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Destinations
Destinations

Cruises to Arabian Gulf

About Arabian Gulf

Arabian Gulf

Experience the splendor of the Arabian Gulf to see exotic markets inhale the scent of incense from a traditional bakhoor burner, and experience machboos, a delicious stew made with seafood or meat. Those seeking relaxation and luxury should look no further than the Arabian Gulf. Relax on the perfect beaches and experience the most relaxing spa treatments while enjoying unforgettable culinary experiences and shopping in the souks. The best place to pamper yourself is here.

Arabian Gulf Highlights

A cruise in the Arabian Sea will take you to spectacular scenery in the Middle East, where you will experience the vibrant blue of the Indian Ocean along with vast deserts and areas with rich architecture and landscapes. On the cruise, you'll experience the city's iconic skyscrapers and experience its unique style of city design. Go through these highlights and learn more about the Arabian regions.

1. Unique Architecture and History

There's a lot of history behind the Arabian Gulf, but Dubai is a futuristic metropolis. One of the most prominent trading ports in the first century was Muscat, and another was Oman. Old prisons serving museums and forts, mosques, and palaces are accessible to cruise passengers sailing to the Arabian ports. Al Manamah's Bahrain Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Excavations dating back to 3,000 B.C. have been made.

2. It gives a real sense of exoticness

A magnificent combination of ultramodern glitz and ancient traditions can be found in the Gulf. Throughout the cities, there is a five-time call to prayer each day. On a Thursday or Friday, either Dubai or Abu Dhabi offers a camel market in the inland town of Al Ain. Both bring you to a camel farm where you can pet the animals and admire their calves on a desert safari. Also, Abu Dhabi's Falcon Hospital is a beautiful excursion. These ancient pursuits are still practiced today, even if they serve mainly as spectator sports.

3. Shopping

It will be impossible to resist picking up a few souvenirs when you step inside one of these great cities' souks. Explore Muscat's Corniche and browse the Mutrah Souq, one of Oman's most colorful souks. Shop for pearl jewelry and wood carvings to give your friends and family back home - and treat yourself! You can browse souks and shopping malls in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, which are more prominent cities. Dubai, for example, has the world's largest shopping mall!

4. Culture

Enjoy a night of Exotic Tales and Arab Traditions at Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort as part of an evening curated by Azamara Cruises. Seikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi has 82 domes, 24-carat-gold gilded chandeliers, ornate hand-knotted carpets, and 24-carat-gold domes.Experience the I.M. Pei-designed Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar, showcasing artwork from 1,400 years across three continents.

Ports to visit on Arabian Gulf Cruises

Although cruises to this region are still evolving, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (home of Dubai and Abu Dhabi), and Oman are all attempting to attract more passengers. We've compiled a list of what you can see and do along a typical Arabian Gulf itinerary.

1. Dubai

Dubai, the main port of the Arabian Gulf, has plenty of superlatives. Most cruises spend an overnight here either at the beginning or end of your cruise, so you won't have to worry if you can't see it all in one day. Look at the world's tallest man-made structure before boarding, BurjKhalifa. Dubai Mall is next door, where you can take this region's love for designer labels firsthand.

2. Bahrain

There is a trend for cruises to head north to Bahrain or Qatar or south to Oman along the Arabian Gulf. Ship's Best of Bahrain tour might bea bit of a bore because Bahrain's mass tourism industry is still developing. For example, rather than simply visiting the world-famous Bahrain International Circuit, why not take a ride in a 4x4 on the Adventure Course?

3. Qatar

Even though Qatar is the wealthiest nation on earth, it is not a regular stop for cruises in the region. A trip to the Museum of Islamic Art can shouldn’t be missed on a cruise stopping in the country. The museum houses a collection of 1,400 pieces in a building designed by I.M. Pei.

4. Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi has a seaside corniche like no other in the UAE, which is lush, green, and pleasant to walk along. One of the most beautiful mosques in this region is Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. It is open to the public daily. Take in this Islamic heritage site if you get the chance on your cruise. A sand safari in Abu Dhabi is a great way to explore the vast desert outside the city. Tours offered by Cruise Lines and private operators vary in length and activities. Still, most involve a ride down a slope in an SUV. Seeing a sunrise on these trips is worth the early wake-up if your itinerary allows.

5. Fujairah

Its mountainous terrain also sets it apart from other emirates in the Arabian Gulf (It lies on the Gulf of Oman). Visit the 300-year-old Fujairah Fort, which is undergoing renovation, and take a drive into the Hajar Mountains range. You can also visit Abu Dhabi's oldest mosque.

6. Khasab

Khasab is set in the Gulf state of Oman, outside the UAE on the Musandam Peninsula. Small native boats, called dhows, are the most popular excursions on the rugged coastal fjords. There are frequently dolphins spotted here, and the vessels usually halt at Telegraph Island, which was theprimary connection between India and Britain during the height of the British Empire.

7. Muscat

Muscat, Oman's capital, is more atmospheric than Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The MuttrahSouk is a Middle Eastern bazaar experience located by the waterfront along the lively corniche. Besides the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, other site attractions include Portuguese fortifications. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque-one of the largest on the Arabian Peninsula. You should take a day trip to Nizwa on your second day in Muscat. The ruins of Bahla, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are among several historical forts you can tour here. Visits to palm oases are often included.

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