DESTINATION

Middle East

From the futuristic skyline of Dubai to the ancient wonders of Oman and the stunning coral reefs of the Red Sea, discover why the Middle East has become one of cruising’s most exciting and sought-after destinations.

Set Sail on a Middle East Cruise

The Middle East is a region where ancient traditions meet extraordinary modern luxury—a place where you can explore thousand-year-old souks in the morning and dine atop a glittering skyscraper by evening. With its rich tapestry of cultures, breathtaking desert landscapes, world-class architecture, and warm Arabian Gulf waters, the Middle East delivers a cruise experience unlike any other. With cruise season running primarily from October through April, you’ll enjoy comfortable temperatures perfect for exploring ashore.

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Ancient Meets Modern

Explore centuries-old souks and historic fortresses alongside futuristic skyscrapers and man-made islands that redefine what’s possible.

World-Class Luxury

From gold-laden souks and five-star resorts to incredible dining and unmatched hospitality, the Middle East sets the standard for luxury travel.

Desert Adventures

From thrilling desert safaris and dune bashing to camel rides and starlit Bedouin camps, the Arabian landscape offers unforgettable experiences.

Explore the Middle East Regions

Middle East cruises offer several distinct cruising regions, each with its own unique character and allure. Our expert cruise advisors have sailed these waters and will help you find the perfect itinerary for your dream voyage.

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Arabian Gulf

Key Ports: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Muscat (Oman), Doha (Qatar), Bahrain, Sir Bani Yas Island

Known For: Ultra-modern cities, world-class shopping, desert excursions, stunning mosques, luxury resorts

Ideal For: First-time Middle East cruisers seeking a blend of modern luxury and cultural immersion

Duration: 7-10 nights

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Red Sea & Suez Canal

Key Ports: Aqaba (Jordan), Safaga (Egypt), Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), Eilat (Israel), Suez Canal transit

Known For: World-class diving and snorkeling, ancient Egyptian temples, Petra, biblical history

Ideal For: History enthusiasts and adventure seekers looking for bucket-list experiences

Duration: 7-14 nights

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Arabian Sea & Oman

Key Ports: Muscat, Salalah, Khasab (Musandam Peninsula), Mumbai (India), Cochin (India)

Known For: Dramatic fjord-like scenery, traditional fishing villages, frankincense trails, dolphin watching

Ideal For: Experienced cruisers seeking off-the-beaten-path destinations and natural beauty

Duration: 7-14 nights

Compare Middle East Cruise Regions

Feature Arabian Gulf Red Sea & Suez Canal Arabian Sea & Oman
Typical Duration 7–10 nights 7–14 nights 7–14 nights
Main Departure Ports Dubai, Abu Dhabi Aqaba, Jeddah, Suez Muscat, Dubai
Best For First-time Middle East cruisers, luxury seekers, shoppers History buffs, divers, bucket-list travelers Experienced cruisers, nature lovers, adventure seekers
Highlights Modern skylines, desert safaris, gold souks, stunning mosques Petra, Egyptian temples, Suez Canal transit, coral reefs Fjord scenery, dolphin watching, frankincense heritage, fishing villages
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Our Middle East cruise advisors will guide you through every option.

The Middle East offers a remarkable range of cruise experiences, and we know it can feel like a lot to take in. In the Arabian Gulf, you can explore the dazzling cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the cultural treasures of Muscat, and the emerging destinations of Qatar and Bahrain. Head to the Red Sea and you’ll discover the ancient wonders of Jordan’s Petra, Egypt’s Luxor and the Valley of the Kings, and some of the world’s finest coral reefs. Venture along the Arabian Sea coast and you’ll find Oman’s breathtaking Musandam fjords, the historic frankincense port of Salalah, and connections to the Indian subcontinent. Some itineraries even include a transit of the legendary Suez Canal—a true bucket-list moment. If all these choices feel overwhelming, that’s exactly why we’re here. Our expert advisors have sailed these waters and will match you with the perfect Middle East cruise. Talk to us today—no fees, ever!

Beyond the Middle East

Many Middle East itineraries can be extended or combined with nearby destinations for an even more extraordinary voyage.

  • Egypt & the Suez Canal – Pyramids of Giza and a legendary canal transit
  • India – Vibrant culture, ancient temples, and exotic cuisine
  • Eastern Mediterranean – Greek islands, Turkey, and the Holy Land
  • East Africa – Seychelles, Madagascar, and stunning wildlife encounters
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Find your specialty cruise today!

We’ll help find the perfect specialty cruise—whether you’re crossing oceans, transiting canals, or exploring the ends of the Earth.

Best Time to Cruise the Middle East

The Middle East cruise season is concentrated during the cooler months, offering comfortable temperatures ideal for exploring ashore.

Peak Season (November – March): The most popular time to cruise, with pleasant daytime temperatures between 70-85°F, low humidity, and virtually no rainfall. This is when you’ll find the widest selection of itineraries and ships.

