Set in the midst of the desert, the ultra-modern Emirate city of Dubai makes a striking contrast to its surroundings and is a fascinating cruise destination. Originally a small fishing and pearl diving settlement surrounded by date palm plantations, Dubai grew to be an important trading city. You can still enjoy bartering in the colourful Spice and Gold Souks within the city’s historic heart and admire the wonderful architecture of the Grand Mosque.
Modern Dubai transformed itself after the discovery of oil in the sixties and is now one of the world’s fastest growing cities with a strong reputation as a top-class holiday resort. The restaurants, nightspots and sporting venues have become popular with the international jet-set.
From designer clothes to custom-made saris, perfumes and spices, Dubai is a shopaholic’s paradise. The iconic Burj Al Arab Hotel, designed to resemble a billowing sail, dominates the waterfront, from where you can enjoy a huge choice of watersports – a great way to cool off!
Nearby Muscat reveals its heritage more readily. This ancient port city is guarded by two impressive 16th century Portuguese forts and enclosed by gated walls. Inside, the Sultan of Oman’s Palace makes for a fascinating visit as do the many markets and maze of charming streets flanked by traditional Islamic architecture, elegant mosques and archaeological sites.
Lying just outside Cairo, the Pyramids at Giza still astound with their sheer size, scale and age (at least 4000 years), as does the incredible 65ft high Sphinx. Dating from 9th Century BC, Alexandria, on the Egyptian coast, was one of the greatest cities of the ancient world, founded by Alexander the Great and once ruled by Cleopatra. Many of its ancient treasures still survive including a Roman amphitheatre and the magnificent Pompey’s Pillar – standing 82 ft high.
Taking a cruise to destinations beyond the Suez Canal brings new experiences: the warm desert breeze, historic settlements once thought to be lost, rich cultures founded on nomadic life, and a wealth of Eastern colour and flavour.
The Red Sea resort of Sharm-el Sheikh offers excellent sandy beaches and superb diving amongst some of the world’s best-preserved coral reefs. Nearby Aqaba is the gateway to two great sites in Jordan. From the cruise port, the King’s Highway takes you from the Red Sea to the rugged desert landscapes above.
From here a visit to either the wind-sculpted sandstone monoliths of Wadi Rum, scene of Lawrence of Arabia’s Bedouin encampments, or to the awe-inspiring ancient fortress-city of Petra, will provide lasting memories.
Built by Bedouin, and carved from solid rose-red stone, Petra is an indisputable wonder of the world hidden for over 2,000 years. Visitors make their dramatic entrance by walking or riding through a narrow gorge towards the impressive Treasury with its exquisite stone facade.
A cruise of the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea may also bring opportunities to visit Abu Dhabi, Doha and Bahrain and complements unforgettable cruises of the Indian Ocean Islands and the exotic delights of Mumbai, Cochin and India’s Spice Coast.
Take a virtual tour of the Middle East, Egypt and Arabia using our Google Earth cruise and see the ports often visited.
If you do not have Google Earth on your computer go to our Google Earth info pages for a step by step guide
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