sea. The area combines the allure of sandy beaches with the therapeutic benefits of these warm mineral-rich waters.

Tourists can enjoy a variety of water sports or simply relax on the pristine beaches. Additionally, Sokhna serves as an excellent starting point for day trips to the historic sites of Cairo, including the Pyramids of Giza, or adventures into the rugged terrain of the desert.

Enjoy the breathtaking illusion of sailing through oceans of desert sand as you cruise the Suez Canal, the engineering marvel that connects the Mediterranean and Red Seas.

As you transit the 101 mile expanse, admire the desert views occasionally interrupted by little villages, with domed mosques and minarets towering into the sky.

The passage requires no locks, as both bodies of water are at about the same level. Not wide enough to allow 2-way passage, 3 convoys are scheduled to transit the canal on a typical day, two southbound and one northbound.

Cairo, Egypt, is a city where ancient wonders and vibrant urban life coexist. Start your exploration with a visit to the awe-inspiring Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, a testament to Egypt’s ancient civilization. Nearby, the Egyptian Museum houses a vast collection of artifacts, including the treasures of Tutankhamun, offering a deep dive into the country’s rich history.

Stroll through the bustling Khan El Khalili Bazaar, where you can shop for unique souvenirs, spices, and traditional crafts. For a taste of local cuisine, try dishes like koshari or ful medames at one of the city's many eateries. With its historical landmarks and lively streets, Cairo promises a fascinating and unforgettable experience.

Port Said is one of the major ports in Egypt, and is your gateway to the Suez Canal and Cairo. Your ship will dock at the Port Said Cruise Terminal, where you can access currency exchange, tourist information and local shopping. The port is only a short walk from the city centre, where you can explore at leisure. Pay a visit to the Suez Canal Authority Building to learn about the history of the canal, or perhaps explore the De Lesseps Statue, and the Port Said National Museum for a deeper dive into the port's history.

Only 2.5 hours away (196km/122mi) is Cairo - the city of pyramids and pharaohs. A once-in-a-lifetime day trip to the Egyptian capital will leave you in awe as it brings ancient history to life.

When you want some "me" time, look no further than Mandara Spa®. Relax with a hot-stone massage, one of over 50 specialty treatments offered. At our onboard spas, treatments range from the classic to the luxurious. Let our pampering professionals soothe and rejuvenate you with facials, massages, acupuncture and a full menu of services.

Welcome to the ancient city of Athens, the 'Cradle of Western Civilisation' and a historian’s delight. Uncover the awe-inspiring Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site, adorned with iconic structures like the Parthenon and nearby Temple of Olympian Zeus. The nearby Acropolis Museum showcases stunning artifacts from ancient Greece, providing deeper insight into the city's heritage.

Afterward, wander through Plaka, Athens' oldest neighborhood, known for its narrow streets, neoclassical architecture, and charming tavernas. For lunch, indulge in traditional Greek cuisine like moussaka or souvlaki. Head to the National Garden for a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city, perfect for a leisurely afternoon stroll amid lush greenery and historical statues.

Athen's city center is located about 12 km (7.5 miles) from Piraeus and it takes roughly 20-30 minutes to reach by taxi or train. A taxi ride to the airport from Piraeus will take approximately 40-60 minutes, depending on the traffic. The taxi fare (indicative only) is around 45 euros in the daytime and 64 euros at night (24:00-05:00).