Today I will tell you about sea cruises on the Persian Gulf. This is a cool opportunity to see several countries in one trip, with maximum comfort on an ultramodern liner. And at a relatively pleasant price! The region is served by liners of different classes: from “standard” to “luxury” of various cruise companies. In this post you will learn why you should choose such a cruise, what you will see during the trip, actual routes and prices, required documents, detailed description of the liners and other useful information. And of course, tell you where to buy such a cruise online.
Gulf cruises So, read on – what are the advantages of cruises from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha: See several countries in the region at once, using the liner as a floating hotel Spend every day in a new city/place Loyal entry rules to Gulf countries: No visa required anywhere on the itinerary Designed entertainment programme, all-inclusive meals, entertainment – all you have to do is enjoy your holiday Family-friendly – there’s something for everyone on board Modern top-of-the-line liner built – one of the largest in the world! I chose to review cruises on just such a one for this article. It will definitely be an interesting experience It is absolutely safe and you will not get seasick. After all, it’s a whole floating city on the water 330 metres long. The cost is like a class 5* hotel, especially considering the price level in the region. In fact, you pay as much as in a regular package tour, but see several countries at once. And the comfort level of the liner and there are very even decent 5* Easy to get to the starting point – the UAE has many regular and charter flights from different cities, there are direct flights to Qatar too.
When is the best time to travel to the Gulf?
The ideal time is from November to March, when the weather is at its most comfortable. It’s very hot in the summer, while late autumn and early spring are just right! December and January can be a little chilly, but the weather is also suitable for beach holidays. The winter months are best for walking and sightseeing, and cruise prices are slightly lower.
What will you see during the ride?
Excursions to the anchorage cities are paid separately and can be purchased from the cruise company. Or you can make your own programme on the spot, walking each day in a new city. Here are the itinerary points and what to see and do there:
Dubai (UAE) You won’t miss this city on your trip! Dubai endeavours to be the best in everything. To plunge into luxurious life, to get simultaneously into the future and immediately into the past, to see with your own eyes the highest building on the planet, to make thousands of photos for social networks! And there’s enough entertainment and interesting places to keep you busy for a long time.
Abu Dhabi (UAE) Abu Dhabi is slightly less popular with tourists, after all Dubai attracts millions of eyes. But there’s plenty to do and see in the UAE’s capital. The city invests first and foremost in greenery, rather than staggering projects like its famous neighbour. And there is a lot of money – this is the richest emirate in the country. For example, the world’s first eco-city, Masdar, is being created here. It is planned that it will function entirely on solar panels, without waste and cars.
Sin Bani Yas Island (UAE) In contrast to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the small island of Sin Bani Yas is a real corner of relaxation and silence. Here you can sunbathe peacefully on the beach, shuttling between bars with soft drinks and desserts, or get active with snorkelling, canoeing, beach volleyball and tennis…For children there is an inflatable water park and playground.
Dammam (Saudi Arabia) A young, but already quite a large city in Saudi Arabia, a country where hardly anyone you know has been. And you have the opportunity to do just that! In the late 30s of the last century oil was found here, and the city with well-maintained parks, cool hotels, promenades and other infrastructure grew literally before your eyes. The Crescent Beach in Dammam (or rather its suburb – Darkhan) is worth a visit. The name itself says that it is located in a beautiful bay with golden sand, palm trees and all modern amenities. There is also the Itra World Culture Centre in Darkhan, built by the Saudi Aramco oil company as a corporate social responsibility project.
Gulf cruise schedule and prices For the MSC World Europa liner. There are plenty of itineraries and cruises – you can get hooked on any of the locations and choose different durations. I recommend starting from Dubai or Abu Dhabi and finishing there as well – these options are listed here. The cost depends not only on the duration, but also on the chosen room category.
