Cruise the Middle East - Fantastic itineraries on CruiseAway

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

Majestic expedition from Civitavecchia with Viking Ocean Cruises

14 nights with the Viking Sky

Mediterranean Sea, Middle East

01/2022 - 02/2023

from$7,495

18 nights with the Norwegian Jade

Africa, India and Indian Ocean,Middle East

12/2021

-36%

from$3,201

Delightful Athens (Piraeus) to delightful Rome (Civitavecchia)

11 nights with the Norwegian Getaway

Mediterranean Sea, Middle East

11/2021 - 12/2021

-31%

from$1,475

19 nights with the Norwegian Jade

Africa, India and Indian Ocean,Middle East

12/2022

-2%

from$4,778

Cruise with Viking Ocean Cruises from Rome (Civitavecchia) to Athens (Piraeus)

14 nights with the Viking Venus

Mediterranean Sea, Middle East

11/2022 - 12/2022

from$8,495

11 nights with the Azamara Journey

Mediterranean Sea, Africa,Middle East

10/2022 - 11/2022

-10%

from$3,934

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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 ?

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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

Suez, Egypt

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.

On Request

Suez Cruises

Kuwait City, Kuwait

The capital city of Kuwait has about 64,000 inhabitants and is the political and cultural center of the country. Because of its location on the Persian Gulf, the city has also holds an important economic position. The city's major landmarks are the three water towers, in one of which is a restaurant that offers a magnificent view over the city and the Palace of the Emir. The Built in 2005, Al Hamra Tower is one of the tallest buildings in the world.

On Request

Kuwait City Cruises

Wadi el-Sebua, Egypt

Wadi El Sebua is the northernmost of the sites lying on around the Nasser lake. The bane of this temple means "The Valley of Lions" and was built during the reign of Ramses II. in the 12th century BC.

On Request

Cruises

Latakia, Syria

Latakia in Syria is a wonderful port citiy and also capital of the province of Latakia. The harbor was expanded in 1970 into a large modern port. Along with this change the cityscape also became dominated by large shopping centers.

On Request

Latakia Cruises

Petra, Jordan

Petra is a historical and archaeological city in southern Jordan, famous for its rock-cut architecture and water conduit system. It is also called the Rose City due to the color of the stone out of which it is carved.

On Request

Petra, Lesbos Cruises

Jordan

For many people Jordan begins and ends with the magical ancient Nabataean city of Petra. And it's true, Petra is without doubt one of the Middle East's most spectacular, unmissable sights. Yet there's so much more to see in Jordan - ruined Roman cities, crusader castles, desert citadels and powerful biblical sites.

On Request

Jordan Cruises

Beirut, Lebanon

Beirut is the capital of Lebanon and is located on the eastern Mediterranean. Beirut is the world's oldest continuously inhabited city. Some of the local attractions include the Al Burj - the Martyr's Square and the Place d'Etoile. A stroll along the Corniche promenade is an ideal way to end the day!

On Request

Beirut Cruises

Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

The Sharjah emirate consists of five sub-territories that lie in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. The population of about 950,000 inhabitants makes Sharjah the third largest emirate.

On Request

Sharjah Cruises

Amman, Jordan

Amman is the capital of Jordan. Discover Jordan's culture by paying a visit to one of the beautiful mosques or going to the busy bazaars.

On Request

Amman Cruises

Khalifa Bin Salman, Bahrain

Open since 2009, Khalifa bin Salman is one of the busiest ports in Bahrain. Khalifa bin Salman is situated near the capital Manama and was strategically constructed in the middle of the Arabian Gulf to enable it to become the hub of transport and trade of that region.

On Request

Khalifa bin Salman Cruises

Benghasi, Libya

Benghazi, with a population of over 650,000, is Libya's second largest city and is located in the northeast of the country. The Museum of the Crimes of the Dictator is a very interesting attraction in the city; the anti-Gadaffi art exhibition started running in 2011.

On Request

Benghasi Cruises

Tartus, Syria

Tartu is the second largest port city on the Mediterranean coast of Syria. It lies near the border with Lebanon and is particularly well known for Notre-Dame de Tortosa and the castle of the Knights Templar which was built in the 13th Century.

On Request

Tartus Cruises

Qeshm, Iran

The island of Qeshm is situated in the Strait of Hormuz at the eastern end of the Persian Gulf. The Iranian island is a free trade zone and is the largest island in the Persian Gulf.

On Request

Qeshm 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