Cruise the Middle East - Fantastic itineraries on CruiseAway

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Middle East Cruises

Wander along the Spice Trail, explore the Holy Land, and immerse yourself in the vivid sights and sounds.

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Cruise Offers for Middle East

11 nights with the MSC Magnifica

Mediterranean Sea, Middle East

11/2021 - 04/2022

from$1,169

Majestic expedition from Civitavecchia with Viking Ocean Cruises

14 nights with the Viking Sky

Mediterranean Sea, Middle East

01/2023 - 02/2023

from$7,995

11 day cruise with the Azamara Pursuit to Athens

10 nights with the Azamara Pursuit

Mediterranean Sea, Middle East

10/2021 - 11/2021

-3%

from$4,017

Sailing from Rome (Civitavecchia) to Dubai

19 nights with the MSC Virtuosa

Mediterranean Sea, Middle East,Red Sea

11/2021

from$2,909

18 nights with the Seabourn Encore

India and Indian Ocean, Asia,Middle East

04/2021 - 05/2021

-14%

from$9,857

Glorious journey from Venice with MSC Cruises

20 nights with the MSC Opera

Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea,Middle East

10/2021 - 11/2021

from$1,679

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Middle East Cruises

The Middle East is a stunning tapestry offering endless and life-changing experiences. This area is renowned for its exotic culture, illuminated history, grand architecture and modern technology. From the hustle and bustle of largely populated cities to the peace and tranquility of local villages, delicious food and intriguing cultures. Dubai is the treasured gem of the Middle East boasting an affluence and lavishness. The city woos cruisers from all corners of the globe with a penchant for culture and luxury.

Warm cultures and friendly locals that are iconic for the Middle East make cruise tourists feel welcome in a world away from home. Having endured its fair share of wars, it is right to acknowledge that nowhere else on Earth has such a colourful past as the Middle East, making it a fascinating destination for travellers who have an avid interest in the world, past and present. The treasures of the arid Arabian desert is yet another aspect that must be discovered in this diverse and exciting cruise destination. A Middle Eastern cruise is guaranteed to take you to the greatest hot spots belonging to this area and introduce you to cultures and ways of life that will encourage you to return again and again.

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When is the best time to visit ?

Anita1300 887 590

To avoid the extreme summer heat it is best to visit the Middle East between October and April. Remember to bring a light cover up to enter temples, and sacred areas.

Harbours for Middle East

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The emirate of Dubai is home to around 1.8 million inhabitants. The majority of the population lives in the city. Dubai is known for its modern and futuristic projects. From skyscrapers on manmade islands, to amusement parks, there is hardly anything that does not exist in this city. Dubai offers endless beautiful beaches, excellent water sports, desert safaris and an almost immeasurable range of shopping facilities.

-33%

from$699

Dubai Cruises

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is one of the most exciting cities in the world. Nothing stands still here, the city is constantly evolving and growing, however, the past is also very well preserved. Abu Dhabi provides its guests with plentiful opportunities to learn the history of the UAE through museums, exhibitions, tours and food. The atmosphere is soaked with Emirati culture and traditions - the dhow harbour, the markets and the shisha cafes will engage you in the Gulf life.

The capital of Oman, Muscat is located in the northeast of the country on the Gulf of Oman. Muscat has many beautiful beaches, parks, and a moat, which is located next to the Great Mosque of Sultan Quabus. For a better idea of the local culture and food, go and experience the bustle of the traditional oriental markets. Muscat is a very elegant and uniform city with most of the buildings reflecting tradition - that is a requirement even for the functional new buildings.

-33%

from$699

Muscat Cruises

Haifa (Jerusalem), Israel

Haifa is Israel's third largest city and is located in northern Israel on the northern slope of Mount Carmel on the Mediterranean. Enjoy a unique wonderful view over the whole city from the Louis promenade which will also lead you to the hanging gardens of the Bahai - one of the many great sights of Haifa.

-41%

from$504

Haifa (Jerusalem), Cruises

Sir Bani Yas Island, United Arab Emirates

Sir Bani Yas is a natural island located 100 km southwest of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Thanks to decades of intensive conservation work and ecological investment, it is now home to thousands of large free-roaming animals, several million trees and plants, a bird sanctuary as well as a wildlife reserve. Sir Bani Yas showcases nature through activities such as adventure safaris, kayaking, mountain biking, archery, hiking and snorkeling.

-19%

from$699

Sir Bani Yas Island Cruises

Doha, Qatar

Doha is the capital of Qatar and is situated in the Arabian Gulf. It is one of the most dynamic and fastest growing cities in the world. Doha's beautiful skyline is constantly changing, this is due also to the fact that the Qatari government invests heavily into the creation of landmark cultural icons. The city is set to become one of the Gulf's premier league players, together with Dubai, in the next few years. There is plenty to see, so don't let Doha be just a stop-over on the way somewhere else.

-14%

from$869

Doha Cruises

Petra (Aqaba), Jordan

Petra, voted as one of the 'New Seven Wonders of the World' is the great Ancient City located in the south of Jordan. It is one of the world's most famous and treasured UNESCO World Heritage Sites. To get to it, your cruise will stop at Aqaba, Jordan's only sea port. Located in the Gulf of Akaba, Aqaba is also very popular with divers for its beautiful coral reefs. The town's relaxed atmosphere and comfortable climate make it perfect for the Jordanians to get away to.

