As promised in the article “Pearls of the Persian Gulf”, I tell you about the second itinerary. Cruise “Eastern Fairy Tale”, agree very beautiful and tantalising name. For some reason, the fairy tale of 1000 and one night immediately came to mind. Let’s see what’s in store for us on this journey.
Itinerary of the cruise “Eastern Fairy Tale”
I call such itineraries unhurried. As the liner stays for 2 days in some ports, a measured holiday is guaranteed. There is time for swimming, leisurely excursions and time to get acquainted with every cosy corner of the ship.
The same liner will sail two itineraries, changing only one stop, depending on the cruise start date. Instead of El Fujairah (UAE), it will call at Khasab (Oman).
- Dubai (UAE);
- Al Fujairah (UAE) or Khasab (Oman);
- Muscat (Oman);
- A day at sea;
- Abu Dhabi (UAE);
- Sir Bani Yas (UAE);
- Dubai (UAE);
- Dubai (UAE).
Probably everyone who loves travelling at least a little has heard about the magical city of Dubai. Where practically everything has the prefix “the most” attached to it. The biggest, the most modern, the highest, the most expensive, the most innovative, etc.
By choosing a cruise “Eastern Tale” you yourself can appreciate all the charms of the east and the Persian Gulf in particular. Choose the most interesting, such as excursion to old Dubai.
Many ports repeat and duplicate the route described in the previous article, but the main ports are identical. So I will add a description of only those stops that are not in that itinerary.
Al-Fujairah (UAE)
Perhaps the most picturesque, green emirate. Holidays here are concentrated on beaches and diving, but there are also historical monuments. Al Badia Mosque, which is about 500 years old, as well as the equally old forts of Fujairah, El Heil, El Bitna and Wadi Dafta. Do you like active holidays? Then the Hajar Mountains hiking trails are for you, offering unforgettable views of the coastline and mountain peaks.
Al Hasab (Oman)
The city occupies a convenient bay in every respect. Here are the harbour, the town, and the Arabian fjords. It is the fjords, as the main attraction of this place, that I would like to draw your attention to. You can get round the whole city in about an hour. But a three-hour boat trip through the Arabian fjords will be much more memorable. For just $25 near the harbour, you can purchase this excursion.
Muscat (Oman)
The capital of the sultanate combines ancient authentic history with modern skyscraper neighbourhoods. From the sights you can see: the mosque of Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the palace Kasr-al-Alam residence of the sultan, small sandy beaches, and for shopping welcome to the shopping district Matrah. Or you can simply book a Maskat tour.
Cruise ship
The voyage will be operated by a ship in the MSC Cruises fleet. I have already published an article about the cruise liner MSC Opera, refresh your memory. On board this beauty has everything you need for comfortable travelling and relaxation.
What is the difference between the cruise “Oriental Tale” and the cruise “Pearls of the Persian Gulf”
By and large there are not many differences, the routes are very similar. The biggest difference is the class of ships operating in the Persian Gulf. Those who like calm, measuredness and few neighbours in the hotel should recommend MSC Opera. And if you are in favour of a noisy, cheerful ship with a lot of novelties, then MSC Virtuosa is the ship for you.
In all other respects, the cruises are about the same: the same views outside the window, the same embarkation and disembarkation ports, the same top level of service and the same smiles of happy people on the cruise ship.
