Cruises to Middle East

Popular Middle EasternCruise Destinations

• Abu Dhabi: The capital of the United Arab Emirates is hard to miss—its glittering skyscrapers dwarf the landscape. The rumors are true: You can spend all day in luxury malls, beaches, and golf courses. If you’re up for something different, check out the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital. You’ll learn much about these stunning birds of prey, which were the famed hunting companions of one of the area’s nomadic Bedouins.
• Muscat: Located along the Arabian Gulf, its older architecture is a sharp contrast to the very modern Abu Dhabi. Be sure to take a shore excursion to see the incredible mosaics in the Grand Mosque of Oman. It’s one of the few city mosques that allow non-Muslim visitors.
• Suez Canal & Red Sea: Dubai cruises to these bodies of water usually spend more time at sea, but the payoff is well worth it. You will usually have shore excursions to the famed Petra, Jordan—a highlight of any cruise holiday.
• Holy Land: These cruises usually include stops in Egypt and Israel. This is your chance to see some of the world’s most renowned religious sites, as well as the pyramids of Egypt and the Valley of the Kings.

How should I wander wisely in the Middle East?

• Dress: A good rule of thumb is to dress conservatively. Bring some lightweight long-sleeved shirts and slacks to cover your ankles and wrists. Not all places require formal dress, but check the customs of the spots you intend to visit before you pack.
• Photos: With such a rich history and awe-inspiring architecture, you’ll want to snap a pic of everything in the Middle East. It can be considered disrespectful to photograph certain buildings as well as women in their traditional dress. When in doubt, rely on your memory to capture amazing moments.