Manama is the capital city of the Arabian Gulf island nation of Bahrain. Although, very similar to its counterparts - Dubai and Doha, in that it has all the hallmarks of modern Gulf prosperity, Manama is still small, charming and very traditional. The daring skyscrapers are still being overlooked by the traditional Bahraini houses in Muharraq. The old-fashioned building of the National Museum is set alongside the avant-garde designer National Theatre. To enjoy the old charm of Manama, a visit to the Central Market is a must.

from$869

Manama Cruises

Ashdod (Jerusalem), Israel

The port city of Ashdod is the ideal starting point for a trip to Jerusalem and the Dead Sea. From Givat Yonah you have a great view on the Israeli city. The promenade and the zoo in northwestern Ashdod invite you to take a relaxing walk. In addition to numerous war memorials and museums, Ashdod offers charming parks.

-41%

from$1,167

Ashdod (Jerusalem) Cruises

Khasab, Oman

Khasab is a port town on the Musandam Peninsula in northern Oman. It is quite small but by no means sleepy. The port of Khasab is the main hub of activity - legal and semi-legal trade with Iran being the biggest one. The smugglers are easy to spot, their fiberglass boats are lined up along the creeks, waiting for the sunset to make a mad dash for Iran. However, the main attractions of the area are the picturesque fjord-like inlets and the beautiful Al Hajar range of mountains surrounding it. Khasab has often been called the 'Norway of Arabia'.

Salalah is the capital of the Dhofar region in Oman. This subtropical city lays on the coast of the Arabian Sea and is famous for its coconut-fringed beaches. Khareef - the rainy season, starts mid-June and brings monsoon clouds that constantly drizzle until mid-August, transforming the city into an oasis of misty pastures. Visitors find it hard to believe that they are in the heart of the Arabian desert. Salalah is a good starting point for numerous excursions.

-45%

from$1,499

Salalah Cruises

Fujairah, United Arab Emirates

Fujairah is the capital city of the emirate of Fujairah, located on the east coast of the United Arab Emirates in the Gulf of Oman. The city is the business and commercial centre of the emirate. Although, tourist attractions are few and far between, Fujairah is worth a visit if only to see the new massive, gleaming white Sheikh Zayed Mosque - second largest in the UAE or the emirate's first shopping centre - Fujairah City Centre Mall. The city is also a great starting point for the emirate's exploration.

Eilat is the southernmost city in Israel. The city's location at the northern tip of the Red Sea that's famous for its warm turquoise waters makes Eilat a very popular resort among Israeli families and European sun-seekers. Water sport enthusiasts are fascinated by the spectacular coral reefs, nature lovers - by the fantastic desert scenery surrounding the city. Add VAT-free shopping and an interesting Aquarium to the list and you will have a place that's very much worth a visit.

Suez is a modern port city in northern Egypt and is situated at the mouth of the Suez Canal. Suez was once a hub for trade between Europe and India but suffered a severe blow to its economy in 1973 when the Suez Canal was closed. Now that the Canal is back in action (since 1975), the city has returned to its prosperity and enjoys being the biggest transit port in the country. Suez serves as a departure point for those on their pilgrimage to Mecca.

Sur is the easternmost big city in the Sultanate of Oman and is located on the Gulf of Oman. Since the 6th Century, Sur has been an important commercial center for trade with East Africa. The city has a long tradition as a seafaring city, and is therefore known for its classic construction of the 'dhow', the ships used for trading voyages to Africa and India until the 19th Century. Although Sur is itself worth a visit, the city is a good base for day trips to Wadi Tiwi and Wadi Shab.

from$13,140

Sur Cruises

Travel Tips for Middle East

The Middle East is a region that lies on two continents: Africa and Eurasia and comprises many countries, here are just some of them:

Turkey
Egypt
Lebanon
The United Arab Emirates
Oman
Jordan
Israel

It has its complicated moments but on the whole, the Middle East is warm, hospitable and full of life. The region is often described as the cradle of civilization as many of the things we know and take for granted today were conceived in the Middle East:

Writing
Religion
Construction

Every city you visit on a cruise to the Middle East is a legend, where the locals will welcome you with open arms, genuinely:

Salalah, Oman
Eilat, Israel
Petra, Jordan
Manama, Bahrain
Doha, Qatar

A cruise is the absolute best way to visit this vast region, you will see, learn and explore an incredible amount in just one holiday.

Popular Routes

Egypt, Jordan and Israel

Expanding your cultural horizons has never been easier, just book a Middle East cruise with the following countries in the itinerary:

Egypt
Jordan
Israel

All three boast historic and cultural sites that are a must-see:

Egypt's pyramids
Jordan's lost city of Petra
The Western Wall of Israel

Seabourn offers great itineraries that will take you to all of the above and more. You'll also sail along the Suez Canal - the great man-made waterway connecting the Mediterranean to the Red Sea that the Egyptians take great pride in. The experience will be made unforgettable also by the Seabourn signature luxury on board.

Dubai and the Arabian Gulf

Cruising the Arabian Gulf will provide an insight into the modern Middle East, albeit full of culture, tradition and history, this part of the region is totally different from Turkey, Israel and Egypt.

Ultra modern skyscrapers
Famous international restaurants
Designer boutiques and huge shopping malls

The Arabian Gulf is a mixture of refined luxury and well manifested traditions and culture.

A great number of cruise lines frequent the Arabian Gulf, so the choice is yours:

Go with the family-friendly, fun and value for money MSC Cruises that offers various itineraries and stops.
Book a Cunard cruise that along with Dubai, Muscat and Abu Dhabi will sail you halfway across the world and may even embark and/or disembark in Australia.

The Best Time to Visit

There is so much to see and experience in the Middle East that you will want to be outside a lot of the time:

Exploring
Sightseeing
Hiking

Therefore, do consider the months of March to early May for visiting. This shoulder season is beautiful but quite short, the temperatures start rising (in some parts) to very hot around mid-May.

Here are some of the reasons we recommend cruising to the Middle East in autumn:

Warm and comfortable temperatures
The flowers are starting to bloom
The Berbers are starting to migrate across the Atlas mountains making for a great experience

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