Shoulder Season (October & April): Excellent value with warm but manageable temperatures. Fewer crowds at popular attractions and often better rates on sailings.

Summer (May – September): Most cruise lines reposition ships elsewhere during the hot summer months, when temperatures can exceed 110°F. However, some Red Sea itineraries still operate year-round.

Holiday sailings over Christmas and New Year are especially popular for Middle East cruises, with festive celebrations onboard and magical evening skylines in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Book early for the best cabin selection on these sought-after voyages.

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Why Book with Cruise Help

Expert Advisors

Specialty cruise specialists who understand the unique requirements of expedition and world voyages.

Exclusive Perks

Access to special deals, onboard credits, and amenities not available when booking direct.

Personalised Planning

Custom recommendations for ships, itineraries, and cabin selection on complex voyages.

Full Support

Assistance from booking through disembarkation and beyond—we’re with you every step.

Middle East Cruise FAQs

The Middle East cruise season runs primarily from October through April, with peak season from November through March offering the most comfortable temperatures between 70-85°F. Shoulder months of October and April can provide excellent value with slightly warmer weather. Most cruise lines reposition their ships out of the Arabian Gulf during the summer months (May-September) due to extreme heat.

Yes. The major cruise destinations in the Middle East—Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman, Qatar, and Bahrain—are considered very safe for tourists. These countries have invested heavily in tourism infrastructure and security. Cruise lines carefully monitor regional conditions and adjust itineraries if necessary. Your cruise advisor can discuss any specific concerns and help you choose itineraries that align with your comfort level.

While the Middle East is generally welcoming to tourists, modest dress is appreciated when visiting mosques, souks, and cultural sites. This means covering shoulders and knees. Swimwear is perfectly fine at hotel pools and beaches. During Ramadan (dates vary annually), you may notice some restaurants closed during daylight hours, though tourist areas and cruise ships operate normally. Your cruise advisor can provide specific guidance for each port of call.

Visa requirements vary by nationality and port of call. U.S. citizens generally receive visa-on-arrival access or visa-free entry to the UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi), Oman, Qatar, and Bahrain. For Jordan and Egypt, visas may be required. Many cruise lines arrange group visas for shore excursions. We strongly recommend a valid passport with at least six months remaining validity. Your cruise advisor will walk you through all entry requirements for your specific itinerary.

Popular Middle East excursions include desert safari adventures with dune bashing and camel rides in Dubai, visiting the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, exploring the ancient city of Petra from Aqaba, snorkeling the pristine Red Sea coral reefs, touring the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat, shopping in traditional gold and spice souks, and visiting the futuristic Museum of the Future in Dubai. Many ports also offer cultural dining experiences and dhow boat cruises.

Several major cruise lines offer Middle East itineraries during the winter season. MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises, and Royal Caribbean have a strong presence in the Arabian Gulf. Luxury lines like Silversea, Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas, and Oceania offer more intimate Middle East voyages. Celebrity Cruises, Holland America, and Princess often include Middle East ports on longer repositioning or world cruise itineraries. Our advisors will match you with the ideal cruise line for your preferences and budget.

Arabian Gulf cruises typically range from 7 to 10 nights, making them ideal for a week-long vacation. Red Sea itineraries and those including Suez Canal transits often run 10 to 14 nights. Some cruise lines also offer shorter 3-5 night mini-cruises from Dubai. Longer repositioning voyages combining the Middle East with the Mediterranean or Asia can span 14-21 nights. Your cruise advisor can help you find the perfect length for your schedule and budget.

Essentials include lightweight, breathable clothing in natural fabrics, modest clothing for cultural site visits (covering shoulders and knees), comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat. Bring a light scarf or shawl for visiting mosques—women will need a head covering. Pack layers for air-conditioned interiors and cooler evenings on deck. Formal attire is recommended if your ship has elegant evening dress codes. Your cruise advisor can provide a tailored packing list based on your itinerary.

Absolutely! The Middle East offers wonderful family-friendly experiences. Dubai in particular is a fantastic family destination with theme parks like IMG Worlds of Adventure and Aquaventure Waterpark, while Abu Dhabi has Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld. Desert safaris, beach days, and interactive cultural experiences appeal to all ages. Most mainstream cruise lines offer extensive kids’ clubs and teen programs during Middle East sailings.

Yes, and we highly recommend it! Many travelers add a pre- or post-cruise hotel stay in Dubai or Abu Dhabi to fully experience these incredible cities. Dubai offers world-class attractions like the Burj Khalifa, The Palm Jumeirah, and the Dubai Mall, while Abu Dhabi features the Louvre Abu Dhabi and stunning natural islands. Our cruise advisors can arrange hotel stays, airport transfers, and private tours to complement your cruise perfectly—all at no extra fee.